A lot has changed since 2019... the pandemic has really changed everything. So it's so important to do your research and know where to see and interact with each character. I am so happy to say that Meet & Greets are back to normal!! Hugs and all! So bring your autograph books and pens!
Tip 1: Do your research : Know what park each character is in.
Before you visit Walt Disney World, knowing what characters are currently available to interact with, their locations and general times are important in planning your park day out! Let's chat about how you can find these characters on your My Disney Experience App!
Open the app, and click the location icon on the bottom of your screen. Its the option that takes you to the map!
There is a drop down menu, if you click "Wait times" It pulls up an entire list of options to pick through! Click "Entertainment"
Click each little icon, to get details and explore the map of your park of choice! You can scroll around all of Disney property on that map by the way. It was automatically show Magic Kingdom but you can move around which is really awesome.
If the map is too overwhelming for you, click the "Show list" icon in the top right corner . And boom, a full list is opened to you.
If you would like, on the left top hand corner, you can filter by location, entertainment type, interests, age, mobility disabilities, hearing and visual disability. So you can find the perfect fit for your family!
Tip 2: Pick your top 3 characters for each park - don't try to see them all.
As your planning for Disney World, you are going to realize there is a lot to do... a lot.... and it can be tempting to want to get your moneys worth. But I promise you, for the best vacation ever, quality is better than quantity. So lets have the best day possible, by picking your top 3-5 characters that are a must do/ see!
There are some characters you can make reservations for by using Genie + , it might be worth the time to book these experiences if they are high on your priority list to do!
Mickey at Town Square Theater (Magic Kingdom)
Princess Tiana and a Visiting Princess at Princess Fairytale Hall (Magic Kingdom)
Cinderella and a Visiting Princess at Princess Fairytale Hall (Magic Kingdom)
Olaf at Celebrity Spotlight (Hollywood Studios)
You can make a reservation using your Genie + and have a window of time to visit them!
Tip 3: Talk about their world- they might have more to say or motion than you think!
Talking with characters that can't talk back may seem weird at first, but it's so not! These are amazing experiences, don't think for a second that you or your family can't fully interact with these guys! Ask questions about their world, their movies, the sets around them. Between the character attendant and the character, your bound to have a more enjoyable experience!
Tip 4: Be extra kind, have your autograph book open, and enjoy the experience!
Let's be honest it's easy to get overwhelmed at Disney, the heat, the crowds. I try to encourage parents to take a deep breathe, your here for your family. Focus in on them. Be extra kind to those around you. Including characters, sometimes they have rough days too!
We were visiting with Mary Poppins at Magic Kingdom when my daughter was 4 years old. And right in the middle of our magical day, Eliora threw up all over her white dress. Yup. It happened to us. Poor Mary handled it like a champ. She never lost character or missed a beat. But I can imagine how they felt... defiantly not a magical moment for anyone. Remember that characters have feelings too.
Autograph books, things you want signed in general. Some things are really better ( and easier for characters ) than others. If it was me , I would stick to the classic autograph books, instead of something big or annoying to bring around the parks. Having the books open to the page and your pen out, helps characters know that you are wanting their autograph. And they don't have to fumble around with the pages.
In closing, take your time. Get all the photos and videos you want. That character is here to make some magic with you and your family. Be in the moment!
Comments