Characters are the stars of Walt Disney World. So it’s not surprising that many guests make seeing characters a Disney vacation priority. Disney’s costumed and face characters appear a theme park’s daily opening ceremonies, in parades, and as headliners in many live-entertainment shows.
Guests who want to encounter characters face-to-face also have several “meet and greet” opportunities at informal and designated character meeting areas. Both the parks and the resorts also offer character meals. These venues offer low-key ways for guests to meet characters for a smile and a hug, as well as pictures and autographs.
Where to Find Walt Disney World Characters
In theory, Disney characters can appear anywhere in any Disney park. (Although the official answer to how many Mickeys exist at Walt Disney World is always, “One. There’s only one Mickey.”) But there are informal and designated character meeting areas in Walt Disney World where characters are commonly found. Be sure to pick up a map and guide at a park’s turnstile entrance for information on locations and times.
The Disney website, as well as print and online guide books, provides information about character dining experiences: which venues host them, for what meals, and who are that meal’s featured characters. Advance Dining Reservations are recommended for Disney character meals, but the time spent planning or at a table-service meal guarantees interactions with characters.
Preparing Children and Adults to Meet Disney Characters
Be prepared that small children may not want to approach, let alone hug, a character when the opportunity arises. Even the smallest costume characters can appear large, looming, and frightening. Set up positive expectations in advance by talking with children about the characters. And realizes Disney characters are very familiar and patient with shy or suddenly hesitant guests. But don’t force the issue.
One other word of advice: some children, and adults, need to be reminded to treat the characters with respect. Characters should not be hit or jumped upon, have their tails or ears tugged, or tripped. While rare occurrences, they do happen and put both characters and guests at risk.
What to Expect When Meeting Disney Characters
There are usually lines to meet characters and all guests should expect to wait their turn. Characters alternate in short shifts between on-stage (visible to guests) and off-stage (behind-the-scenes). When characters need to exit off-stage, their “handler,” will begin escorting them off-stage. Do not worry, as character return shortly in designated meeting areas and at character meals.
Many costumed characters have restricted sightlines and little if no peripheral vision. Try to approach these characters directly rather than from the side. Costumed characters can’t speak, although they are adept at non-verbal communication. Cast members who play face characters, such as Cinderella or Peter Pan, do speak – but will only respond as the character.
With some exceptions, such as Chip ‘n' Dale or Lilo and Stitch, Disney characters don’t pose for group photos. Although they may hug, Disney characters aren’t allowed to hold or pick up guests; this is for safety reasons, as characters may have limited mobility or odd centers of gravity.
Tips for Getting Great Disney Photos and Character Autographs
For scheduled character meeting times, try to arrive 5-10 minutes early. Make sure the camera is ready and autograph materials are at hand. Before visiting a character, make sure the camera is on and charged, the roll of film has plenty of shots left, and a memory card has room.
Beyond general preparedness, other tips include:
- Take spontaneous, unposed pictures as well as posed ones to capture memorable natural interactions. Approach the subjects from all angles and heights, and take more pictures than seem to be necessary.
- Carry an extra-large fat pen or marker for autographs, as some characters aren’t able to grip standard-size pens.
- Characters will sign a variety of things in addition to official autograph books… homemade scrapbooks, postcards, scrapbooks, bags, t-shirts (if not being worn), and guidebooks.
- Ask face characters questions about their character or the movie they starred in to encourage personal interaction.
- At meals, characters may spend a bit more time with guests. Take a photo-series of pictures when characters visit the table or capture the moments when the characters are putting on a show.
Meeting characters are one of the small joys of a Disney vacation. Advance planning for “meet and greet” opportunities and character meals make doing so easy. Such encounters are fun and memorable. What’s more, photographs and autographs with Disney characters make personal, inexpensive souvenirs for families.
Debra Peterson - A freelance writer and scholar, Debra Peterson specializes in Disney Studies, with particular interests in Walt Disney World and ...
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