CHARACTER EXPERIENCES: WDW
Did you hear the news?!
Character meet and greets are back!!
You can hug your favorite princesses and pals and even get their autograph!!
If you are headed to Walt Disney World, have you built character experiences into your plans?
In my opinion they’re a MUST DO and in this blog post you will see why and how to incorporate these moments into your vacation!!
Warning— if terms like costume and behind the scenes talk wrecks the magic for you, proceed with caution lol.
This has always been one of our favorite parts of Disney— the character cast members are specially trained to interact with special needs making them perfect friends for children with disabilities.
We have experienced very patient, attentive characters that get down at the child’s level and give such deliberate attention— enough to bring me to tears.
They talk to the child about THEM, not the aides they use or the obvious disability.
So is it worth your time to stop for a character interaction?
Well, if you don’t anticipate fear from your child, I say YES!
WHERE CAN I SEE CHARACTERS?
There are scheduled, consistent meet and greets that are posted on the My Disney Experience app (on the map just filter by characters). You can also grab a Times Guide at the entrance of each park for daily updated schedules. You will even find a few popular meet/greet available for Genie+ spots.
Surprise characters may be seen without notice so be on the look out! These are most prevalent in Epcot in my experience, especially near the international gateway. Another area to be alert for characters roaming is in Galaxy’s Edge in Hollywood Studios. The entire land of Batuu is deeply in character so spend time talking with any cast member in the shops to have interesting conversations about the time period of Star Wars.
Character meals are slowly coming back and this is a guaranteed way to see those must see friends! Yes they are more expensive, but if you have a child that is obsessed with a character-this is the best way to ensure that time together. I also look at it as multitasking your touring plans—you get to rest with air conditioning, eat a great meal, and meet characters all at the same time! Our family is a big fan!
Parades/cavalcades are boasting with familiar faces!! You can see the Times Guide (grab one as you enter the park) or app for scheduled routes and times. This doesn’t include 1:1 interaction but it does showcase a vast number of characters including some you can’t see anywhere else. I think it is wise to explain to kiddos that you may be able to wave at (insert character) but not hug or talk to them to set expectations. There are characters on floats you see at a distance of course but there are also characters walking in the parade — if you can position yourselves up front, we have experienced incredible dedicated attention from these walking characters that will stop and dance or hug Kaylee. Just another way that cast members have been instructed to SEE the special needs family and embrace them to fill with joy in the happiest place on earth.
You may see a grouping or characters or performers atop the train station! If you want a closer photo or chance to speak to them, wait at the base of the ramp that comes down from the train station on the far right. This is where they exit-it is roped off but you do get a close up.
In shows you will see characters perform! These friends will be in character for the performance and usually not engaging with guests but you can technically see them! So if it is the only chance to put eyes on your child’s beloved character- try a show!
Some Disney moderate & deluxe resorts will have fur characters on the pool deck or roaming about the resort. These are usually random but some of the best engaging experiences!! Ask the front desk if they know any details about appearances.
An exclusive way to meet select characters is by being a Disney Visa card member. There’s a specific meet n greet in Epcot beside the Pixar Show! Be sure to have your credit card with you for review upon entering.
Even during a scheduled meet/greet time frame, a character may not be present— they do need breaks just like you so a character handler is usually there to let you know when they will return. Go ahead and jump in line so you’re ready to visit with the character when they return!
Handlers are the cast members who accompany each character and act as their “body guard” or liaison with guests— these are especially important people for fur (costumed) characters. These cast members are trained in special needs as well & are great at guiding interactions.
Are there tips for interactions?
Etiquette—Why of course!
Have your camera ready for those amazing candid photos and posed shots. Some meet and greets will have a photo pass photographer and some will not. A handler will take photos with your camera when asked, as will a photographer— they will also take photos with their camera following which will show up on your My Disney Experience app. Be sure to have the photo pass photographer scan your magic and or ticket.
Engage with the characters about their storyline or ask questions! Don’t worry, if you or your child doesn’t jump in with conversation, they will fill it and make your child feel uniquely loved.
Hugs are encouraged, but if it’s not comfortable for your kiddo, there’s still wonderful interaction that can happen.
If requesting an autograph, have it ready! Because many fur characters have big gloves, bring a large marker/sharpie for use so they can grip easily. A few characters will use a stamp rather than actual signature. Wanna hear a cool trivia fact? Every character signature is the same for that character! So whether you meet Mickey in Magic Kingdom, Epcot, your resort, or anywhere— he will have the exact same signature — the cast members practice and adopt identical signatures! Check your autograph books!
Be mindful of the time you spend with the characters. Usually the handler will initiate and guide the exit but there’s always a line behind you eager to meet the character.
One way to be walked out of the park is to be crude with a character or heckle. The magic of each character’s identity is protected so no talk of costumes or current events are allowed. It should go without saying— be respectful!
The best advice I can give for characters is, be prepared.
Scope out the schedule, see where the characters are that are most important for our family to see and make a plan.
And a back up plan lol.
Also have an idea of what the character is like in his/her movie or story. It is so fun to talk about things that happen in their story or ask about their friends (or enemies) from the movie/show.
If your child is fearful of the characters, even if they love them on tv, don’t be surprised. It happens a lot. I think small exposure from a distance helps. Beginning your trip with a character meal is the perfect way to gauge how your child will react to a character and ease them into it.
I love that there are alternative experiences for families at WDW so no matter the level of abilities, anyone can be included.
Characters make that possible.
They may even be the biggest memory of your magical trip.