One of the most fun parts of a Disney vacation is meeting your favorite Disney characters. A little planning helps as some of the characters have long lines. Here are a few of my favorite character pics and then see below for tips to make the most of your time with your Disney pals.
This is one of my favorite character greetings to date. Andrew had spent the week wearing his Mickey Mouse baseball cap. Each time we went up to meet a character, he would turn his hat around backwards so he could get a big hug without bumping his hat into them. When he saw Buzz, he threw his hat down and took off running. Looking back, I imagine he totally jumped the line but Buzz gave him hugs and high-fives and it was THE BEST. If you know Andrew, you know he's always been super shy, so to see him so excited was the cutest thing ever.
Here are other favorite character pics:
Tips to get the most fun out of your character greetings:
* Be sure and get a FastPass if your favorite character has one available. If your kids are desperate to meet Anna and Elsa, you really need a FastPass. Wait times are often over an hour for them.
* Don't waste time. It drives me nuts when the group in front of me gets to the front of the line and waits until it's their turn to start digging in bags for cameras, autograph books... Be ready! May not seem like a big deal but if a minute is wasted on each group going thru, the lines get unnecessarily long.
* Be ready with your phone if you want the photographer to take a picture with it. I love Memory Maker and Disney's Photopass service, but sometimes I want a pic on my phone so that I can immediately post it on social media. Photographers are awesome and are always willing to take other pictures using your phone/camera.
* Be prepared for your little one to wait in line, be super excited to see the character and then refuse to go near them for pictures. Sometimes it's all a bit overwhelming to them. The photographers are great at getting candid shots and if you can just coax your child into getting into the general vicinity of the character, you can probably still get good photos.
* Be creative. Characters that are able sign will sign other items besides autograph books. I've heard of them signing hats, MagicBands (I can't believe I've never done this!), shirts (as long as you're not currently wearing it), hats and postcards. Be sure to bring your own pen - sharpies work well on everything except autograph books. Use a regular pen for those.
* Check the times. Most characters have posted times as to when they'll be where. Get to them early. If you wait until late in the time frame, you may be told that even though the character is still there, the line is "closed" to new arrivals.
* Visit with them. The characters that are able to speak will answer questions about themselves and their stories. Super fun and can be quite funny - in the case of Gaston, Cinderella's Step Sisters, Peter Pan...
* Book a character meal. If you want to meet Mickey but don't want to worry about getting a FastPass or waiting in line, you can book a breakfast. You'll get a few minutes during your meal where you are guaranteed to meet and visit with characters and get photos.
Have fun and enjoy your time with the characters. Where else can you get a warm hug from Olaf? When you're ready to go get that hug, give me a call!!!
