Most families find that a trip to Disney just isn’t complete without at least meeting Mickey Mouse, but this is only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to character experiences. If you’re a fan of getting in for a hug and photo with your favorite Disney characters, there are several ways you can include these special moments in your visit. Waiting in line at the standard well-publicized meet and greet locations is only one option. Here are some alternatives that will add even more character fun to your stay.
Look for characters-in-training
New characters who are still in training have to get their feet wet with real world guests to truly earn their ears. This typically happens at pop-up meet and greet spots around Epcot. These are unannounced and unscheduled, so you won’t have much luck asking Cast Members about them. Simply keep your eyes open in these areas, because you never know what you might spot.
Meet and greets with characters in training are special because they give you a chance to see some of the rarer characters on the roster. Before holiday parties and other special events, performers may dust off their skill set with a particular character by stepping out on stage in Epcot here and there in preparation for the big event.
The most common spots for character training are near the gates to the left of American Adventure and at the gates between the United Kingdom and Canada. The characters don’t stray too far from these entry and exit points so they can make a quick getaway if they need to get offstage. Watch carefully while you’re in Epcot, because you never know who you might spot.
Hit the floor at a dance party
Character dance parties are an outstanding way to interact with Disney characters, because they offer a more relaxed environment than the traditional autograph-hug-photo routine. During dance parties, you can follow along in classic dances like the Electric Slide or Macarena with Mr. Incredible in the lead, boogie down with the Mrs., or let your inner monster loose on the floor beside Mike and Sully.
Disney has featured several different dance parties over the years. The current offering is an Incredibles Dance Party. While the character lineup and theme may change from time to time, these parties are nearly always held in Rockettower Plaza in Tomorrowland. Dance parties are a fun way to light up the night. You’ll find the fun happening between 5:00pm and 10:00pm.
Snag a sideline spot for the parade
Parades are a veritable feast of characters. In fact, there are many individuals who you’ll only ever see in a parade. While it’s true that you can’t get a lot of one-on-one time with a character during the parade, you shouldn’t discount this opportunity for have a memorable experience.
Characters on floats are limited in their interactions. They may point, wave, and mouth a hello, but that’s the most you can get. Those who walk between the floats, however, are a completely different story. If you’re close enough to the parade route, these characters can come over and shake your hand, snap a fast photo, or exchange a few words with you.
There’s no guarantee you’ll get a character’s attention, but your chances increase exponentially if you have a cute smiling child at the front of your party or in your arms. Keep your camera handy because these opportunities come and go in a flash.
Book a character dining experience
If you want to knock out several character meet and greets and enjoy a mouthwatering buffet all in one sitting, you absolutely must book a character dining experience. These meals have an assortment of popular characters on hand who will rotate through the dining area one at a time. You don’t have to wait in line or wave madly to get a character’s attention. Simply sit and enjoy your meal. The characters make their way to every table in order, giving you an opportunity to chat, get an autograph, and take pictures at your leisure when it’s your turn.
The character rotation is set so you’ll see every character at least once during your meal. Nearly all character dining experiences are buffets, so you can get up and refill your plate as many times as you want, making the occasion well worth the price.
You’ll find character dining at a number of hotels as well as in all the parks. Animal Kingdom has character dining at Tusker House. At Disney’s Hollywood Studios, you can dine with characters at Hollywood & Vine. At Epcot, enjoy a character meal at The Garden Grill and Akershus Royal Banquet Hall. Magic Kingdom’s famous character dining is found at The Crystal Palace and Cinderella’s Royal Table.
Attend specially ticketed events
Specially ticketed events are hands-down the best way to catch elusive character appearances. Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party are the only places where you can see all 7 of Snow White’s dwarfs at once, for example. The Halloween party is also popular for the annual appearance of Jack and Sally from The Nightmare Before Christmas.
Even classic characters, like Mickey and the gang, get a fresh look for these special events. You’ll find them in spooky Halloween outfits or all their holiday finery, depending on the party. Everything takes on a different air at separately ticketed occasions like these. While they do come at an added expense, they’re well worth the price for the exclusive highlights.
Whether you’re keen on the princesses or a voracious fan of villains, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to meet and mingle with popular Disney characters if you plan your visit right.
