Hi, Kathleen!One of the most iconic experiences at Walt Disney World Resort is meeting the characters and getting autographs; this is something kids and adults of all ages can enjoy! Although there are occasions when you'll see characters wandering around the resorts and Parks (I recently bumped into Pooh hunting for honey at
Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa), these encounters are usually very brief. Attendants do a great job of keeping the characters moving and on schedule. Let's discuss some tips to help you get those famous monikers, especially from the Big Cheese, himself!
The first thing you'll want is an
autograph book and a pen; my writing utensil of choice is a black retractable Sharpie. Next, you'll need a master list of all the character Meet & Greets. Open the
My Disney Experience app and tap the map at the top of the page. Click the arrow next to "Wait Times," scroll down to "Characters," and choose the blue "Show List" link on the right. On the left, Guests can filter the characters by Park. For example, if you want to see that practically perfect nanny, Mary Poppins, in Magic Kingdom Park, you'll see her appearance schedule, map locations, and walking directions on how to find her. It's as easy as saying Bippity boppity boo!"
If meeting the Princesses is at the top of your list, I'd recommend using
FastPass+. During these experiences, you'll have plenty of time to chat, take photos (there's always a
PhotoPass photographer here), and get autographs. Favorites, such as Cinderella,
Rapunzel, and Tiana have Meet & Greets at
Princess Fairytale Hall. The Frozen sisters greet Guests at
Royal Sommerhus in Epcot. And the best place to strike a pose with your pal
Mickey is at Town Square Theater.
If you'd like a chance to meet characters without waiting in line, then booking a Character Meal is the way to go!
Chef Mickey's at Disney's Contemporary Resort is a favorite, and you'll meet Mickey and the Fab Five in their chef attire. My nieces loved chatting with Cinderella's crazy stepsisters, Anastasia and Drizella, at
1900 Park Fare (and the Prince was pretty Charming that night, too). I also recommend Epcot's
Garden Grill Restaurant, where you can visit with Chip 'n' Dale while slowly revolving around the scenes from Living with the Land. During meals, characters stop at each table and encounters usually last for several minutes allowing Guests to get those Instagram worthy selfies and signatures.
Good luck, Kathleen!
Eean