Okay. Funny story. My kids and I were recently enjoying an evening at Walt Disney World. One of our favorite tricks is to enjoy the rides while everyone else is enjoying the evening parade or fireworks display. Racing from ride to ride in Fantasyland we see “Ariel’s Grotto.”
“Ooooo!” my 21-year old daughter squealed, “Let’s ride! There’s no line.”
Her 10 and 11-year-old brothers groaned. Me? I was caught up in the moment and the fact that we had just ridden about 5 attractions in the past 40 minutes. I was looking forward to making it 6. My excitement caused temporary amnesia. I mixed up Under The Sea for Ariel’s Grotto.
We race to the head of the line and the cast member politely asks us to wait. We suddenly realize that we are in the (empty) line to meet Ariel, herself. My sons are MORTIFIED. My daughter is a bit embarrassed. I’m laughing hysterically. We can’t turn back now. I don’t want to hurt Ariel’s feelings.
I will take a picture with any Disney character. That’s just who I am. My daughter prefers characters “with a face.” My sons only recently are “too cool” for pictures. Although, not too long ago, my oldest son could spend the entire day looking for Donald Duck and wait in line longer than all of us for a hug from his favorite sidekick.
Through the years we’ve learned some handy character tips:
Location, Location, Location – Some characters pop up out of nowhere and others have a strict schedule and special meeting place. Every park has a “Times Guide.” Check the guides for characters, times and locations. For the “pop up” characters, be flexible. You may see Tigger or Goofy or The Queen of Hearts standing off to the side. Be willing to adjust your plans and wait if your group has the inclination. If you still can’t find your favorite, check with Guest Relations at the front of each park. They can tell you your best bet for location and time.
Use Your FastPass Option – Especially for the recent Elsa and Anna craze, using your FastPass option to meet a character is a great way to guarantee your spot. It was so nice to breeze by the hour+ wait for the “new” talking Mickey on our recent visit.
Be Considerate of Your Fellow Fans – If you’re getting an autograph or picture, have pens and cameras ready. Share a few pleasantries, smile for the picture and then be on your way. This is not the time to pour out your child’s (adorable) life’s journey to meet her favorite princess. A few sentences will suffice. Then follow the lead of the character and their handlers. They know best how much time is available. The moment WILL be magical. Savor it. But remember, others are waiting for their moment, too.
Encourage Interaction – While being mindful of the other guests, encourage your little one to ask a question or share why they love Mickey so much. This will open dialogue beyond the typical picture and autograph moment. Just one way to make your moment personal and magical.
Have the Right Tools – A sharpie, “chubby” crayon and a big, fat pen are the easiest for most characters to hold. An autograph book is great, but so is a pillow case, baseball cap or mat for a picture. A postcard for Grandma or your child’s best friend would be perfect for a snail mail surprise!
Dress The Part – My daughter adored Belle. And the most precious picture we have is of her, dressed in her Belle princess dress and her “click clack” shoes, smiling up at the real Belle.
Special Events Require Special Considerations – Star Wars Weekends bring out the biggest fans which creates the longest lines. Arriving at 6am for a 8am park opening is not unheard of. During the holidays, Mickey and Minnie can be found wearing holiday sweaters, perfect for your holiday greeting cards. Research before you go if you’re counting on special pictures.
Book A Meal – Character meals are our favorite way to meet characters. You can dine at your leisure and the characters come to you! No waiting. No boring lines. Just a casual meal with Snow White, Chip and Dale, Piglet or Pluto. The interaction can’t be beat. The food is typically tasty (especially at Garden Grill at EPCOT – our personal favorite!) And at the new Be Our Guest venue in Fantasyland, you can meet the Beast during the dinner service.
Know Your Child’s Limitations – My daughter has never been comfortable with a character “without a face.” Real people were the only ones she’s ever been interested in meeting. If they can’t talk, she was wary. My boys, on the other hand, would run full speed at Donald Duck or Buzz Lightyear and give full-on bear hugs without flinching. The characters know how to deal with shy kids. You can help by slowly introducing a reluctant child. Wave to them at a parade. Point them out at a outdoor character meet. Then let your child take the lead. Pushing something at this “once in a lifetime” moment will create a less than magical moment. Sit back and allow it to unfold the way it should. Your child may surprise you.
We’re All Kids When We’re At Disney – Walt wanted it that way. He wanted to transport us all to the best part of our childhood. Don’t be shy. You don’t need a child in tow in order to meet the character who brings out the best kid in you!
