Just like attractions at Walt Disney World, character meet & greets aren’t all made with the same attention to detail to creating magical experiences.
This article is about explaining why certain interactions with characters are great, while others may be flawed. From lines to the privacy, there’s so much that can make an experience awesome (or awkward).
Best and Worst Disney Character Meet and Greets
THE BEST
MICKEY AND FRIENDS AT EPCOT
It’s new. It’s shiny.
Okay, so outside of that, you’re also able to meet multiple characters in a single line. This means that your time dedication to this experience is better overall because a 15-minute wait for Goofy, Mickey and Minnie is better than a single meet & greet with Donald in Mexico (for example).
STAR WARS LAUNCH BAY
Each of the character interactions are done as an individual story. When you’re summoned into the presence of Chewbacca, BB-8 or Darth Vader, it’s like you’re the only one in the room.
Granted the conversation is one-sided, but it’s a memory that you’ll never forget!
TOWN SQUARE THEATRE
Meeting Mickey Mouse in the Magic Kingdom is as essential as getting a dole whip…in the Magic Kingdom.
HONORABLE MENTIONS
- Little Mermaid in New Fantasyland (Early or late in the day = no lines)
- Olaf in Disney’s Hollywood Studios (Good theming & it’s awesome to sing IN SUMMER!)
- Dug in Disney’s Animal Kingdom (Squirrel!)
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THE WORST
CHARACTER MEALS
From 1900 Park Fare to Crystal Palace to everything in between…Character meals are so difficult to get a memorable interaction. This isn’t about the actual characters themselves, because the system set up where they have to touch each table in the section for autographs and photos is utterly impossible.
We’ve had great conversations with Lady Tremaine and the sisters from Cinderella AND absolutely hilarious greetings at The Garden Grill when Pluto snuck up on me while Jill distracted me with bacon…but those are the minority.
Most character meals are stressing about not missing a character because you’re at the buffet OR that you don’t have someone to help with photos (Photopass photographers don’t follow the characters at a regular Character meal)
CHARACTERS AROUND WORLD SHOWCASE
Meeting Mulan, Belle, Snow White and any of the other amazing characters that are only available at EPCOT bring true joy to everyone who has the opportunity to say hi.
The reason why it’s on my “worst” list is because the areas in which they are meeting guests involve lightly shaded areas in the hot Florida sun. I have a full album of pics that I can’t/won’t share because of the sweat stains! haha
MARY POPPINS
This is simple: she doesn’t have a photopass photographer due to the limited rights for the character in the parks. She’s portraying Julie Andrews, which is why you’ll never see Giselle from Enchanted.
MEETING MICKEY IN ANIMAL KINGDOM
I’m holding out hope for this one, as it’s been the exact same meet & greet for years. The only difference is when the holidays arrive, then Mickey & Minnie go into Christmas outfits.
PETE’S SILLY SIDESHOW
Classic Fab 5 meet and greet in sideshow themed outfits on paper seems like a great idea.
Well, it’s a catch 22 because Minnie & Daisy are in a different line than Goofy & Donald. AND you don’t know which line is longer until you get inside. It’s not ideal.
DIS-HONORABLE MENTION
EVENT CHARACTERS
This is always a frustration, but waiting three hours for the Seven Dwarfs or Jack & Sally from Nightmare Before Christmas is not why you spend $175+ for an extra ticketed event.
This was a ton of fun to write, so I hope that this will help with your Disney vacation planning! If you wanted to click through to a few other articles about Character experiences, feel free:)