Tips For Character Meet and Greets at Disney World

One of the most stressful parts about a Disney World vacation actually has nothing to do with the booking, travelling or actual vacation itself. It’s my opinion that waiting in line to meet your favorite character, be it Mickey or any other friend brings levels of anxiety and butterflies that no other experience will do.
Why?
Quite simply, it’s an unknown situation.

  • Do you go for a hug or do you do a handshake?
  • Do you ask a question that will allow for a conversation?
  • Where do you put your hands?!

All of these are situations that I’ve had plenty of experience with and it’s my job during this article to share a few tips that will make your character meet and greet as seamless and stress-free as possible!

Here are my Tips for Character Meet and Greets


BRING A VALENTINES CARD / HOLIDAY GREETING

Giving Rapunzel a Valentine's Card
Giving Rapunzel a Valentine’s Card – Photo by Steps to Magic

Are you visiting on a specific holiday? Well maybe this is a great excuse to head to the dollar store before your trip and get a few valentines or holiday cards prepared and give them as a little momento. We did this on Valentines Day and all the characters that we met (Anna and Elsa, Cinderella, Rapunzel, Ariel and Tiana) had a blast with this added fun little keepsake.

MAKE MOVIE-SPECIFIC CONVERSATION

Starlord and Baby Groot with Dustin
Starlord and Baby Groot with Dustin – Photo by Steps to Magic

This is important – characters live within their own world. Tink knows about Peter Pan, but she doesn’t know about the Mad Hatter…so going in and asking about movie-specific topics will actually help your meet and greet.

Start by saying something simple like “I loved your adventure where you….” and let them take it from there. It’ll be so much fun:)

ASK WHERE THEIR SIDEKICK IS

Ask Aladdin where Abu is…or if you can see the Genie’s magic lamp. Ask Snow White where the Seven Dwarfs are…and who’s her favorite? 😉 When you focus on a sidekick, it actually allows for great conversation that will bring out a bigger smile in the photos!

Related Article – Where to find Rare Characters


Article Continues Below

DO A UNIQUE POSE

Kylo Ren and Dustin
Kylo Ren and Dustin – Photo by Steps to Magic

Everyone wants to get a photo with Mickey…but if you do some research on Flickr or Instagram (location), you’ll be able to come up with some fun poses that aren’t just the “SMILE” pose.

CURTSEY / BOW TO ROYALTY

This is 100% integral to the experience if you’re meeting Royalty. Knowing how to properly greet Princesses and Princes will make for a really fun and authentic time. Plus it’ll get you completely brownie-points with your friends if you get everyone to bow to the Beast at Be Our Guest!

I’ve actually had the PhotoPass photographer ask us to hold the pose for the PERFECT photo!

SIDE HUG VS FULL HUG – PHOTO-WISE

Olaf and Dustin Side Hug
Olaf and Dustin Side Hug – Photo by Steps to Magic

If you want to do a full on hug because you’re sooo excited…do it! BUT ask the photographer to also get a photo of a side hug with your face in view. You’ll thank me later:) The number of times that I’ve had to say “that’s me…I think” lol!

DECIDE AHEAD OF TIME WHO’S IN THE PHOTO

OMG…you’re standing in line for an experience…so decide who’s going to be in the photo and if there are specific poses that you want to get. Start with solo photos and then end with a group photo. If you’re there with your family, start with the kids and then do a family photo.

Just know ahead of time and let the character attendant in on your plans, as they’ll probably have a tip or two to help out with the conversation. They’ll also share that information with the character, so that’s a huge bonus!


Article Continues Below

PHOTOPASS PHOTOGRAPHER WILL TAKE A PHOTO WITH YOUR CAMERA

Do you want a photo on your phone or for social media? Did you know that the Photopass Photographer can use your camera to get the image for you? Just make sure that you have your camera ready to point and click AND your phone already on the camera function.

KNOW WHEN TO LEAVE

Don’t rush the experience, but once you have a chance to meet the character and get a photo and autograph (if you’re collecting them), then thank them for their time and make your exit. I’m a huge fan of asking for a final hug before leaving, as it’s a great way to end the experience!


Those are my tips for a seamless Character Meet and Greet! If you have any addition tips, please feel free to leave them below!

Tips For Character Meet And Greets at Walt Disney World - #StepstoMagic
Tips For Character Meet And Greets at Walt Disney World – #StepstoMagic
Dustin Fuhshttp://www.stepstomagic.com
I’m Dustin Fuhs, a theme park fanatic that has created this platform to showcase my passion, tools and opinions to create a fun and interactive experience for everyone who visits. My goal is to help you and your family have the most magical experience at Walt Disney World. In reading my articles and ideas, I hope that you can find some fantastic ways to bring your dreams into reality!

Related articles

Problems in Walt Disney World that Nobody Expects

Discover the Top 10 unexpected challenges you might face at Walt Disney World, from ride shutdowns to out-of-stock merchandise.

20 Unbeatable Ways to Experience an Adult-Only Disney World Trip

Having an adult-only vacation in Disney World is more than hanging out at the pool.

The Ultimate Guide to Guilty Pleasures at Walt Disney World: From Character Selfies to Dessert-First Buffets

Discover the ultimate guide to guilty pleasures at Walt Disney World. From snapping selfies with characters to starting buffets with dessert, our list adds a sprinkle of unconventional fun to your magical trip!

The Ultimate Guide to Walt Disney World Crowd Patterns and Best Times to Visit

Plan your perfect Walt Disney World vacation with our ultimate guide. Discover the best times to visit, how to beat the crowds, and maximize your magical experience with our weekday and seasonal insights.

Where To Find Mickey Mouse

There are plenty of options to meet the Head Cheese, from classic meet & greets to character dining experiences and many other spots.

Disney World Vacation Expectations

Expecting the unexpected is all part of the fun of a Disney World vacation, but there are a handful of things that you should definitely be aware of before your trip.

Enhancing the Universal Orlando Experience: Top Improvement Tips

Explore how Universal Orlando can strike the right balance between entertainment and immersion, ensuring guests have an unforgettable theme park adventure.

The Best Quick Service Dining at Universal Orlando Resort

When you step into the Universal Orlando Resort, outside of attractions and meeting Woody Woodpecker...you're probably thinking about your next meal!

Top Ten Disney Advance Dining Reservations to get ASAP

Discover the essential Disney advance dining reservations for an awesome Walt Disney World experience.

Top 10 Hilarious Jungle Cruise Puns

Embark on a pun-filled adventure! Discover the top 10 Jungle Cruise puns that will make you laugh, groan, and fall in love with Disney humor.

10 Things We Will Never Do Again at Disney World

Learn from our mistakes! Uncover the 10 things we vow never to do again at Disney World for a smoother, happier vacation experience.

Things That We Wish We Bought at Disney World

Shop smarter, not harder! Read about the items we regret not purchasing at Disney World to make your next trip's shopping spree guilt-free.
704 Shares
Pin704
Share
Tweet