One of the many best things about Disney is that the magical place provides visitors with an opportunity to meet and actually greet their favorite fictional characters “in real life”. To most people, from kids to adults, groups, and family, the meet-and-greet experience takes the trip’s enjoyment to a whole other level.
And considering that there are literally thousands of Disney characters, it makes sense to have a clue on which character you can meet and greet, when, and where. What about the best place to experience Disney’s meet and greet? Read on for this and more below!
What is Disney’s Meet-And-Greet?
Disney’s meet and greet is the secret Disney fans have known for years. It is the perfect way to add some character magic to a Disney trip and is often the best part of the trip for kids (and adults). The meeting places are not just at each of the parks, but sometimes even in the shopping centers and in all Disney hotels.
At the meet-and-greet, visitors meet, greet and take photos with their favorite characters. It is almost a guarantee that Mickey Mouse will be there. In fact, when all the parks, Disney resorts, and Disney Springs are open, Disney can maintain a meet-and-greet with Mickey every 20 seconds for as long as people are waiting in line!
Best Places to Meet and Greet Disney Characters
The Disney Parks include at least 12 characters that will meet up with visitors every day of the year (with the exception of Christmas Day and New Year’s Day). Each of the parks features a very specific character or group that they are more geared towards. They are frequently promoted as the best character meet-and-greet locations on Walt Disney World property.
These locations are often based on Disney movies, television shows, or characters in the parks. Here, you can also encounter characters like Snow White, Princesses, Peter Pan, Winnie the Pooh, Star Wars characters, Cars characters… and even Marvel Characters.
The best place overall to meet and greet Disney characters is usually at the Walt Disney World, but various parks can make the experience even better depending on how you time your visit. With this in mind, some of the best places to go for a meet-and-greet may include:
- Walt Disney World
- California’s Disney Adventure Park
- Disneyland Park
- Magic Kingdom Park
- Epcot Center
- Disney Resorts
- Hollywood Studios
- Animal Kingdom
Planning a Successful Disney Meet and Greet Experience
If you’re planning on meeting your favorite Disney character during your next trip to Walt Disney World, there are a few things you can do to ensure a successful experience. Below are some tips to help you through.
Know your characters:
First, it pays to get to know Disney’s iconic characters so you can identify your favorite character that you’d like to meet, greet, and perhaps take a snap with. From there, be sure to check the meet and greet schedule for your desired character, preferably before you arrive at the park. This schedule is subject to change, so it’s important to stay up-to-date.
Get there early:
Once you know when and where the meet and greet will take place, make sure to arrive early. This will help you avoid long lines and ensure you have a spot at the front of the line.
Bring the essentials along:
When it’s your turn to meet the character, be sure to have a camera or your smartphone ready to go. And if you’re planning on getting an autograph, bring along a pen and something for the character to sign.
Enjoy:
Most importantly, relax and enjoy the experience! Meeting your favorite Disney character is a moment you’ll probably never forget.
Disney’s meet and greet is an easy way to add character to your vacation. And if you know what to expect from which destination to get that special moment with your favorite characters, it’s easy to prepare yourself well for an unforgettable experience. With the above pointers in mind, you could be bracing yourself for the happiest vacation in your life each time you visit Disney alone, with friends, or in the company of family.
