Character Meet and Greets For Disney Fans
Character Meet and Greets at Walt Disney World used to be one of the most stressful activities during a family’s vacation. As a kid, I remember standing in long lines with pushy parents stepping on my toes to move their child ahead of everyone else. Over the years, character meet and greets have become more organized since my first visit to Disney World at the age of six.
As an adult, I remember having the same enthusiasm for character meet and greets as I did as a child. I am so happy my husband and I share the same enthusiasm for Disney World. We would visit the parks together looking for our favorite characters. We have been so fortunate to meet so many characters. The greatest enjoyment in our adventures is that some of the meetings have been by chance.
On one of our visits to Hollywood Studios, we realized that one fourth of the theme park was closed due to the building of new additions, Toy Story Land and Star Wars Land. We were puzzled as to what we were still able to do. I was also kind of bummed that The Magic of Disney Animation building was closed. This was the one location we knew we could visit to take pictures with some of our favorite characters like Sorcerer Mickey and Mary Poppins.
We turn the corner, at The Hollywood Brown Derby, and head to Animation Courtyard. Star Wars Launch Bay has replaced The Magic of Disney Animation. I guess this was the perfect day to wear my Star Wars shirt and hat.
As we face the building, I grab my husband’s arm and he looks at me like, “What is wrong with my wife?” The standard character meet and greet with Mickey and other Disney favorites, has been replaced by BB-8, Kylo Ren, and Chewbacca. This is happening! This is not a drill! My husband looks at me and says, “Hey, honey, you want. . .” I walk towards the entrance before he is able to finish.
After our walk through Star Wars Launch Bay, we decide to make our way across the park and stopped midway for a quick drink. As we are sitting at hour table, Goofy walks out of a side door with a character attendant. Goofy happens to be my husband’s favorite character. The joy on his face as he hugs and poses with Goofy was one of the best days we enjoyed at Hollywood Studios. Disney has created so many different hidden character experiences that it is a delight to go through the parks to experience them all.
Other opportunities are provided throughout the year for special character meet and greets. We love to visit Magic Kingdom for Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween party. I am a huge Nightmare before Christmas fan and you can only meet Jack Skellington at the Halloween party. This would probably be the only time I would ever do this, but I actually waited three hours in line to meet Jack and Sally; when would I ever get this opportunity. It was too good to pass up.
The Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party has also allowed us to meet other characters you usually don’t get a chance to see, Hugs-a-Lot from Toy Story, Disney villains like Cruella de Vil, and Snow White with the Seven Dwarfs.
You should never look at the character meet and greets as a challenge. So many opportunities will come your way without you realizing that Disney magic is real. Take your time, and know that seeing the characters is not only for kids, but for the adults too. Walt Disney World brings out the kid in all of us. Even though, as adults, we sometimes forget about that wonderful Disney magic, nothing can stop that joy you feel when you see them for the first time.