Seven Tips for Getting Autographs at Walt Disney World
A friend of mine just visited Walt Disney World for the first time during Christmas week. I did everything I could to talk him out of it due to the crowds, yet he persisted.
On the final night, he texted me about how satisfied he was because his four-year-old daughter grabbed 23 autographs. It’s all a proud papa wanted. I’m sure many parents can relate, so here are some tips for getting autographs at Walt Disney World.
Buy a Large Autograph Book
The first topics here are the tools of the trade. It would help if you had an autograph book that will hold all of your future conquests. And here’s something that nobody will tell you about these signings.
Some cast members delight in the artistic license that they have with autographs. Disney actually has a strict list of rules for character signings. But people get carried away when they’re in character. Sometimes, they get swept up with the signing and overdo it, taking up a lot of space on the page.
It would be best if you had a big book to allow for this. Plus, you may want the space for a secondary reason. Sometimes, people add memorable photographs to the pages.
It’s a way to combine the signing with a visual reminder of what happened. An autograph book meshes perfectly with PhotoPass.
Bring a Lot of Pens
Okay, this one might seem like common sense, but it’s the most likely mistake you’ll make during an autograph hunt. I cannot count the number of times that someone has asked to borrow a pen from me.
Folks stand around and anticipate the big moment, but then they forget the most essential part. Nobody can sign an autograph without a pen.
Now, when you do forget, others will quickly supply a pen. It’s Walt Disney World, after all! The other guests will happily perform a kindness for you.
However, you lose control of the color of the signings and pen quality. Also, you only have a certain amount of time to interact with a Disney character. You waste part of it searching for a pen. Preparation wins the battle!
PS: My wife, the pen expert in the family, feels quite strongly about Sharpies. They’re the best for these signings.
The Early Bird Gets the Signing
The most popular character greetings work just like other Disney attractions. The lines are shortest when the park opens.
The way to ensure that you get the autograph you seek is by showing up at or close to Rope Drop. You’ll beat the rush to popular spots like Mickey Mouse at Main Street U.S.A. or Anna & Elsa at Royal Sommerhus.
The opportunity cost of this decision is that you’ll miss out on some rides when they’re least crowded. Thankfully, the reverse is true.
You can acquire several autographs during the first couple of hours of the park day. You just need to plan a route to visit all of the character meetings that matter to you.
Pack a Toy
This suggestion may sound strange. However, the lines for character greetings can grow to outrageous lengths. You may have to wait 30 minutes or more for a single signing.
Unless you have the most patient child on the planet, the waiting will drive your kid crazy. What happens when a kid gets bored? Yes. They act out.
You can stave off some of the aggravation with a bit of planning. Bring a beloved toy with your other belongings.
Please don’t take it out until you notice the tell-tale signs that your child will throw a tantrum soon. At this point, grab the toy and entertain your kid.
This tactic isn’t just a life-saver for you. The other guests standing in line near you will appreciate your planning and consideration.
Buy a Meal
I’m an evangelist for character meals. I sincerely believe that the restaurants that host these efforts represent the best of Walt Disney World. When my family dines at one of these meals, the time flies by while the characters entertain us.
Now, I should acknowledge that character meals qualify as expensive. For this reason, I strongly suggest the Disney Dining Plan, which divides your daily meals into entitlements.
Some would argue that cash is a better way to pay for meals, and that’s fine, too. Whichever way you prefer, you should consider a character meal.
In fact, I haven’t even gotten to the best part. During most character interactions, you wait in line for a long time before you meet your Disney friend.
For character meals, the Disney folks come to you! You simply sit at your table and eat. Eventually, all of the characters available at the meal will visit your table. It’s the easiest way to get an autograph!
Do a Bit of Homework
While you’re standing in line, you can and should make the best of it. Take the time to research the character that you’re about to meet. Sure, you may already know a lot about them, but that extra bit of effort could pay significant dividends.
Disney trains its cast members to reward loyal fans. And it requires the employees to memorize detailed aspects of their characters’ backstories.
When you meet a character, ask them questions from their adventures. You’ll get an even better reaction and a heartfelt autograph! Of course, after you talk a bit, you shouldn’t be the one to ask for the signing…
Remember That This Is for Your Kid!
I frequently watch as parents take control of the autograph signings. There’s this conviction that the child isn’t capable of handling such vital tasks. And that’s nonsense.
Sure, adults love getting autographs from Disney characters. However, most parents are in these lines for their children. Nothing should supersede that.
When children interact with their cartoon favorites, the magic happens. Frankly, parents get in the way of that more often than not.
When the time comes for an autograph signing, please hand the book to your kid and savor what happens next. You’re watching something that could become the memory of a lifetime.