BIG NEWS: Non-Distanced Character Meet and Greets Returning to Disney Starting April 18th!
We’ve got some very exciting news to share with our Disney fans! If you were following along with MickeyBlog yesterday, you may have seen the teaser we shared from Disney hinting at the possible return of the traditional meet and greets at Disney theme parks. Now we are excited to say that ITS OFFICIAL, Disney is taking down the ropes separating you from your favorite Disney characters and you’ll now be able to pose for photos with them.
This is definitely a Disney milestone and it looks as if this change will be implemented across Disney theme parks starting April 18th
According to the statement released by Disney, they will start reintroducing traditional character greetings at both Disneyland and Walt Disney World as well as on board Disney Cruise Line sailings and at Aulani Resort in Hawaii.
This means that guests will once again be able to hug Mickey Mouse, get an autograph from Mulan or share a laugh with Goofy!
If you’ve been following along with MickeyBlog you’ll know that Disney made numerous changes to the way that guests interact with characters after the coronavirus shutdown. When the theme parks first reopened character meet and greets remained closed. Disney introduced character cavalcades as a way for guests to still see some of their favorite Disney friends.
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In addition, characters would appear in distanced locations (like a closed off garden or a hillside) again where these spontaneous moments could be seen by visitors but in a way that kept characters at a safe distance.
Most recently, meet and greets returned but the characters were restricted to roped off areas and guests were not allowed to touch or pose side-by-side with characters like you could in the pre-covid days. We’re so excited that Disney is reverting back to the traditional meet and greets and this is the biggest sign so far that things are returning to normal at the theme parks.
(Matt Stroshane, photographer)
Disney advised that these exciting changes are due to recent trends and guidelines making it possible to bring back some of the most beloved magical happenings at the theme parks. Though Disney did advise that not ALL character meet and greet locations will return to normal immediately.
The process will happen in phases throughout spring and early summer.
(Matt Stroshane, photographer)
This exciting milestone comes hot on the heels of other noteworthy returns including shows such as “Mickey’s Magical Friendship Faire” and “Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular,” along with the Disney “Festival of Fantasy” Parade and new experiences like “Disney Adventure Friends Cavalcade.” And this spring, Disneyland will see the return of several beloved nighttime spectaculars, including “World of Color,” “Disneyland Forever,” “Fantasmic!” and “Main Street Electrical Parade,” celebrating its own 50th anniversary.
This is a story that we will continue to follow closely here at MickeyBlog. Readers are encouraged to keep following along with MickeyBlog for further Walt Disney World news and updates. We’ll be coming to you LIVE! from the theme parks each and every week.
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Just fill out my form HERE to get your FREE, no-obligation quote. Alternatively, feel free to reach out at mroden@mickeytravels.com or follow along on Facebook
