Hugs, Autographs, and Emotions: Traditional Character Greetings Return
Today marked an incredible milestone at Disney Parks: the return of traditional meet-and-greets with the beloved characters. Luckily for us, MickeyBloggers Greg and Elyssa spent the early morning first in line to hug Mickey Mouse when Magic Kingdom opened today. A number of other friends scattered through Walt Disney World, capturing magical moments at EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, Disney’s Animal Kingdom and even the hard-to-get character breakfast at Disney’s Riviera Resort, Topolino’s Terrace.
With the very first greeting this morning, Mickey Mouse burst with joy alongside an equally excited Greg and Elyssa as they shared a special moment at Town Square Theatre today.
Princess Fairytale Hall also made a swift protocol change this morning with four Disney Princess icons greeting guests up-close again. In one space, Cinderella and Elena of Avalor interacted with guests. While in the other room, Rapunzel was joined suprisingly by Ariel to sign autographs and snap photographs.
Character Greetings Around Walt Disney World
Pluto made sure to greet some of EPCOT’s smallest guests at their height at the character greeting area just inside the main gates within World Celebration.
Further into EPCOT, Donald Duck greeted guest in his festive Mexican ensemble at the country’s pavillion. Minnie Mouse also signed autographs in a picturesque gazebo just inside World Showcase.
MickeyTravels agent Jennifer Robertson and her daughter, Julianna, shared their smiling faces as they met a pair of Disney Junior favorites over at Hollywood Studios. They said a happy hello to Doc McStuffins and Vampirina before moving on to one very happy snowman.
Image Credit: Jennifer Robertson
In all truth, would any day of character greetings at Hollywood Studios be complete without sharing in Olaf’s own personal bit of summer.
Image Credit: Jennifer Robertson
The Robertson family even took a moment to pop into say hi to “Monsters, Inc.” and “Monsters University” star Sully, who returned to character greetings today.
Image Credit: Jennifer Robertson
Characters Return to Up-Close Restaurant Encounters
Image Credit: Abby Yingling
MickeyTravels agent and MickeyBlog writer Abby Yingling snagged a last-minute reservation to Topolino’s Terrace with her family who shared their contagious joy. Daisy and Donald Duck joined Mickey and Minnie Mouse there this morning to not only share snuggles with guests but also to sign those long-treasured autograph books.
Image Credit: Abby Yingling
Elsewhere, MickeyTravels agent Amber Seeds enjoyed lunch at Tusker House, a popular character dining locale at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. There, characters greeted guests in pairs, going from table to table one-at-a-time. Then, they would do a small dance before pairs switched throughout the mealtime.
Image Credit: Amber Seeds
Donald and Daisy Duck as well as Goofy joined Mickey Mouse there today in their traditional safari dress.
Image Credit: Amber Seeds
Overall, after 763 days, today was a total dream for so many at the Disney Parks. Welcome back meet-and-greets! The experience certainly made magic for so many today.
