Best Character Meet and Greets to Line Up For!
Distanced character photos and cavalcades got us through the height of the pandemic, but nothing beats a photo op from the good old days. Now that pictures, hugs, high-fives, and autographs are back in Walt Disney World – it’s time to plan for character meet and greets again!
You can dust off your autograph book and adjust your itinerary. No Disney trip is truly ideal without meeting at least a few familiar faces.
Every meet and greet hasn’t returned officially, but as they reappear, we’ve rounded up our favorite ones! Some are harder to pin down than others, but all belong on your bucket list.
After all, lighting up from a magical character encounter is both for the young and young at heart.
The Boy Who Wouldn’t Grow Up
Speaking of kids, Disney World may bring out the child in all of us, but one character embodies childhood. Meeting the immortal boy himself is a hysterical delight.
And this wonderful meet and greet with Peter Pan is officially back!
Peter is known for his wacky humor, top-notch improvisation skills, and disregard for the rules. More than once we’ve seen him chide a guest or ask a child passing by to join him for a game of hide and seek.
If you want to have a lively chat, ask him about his adventures. Peter loves to brag about himself. He won’t pass up the opportunity to retell his favorite tales.
Also, impress him with your Peter Pan (1953) knowledge. He might even make you a lost boy.
An Unruly Party Guest
Speaking of hilarious characters, the Mad Hatter from Walt’s Alice in Wonderland (1951) is a riot. Like Peter, he isn’t afraid to tease guests and bring folks out of their shells.
Pre-pandemic, the Mad Hatter was a regular guest at the 1900 Park Fare Supercalifragilistic character breakfast. It wasn’t an odd sight to see him shouting, running about the room, or otherwise causing a stir.
If you spot him in the parks, consider stopping for a photo. Just remember this, the Mad Hatter speaks the language of Wonderland silliness.
Just roll with the “logic” or lack thereof.
The Guy Everyone Wants to Be
Who has the most debonair smile? Who makes all the ladies (except Belle) swoon?
Viral internet videos made Gaston famous, but his reputation proceeds him. Wander through the provincial town section of Fantasyland and you may see him by his tavern.
Another braggart, Gaston will spend more time talking about himself than talking to you. This means he’s easy to tease!
With just a little kidding, you might find yourself in an arm-wrestling contest or lighthearted debate with this notorious buffoon. (Tip: Ask him what his favorite book is.)
Be warned that Gaston’s wait is notoriously long. But it is oh so worth it!
The Out of Step Sisters
Villains make things hard for our heroes, but they are fun to meet. Cinderella’s vain stepsisters, Anastasia and Drizella, are known for being quite an entertaining duo.
Known to pop up in random spots in Fantasyland, these divas always appear together. If you see a long line and hear spirited cackling, they are nearby.
Have a blast with these ladies by feeding their misplaced egos. And don’t be surprised if they give you advice on how to snag a wealthy husband or apply your makeup.
Their amusing antics can almost make us forgive them for mistreating Cinderella. Almost.
The Worst Pirate Commodore Norrington Has Ever Heard Of
Captain Jack Sparrow may have started from nothing, but he was the king of his franchise. And if you meet Jack in the parks, you’ll swear he walked out of the film.
With a perfect imitation of Johnny Depp’s gait, mannerisms, and witticisms, meeting Jack is a must for any Pirates of the Caribbean (2003) fan.
Just like his movie counterpart, Jack will charm the ladies and challenge the men. And if you have any little pirates with you, Jack will encourage them to live according to the pirate code.
He’s known to hang outside the famous Adventureland attraction, so keep your eyes peeled for this scallywag. He never disappoints.
The Main Mouse
If your kids are impatient or your schedule is packed, this is the one character you must squeeze in. Nothing compares to getting a hug from Mickey Mouse.
Greeting guests in the Town Square Theater in the Magic Kingdom, Mickey is sporting a 50th-anniversary look and that same lovable spirit. (Bonus: The wait for him is inside an air-conditioned building!)
For a character that can’t technically speak, Mickey communicates in a way that leaves both children and their parents perfectly enchanted. We can’t explain his effortless charm.
What are you waiting for? Grin and bear the line these characters command. In our opinion, they deserve their queues and our patience to meet them.
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Feature Photo: Disney