Disney Character Meet and Greets |Tips to Feeling Less Awkward

A lot of people ask me what I do when I go to Disney by myself. One of the main things iI love to do is to meet characters! I did it a lot during my DCP and on my last trip in September I couldn't wait to visit all my favorites and ones I had yet to meet. I usually just use the pictures from Photopass to capture those memories, but this time I wanted to get video and I'm so glad I did. When I was little we would always go meet characters, and that's when they had characters such as Esmerelda from Hunchback of Notre Dame, and Shang and Mushu from Mulan.

Those were the days.

Sadly, when I grew up and we'd been away from the parks for many years I got out of the habit, and believed meeting characters was just for little kids. I was wrong! Meeting characters is for Disney fans of all ages. Why was I silly to give up meeting characters I loved? So now I'm working to make up for all those missed opportunities.

Another big reason I've heard people don't like to meet characters is because they feel awkward and don't know what to say or do. Well, I am here to help! I'm going to give you my tips to making character meet and greets a must for you're next trip to the parks.

1.Relax!

Yes, that's my first tip, it's simple and probably basic, but it's the first place to start. You're getting to meet either a newer Disney character or an older one that you grew up with when you were little; either way it's just a Disney character, they're nice, they're funny, and most of the don't talk much. Many of these characters are just as happy to see you as you are to see them, and it will help to treat them like a friend to make things more comfortable.

2. Timing is Everything

Some people don't like to wait around for characters but if you time it right you can wait get in line before other people catch on and be one of the first to meet your character. It's important you know how to use you My Disney Experience app on your phone- and if you don't have it yet get it now!

The best way to search for characters is to go to your app and click the map, there on the top of the page you'll see a drop down menu that usually reads, "Wait Times", switch it to "Characters"

Next, it will bring up a list of available characters to meet, their locations and schedules.

Once you know when and where you can make a better plan and you won't feel like you've taken a lot of time up with characters. Although, I know once you start doing more and more meet and greets you won't regret waiting to say hello to your new friends.

3. Rare and Random Characters

Certain characters, such as Joy and Sadnes, Kylo Ren, Tinker Bell, and Mickey, all have their own inside location for you to visit them and are listed in the maps and times guides. Have you ever wondered though how people get pictures with characters like Smee from Peter Pan or Max Goof when you can't seem to find them on the character list? It's because there are places where, what I call, rare and random characters come out to play. Character Palooza happens right outside Hollywood Studios entrance, and according to Kenny the Pirate , has a schedule that's based off the Fantasmic times for that particular day. If you've never heard of Kenny the Pirate, he has amazing tools for finding characters, such as his character locator and it's only $9.99 for a year subscription. At Epcot, between the UK and Canadian pavilion you might stumble upon some rare characters as part of Epcot character training. Ironically, on my last trip I ended up walking by right when the characters were leaving and the gates closed. Hopefully, I'll catch them next time.

4. Ask Questions

What I've come to notice is the characters are just as excited to meet the guests at times as the guests are to meet them. Don't think you're bothering them or could embarrass yourself because all they want to do is bring magic to your day, they want to make you smile. Ask them questions that pertain to their stories; such as asking Rapunzel where Pascal is hiding, or asking Ariel what her favorite human object is. Just like you appreciate when someone asks about you, they really appreciate when you ask them about what's going on in their lives. Character interactions don't have to be stressful, they don't have to be awkward. They can be some of the best Disney moments you'll experience and the best pictures you'll have from your trips.

Catch all of my favorite character interactions from my past two trips here. We'd love it if you would subscribe to our channel, you'll find our videos are full of faith, trust , and pixie dust, bringing the magic of Disney straight to you.