Trifter

So you’ve done it. You’ve planned your trip to Walt Disney World (or any Disney park, but for his article, we’re using Disney World for reference). Many fun times await you, but one of the best, is meeting your favorite characters. Here, you will find some helpful hints on how to make that meeting (or meetings) truly “magical”.

If you’re meeting a character in one of the parks here’s a few things to keep in mind:

• You will most likely have to wait in line. So, be prepared for that. At Walt Disney World, characters are at specific locations. You won’t find Mickey Mouse wondering around. Disney characters are basically celebrities. They meet a lot of people. So expect to wait in line at a designated place.
• Have your autograph book at the ready. If they have take time to find a page to sign, and wait for you to dig through your bag to find the pen, they won’t have time to actually interact with you. Like I said, they meet a lot of people, so if you’re ready, they’ll actually have time to talk to you.
• Know what you or your child is going to say. A lot of times children get “star struck” and just stare blankly at whoever you’re meeting. Come up with specific questions for your child to ask, or maybe the kid has something specific they want to tell the character. Roll with it, and have fun with it. If your child is having fun and laughing, the character most likely is too, then it’s really special.
• Listen to the character greeter. They are the people with the character, in a Disney outfit, and have trading pins around their necks or at the hip. They run the show. They don’t make the rules, but they do enforce them. They’re also useful if you have any questions.
• DON’T ABUSE THE CHARACTER. Hugging is fine. High fiving is fine. Even a kiss on the cheek is fine. Hitting is not. Kicking is not. Hanging on to them is not. Touching them “inappropriately” is definitely not fine. Don’t do it. It very well may lead to being escorted out of the park.

A great way to meet some characters is character dining. Having a nice, air conditioned, sit down meal, with no lines and more than one character really relieves some of the stress and rush. Along with the above tips, these extra hints will help the experience:

• The characters will come to you. Don’t stalk them around the restaurant. Don’t try to wave them over. They’ll get there. If they’ve seen everyone around you, and it’s been awhile, ask your server. They’ll let you know what’s going on. But, don’t go after the characters. 
• If you’re eating at a buffet, look around before you go for food. If a character is in the area, wait. Stay at your table. If they have to skip you because you weren’t there, it’ll be awhile before they’re back. 
• Check the batteries in your camera. The last thing you want is your favorite person to get there, and the camera dies.
• Again, DO NOT ABUSE THE CHARACTERS! Same rules apply at a restaurant.

Meeting your favorite people, from your favorite Disney film, is one of the best parts of visiting Walt Disney World. Ask where you can find specific people, and be sure to watch the parades. They’ll be there, with all their friends, waving and having a good time, just like you. Enjoy them, and they’ll enjoy you, which will make your experience truly unforgettable!