Private Character Interaction

[jcjen519]

Anyone done this? What was the experience like. For those who don't know....you can set up an interaction with your child and a character in a private place on the ship (not your stateroom). You give them your list of top three characters and they do their best to get no. 1 and if it is not possible move down the list from there.

I've discussed it with the shoreside concierge but wondered if anyone had any first hand experience. who was the character? what did they do during the 30 minute time frame? was the character your first choice?

thanks for any input

 

[Granny square]

Anyone done this? What was the experience like. For those who don't know....you can set up an interaction with your child and a character in a private place on the ship (not your stateroom). You give them your list of top three characters and they do their best to get no. 1 and if it is not possible move down the list from there.

I've discussed it with the shoreside concierge but wondered if anyone had any first hand experience. who was the character? what did they do during the 30 minute time frame? was the character your first choice?

thanks for any input

Never done it but am at a loss as to what anyone could do with a character for 1/2 an hour!

 

[jcjen519]

me too. I think my son would love it but feel like it would get awkward after the first 10 minutes (haha) I'm hoping someone who has experienced this can tell me a little more about it. Maybe we could arrange to have some kind of silly, easy games for them to play?

 

[jdb in AZ]

I assume these are "face" characters who can talk instead of the furry creatures?

 

[Granny square]

That would make more sense. Didn't think of face characters!

 

[jcjen519]

no, not just face characters. It is usually mickey, minnie, pluto or goofy.

 

[iamadisneynut]

What is the cost associated with this? And what have people done with the character for a half hour??

 

[jdb in AZ]

On a Disney cruise my adult DD complimented one of the princesses how pretty she was and the princess gushed, "I know!"

I do hope the one-on-one interraction with one of the fab 4 has more to offer than that.

 

[jcjen519]

I"d like to hear about experiences too. The cost is high and I'll share it because anyone could easily figure it out by calling disney, its $550. Can we please not turn this into a discussion about cost and worth it or not worth it? It is certainly an indulgence and not necessary to enjoy the trip.

 

[MagicMe]

I love to go on the cruise as I feel you have more interaction with the characters than at the parks and even at the character meals. Regardless of the money, this is a personal expense that could reap priceless memories for you and your family. People spend as much on spa appointments (over in 1-2 hours), Remy dinner (close if you add the wine package and tips), cabanas at CC, etc. It's all personal taste and determines the experience you want for your cruise.

I do think you are smart in researching the experience as much as possible to hopefully ensure a return for your investment.

Good luck with whatever you decide and I hope your entire cruise is a Magical, Wonderful, Dreamy, Fantastic time!!!

 

[jelliott04]

I"d like to hear about experiences too. The cost is high and I'll share it because anyone could easily figure it out by calling disney, its $550. Can we please not turn this into a discussion about cost and worth it or not worth it? It is certainly an indulgence and not necessary to enjoy the trip.

It is sad that you have to put that caveat in the thread. I have read the Disboards off and on for many many years and I've noticed lately that it seems people are getting more and more cranky with each other. So many threads turn into rants about other guests. Do some guests suck? Yes they do but don't let it ruin your vacation. Between what people choose to pay for, laundry room procedures and tipping...well let's just say it doesn't seem very magical to me.

If you want to pay $550 for a particular experience then go for it and don't feel you have to explain yourself to any of the negative nelly's who frequent this forum!

Just to bring it back on topic, for 30 minutes you could almost have a private birthday party or similar with the character there. That would be fun! Or a wedding or reunion get together.

J

 

[Silverfox97]

It is sad that you have to put that caveat in the thread. I have read the Disboards off and on for many many years and I've noticed lately that it seems people are getting more and more cranky with each other. So many threads turn into rants about other guests. Do some guests suck? Yes they do but don't let it ruin your vacation. Between what people choose to pay for, laundry room procedures and tipping...well let's just say it doesn't seem very magical to me.

If you want to pay $550 for a particular experience then go for it and don't feel you have to explain yourself to any of the negative nelly's who frequent this forum!

Just to bring it back on topic, for 30 minutes you could almost have a private birthday party or similar with the character there. That would be fun! Or a wedding or reunion get together.

J

WELL SAID!!!!!

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[viccarol]

Hi I'm going on my first cruise this aug - been to DLP so many times that my DD thinks that's where all holidays are - anyhow we had a private meet with mickey and Donald last year at the SL - it was a bit of pixie dust from Disney after a disappointing trip we had experienced the year before - it was lovely and the half hour flew by - by the time they had chased the kids round, had photos and autographs - if you think your little ones will enjoy it go for it - I was a bit apprehensive before the meet but it was done really well

 

[lbgraves]

I have only seen posts of this being done for wedding photos or proposals on the ship. I've never read of anyone doing this for a child. I agree that it would make a birthday party special.

 

[jcjen519]

WELL SAID!!!!!

Sent from my iPhone using DISBoards

thanks guys! Everyone is certainly entitled to their opinion, but I really just wanted to talk about the experience. Leave the cost/value analysis up to me

 

[jcjen519]

Hi I'm going on my first cruise this aug - been to DLP so many times that my DD thinks that's where all holidays are - anyhow we had a private meet with mickey and Donald last year at the SL - it was a bit of pixie dust from Disney after a disappointing trip we had experienced the year before - it was lovely and the half hour flew by - by the time they had chased the kids round, had photos and autographs - if you think your little ones will enjoy it go for it - I was a bit apprehensive before the meet but it was done really well

thanks! good to know about the time. thinking about it, I can see how this would be true. I'll bet you have some great memories and photos

 

[bats]

I would say that if you had a child/adult with something like autism, it could actually be very beneficial.

No crowds, time to relax, no shouting ... a lovely experience if the normal way of meeting a character doesn't suit.

Never mind the money ... if you've got it, spend it .. you're a long time dead!
Enjoy every minute if you go for it

We had a private meeting with Pluto last year, it wasn't 30 mins though, more like 30 seconds. We were in the elevator though!!!

 

[Trish.Glenn]

thanks guys! Everyone is certainly entitled to their opinion, but I really just wanted to talk about the experience. Leave the cost/value analysis up to me

We as a family had this 1/2 hour experience on our cruise. We had 7 kids with us and 1/2 hour was not long enough....lol! It was wonderful and have wonderful photos!!!

 

[viccarol]

The photos and memories are brill - it was nice not to be hurried and we managed to get some pictures of all of us together - my nephew (3.5 at the time) was really scared of the characters before the meet but because of the time frame he came round and was looking out for characters for the rest of the trip

 

[Silverfox97]

thanks guys! Everyone is certainly entitled to their opinion, but I really just wanted to talk about the experience. Leave the cost/value analysis up to me

Yup. Had the same issue on a thread I posted yesterday - wanted people to reply if they actually did what I was inquiring about, not give their opinion on how they thought what I was proposing was crazy......

Sorry - I went off topic......

Good luck with your research & decision!

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