2014 Character Meet & Greet Info SUPER THREAD

[Delilah1310]

I have some photos from the Big Thunder Ranch area taken on June 9, 2012.
Are you interested in adding pics to this thread?

 

[djmeredith]

A couple of other notes...

I think Tiana might be seasonal. I've seen her there during Bayou Bash (Mardi Gras), but I don't recall seeing her during the HalloweenTime/HolidayTime seasons. During those periods (basically while HMH is running), I have seen Jack Skellingon and/or Sally meeting in NOS near HMH.

I think the Country Bears might be Seasonal. I saw them there during the Holiday Carnival (after the Billy Hill shows), but not during Halloween. Overall, I think guessing who will be at the Carnival area is tough to guess because it varies by seasonal activity. For example, earlier this year they were doing Long Lost Friends over there, so some rare characters were seen. They aren't there anymore and there is no guarantee they'll be back at any point this year. They did the Spring Round-Up there as well, which featured several rabbit characters. I guess what I'm sayng is that I'd seperate out the Carnival area from the petting zoo area. Those characters in the Carnival area vary by seasonal overlay, whereas the petting zoo characters might be more consistent.

In terms of Main Street/Town Square, I think you have a pretty good chance of seeing Mickey or Minnie or Pluto or Donald or Goofy, especially in the morning. I would denote everyone else on your MS list as being random/rare/unpredictable.

Thanks for the info!

Balou and Thumper were there today...
Along with the rabbit from Alice in Wonderland and Mickey dressed in pastels. I still think he looks horrible in pastels.

Thanks for the update. I can't imagine him in pastels, but anything "different" is sort of cool to me.

During the summer the last 2 years, Dancing with Disney has been in Stage 17 in DCA next to Muppet Vision 3D from 1pm-5pm. I believe there are 2 sets of characters, the Ladies and the Villans. They don't pose for pictures or sign autographs, but you can get right in there and dance with them. We saw the Ladies group, which consisted of Cruella, Marie (from Arista Cats), Cinderella's 2 step sisters, Daisy Duck, Queen of Hearts and a female chipmunk who I don't know the name of. It was a lot of fun and the character interaction was fantastic. Cruella was getting the kids to sit and roll over like dogs. She even commanded my DH to jump up and down while he was trying to take her picture!

Thanks, that sounds like fun!

Also, during Halloween we saw Donald in his Pumpkin Costume and pluto with a halloween collar in the big thunder ranch area. At other times we have seen Woody, Jessie and western themed Mickey, Minnie, Chip and Dale.

In the summer there was often a princess right at the entrance to Disneyland.

In DCA in Carsland you can find either Mater or Lightening in front of the Cozy Cone (they take turns) and Red has his own meet and greet area. DJ appears during his dance party show.

Is the dance party show with Red?

^^^this is the best response ^^^

We visit the park 3-4 times a month, DD and I are characters "stalkers". I find the characters that are roaming are not always the same and change seasonally.

IMO, they change the line up frequently because Disneyland is a locals park so it is a way to keep the parks fresh for us.

That makes sense that there would be more rotation of characters. Thanks for the info!

Don't forget that Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Goofy, Daisy, and Chip and Dale are out in town square, along with the occasial other characters, like Cruella. I have not seen Pinocchio or the White Rabbt out recently, and never Gepetto or Queen of Hearts, and I go on a weekly basis for the past two years or so.

I think it might be helpful to separate Town Square from the Hub. I'd move Mary and Bert to the Hub, and Alice and Mad Hatter to FL.

Also, Belle usually meets outside the PFF by the bridge during Rapunzel's show, and she'll meet with Flynn during Belle's show, in addition to after all but their last show per day.

For DCA, Donald meets at PP, past Duffy. Also, Mike is only out for special events, just Sulley is a regular character. For the Visa M&G Minnie rotates with Stitch.

And for poor weather, be it rain or excessive heat, they will move all outdoor greets into the Animation building. Last week we saw Minnie, Sophia, Buzz, Woody and Jessie meeting there during the heat wave.

I knew there would be local character stalkers who could provide really detailed info. Thanks! I hope you'll come back and update when you see someone new.

These are the characters we met in the past year in Big Thunder Ranch; the hours are usually from 10:30AM to 5:30PM. They are not permanently stationed and rotated about every 30 minutes, check with the CM’s in the BTR area as they have the schedules of who will be out when. There is also a PP Photograph there about 80% of the time.

*Woody and Jessie can be found year round in the petting zoo area, but move in to the Jamboree during the summer.

I can post photos, if anyone is interested. ​

Long Lost Friends Feb-March 2014 (Fri, Sat & Sun only)
Lady Tremaine, Anastasia Termaine & Drizella Termaine
Suzy & Perla
Pinocchio & Geppetto
Honest John & Gideon
Clarabelle Cow & Horace Horsecollar
Robin Hood & Friar Tuck

Spring Time Round Up April- May 2014
Roger Rabbit
Thumper Rabbit
White Rabbit
Rabbit from Winnie the Pooh
Br’er Rabbit
Easter Bunny (after Easter he was replaced by long lost friends Baloo and Br’er Bear )
Mickey & Minnie in Sunday’s Best
Pluto in Bunny Ears

Woody’s All - American Round Up (Based on June14- August 2013)
Mickey & Minnie in Western Wear
Chip n Dale
*Woody and Jessie

Halloween Carnival (Based on September 13- October 2013)
Conjure up a Disney Villain
Mickey in Vampire Costume
Minnie in Witch Costume
Chip n Dale as Keystone Cops
Donald dressed as a Pumpkin
Pluto wearing collar with dog tag in a shape of a bat

Jingle Jangle Jamboree (Based on November 12 , 2013- January 6, 2014)
Santa Clause (after December 26 he is still JJJ in “vacation” wear)
Mickey and Minnie in Edwardian Christmas wear
Goofy dressed in Santa costume
Pluto in reindeer antlers
The Country Bears

Thanks for this detailed info, perfect! I think photos would be great!

Pixie Hollow M&G 10AM 5PM (average wait time 45min)

You will meet two fairies

Tinker Bell (Permanent)

(In Rotation)
Silvermist
Fawn
Rosetta
Iridessa

Peter Pan as Captain Hook does not have a specific M&G area or time. From my personal experience is that they are out most weekends mid morning/ early afternoon roaming around all of Fantasyland. Wendy on occasion makes a rare appearance...very rare!

Thanks for the all the detailed info!

Permanent M&Gs :

Mickey Mouse has a M&G in his home. You will either meet Sorcerer Mickey or Black & White Steamboat Mickey. (Wait time avg 30 min)

Minnie Mouse has a M&G in her home. She will be in her garden, wearing the traditional red and white polka dot dress. (Wait time avg 60 min)

Occasional:

Goofy is frequently in front of his house in TT. (Wait time avg 20 min)

Pluto and Donald Duck can also be found roaming around in TT, no set schedule (mid-morning / late afternoon)
Rare character find Daisy Duck.

Thanks for providing the TT details!

Alice & Mad Hatter appear together - generally. (So do Mary Poppins & Bert) There have been occasions where only one or the other is out, but that is not how Disneyland plans their sets.

Some days, they may be found in Town Square during the morning, but most of their meet & greets are in Fantasyland.

A general Photpass rule - photographers are present at meet & greets held at fixed locations. That would include the Royal Hall, Pixie Hollow, the Toontown houses, and Big Thunder Ranch Jamboree. You won't find them at the meet & greets after the first two performances of the plays in the Royal Theatre, or when Belle or Rapunzel with Flynn appear outside.

Great point about the PP photographers. WDW vets may have been expecting them so I've noted your info.

I have some photos from the Big Thunder Ranch area taken on June 9, 2012.
Are you interested in adding pics to this thread?

I would love to see photos! I think adding photos to the thread is a great idea to give people a better idea of what to expect. Thanks!

 

[Vintage Mouseketeer]

Pixie Hollow M&G 10AM 5PM (average wait time 45min) You will meet two fairies Tinker Bell (Permanent) (In Rotation) Silvermist Fawn Rosetta Iridessa Peter Pan as Captain Hook does not have a specific M&G area or time. From my personal experience is that they are out most weekends mid morning/ early afternoon roaming around all of Fantasyland. Wendy on occasion makes a rare appearance...very rare!

These are photos I have taken in the last few months

 

[Delilah1310]

This was June 9, 2012 at the Big Thunder Ranch pavillion ... and these were all in the course of about 20 minutes

Sorry I don't have a better one of Goofy -

Two Country Bears -

 

[Delilah1310]

June 9, 2012 ... on the sidewalk outside of the Big Thunder Ranch pavillion ... between Frontierland and Fantasyland

June 9, 2012 ... on Main Street

June 10 and 11, 2012 ... in Toontown
(this was when they had the special early hour, so there was not much of a crowd)

 

[petals]

wathcing this. Going in November and want many character pics

 

[Vintage Mouseketeer]

You will find the following characters on Paradise Pier along with Photopass Photogpher in permanent M&G locations. Their hours are typically 10:30AM to 5:30PM (average wait times 15 min)


Duffy Bear is across from Ariel’s Grotto
During the holidays he wears a Santa Hat and Sweater

Donald Duck is next to the Cove Bar, on occasion Daisy Duck fills in.
Durining the holidays Donald and Daisy are in Christmas sweaters

Across from Mickey’s Fun Wheel is the Toy Story M&G
Woody, Jessie and Buzz do 30 min rotations. Please note that Buzz does not sign autographs


Bonus:
After Instant Concert !.... Just Add Water, occasionally Goofy will do quick photos in his black Tuxedo
Operation: Playtime! Featuring the Green Army Men…kids, all kids have the chance to dance and interact with Toy Story’s Green Army Men. Cute photo opp.



Paradise Gardens in the past has hosted Viva Navidad! Nov 2013 through January 2014
The M&G hosted one of the following characters in Mexican folklorico costumes: in rotation Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Goofy or Chip n Dale


During the Lunar New Year 2014 for 15 days
There was a photo location with the following in rotation: Mulan & Mushu, Mickey, Minnie or Chip n Dale in Lunar New Year costumes

 

[figment_jii]

Is the dance party show with Red?

No, the dance party is with DJ. Red meet down by Luigi's Flying Tires (at least that's where I saw him in October).

During the Lunar New Year 2014 for 15 days
There was a photo location with the following in rotation: Mulan & Mushu, Mickey, Minnie or Chip n Dale in Lunar New Year costumes

I remember seeing Mulan and Mushu at Lunar New Year in 2013 as well.

 

[djmeredith]

Thanks to VintageMousketeer and Delilah1310 for sharing the awesome photos! Seeing your photos makes me even more excited for my upcoming trip with my nephews. Sorry it's taken me so long to respond, but I sold my house and moved this week. No fun, but glad it's over with! Only 76 more days until we head to Anaheim, and 75 until DLR! Yikes, I better get busy.

 

[sirvin12]

We are heading to Disneyland May 27th so I will gather more info for you all. Characters are a top priority for my girls!

 

[thundersparkle]

Main Street DL we've also seen: Cruella De Ville, Mary Poppins & her penguin, Mad Hatter and Chip & Dale

Between Pixie Hollow area & Tomorrow Land we've run into Fairy Godmother, Queen of Heart, and the Mad Hatter.

TomorrowLand: Storm Troopers

For Chinese New Year: in California Adventure we saw Mulan, as well as Mickey & Minnie in Chinese Outfits.

Halloween: Jack Skellington & Sally in New Orleans Square as well as the Villians over by Big Thunder

 

[CassieF]

Yeah, Cruella is pretty regular on Main Street, usually out at least twice a week (often Tuesdays and Fridays).

Also, Fairy Godmother is out on the path toward the wishing well in the afternoons pretty regularly.

 

[djmeredith]

I'm in the process of putting together autograph books for our trip next week. If anybody has any updates based on their recent visits, please let me know so I can update the list in the first post. Thanks!!

 

[perlster]

The information here, although mostly valid, was posted before the Saturday Afternoon Massacre, so some updates:
Fairy Godmother, Genie, and the [Evil/Snow White] Queen are gone.
Captain Hook was not appearing for a while, but now seems to be making infrequent appearances.
Snow White no longer appears at her wishing well - is among the princesses appearing in the Royal Hall.
Merida's meet 'n greet location was removed - she appears at Fantasy Faire outside where Belle and Rapunzel & Flynn greet guests while the other show is being performed in the Royal Theatre.
No characters are present at the Big Thunder Ranch Jamboree.

 

[pwillunlv]

The information here, although mostly valid, was posted before the Saturday Afternoon Massacre, ....

I'm behind the times, what was the Saturday Afternoon Massacre?

 

[Californiacicle]

We saw Peter Pan around 3:30 in the afternoon on a Sunday at the wishing well.

 

[pwillunlv]

I'm in the process of putting together autograph books for our trip next week. If anybody has any updates based on their recent visits, please let me know so I can update the list in the first post. Thanks!!

When we went in Mid-February, Minnie was at the Royal Hall dressed as a princess. Not my picture, but she was dressed like this:

 

[djmeredith]

The information here, although mostly valid, was posted before the Saturday Afternoon Massacre, so some updates:
Fairy Godmother, Captain Hook, Genie, and the [Evil/Snow White] Queen are gone.
Snow White no longer appears at her wishing well - is among the princesses appearing in the Royal Hall.
Merida's meet 'n greet location was removed - she appears at Fantasy Faire outside where Belle and Rapunzel & Flynn greet guests while the other show is being performed in the Royal Theatre.
No characters are present at the Big Thunder Ranch Jamboree.

Thanks for the updates. I will get those edited on the master list. I too am unfamiliar with the "Saturday Afternoon Massacre." What happened?

 

[figment_jii]

I'm behind the times, what was the Saturday Afternoon Massacre?

Thanks for the updates. I will get those edited on the master list. I too am unfamiliar with the "Saturday Afternoon Massacre." What happened?

It was when the schedules/appearances for a bunch of characters changed. I think most of it is detailed in this thread:
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=3287932
And some more in this one:
http://wwww.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=3301577

 

[perlster]

Mad Hatter and Alice will often walk through Fantasyland once, or maybe even twice, on a given day. All reports - and my own observations -indicate that Peter Pan is much less inclined to move around than before the Saturday Afternoon Massacre. Look for him in the vicinity of the wishing well or on the other end of the tunnel. Mary Poppins and Bert occasionally take a stroll in Fantasyland.

What you won't see these days is anything like this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ATFx3aismgU