A few character questions

[blitzen2k7]

Hello again

My DD is 2 now and loves Winnie the Pooh. She calls him "Pooh-wee". When we go to WDW (She will be 3 then) I want to try to insure she can meet the character. I know from the site where they can be found most often. But was wondering, from you kind folks, what is the best time and best place to get her a picture or two with Pooh and maybe a few minutes for a hug or whatever?

Also a mate of mine went to WDW last year and came back with an autograph from Capt. Jack. Do the characters really do that? How about the cartoon ones?

Last question is on Winnie the Pooh plushes. Can they be found all over in the stores there or is there a place I should check out first to insure my DD can get one? I know I could get one in a Disney Store here but I just think getting her one from WDW while we are there would make it all the more special for her.

What are the possibilities, if she gets to meet Pooh, of having the character give her the plush? I mean buy first and hide it in DW's bag or something and if we see him, kind of sneaky sneaky get him/her to give it to my DD?

Thanks in advance for the answers.
Blitz

 

[MrsKreamer]

Hello again

My DD is 2 now and loves Winnie the Pooh. She calls him "Pooh-wee". When we go to WDW (She will be 3 then) I want to try to insure she can meet the character. I know from the site where they can be found most often. But was wondering, from you kind folks, what is the best time and best place to get her a picture or two with Pooh and maybe a few minutes for a hug or whatever?

Also a mate of mine went to WDW last year and came back with an autograph from Capt. Jack. Do the characters really do that? How about the cartoon ones?

Last question is on Winnie the Pooh plushes. Can they be found all over in the stores there or is there a place I should check out first to insure my DD can get one? I know I could get one in a Disney Store here but I just think getting her one from WDW while we are there would make it all the more special for her.

What are the possibilities, if she gets to meet Pooh, of having the character give her the plush? I mean buy first and hide it in DW's bag or something and if we see him, kind of sneaky sneaky get him/her to give it to my DD?

Thanks in advance for the answers.
Blitz

Pooh is one busy bear and can found in a variety of places. He has his own special room at the ToonTown Fair(MK), just go into the big circus tent and follow the signs. He can also be found in the UK pavillion in EPCOT. He and Mary Poppins rotate so be sure to ask around to see when he will be out.

Most characters will sign autographes as long as there is time. Characters can only be out so long before they need a potty break(or in Pooh's case a hunny break).

You can purchase Pooh plushes just about anywhere they sell stuff, so you won't have a problem there, although you can check out Pooh's Corner in DTD for all kinds of Pooh merchandise.

HTH
Steph

 

[Kellyscrapbooks]

I would consider a meal at the Crystal Palace. I'm pretty sure you will find the characters there, since it is a Pooh & Friends meal.

 

[CastleCreations]

Pooh can also be found at different times outside the pooh ride in the play area, with Tigger, in the Magic Kingdom. Isn't there a pooh store, A Thoughtful Spot? at Downtown Disney?

 

[twinspluscade]

Hello again

My DD is 2 now and loves Winnie the Pooh. She calls him "Pooh-wee". When we go to WDW (She will be 3 then) I want to try to insure she can meet the character. I know from the site where they can be found most often. But was wondering, from you kind folks, what is the best time and best place to get her a picture or two with Pooh and maybe a few minutes for a hug or whatever?

Also a mate of mine went to WDW last year and came back with an autograph from Capt. Jack. Do the characters really do that? How about the cartoon ones?

Last question is on Winnie the Pooh plushes. Can they be found all over in the stores there or is there a place I should check out first to insure my DD can get one? I know I could get one in a Disney Store here but I just think getting her one from WDW while we are there would make it all the more special for her.

What are the possibilities, if she gets to meet Pooh, of having the character give her the plush? I mean buy first and hide it in DW's bag or something and if we see him, kind of sneaky sneaky get him/her to give it to my DD?

Thanks in advance for the answers.
Blitz

Hi! I second the idea of eating at Crystal Palace in the Magic Kingdom. They have Pooh, Tigger, Eyore, and Piglet. That way your daughter will be guaranteed to meet Pooh, and you won't even have to wait in line!

We also saw Pooh across from the Pooh bear ride one morning, around 10 a.m. Not sure if that's a regular thing, or just happened that day. The bummer is that we had to wait in line for fairly long to meet him--actually it was the longest line we waited in our entire trip ! Pooh was also at the Judge's Tent in ToonTown fair. I think those were the only places we saw him.

As for autographs, pretty much any of the characters will sign. The one exception we saw was Sully (from Monsters Inc) in DIsney studios. We didn't do any autographs anyway; I think they're kind of a PITA especially when you have 3 small kids who would all insist on having one . Just quicker to snap a picture and go!

I'm sure you can find the plush Pooh toys and other merchandise all over WDW. If I remember right they have an entire Pooh-themed store right outside the exit to Pooh's ride. Pooh's ride is really cute, you'll have to be sure to take your daughter on it since she's a Pooh fan .

I don't think they allow the characters to give gifts--but I'm not 100% sure on that. I've read it here on Dis a few times that they don't, the reasoning being that other kids seeing Pooh bear (or any other character) handing a gift out to little Susie or Johnny are then going to feel bad they didn't get a gift. Which makes sense. I know my kids (4,4 3) would feel left out if they saw the kid in front of them receive a toy from a character, and then when it's their turn they don't get anything. But you could always ask the character's "handler" to see for sure if it's allowed or not. Or another idea would be to set the toy out while your DD is sleeping, and tell her Pooh bear left it in the night. .

Kelly

 

[eeyorefan74]

I think she'll love Crystal Palace. The characters make sure to spend time with every child. My DD is a big Pooh fan. We did the Crystal Palace breakfast when she was 3 and it was probably what she remembered most about the trip. She asked to go back there the next trip and we did, for dinner. Have your DD wear something with Pooh on it and point it out to the characters. They'll make a big deal out of it and make her feel special. The character meals are a great place to get autographs without standing in line. The Pooh ride is lots of fun, too, and the store right at its exit should have any Pooh items you may need. Have a great time!

 

[DISNEYFOS]

I vote Crystal Palace as well. Its a nice lunch buffet and she will most definitely get to meet Pooh.

Just a bit of a warning..not sure if your DD has seen "characters" before or comfortable with Santa, Easter Bunny etc?

We've done various character meals with DD and she loves to see them far away but once they get close she's running in the opposite direction.

 

[KristiKelly]

Crystal Palace is a MUST!!!!

 

[trayletha]

I third (fourth?, fifth?) the Crystal Palace, and also in Epcot (England) Pooh and his friends are in a shop at scheduled times. Sorry trying to remember the name of the shop. Got it - The Toy Soldier, you should be able to get the times from Guest Services.

 

[PiperPizzaz]

Give the Pooh to her before meeting Pooh. The characters usually do something (point, etc.) when they see the kids have the same character or a shirt with 'themselves' on it.

Also we saw Pooh at AK in the morning with no line.

 

[deejohn]

We did the Crystal Palace too, and Pooh visited our table!!! That would be a big hit...the food is very good too.

Pooh is also at the Animal Kingdom with friends right outside Dinoland USA.

 

[meeko_33785]

Another option to see Pooh is breakfast at 1900 Park Fare at the Grand Floridian. Pooh is usually in attendance along with one of his friends (usually Tigger or Eeyore, but I've even seen Rabbit there) along with Alice, the Mad Hatter and Mary Poppins. The food is great and the characters were so great. The Toy Shop in UK is also a great opption. It's a little hidden so lines are usually shorter than at some of the other locations he's at. Also, I'm pretty sure that Pooh is not appearing regularly at Toontown anymore since he started appearing at his Playful Spot across from the ride in Fantasyland. He might appear there as a special surprise guest, but he will always be at the Playful Spot.

As far as autographs, most every character will sign autographs in the park. There are a few exceptions (King Louie, Mike and Sully from Monster's Inc) and others like Buzz, Woody, and The Incredibles stamp their signiture. You just need to have a book and pen with you. They do sell both in the gift shops in the parks and resorts.

 

[va32h]

Another vote for the Crystal Palace! We had breakfast there well - I guess it was four years ago now (!), but it was a wonderful way to see the characters in a relaxed environment. My son was 2 at the time, and he was scared of most of the characters, so being in the restaurant allowed him to look at them from a distance, and get comfortable.

I considered it well worth the cost, just to save the time standing in line. And the Crystal Palace food is actually quite good. Your daughter can get a waffle shaped like Pooh if she wants.

Another bonus is that if you make your breakfast reservation early enough, you can get into the parks before opening, which is a great start to getting ahead of the crowd.

Another Pooh story - late that night, my daughter and I were waiting to ride Goofy's Barnstormer in Toontown (my daughter's 6th birthday wish was to stay in MK from opening til closing!) and Pooh came sashaying up the line - he wanted to ride the Barnstormer too! My daughter said something about seeing him at breakfast, and he invited her to ride in the front car with him! I still have the picture, it was hilarious to see Pooh all squashed in the little car.

We are all Pooh lovers at our house, and I am sure you will get to see lots of Pooh at the parks.

 

[Princess Roo]

I agree with what the others have suggested about having the Pooh toy put out while she sleeps...you could do it the morning of breakfast at Crystal Palace if you do that!

Also, do be prepared that she might be terrified of the characters up close. Probably not, but you never know. My DS LOVES them until they come within about 2 feet. He loves telling ME to go give them a hug for him Not a big deal, but I think I would have been disappointed if I hadn't considered that that could have happened beforehand.

 

[blitzen2k7]

MY DD being terrified doesnt bother me. In Cebu where she and my DW are at now they had Pooh at the opening of a store there. My DW saw him from across the mall and "CHARGE!!!" she ran for him like a proverbial blind flying mammal coming out of a very hot place. All the while shouting "Pooh-wee! Pooh-wee!" She ran through a crowd of people to dang near tackle him. I still dont know if the guy in the costume knew what hit him. And she wouldnt let go of him. She wanted to take him home and even took his hand and tried to lead him away.

I like the idea of putting the plush out at night while she is asleep. She is still very young so cant read but I might even go so far as to type something up for her on a card. Then she can take it with her to the breakfast. And as for dressing up she has Pooh tees, dresses, hats, shoes, and even jewelry. So she will most likely be decked out head to toe in Pooh gear.

Of course the next problem is when I meet Goofy and Donald. A 36 year old man going nuts over a couple of people in costumes will probably shock them no end. Though I doubt I will tackle them. Maybe Goofy but come on, he is as tall as me. He can take it. j/k.

Blitz

 

[Princess Roo]

My DW saw him from across the mall and "CHARGE!!!" she ran for him like a proverbial blind flying mammal coming out of a very hot place. All the while shouting "Pooh-wee! Pooh-wee!" She ran through a crowd of people to dang near tackle him. I still dont know if the guy in the costume knew what hit him. And she wouldnt let go of him. She wanted to take him home and even took his hand and tried to lead him away.

It's funny as you meant it, and even funnier if it was actually DW running after Pooh!

Sounds like your daughter is going to have a blast with the characters and you are going to LOVE having her as an excuse to go crazy over them yourself! Have fun!

 

[MamaOfTwoPrincesses]

Your Pooh story made me spit my Diet Coke! You have one special DD for DW to carry on like that!!

Now for Goofy and Donald, I recommend Chef Mickey's, for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. The food is great, and you can see Mickey, Minnie, Pluto, Donald, and Goofy. We also saw them in the Judge's Tent at Toontown and at the Character Connection in Epcot. And you would not be the first adult to go loony upon seeing them either!

 

[MamaOfTwoPrincesses]

Oh, by the way, just had to share this picture of my DD with a friend she made at one of the shops in the MK. (I think this was near the Buzz Lightyear ride in Tomorrowland, as that's where DH and DD1 were at the time.)