Are character hugs back on DCL?

[Disneygirlxo91]

I know someone recently posted a similar thread but hoping some getting off the dream tomorrow might have the answer to this!

I was at Epcot today and we were going to meet a character but I decided I’d love to wait for our cruise on the 30th as sadly to me the parks have lost that magical feeling recently due to changes and just very interesting observations and interactions with cast members the past year in the parks. However I still feel that magic from the cruise ships and the cast members onboard *fingers crossed* hugs from Mickey are back on the ships!

 

[Ohmymonty]

I know someone recently posted a similar thread but hoping some getting off the dream tomorrow might have the answer to this!

I was at Epcot today and we were going to meet a character but I decided I’d love to wait for our cruise on the 30th as sadly to me the parks have lost that magical feeling recently due to changes and just very interesting observations and interactions with cast members the past year in the parks. However I still feel that magic from the cruise ships and the cast members onboard *fingers crossed* hugs from Mickey are back on the ships!

So I followed a travel agent who went on the Magic sailing yesterday. This was on her stories said hugs weren't allowed yet.

 

[HeatherLassell]

For the Fantasy I keep seeing rumours about April 23rd.

 

[Ohmymonty]

For the Fantasy I keep seeing rumours about April 23rd.

I really REALLY hope so. That's the sailing I'm on. I'm hoping maybe it's a "we had to wait until all ships started a sailing after April 18"

I've got all my fingers and toes crossed. And trying not to be irritated by the millions of influencers and travel agents that keep posting that hugs are back on DCL without showing any current proof.

 

[HeatherLassell]

Good luck. I don't sail till May 21 and I don't even really care about character meets myself but I want them back for everyone else.

 

[randumb0]

I know someone recently posted a similar thread but hoping some getting off the dream tomorrow might have the answer to this!

I was at Epcot today and we were going to meet a character but I decided I’d love to wait for our cruise on the 30th as sadly to me the parks have lost that magical feeling recently due to changes and just very interesting observations and interactions with cast members the past year in the parks. However I still feel that magic from the cruise ships and the cast members onboard *fingers crossed* hugs from Mickey are back on the ships!

I expect (hope) they will be back for ours.

 

[Disneygirlxo91]

So I followed a travel agent who went on the Magic sailing yesterday. This was on her stories said hugs weren't allowed yet.

To me this is so strange! You no longer have to socially distanced in Wdw or Disneyland but yet on a cruise ship where everyone expect those under 5 are vaccinated and tested.. make it make sense.

 

[Ohmymonty]

To me this is so strange! You no longer have to socially distanced in Wdw or Disneyland but yet on a cruise ship where everyone expect those under 5 are vaccinated and tested.. make it make sense.

Tell me about it.

I also followed some people who set sail on the Dream on Monday and the stories they posted also show distanced character greetings. I'm pretty devastated. All this mixed news and rumors lol I was trying not to get my hopes up but I guess I did anyways haha

 

[lklgoodman]

To me this is so strange! You no longer have to socially distanced in Wdw or Disneyland but yet on a cruise ship where everyone expect those under 5 are vaccinated and tested.. make it make sense.

Probably because on land if someone were to come down with a serious case of covid they can get to a hospital right away. On the ship it's not as easy if you're far away from a port. The health center isn't set up for serious medical problems. I would think the chances of anyone coming down with a serious case of covid is very slim. You'd think the hooded characters could hug. I can see why the face characters would need to be more cautious. This is just a guess on my part though. We don't do character meets anymore. When we cruised last month, I noticed the lines never had a lot of pople in them like pre-covid cruises. I feel bad for little kids who can't get hugs from the characters. When my dd was younger we would have to pry her from Rapunzel.

 

[Akck]

To me this is so strange! You no longer have to socially distanced in Wdw or Disneyland but yet on a cruise ship where everyone expect those under 5 are vaccinated and tested.. make it make sense.

Most likely because the CDC monitors cruising and not visitors to the parks.

 

[Chipmunkmaniac]

So far they are staying on hold :-( cm have no idea and are dealing with angry guests cause of the specific dcl anouncements on official Disney channels… im hoping they ll be back in time for my TA

 

[Ohmymonty]

I understand why guests could be angry...I feel that same frustration. I saw so many posts and articles about how character greetings were back at "disney world, disney land, and disney cruise line". The ones that seemed the most frustrating to me were the ones from travel agents. I understand they're only saying what they know and what's being repeated 1000 times but it feels different coming from a professional that benefits from me spending money lol. But at the end of the day, it is what it is.

I'm boarding the Fantasy today...I'll try and get an answer regarding this sailing before we leave and report back on those 4/23 Fantasy rumors.

 

[cwis]

Most likely because the CDC monitors cruising and not visitors to the parks.

This.

When everybody seems to act as if Covid had been already cured, it seems reassuring to me that DCL is on the side of caution.

Ships still swings between yellow/green/orange on the CDC website.

 

[randumb0]

I understand why guests could be angry...I feel that same frustration. I saw so many posts and articles about how character greetings were back at "disney world, disney land, and disney cruise line". The ones that seemed the most frustrating to me were the ones from travel agents. I understand they're only saying what they know and what's being repeated 1000 times but it feels different coming from a professional that benefits from me spending money lol. But at the end of the day, it is what it is.

I'm boarding the Fantasy today...I'll try and get an answer regarding this sailing before we leave and report back on those 4/23 Fantasy rumors.

Can you also get a guest count?

 

[Ohmymonty]

Can you also get a guest count?

I'll do my best!

 

[Ohmymonty]

Confirmed, no character hugs. Will ask about passenger count

 

[Disneygirlxo91]

Confirmed, no character hugs. Will ask about passenger count

Thank you for the update. We get on the fantasy when you get off I doubt it will change by then. I wonder if palo brunch buffet is back yet, I’ve heard rumors of end of this month for the fantasy.

 

[Ohmymonty]

Hey, I'm back! Will try to give a better update later. Passenger count was 2200. I didn't do Palo brunch so not sure about the buffet.

 

[randumb0]

No hugs on the 4/30 Fantasy