best places to see characters without a wait?

[snoopy5386]

As of right now we are not doing a character meal, but that may change. I am looking to get some pics of my DD who will turn 1 during our trip with some characters without waiting forever and ever. I am not sure how she will react to them, so the idea of waiting on line for 30 mins for her to scream once Mickey holds her doesn't really work for me. We will be going the week before Easter.

 

[my3squeals]

I don't know if this helps but characters make various appearances in various places throught out the parks. (ie peter pan and characters often around POTC) Whenever we are in the parks I keep a constant eye out for the character assistants. They are dressed in yellow shirts with black and white cartoon character trim and black shorts or pants. These guys are not hard to spot if you know what you are looking for. These "special" CM's will arrive minutes before characters and designate the "spot" So if you can spot these guys and hang around where the character will be, you may wait but at least you are waiting for a few minutes at the front of the line.

 

[meandtheguys2]

Animal Kingdom entrance. Seems there are always characters in the mornings, and never much of a line. A good trial ground with little time investment!

 

[StitchandPooh'sMom]

Best way to see a character without a wait is to book a character meal. Crystal Palace is good and non-threatening (Pooh and friends). Chef Mickey's is also popular, although it can be VERY loud. (Sometimes that is a good thing with kids, sometimes not!) I would book a meal with her favorite. If she freaks out, you can request that the characters skip your table altogether.

Going the week before Easter, the parks will be very crowded and there will be lines. Not sure if you can get a character meal at this late date, but it is worth a try!

 

[ntink]

We have had great luck at the character connection (not sure if that is the exact name) in the Future World section of EPCOT and also Toontown Fair just before the park closes - the 2 times we went there (ducked in because DD5 is not thrilled about fireworks), they opened all the rooms together so we saw 9 characters in a very short period of time. That being said, we have not been the week before Easter.

 

[A&CsMom]

Also the Character Connection at Future World in EPCOT. It seems like not many people know about it -- last year there were no lines for any of the characters, and they were mostly the "big" ones.

 

[write2caro]

Also the Character Connection at Future World in EPCOT. It seems like not many people know about it -- last year there were no lines for any of the characters, and they were mostly the "big" ones.

Is this the character greeting that is limited to Disney VISA card members, or do the card members just get access at a specific time restricted to them alone at this location?

 

[A&CsMom]

No, its just in a bit of an unusual place, indoors. Look for it on the map, I can't remember it well enough to explain! My son (8) who is reading over my shoulder says its near Innoventions, in the area of the fountain. Hopefully someone else can provide more info!