Character M&Gs: Worth it to Pay for Information?

[ambellina]

I'm excited about doing meet and greets with characters during regular park hours. If I'm using the Times Guide, do I really need to buy a subscription somewhere else online? From what I can tell, everything I need to know is already easily accessible. What am I missing out on that other people are paying for?

 

[pitpat]

If characters are a priority, Kenny's site is absolutely worth it. His info is actually more accurate than Disney's in many cases. It's the only info that I pay for.

 

[ambellina]

If characters are a priority, Kenny's site is absolutely worth it. His info is actually more accurate than Disney's in many cases. It's the only info that I pay for.

Could you please explain how his information is more accurate? Is his more accurate about times, locations, both?

 

[pitpat]

His times have been more up to date. There is a lot of info besides characters as well.

Here are some of the characters we've met in our two trips this year (not at parties) thanks to his info: Meeko, Mushu, Brer Fox & Brer Rabbit, Genie, Pinocchio and Gepetto, Robin Hood, Mary Poppins with Bert, a bunch of Country Bears in addition to regular characters who are always out.

 

[ktlm]

Kenny the Pirate is 100% worth it. We have found his times to be more accurate than the WDW app. He has tips for meeting the characters with the best waits. His character locator is very helpful to plan in advance your most important characters and the best time to see them. Also, you said the "times guide"- the paper times guide does not have that many of the characters listed and it doesn't show their break times etc. The WDW app is supposed to have them all listed day by day- but we have found it is not always accurate.

 

[mountdew1]

The times guide may say "Character meets intermittently throughout the day". KtP (assuming that is the site you are mentioning) will usually say specifically when the sets start/end which can help you to plan.

 

[ConnecticutNonna]

Agree with everyone about KtP!!!
His is the most accurate, up to the minute information available. Including wait times!

 

[3gr8boys]

I used www.kennythepirate.com interaction tips during character meals on our last trip- really made the experience more fun.

 

[only hope]

As others have said, not all characters are listed on Disneys app or website. Locations can be vague, especially for the parties. Break times are often not shown. The way the information is set up on the app is not easy to use. In addition to a bad set up for getting to information, it won’t show you future times beyond the current day. KtP is worth the money if you are really into meeting characters.

 

[DazzleT]

I have not used and since I am not going until end of sept 2019, my one year would run out before I went if I purchased now. But I did notice on the Facebook page for the above mentioned person, there is coupon code for 20% off. Just if you do decide to get it, you might want to check out the Facebook posts first.

 

[Katie Dawn]

Yes, KtP is great! It's like $4 which is NUTHIN'. Just get it and decide for yourself.

 

[subtchr]

Yes, it is worth it.

I pay for TP and KtP, for the extra tips, info, and services they provide (room fax for TP).

How much are you spending on your trip? Thousands. How much are these subscriptions, to enhance that expensive trip? About $10? It’s a no-brainer for me.

 

[Chrislovesdisney]

Does it include the princesses that roam Epcot? Those are really the only m&g we’d be interested in at this juncture...

 

[ConnecticutNonna]

Does it include the princesses that roam Epcot? Those are really the only m&g we’d be interested in at this juncture...

No princesses "roam" anywhere.
As @subtchr stated it's a minor (very minor) expense on a very costly, (maybe once in a lifetime) trip.
Yes, it gives you information on all 6 parks (including both water parks) characters, including where they meet, how long they meet for, times, including breaks. None of that information is available on any official Disney website. If you were to believe Disney's ads, you would have all of the characters roaming around all of the time. It just doesn't happen that way. It's understandable that this is your first visit and you're trying to separate what's important and what's not for expenses. But both KtP and Touring Plans are worth every nickle! In fact they are a bargain for all the information you get.
Think of it as buying a very expensive new car or house. You do all your homework first, check out the structure, do a preliminary walk through, learn about schools, neighborhoods, etc. This is no different. You are getting insider information at very little cost to you that will incredibly enhance your visit.
No one on The Dis will steer you wrong. There is a ton of useful information here by Disney veterans. Trust them

 

[pd1138]

I wish we subscribed before going to MNSSHP last month. The guide MK gives you as you enter the Halloween party only shows you where “a character” meets. Total disaster for us as I was constantly going up to the end of the lines to find out which character was at the front of the line. The CMs in blue shirts kept telling me the app would drop with the character times when the party started at 7pm. But, most of the people knew where to go for what character when they entered the party,,,.,me, a newbie, started looking at 6:30 pm before the official party started to only find out we were already too late as many characters had long lines already. Next trip I will subscribe!

 

[ktlm]

Does it include the princesses that roam Epcot? Those are really the only m&g we’d be interested in at this juncture...

The Princesses don't "roam". They have set meet and greet spots with set times. The lines can be long. Occasionally, the line will be cut off before they even come out. Kenny has all of them listed with all their set times, and break times and also has tips for when to get in line for the shortest waits. My DD has always been a Princess nut and wanted to meet them all even if we had already seen them at a character meal-- Kenny's schedules and tips were a HUGE help.

 

[Chrislovesdisney]

The Princesses don't "roam". They have set meet and greet spots with set times. The lines can be long. Occasionally, the line will be cut off before they even come out. Kenny has all of them listed with all their set times, and break times and also has tips for when to get in line for the shortest waits. My DD has always been a Princess nut and wanted to meet them all even if we had already seen them at a character meal-- Kenny's schedules and tips were a HUGE help.

Thank you. I didn’t realize it was so planned. I should have figured!

 

[Chrislovesdisney]

This is probably my 12th time at Disney but the first time with my girls (other than infant-aged) so I never paid much attention!

 

[d-train]

Kenny is the way to go is characters are important to you. Or if attraction/show times are important to you.

There have been instances he was correct, and the printed schedule at the park is incorrect...

Worth the couple of bucks - after paying WDW for the tickets, hotel, food, etc... - it really is a minor expense with good return on investment.