Character Meet & Greets: Where's Mickey?!?!?!

mfoster45

Earning My Ears
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Aug 30, 2012
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Hello everyone! My name is Mike and I am fellow Disney fan like yourself. I've decided to start this thread to help people with the wonderful interactions that guest sometimes miss within the parks, Character Meet & Greets. I feel that these attractions in the parks are so much fun for the ENTIRE family and are unqiue to the Disney Parks. Unfortuantely, due to safety reasons, you don't really see characters running around the parks, especially at WDW, like you would ten years ago. Now characters are now mostly in Character Spots that are sometimes hidden or you just miss. Also, sometimes people don't know what to do when they meet a character, It's not like a ride where you sit and everything happens infront of you, you get what you put into it. But that's why I'm making this thread! Character Meet & Greet are soooo much fun and they create wonderful individual memories in the parks. SO LET'S GET STARTED!!!

I've started this thread to help with locations, characters, times, advice and special events. This is just my first post, so give me some time and I'll get a majority of the basic information up. But if you have a questions right now, just let me know!

Thanks guys!
 
Hello everyone! My name is Mike and I am fellow Disney fan like yourself. I've decided to start this thread to help people with the wonderful interactions that guest sometimes miss within the parks, Character Meet & Greets. I feel that these attractions in the parks are so much fun for the ENTIRE family and are unqiue to the Disney Parks. Unfortuantely, due to safety reasons, you don't really see characters running around the parks, especially at WDW, like you would ten years ago. Now characters are now mostly in Character Spots that are sometimes hidden or you just miss. Also, sometimes people don't know what to do when they meet a character, It's not like a ride where you sit and everything happens infront of you, you get what you put into it. But that's why I'm making this thread! Character Meet & Greet are soooo much fun and they create wonderful individual memories in the parks. SO LET'S GET STARTED!!! I've started this thread to help with locations, characters, times, advice and special events. This is just my first post, so give me some time and I'll get a majority of the basic information up. But if you have a questions right now, just let me know! Thanks guys!

Kenny the Pirate's site has a lot of info on Character Meet and Greets. You may want to take a look...

http://kennythepirate.com/
 
If you want a unique experience, you should really check out Talking Mickey - it's not guaranteed that you will meet the "talking" version, but we got to see him on our last trip in November and I just loved it! I mean, my kids loved it! :goodvibes

My strategy with our kids (well, really my daughter as my boys were too shy this last trip) is we have her think of a question for each character. That way it starts a conversation, instead of just shoving an autograph book in their face. We always do an autograph book, though.

Some of my favorite interactions have been when my daughter really got comfortable with talking with the characters - like asking Alice what her favorite flower was or asking Aladdin and Jasmine where Abu was. She loves character meet and greets!
 
Hollywood Studios:
  • Animation Courtyard: This is one of my favorite places to meet characters because you can meet a bunch in one location! This is home to several characters hang out: Mickey dressed as the Sorcerers Apprentice, Mr. Incredible, Frozone, Ralph, Vanellope Von Schweetz, and much more! You never know who might show up!
  • In font of the Hat: Sometimes you can catch Goofy, Donald, and Pluto hanging out in front of the hat
  • Buzz and Woody: Across From Toy Story Midway Mania. This gets very busy and can be overwhelming. Make sure if you want to meet these characters, you put it on your to do list as soon as you get into the park.
    Green Army Men: Wandering around Pixar Place throughout the day.
  • Phineas and Ferb: Next to Mama Melrose's.
  • Lighting McQueen and Mater: Next to Mama Melrose's and Phineas and Ferb. They are there all the time and the wait is generally not that long.
  • Hollywood and Vine: If your kinds like Playhouse Disney, you will want to make a dining reservation here. You will get to meet the stars of Playhouse Disney.
 

We never miss a character meal at Crystal Palace and Chef Mickey's. Great food and plenty of interaction with the characters.
 
Last week we met Mickey, Minnie, and Goofy at Epcot with no line. We didn't even know what we were getting in line for. It said 5 minute wait so we went in. We were THRILLED when we realized it was to meet Mickey. It was the Epcot Character Spot.
 
Last week we met Mickey, Minnie, and Goofy at Epcot with no line. We didn't even know what we were getting in line for. It said 5 minute wait so we went in. We were THRILLED when we realized it was to meet Mickey. It was the Epcot Character Spot.

This is one of the funniest things I have seen on these boards.

Was the conversation like this (meant as humor):

"I don't want to wait in any more dig dang long lines"

"Look, here's one with a 5 minute wait"

"Quick, get in line"

"What's this for anyway?"

"I don't know, but we only have to wait 5 minutes"
 
This is one of the funniest things I have seen on these boards.

Was the conversation like this (meant as humor):

"I don't want to wait in any more dig dang long lines"

"Look, here's one with a 5 minute wait"

"Quick, get in line"

"What's this for anyway?"

"I don't know, but we only have to wait 5 minutes"

LOL, pretty much. It was our first time at WDW :) We had a few mins to kill before our dinner reservation.
 
This is one of the funniest things I have seen on these boards.

Was the conversation like this (meant as humor):

"I don't want to wait in any more dig dang long lines"

"Look, here's one with a 5 minute wait"

"Quick, get in line"

"What's this for anyway?"

"I don't know, but we only have to wait 5 minutes"

:lmao: That made me smile too. :)
 
This is one of the funniest things I have seen on these boards.

Was the conversation like this (meant as humor):

"I don't want to wait in any more dig dang long lines"

"Look, here's one with a 5 minute wait"

"Quick, get in line"

"What's this for anyway?"

"I don't know, but we only have to wait 5 minutes"

The scary part is when we saw this happen on Dec. 26 - going thru Fantasyland, Small World was at like 90 minutes or 2 hours or something. We overheard someone asking someone else what they were in line for (they were in line for Small World) and they said they didn't know! :scared1:
 
Hello everyone, thank you for responding already to this thread. I'm really excited to get rolling on this.

Thank you Itinkso, http://kennythepirate.com/ is a great tool for Character hunting, I just wanted to get something on the Boards about about C&M due to all of the traffic that this website receives.

Another great App for C&Ms is the My Disney Experience App. I don't care how people feel about MyMagic+, the app is an amazing tool to help you in the park to save time and energy, which helps you SAVE MONEY!

Although I am posting about M&Gs, these are always subject to change. Sometimes weather, refurbishments, or management will change things up on you. So if you want to meet a specific Character, I always suggest refering to your map/MDE app or one of the Blue Character Attendant Cast Memebers.

I'm first going to talk about the Magic Kingdom with the a list of Characters, location, times, outside or inside.

Magic Kingdom:

Townsquare/Main Street

Mickey Mouse Town Square Theater is where you can meet, 'talking' Mickey. This attraction is AMAZING and is a must see for every single person in the park. It can have a long line, but FP+ is avalible if need be.
Multiple CharactersWelcome show: Typically 15 mins prior to the park opening there is a little show on the Train Station that people can watch, if you love characters this a wonderful way to see them. All of the Character in the show leave to their respective M&G locations, so go find them! Outside
Pluto Town Square Theatre Right in the center by the flagpole. parkopening until 3pm. Outside location
Marie Town Square Theatre Right in the center by the flagpole. parkopening until 3pm. Outside location
Mary Poppins next to Town Hall (guest relations) on the left side of Town square. Check times guide. Outside location
Main St. residents Throughout the morning, great to interact and play with, no set location, just wandering the streets

Adventureland:

Jasmin and Aladdin Currently at the Adventureland bridge, they're typically in the shops by the Magic Carpet ride, but its under construction. Check Times guide. Outside Location.
Tinker Bell and Friends Tinker Bell's Magical Nook, located just before Dole Whip on the right. Tinker Bell is always there, but sometimes she'll have her little sister Perrywinkle or Terrence. Meeting All Day in an inside location

Frontierland:

Woody and Jessie Splash Mountain Exit Courtyard, right after the bathrooms. Typically all day. Outside Location.
Country Bears and Brer Rabbit and Fox This is actually called Hoedown and its located in front of the CBJ. Since the Parade is down for the next month or two, they do a fun show, typically 6 times a day. If your kids like shows, go to this, it reminds me of old Disney, when characters would just roam. Check Times Guides, Outside location
Chip and Dale Rivers of America Crossing, across from The Diamond Horseshoe. Typically in the Moring and Early Afternoon. Outside Location

Liberty Square:

Tiana and Naveen located at Tiana's Garden Glen, just behind the Ye Ol'Christmas Shop. Naveen isn't always there, but you can catch him every now and them. Check Times Guides, typically all day. Outside Location

Fantasyland:

Peter Pan and Wendy Darling Neverland Map located opposite to the Repunzel Bathrooms. Check Times Guides, typically in the moring and early Afternoon. Outside location
Princess Fairytale Hall This is where you can get your Princess fix. This is one of the new inside M&G areas. There are two lines, a Cinderella Line and a Repunzel Line, you can only choose one at a time. You meet two Princesses, Typically Snow White will be with Repunzel and Aurora will be with Cinderella, but it is always subject to change. These lines can be long, if you really want to meet them, getting a FASTPASS+ wouldn't hurt. All Day, Inside
Stepfamily These are Cinderella's Step Family, sometimes you can catch them riding the Carousel in the wee hours of the moring. They're located typically at the Castle Wall into the Fantasyland Forest (New Fantasyland) Best to just ask a Cast Member, only in the Mornings. Outside
Fairy Godmother Cinderella's Wishing well, the pathway towards Tomorrowland from Fantasyland. Check Times guides, only in the Morning, Outside location
Pooh and Tigger Thotful Spot, infront of the Winnie the Pooh Ride. All Day, Outside Location
Alice, White Rabbit, Madhatter Mad Tea Party Gardens, across from Cosmic Ray's by the Teacups. Alice and White Rabbit will always be there, but sometimes the Madhatter makes an apperence. Morning to early Afternoon. Outside Location
Merida On the pathway inbetween Fantasyland and Tomorrowland next to the castle. One of the bes M&G areas on property. Really fun for the entire family. It typically has a long line, and no FP+ so plan a good chunk of your time to do this. All day, Outside.

Fantasyland Forest (New Fantasyland)

Gaston In front of his Tavern. Morning to early afternoon, really fun meet and greet. Check Times Guide, Outside
Enchanted Tales with Belle This is an AMAZING attraction. The ride takes you through the story of Beauty and the Beast told by the guest, Wardrobe, Belle, and Lumiera. Really fun for the whole family. All day, inside
Ariel Ariel's Grotto located next to her attraction. Really fun and cool meet and greet. Can typically have a long line during peak times, you may want a FASTPASS+ for this. All day, Inside.

Story Book Circus:

Pete's Silly SideShow
Daisy and Minnie Located in the back corner of the Circus, All day inside location. Typically a small wait because it's so far in the back of the park. It's a really fun place, especially at night when it's slow.
Donald and Goofy Located in the back corner of the Circus, All day inside location. Typically a small wait because it's so far in the back of the park. It's a really fun place, especially at night when it's slow.

Tomorrowland:

Stitch Close to the dance party area where Stitch 626 use to be. Stitch is always a great character to meet. Morning to early Afternoon, Outside.
Buzz Lightyear By the exit of his ride and Carousel of Progress. All day, Outside.
Mr. & Mrs. Incredible and Frozone This is a Fun dance party that happens during the evening. The Characters do not sign or pose for pictures, but if you go up to them you can get some really cool action shots of the Characters. Mid-afternoon to Evening Outside.

Dining:

Crystal Palace:
Pooh, Tigger, Eeyore, and Piglet Wonderful place to grab breakfast. The characters are great and who doesn't want to give poor Eeyore a hug. Of course you have to be dining there to meet the Characters. All day Dining.

Cinderella's Royal Table:
Princess apalooza here Princesses are subject to change and vary from Cinderella, Snow White, Tiana, Ariel(leg form) Aurora, and Belle. Expensive dining and okay food. This place is only worth it for the atmosphere and the Princesses. All day, need reservation

Be Our Guest:
Belle and Beast This is technically not Character dining. The characters do not travel around to all the tables like the other restaruants. You have the option to have at M&G at the enterance of the restaruant. ONLY FOR DINNER not lunch. Need reservation.

Parades:

Move it, Shake it, Celebrate it: This is a wonderful parade that happens multiple times during the day. It starts in Town Square and moves to the Castle hub where it stops and has an interactive dance party. Characters do not sign or pose for pictures, but its a great time to get some action shots of everyone. Check you Times guide for Parade Times
Characters: Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Chip and Dale, Baloo, King Louie, Woody, Jessie, Mr. Incredible, Frozone, Madhatter, Genie, Lumiera, and Sabastian

The Main Street Electrical Parade: Yes, I know this is an old parade and Spectro is so much better, but it is classic Disney parade and I love it. This is a full Parade that starts in Town Square and goes all the way to Frontierland. Great way to kill time before the Fireworks. If there are two showings of this parade, I suggest going to the second, the crowds are less intense.
Characters: Tinkerbell, Goofy, Minnie, Mickey, White Rabbit, Alice, Gus Gus, Jock, Perla, Suzie, Cinderella, Fairy Godmother, Prince Charming, Step Sisters, Court Dancers, Peter Pan, Captain Hook, Mr. Smee, Snow White and the 7 Dwarves, Pleasure Island Boys, Pinocchio, Pete, and Finale Girls.

Celebrate a Dream Come True: This Parade has been closed.

Festival of Fantasy: This is the new Parade that will be opening sometime in March(Rumors) that will feature many many many characters. This parade is going to be unbelieveable, I can't wait to see it.


That sums up the daily Characters at Magic Kingdom. Of course these are always subject to change at any moment. If you really want to see lot of Characters check out special events such as Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween and Mickey's Very Merry Christmas. These events have tons of rare characters that you only get to meet during special times of the year.

Post if you have any questions. Thanks for reading and Have fun Character hunting!
 
Wow! Great job.

Update: Rosetta is now meeting with Tink!... beginning 2/4.
 
Wow thank you so much!

I heard a very strong rumor that Tinkerbell will be moving to the town hall and all the other fairy's will be discontinued.... If so it's a shame, but what do you guys think the building will be used for?
 
Yes Rosetta has now started meeting with Tinkerbell starting today. The Magical Nook is a really cool place to meet Tinkerbell. When you walk in you go through a 'magical tunnel' that brings you down to tinkerbell's size. It's well themed and indoor (get away from that darn heat).
 
If you did not know, you can now choose a Character Meet & Greet as one of your new FastPass+ Options. Here is a list of Characters for FP+

Magic Kingdom:
Mickey Mouse, Town Square Theatre
Cinderella or Repunzel, Princess Fairytale Hall
Ariel: Ariel's Grotto

Epcot:
Mickey, Goofy, Minnie, Character Spot

DHS:
None

Animal Kingdom:
Mickey and Minne, Adventure Outpost

If your kids love Characters, look into getting a FP+, especially if you're going to Magic Kingdom, those lines can get long.

Thanks again!
 
Just as before these are always suubject to change, I always suggest checking your times guides as well as asking the blue character attendant for any questions that you have on the day you're in the park. Let me know if you have any questions.

Right now I'm just going through the basic locations, I'll soon be posting about signature books and activities to do with characters. So stay tuned if you're bored with this.

Epcot:

Futureworld:
Pluto, THE BEST PUP IN THE WORLD! He is located at the Front Entance of the park, just right before walking under Spaceship Earth. The line can look intimidating in the morning, but it can go fast. Plus, the line become none exsistant come the early afternoon, I suggest going then. Park Opening until Mid-Afternoon, Outside.
Mickey, Goofy, Minnie Character Spot, Future World West (On the way to The Land) Pluto use to be them, but now he's in the front. This is a great place to see the three popular characters in a short amount of time. They're also in their classic garm. FP+ All day, indoors
Chip and Dale Just past Caracter Spot on the left, Morning to Mid Afternoon. Outdoors, if it's raining, they'll go inside next to Character Spot.
Figment and Dreamfinder Just kidding, why would Disney put Epcot's mascot out?

World Showcase:
Duffy yes, Duffy, a gigantic stuffed teddybear. Just to the left when you enter WS. Outside, Opening of WSC (OWS) to evening
Mexican Donald Just past the Mexican Pavillion on the left. He's Mexican outfit and its really cute. OWS into the Evening. Outside.
Anna and Elsa The newest Characters to the Disney Family. This a great place to meet these two, also the ONLY place. The line can get very long, 2hrs+ so if you want to do this, you better get there early or else plan a good chunk of your time watching the Norway boat almost fall of the rocks every 7 seconds. All Day Inside.
MulanAt the China Pavillion, just under the arch, sometimes she'll be inside. OWS to evening, Outside. Sometimes Mushu will be there, but it's very rare.
Snow WhiteGermany Pavillion, right before the Pavillion. WSO to evening, Outside. She does have a rain location if it's raining.
Aladdin and Jasmine Morocco, all the way in the back. Usually both of them are there, but not all the time.
BelleFrance, on the Lagoon side. Outside WSO early Evening
Aurora France, To the right of the pavillion, kind of by the international water way. Outside WSO early Evening
Mary PoppinsEngland, By the English gardens, towards the The International Gateway. Check Times Guides Outside
Alice Same spot as Mary Poppins, Check Times Guides Outside
Tigger and Pooh In the way back of England, there's a small Meet and Greet place that has Tigger and Pooh. Inside, all day.

Dining:

The Garden Grill: Chip and Dale, Mickey, & Pluto. This is a great resturant, with great characters and food. The resturant isn't that big, so you'll get a chance to see the characters multiple times. Plus, the resturant moves! Dinner only.

Norway: Akershus Royal Banquet Hall. Your typical Princesses are in attendance while you eat. All Princesses are subject to change, Food is good, and the characters are wonderful as always. If you love Princesses but can't afford Cinderella's Royal Table, check this place out.

American Pavillion, Convention Center, and International Gateway Random Characters:
Sometimes from 11am-3pm random Character will just appear in three different places.
Just to the left of the American Pavillion, there is a long stretch of walkway to a Service fence. One day I was there and 7 characters just random walked out! From Mickey Mouse to Max... very weird and random.
Inbetween England and Canada there is a big gate that usually has CMs standing infront of it. This leads to a huge convention center that they hold events for F&W and F&G festivals, but sometimes random assortments of characters will be there too.
Last but not least, The International Gateway will have random characters as well. The 'Backdoor' of Epcot. I meet Repunzel and Flynn there back in October.
So always check these three places when you're walking around the World Showcase, you never know when someone might appear.


Basically, Epcot is a great place for Characters. You can meet alot of princesses and your main VIPs. Epcot generally has shorter lines then MK does, plus there are far less attractions at Epcot, so you can take your time Character hunting.

Thanks for reading!
 

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