Character meetings not part of multi-pass?

[RedmonFamily]

So I did a little looking but couldn't read all 83 pages of the multipass thread. On the Disney website they still don't have the character meet and greets like Mickey and the princesses listed. These took a huge chunk of the genie plus passes. I'm concerned with even fewer things to pick from in all the parks that along with the tier system, you're going to be able to get way fewer attractions using the new system then genie plus. Also really long character lines.

 

[HopperFan]

So I did a little looking but couldn't read all 83 pages of the multipass thread. On the Disney website they still don't have the character meet and greets like Mickey and the princesses listed. These took a huge chunk of the genie plus passes. I'm concerned with even fewer things to pick from in all the parks that along with the tier system, you're going to be able to get way fewer attractions using the new system then genie plus. Also really long character lines.

Just my thought process ~ they may not be available for your 3 advance purchase reservations BUT they would be available for day of reservations. Since these characters heavily depend on friend availability ... they can't know until day of if they can cover these meets. Princesses have very narrow body types, short characters need short friends and tall characters need tall friends.

 

[RedmonFamily]

Just my thought process ~ they may not be available for your 3 advance purchase reservations BUT they would be available for day of reservations. Since these characters heavily depend on friend availability ... they can't know until day of if they can cover these meets. Princesses have very narrow body types, short characters need short friends and tall characters need tall friends.

They are included now with genie plus so this wouldn't be why

 

[Kooks and Bay Bay]

Remember it hasn't actually started yet so I wouldn't be concerned until we know for sure.

 

[RedmonFamily]

Remember it hasn't actually started yet so I wouldn't be concerned until we know for sure.

Unfortunately my trip is July 27th so I have to make decisions on the 24th

 

[Dave006]

I'm concerned with even fewer things to pick from in all the parks that along with the tier system, you're going to be able to get way fewer attractions using the new system then genie plus. Also really long character lines.

Only at the MK are there more than 2 attractions removed from the new LLMP offerings. Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade and Enchanted Tales with Belle will now be Standby and the 4 Meet & Greets. The other parks don't have that large number of attractions removed from the LLMP offering.

As we saw with FP+ and Genie+ having these part of the no waiting actually increased the waits for these attractions. There is also no reason that Disney can't add some or all of these attractions back to the LLMP offerings in the future based on guest feedback.

Dave

 

[HopperFan]

They are included now with genie plus so this wouldn't be why

You can not book 3 in advance with Genie+. That is what I am saying, they are not on the list right now because you can't book them in advance. The lists are set up for pre-booking. No reason to list them and confuse everyone if they would only be day of booking.

You will only pre-book from the list presented.

 

[Kooks and Bay Bay]

Unfortunately my trip is July 27th so I have to make decisions on the 24th

I understand. And yeah that's frustrating to be "the test subject". But still you'll just have to wait until the official info is rolled out.
Hope you have a good experience with the new system!

 

[scrappinginontario]

They are included now with genie plus so this wouldn't be why

Guests purchase Genie+ the same day they are using it. This means they can determine how many slots to make available as they know how many friends are available.

 

[afan]

Just my thought process ~ they may not be available for your 3 advance purchase reservations BUT they would be available for day of reservations. Since these characters heavily depend on friend availability ... they can't know until day of if they can cover these meets. Princesses have very narrow body types, short characters need short friends and tall characters need tall friends.

You could prebook them with fp+ though. They may not be up to full character staffing but I don't see this as a reason to not allow them to be prebooked.

 

[DWillowBay]

Just my thought process ~ they may not be available for your 3 advance purchase reservations BUT they would be available for day of reservations. Since these characters heavily depend on friend availability ... they can't know until day of if they can cover these meets. Princesses have very narrow body types, short characters need short friends and tall characters need tall friends.

That's a reasonable thought, HopperFan. Practical and yet gives access to whoever is available.

 

[HopperFan]

You could prebook them with fp+ though. They may not be up to full character staffing but I don't see this as a reason to not allow them to be prebooked.

FP+ was LONG ago, and staffing at Disney has been very different since the COVID closure. Disney has struggled with staffing entertainment, a perfect example is the delays in bringing back Fantasmic.

I see it as a big reason to not allow prebooking ~ it puts unnecessary stress on staffing. There are plenty of things to book in advance, and I'll bet most people are not booking character meets.

 

[scrappinginontario]

Also, I feel Wed we will have a better idea if Character meet ‘n greets are available to book in advance or, possibly day of. Disney still seems to be holding its cards close on the vast majority of details re: LLMP.

 

[HopperFan]

Also, I feel Wed we will have a better idea if Character meet ‘n greets are available to book in advance or, possibly day of. Disney still seems to be holding its cards close on the vast majority of details re: LLMP.

EXACTLY!!!

Everyone wants the answers to everything. Disney is smart in not committing to exact scenarios because they might make adjustments as they go along.

Years ago before all this digital, MDE, online, etc we managed to survive our trips ... and we will still survive. And even if you think you have something solid there is always the fine print that Disney can change anything anytime. Just best to plan what you can and be prepared to be a bit flexible.

 

[unveilmyeyes]

yes

 

[sponica]

The theories I heard were A) having them as LL made the standby waits so extremely ridiculous, that moving it all to SB will be faster for everyone. B) It's really hard to find friends for characters these days, a lot of talent left Orlando during the shutdown and didn't come back.

 

[CarolynFH]

The theories I heard were A) having them as LL made the standby waits so extremely ridiculous, that moving it all to SB will be faster for everyone. B) It's really hard to find friends for characters these days, a lot of talent left Orlando during the shutdown and didn't come back.

Yes, could be a bit of both. I think the effect of B is often underestimated on these forums.

 

[HopperFan]

Yes, could be a bit of both. I think the effect of B is often underestimated on these forums.

THIS^

Too many think you just throw a person of approximate size in the costume. It is much more complicated.

I have friends who were Disney friends and it is very narrow in body requirements, you go through training for each specific character and for those who do autographs you have to pass that as well. It's not like "hey Susie you are the right size for Eeyore, take a shift". Susie isn't trained on Eeyore mannerisms and behaviors, or his signature. Can't have a friend of Cinderella take Tangled just because she's a face character ... no training in voice inflections, physical movements, stories and info in their head or signature. Scheduling is likely a crazy puzzle for each day to cover all parks & meals, all characters, all shifts and work within the pay structures for the location. (meals, meets, parade ... all different levels)

After COVID Disney entertainment jobs were no longer high demand. Our youth were no longer interested in working hard hours, in characters for minimal pay. Fantasmic was ready to go but they couldn't get enough people hired for the characters so the long delay. It just isn't the plus on one's resume like it used to be.

 

[CarolynFH]

Too many think you just throw a person of approximate size in the costume. It is much more complicated.

Yes, I think of those like Cinderellas' stepsisters, who not only have to fit the body type and mannerisms, etc., but also have to be skilled in improvisation when interacting with guests.

 

[tom1944]

We have been seeing characters at character meals. I was surprised how popular they were at the parks. The only characters we do at the parks have been basically walk ups.