Characters and big families

[StitchesGr8Fan]

I would let them all have their own autograph books. I wouldn't rush them through either. Each one of them is entitled to the same experience as every other child in the line.

Try not to worry about the people behind you. They could see how many children were in the line when they arrived and chose to wait. It would take the same amount of time if each of your children belonged to a different family or if they are all siblings.

The only thing I wouldn't do is get a million different configurations of group pictures. Like the boys, then the girls, then mom & boy, mom & girl, Dad & boys, Dad & girls, etc.

But, as far as each child having their own individual time and autograph, I would say absolutely do it and don't feel bad at all.

I totally agree. Also, don't wait in line with one or two kids and then let the rest join at the last minute. I think that ticks people off too, like false advertising. If they can see your whole family ahead of them in the line, they can get used to the idea that you will take a little longer with the characters. I don't mean that if someone needs an emergency potty run that you one parent shouldn't take them and then get back in line ASAP. But in general the whole family should wait in line as much as possible.

 

[SunkistJoy]

This is very interesting to me, as a mom of 5 kiddos planning our first DW visit. My kiddos don't know any different, and I think I'm going to only have them get one autograph for the whole group- of course, like everything else, I will probably change my mind on that 27 times before we actually leave . I just don't think we would want to carry around, or find a place at home for, 5 autograph books!

Thanks for the question and all the responses!

 

[Tigger1221]

I agree to let them each get their own pics and autographs. When I see a large family it doesn't bother me. It's the same as being behind 2-3 smaller families. The characters normally don't care either. Since DD was so young with some characters we tried to rush and not take much time but the characters wanted to interact and even made DH get in the picture. It is annoying when 12 people show up who weren't in line though. I understand 1 or 2 small children joining in. I would let each kid get a pic and autograph and then do a group shot.

 

[3pletprincesses]

I have 4 kids and they each get individual pictures with the characters and the older 3 have their autograph books(the 4th is a baby). The days they don't feel like it, it's a group picture of the 6 of us. Let them have their time alone with the characters. It's priceless to see them get all excited.

 

[SmallWorld71]

I would let them all have their own autograph books. I wouldn't rush them through either. Each one of them is entitled to the same experience as every other child in the line.

Try not to worry about the people behind you. They could see how many children were in the line when they arrived and chose to wait. It would take the same amount of time if each of your children belonged to a different family or if they are all siblings.

The only thing I wouldn't do is get a million different configurations of group pictures. Like the boys, then the girls, then mom & boy, mom & girl, Dad & boys, Dad & girls, etc.

But, as far as each child having their own individual time and autograph, I would say absolutely do it and don't feel bad at all.

I agree!

As PP mentioned, having the autograph books open to the page you want signed and having a pen ready will speed up the autograph process.

Also, as far as pictures go, we end up with anywhere between 1-3 per character depending on who it is.
For example, if we are meeting the fairies - it would be one pic with DD then one with all the kids. Or, if it was Stitch, it might be a pic with just the boys and then one with everybody.
I find that if I speak up and say something like - "Buzz - you have been 'Joe's' favorite since he was just a little boy. Would it be all right if we took a quick picture with just 'Joe' and then one with everyone?" that it really helps. The character, the handler, the people behind me, and my own family know what's going on that way, the process goes quickly and nobody grumbles or tries to hurry you along as they know you won't be there too long.

 

[dunbarfamily]

Hi everyone! OP here! Thanks for all the great replies! My kids are excited to be able to get their own pictures and autographs. I guess I was just a chicken and I always feel guilty for taking too long. Same goes for buffets....it takes a long time to fix several plates. But, it is what it is, and I wouldn't have it any other way!

Thank you for all your encouragement and advice! If anyone in line gives me grumbles, I'm coming back to this thread to re-read everyone's kind words.

Have a super day, everyone!

Off to pack...we start our journey today!

 

[jennylyn_b]

Hi everyone! OP here! Thanks for all the great replies! My kids are excited to be able to get their own pictures and autographs. I guess I was just a chicken and I always feel guilty for taking too long. Same goes for buffets....it takes a long time to fix several plates. But, it is what it is, and I wouldn't have it any other way!

Thank you for all your encouragement and advice! If anyone in line gives me grumbles, I'm coming back to this thread to re-read everyone's kind words.

Have a super day, everyone!

Off to pack...we start our journey today!

Have a great trip! Don't let grumbles affect you. I like to chuckle at grumbles... It's the happiest place on earth and they are miserable. Poor people that they can't just enjoy it lol

 

[jana616]

I totally agree with the other posters that you should absolutely let each kid have their book and photo if that's what they want. I have 3 kids and they all get their own autographs, but then we do usually do just one group photo because they don't seem to care. But if they did, I would definitely let them get one by themselves. I also agree with the PPs that I would not let part of the family join another part that had been waiting in line, nor would I get a million configurations, but it sounds like you are a super thoughtful person (just the fact that you are even concerned with how doing the kids alone might affect others proves that!) so I know you never would. Have a great trip!!