Disney character meet and greets -- Needs improvement !

[Disney127]

DD likes to do character meet and greets. We found that the lines were longer at WDW compared to DL but we waited anyways. DD wanted to meet the characters that weren't at DL - Marie, Gaston. We ended using some FP+ for character meets instead of rides.

 

[Nancyg56]

I would not like that plan. It would be long lines imo

 

[mickeyluv'r]

I agree the character greets could be improved. When the Character Spot first opened, it was wonderful! We were able to hop in and see a bunch of characters all at once. I also miss the wandering characters that go back even further!

Unfortunately, Disney increased the signage, visibility, and advertised the space more widely, and then the wait got crazy. Once upon a time, the parks had a number of semi-hidden character spots. Those were also pretty fun!

Character meals leave much to be desired. Originally they were a fun idea, but the idea has runs its course. Too many times we've had lousy food, rushed characters, bad wait staff, and came away feeling price gouged. Further, pictures taken in a crowded restaurant just aren't pretty. There's always dirty dishes, ugly backgrounds, poor lighting, etc.

 

[dkrauss]

Idk...........we did Crystal Palace the day of the WDW Marathon in January. We had an 8:15 ADR and the characters visited 3 times.............3 TIMES! We actually waved them off the 3rd time. For my wife and I the spontaneity of the character meal is very appealing.............also watching little children light up when Tigger or Piglet comes over.............worth the cost of the buffet and more

Doug

 

[redsbe]

The wandering characters were great and we have been to WDW/DL long enough that when our kids were younger that opportunity still existed and we have some great pictures. But alas crowds, costs, and unfortunately the inability of people to form into and respect a receiving line I think largely drove WDW to the Character Spots, meals and greeting venues.

 

[mickeyluv'r]

I would not like that plan. It would be long lines imo

I disagree. Simply put, WDW already has multiple meeting rooms for popular characters like Mickey. Space allowing, they could add as many greeting rooms as they want!

Multi-character areas exited in the past, often with short waits. Mostly I recall groups of two and three, but sometimes more.

I think the full open air greets are horrible, at least the ones on major paths. They are good for WDW, but put princesses out in the open along a main path, and every little girl wants to stop. FLASH! There's a 45minute wait! That's too long!

On the other hand, long waits don't ever have to be part of the equation when character greets are indoors. Disney only manages them that way!

Better yet are unadvertised pop up greets in out of the way places. Those open air greets were magical experiences.

We agree though, there is nothing magical about hour long character lines!

 

[redsbe]

I think managing the crowds (plus cutting costs) has led to current options for character greets. WDW is pretty good about managing space, crowds and lines, that is why I am certain the model of maximum 3 or 4 characters at any site is in place to better manage the line issues. If you do your research and plan for when and how to do character greets it is possible, well perhaps except A&E!!

 

[mickeyluv'r]

The wandering characters were great and we have been to WDW/DL long enough that when our kids were younger that opportunity still existed and we have some great pictures. But alas crowds, costs, and unfortunately the inability of people to form into and respect a receiving line I think largely drove WDW to the Character Spots, meals and greeting venues.

There are still a few, or at least fairly recently we found a few. They just have to be in less crowded areas, and (relatively) unadvertised. In our modern days of technology though, hidden character spots don't last long!

Still, even relatively open areas can be relatively quiet at certain times of day. The path along the back exit of Epcot, mid-afternoon comes to mind. Resort lobbies are another option.

I totally agree guest mis-behavior was a factor. It is also now considered unacceptable for one child to be picked over another one (any child to left out). Some of that is entitlement, but equality is also a factor.

I mean, is it okay for Minnie to ignore boys? Or only boys to be jedi nights?

 

[msnewfie]

I have done character meals, and the proper meet and greet locations yield much better photos.
I wouldn't be doing character meals on my up coming trip. We have thought about it but decided against it since we are not doing a dining plan at this time. Without a meal plan, $30 breakfasts make you think twice.

On a previous trip we were a party of 6. We were very quick and organized getting photos done with each character.
We did individual shots, couple shots, kids shots and family shots. It only took a few minutes and often the group ahead of us was stil doing pictures.