This was 5 yrs ago at WDW, but I went to
MNSSHP with my then 8mo daughter dressed up as a dalmatian. I wanted her picture taken with Cruella. I asked the CM in charge of the line if Cruella could hold my daughter. I was told that the characters weren't allowed to hold the babies but I could ask and see what Cruella would do. So I asked her if I could take a pic of just her and my daughter. Cruella was a great sport. She hrumphed and said, "Well, let's see." She knelt on one knee, propped one knee up, patted that knee and said, "Give me the puppy." We placed my daughter sitting on her knee. Cruella held her in place and talked to her while I took some pictures that turned out really great! When I picked up my daughter, Cruella made a big deal about wanting her puppy back and how I took her puppy away. My daughter doesn't remember it but I had fun! So, it doesn't hurt to ask. You might get a character who is creative in interpreting the rules.
