Just back this week from our 1st ever HHI trip. Last week was considered a 'slow' time. I understand as the season progresses there are more activities etc--Perhaps an old HHI hand will know if the characters show up as the season picks up~
It is not Disney themed, per se, but it
is Disney thoughtful.
When you drive up to the check in you will see faux topiaries of Thumper & Bambi. On the porch of check in there is Shadow's--the Golden Retriever Lodge mascot-- doghouse & if you're very lucky, you just may see Shadow herself! Connie, our checkin CM, when pointing out spots of interest on the resort map just 'happened' to have those spots show up as Mickeys! there are plentiful hidden Mickeys in the rooms & sprinkled throughout the resort. there is a Hidden Mickey tour that will give your friend & her family background on the resort & a good start on spotting those elusive mice.
Broadcreek Mercantile is a
tiny grocery/souvenir shop/DVD rental. There is Mickey merchandise there--a few pin sets & a small number of pins, the Mickey's Really Swell coffee cups, some tees & sweatshirts, character head pens, postcards etc
we didn't see or hear of any characters being about, but neither did we attend any of the kiddie activities--Shadow, the 12 year old Golden R, is very real. While we were there there was a photo/autograph op w/Shadow & her human B'Lou Crabbe-
there is the
DVC channel in room & also a resort channel. Have your friend call up before here arrival & if she has an anniversary or birthday ask if they will run a banner on the resort channel for her. It can even just say 'Welcome so & so Family"
Jean
, but never any of the ones seen at Walt Disney World -- like Mickey or Minnie. 
