How do character greets work?

[Aidensmum]

Thinking of booking FP+ for character greet at Epcot. No ones desperate to meet characters (esp our 13 yo boys) but keen to get a couple of photos and say we've seen Mickey. Can we go in as a group of 6 or do we go one at a time? Grandparents are keen to take the 2 year old and my husband and I want to see the toddlers reaction too.
Can we take photos of the kids with our own camera?
Thanks

 

[hurley41]

I haven't personally seen a group of six, but I don't see why not, we had a group of five and had some with all of us and had other combos of just kids, kids with grandma, etc. Yes you can take photos with your camera or if you ask the photographer or handler will also take a pic with your camera. They'll have three characters to meet at the character spot and you go right down the line meeting each of them separately.

 

[Mouse of Mystery]

We had a great experience with that character greet (and all of them, really) and never felt rushed at all. We were able to take multiple poses and change up groups in the photos. The characters themselves even suggested a few poses. Any CM there would gladly take a photo for you.

 

[Kimosabe]

We had a group of eight when we saw "talking" Mickey in the Magic Kingdom. Two families of four were together, and they let us get pretty much every photo that we wanted (kids only, this family, that family, both families together, etc.). Can't imagine the Character Spot at Epcot would treat you any differently. We've always had very friendly experiences with the characters and the CMs who are guiding the guests through the gauntlet.

 

[gtpoohbear]

I've seen some very large groups, 6 won't be a problem and it's a lot of fun- you can get multiple poses with each character and do some silly ones too.

Just remember that if you are using FP, everyone entering the line (even if not actually meeting the character) will have to have a FP.

 

[mshanson3121]

Thinking of booking FP+ for character greet at Epcot. No ones desperate to meet characters (esp our 13 yo boys) but keen to get a couple of photos and say we've seen Mickey. Can we go in as a group of 6 or do we go one at a time? Grandparents are keen to take the 2 year old and my husband and I want to see the toddlers reaction too.
Can we take photos of the kids with our own camera?
Thanks

Yes, you can definitely go in as a group of 6 We were a group of 6, and had no problem with all of us going in - you just book your FP+ for 6 They're really great, and will allow photos of just the kids and the character, of the kids and you, of the grandparents and kids etc... Basically whatever you want. And yes, you can take photos on your camera too. Typically, they let you take your photos first, then they will take their photos. They will also take photos with your camera if you ask.

 

[scrapquitler]

Yes you can all go as a group. The photographer will take pictures and scan your MB, and they will also take pictures with your camera for you if you want them to.

 

[tobikaye]

Using FP+ for a character greeting is really no different than using FP+ for an attraction such as Jungle Cruise. Everyone scans there MB or ticket at the FP+ scanner and enters the line. Then when you get to the main attraction/character you let the CM know how many people you have or enter as a group.

 

[PantherPete]

Generally speaking spend as much time as you need with the characters. Just be cognizant that others are waiting and be reasonable about it, i.e. if there are 6 of you, there are several dozen potential combinations of who is in the picture - don't do every one - just hit the highlights, like each kid by themselves, 1 with just the kids, 1 with the kids and parents, 1 with the kids and grandparents, 1 with the whole crew, 1 with Dad and his favorite (I always like to get my own with Goofy). This should take you about 1 to 2 minutes, tops, with each character. Most people won't find a problem with that. But if you try to get every possible combo done, try to start conversations, give them 12 different cameras, phones and IPADS to take pictures with, I would think the rest of the line would start to get pretty perturbed.

 

[DisneyAnytime]

Generally speaking spend as much time as you need with the characters. Just be cognizant that others are waiting and be reasonable about it, i.e. if there are 6 of you, there are several dozen potential combinations of who is in the picture - don't do every one - just hit the highlights, like each kid by themselves, 1 with just the kids, 1 with the kids and parents, 1 with the kids and grandparents, 1 with the whole crew, 1 with Dad and his favorite (I always like to get my own with Goofy). This should take you about 1 to 2 minutes, tops, with each character. Most people won't find a problem with that. But if you try to get every possible combo done, try to start conversations, give them 12 different cameras, phones and IPADS to take pictures with, I would think the rest of the line would start to get pretty perturbed.

This ^^^. Everyone deserves to feel special and have as much fun as possible with the characters without being rushed, but just remember how long that line is behind you! Have an idea going in of what groupings you want in the pics and be ready to drop your park bag, have the baby out of the stroller, etc, as soon (or just before) it is your turn to step up and meet the mouse.

Photopass photographers are great about using your camera and helping you get your own pics in addition to the ones they will take. Character meals are another great opportunity for some group character interactions as well.