Let me get this straight (Anna/Elsa)

[dc1969]

There really isn't a hope in well, h-e double hockey sticks, that my 4yr old is ever going to be able to meet Anna & Elsa, is there? We're new to the whole DisneyWorld thing and completely clueless about fast passes etc. Back when we went to DisneyLand 10yrs ago, we used the system for rides, not characters. We waited in line like everyone else. Is this not how things work? Omg...she's going to be so upset, this is going to ruin her trip

 

[Disneylover99]

Well there is always the standby line. I'm thinking if you get to MK for rope drop and high tail it over to the Fairytale Hall first thing, the lines shouldn't be too bad. But you've got to get there ASAP!!

 

[Missyrose]

There really isn't a hope in well, h-e double hockey sticks, that my 4yr old is ever going to be able to meet Anna & Elsa, is there? We're new to the whole DisneyWorld thing and completely clueless about fast passes etc. Back when we went to DisneyLand 10yrs ago, we used the system for rides, not characters. We waited in line like everyone else. Is this not how things work? Omg...she's going to be so upset, this is going to ruin her trip

Anna and Elsa are meeting at Epcot through April 19 (there is no FP+ available for that meet and greet). On April 20th, they move to Princess Fairytale Hall at Magic Kingdom, where FP+ WILL be available. All guests, onsite and off, can now make advance FP+ reservations.

So your 4-year-old can meet Anna and Elsa, it's just a matter of figuring out how to go about it.

 

[dc1969]

Anna and Elsa are meeting at Epcot through April 19 (there is no FP+ available for that meet and greet). On April 20th, they move to Princess Fairytale Hall at Magic Kingdom, where FP+ WILL be available. All guests, onsite and off, can now make advance FP+ reservations.

So your 4-year-old can meet Anna and Elsa, it's just a matter of figuring out how to go about it.

How does one make a reservation for a fast pass? We won't be in Florida till the 19th and MK after that, so it'd definitely be there.

 

[Wendybird55]

I am not a definitive expert in meeting Frozen characters...but how the "meet and greet" thing works...There are various places in the parks designated for character meet and greets. Many of them are in areas specific to the characters...like you will see Hook near Peter Pan ride or Aladdin and Jasmine near Aladdin Carpets in MK or Morocco in EPCOT. The characters usually have certain times they come out...people line up and when the characters come out you get to meet and greet in order of line. Sometimes while on line the character needs to leave for a break but returns and the CMs will let you know.

Camp Minnie & Mickey in AK has lots of characters. The animation building in DHS usually has characters as well. Princesses are very popular and they now have princess hall to for meet and greets.

Don't despair...FP+ is not necessary to meet Anna and Elsa. They are very popular now, but all you need to do is make sure you know where they meet and greet (people on Dis will know that) and what the schedule usually is. Get there early and start waiting on line before they arrive and you should get to see them.

When are you going? If it's a less crowded time your chances will be better.

You can set up a My Disney Experience account online and link your
park tickets to be able to make FP+ choices. If you are staying on property you can make your FP+ selections up to 60 days before you arrive. If you are staying offsite it looks like soon you will be able to make them 30 days before you arrive.

It does sound daunting, but it's not as bad as it seems. Just do some research and you will be find. I am sure there are many people on these boards who will give you good tips on meeting Anna and Elsa.

Good Luck!

 

[toomuch]

Set the expectation now that she might not see them. Then when you get to see them the day will be very special. Three is so much at disney to make the kids smile and laugh.

 

[mesaboy2]

Follow my 3-step plan below and you'll be fine.

1. Show up about 45 minutes before park open on a day without morning EMH. Allow for time to get from parking to MK gates, if driving.

2. Go directly to A&E, do not pass GO, etc.

3. Done.

 

[dc1969]

^^Thank you everyone! We're planning on spending April 23rd and May 1st at MK. We do have a Disney account but our tickets aren't here yet, so I will definitely try this once they get here. Otherwise I guess it's a very early morning to try to beat the rush!

As for setting the expectation...that was set a LONG time ago when the movie came out, easier said than done to change a 4yr old's dream

 

[Missyrose]

How does one make a reservation for a fast pass? We won't be in Florida till the 19th and MK after that, so it'd definitely be there.

Once you buy your tickets, you link them to your My Disney Experience account on Disney's Web site. Then 30 days out from each of your park days, you can make three FP+ reservations for each member of your party for each day of your trip. This is all assuming you're staying offsite (not in a Disney-owned resort). If you are staying at a Disney resort, then you can make all of your FP+ reservations at 60 days out, which means you could make them now.

 

[ferd]

If you are unable to do the plan recommended above (rope drop and get to Fairytale Hall ASAP for the standby line), then get onto the MDE app around midnight the day you plan to go to the park and see if Disney has released some same day Fast Passes. If there are none available then, check again around 6am and keep checking. I have been told multiple times that Disney releases more fast passes the day of, so keep trying that same day to snag a couple of same day FP+ passes.

 

[dc1969]

^Thanks! You guys are amazing, I have some hope again If we have to do the rope drop, we'll need to switch out which days we plan on going but that's ok, it was all tentative anyway!

 

[juliebug1997]

^Thanks! You guys are amazing, I have some hope again If we have to do the rope drop, we'll need to switch out which days we plan on going but that's ok, it was all tentative anyway!

Even if you don't get a FP+ for them, seeing your daughter's face light up with joy at meeting her favorite characters will make it all worthwhile.

 

[dc1969]

Even if you don't get a FP+ for them, seeing your daughter's face light up with joy at meeting her favorite characters will make it all worthwhile.

I'll probably cry lol

 

[juliebug1997]

I'll probably cry lol

That's what you're supposed to do. Have fun!!!!!

 

[Wendybird55]

Another good way to get into park early - but it does cost $ and is a shot in the dark - try to get EARLY breakfast reservation in MK. Crystal Palace or Cinderella's Castle (I recommend Crystal Palace). Try to get a reservation for 8am or a little earlier if they have them. Then you can easily get into park before it opens since you have reservation - have your breakfast - then head straight for Princess Hall. If you have an early enough ADR you may even be able to finish breakfast before park officially opens.

One time we got out of Crystal Palace before Park officially opened. They were letting people in and down Main Street but the various lands were roped off. We were standing right in the front at the a rope to Fantasyland and as soon as it opened Lady Tremaine and the Evil Step sisters were there taking pictures and we even got to ride with them on the carousel. It was neat. At Disney the early bird does get the worm.

Unfortunately this plan depends upon availability at the the restaurants and as PP said, do it on a NON EMH day.

Good Luck

 

[Amanda999]

OP: check out kennythepirate.com. He runs a website with more info about characters at each Disney world park than you can imagine, including schedules, which are at each meal, etc. The schedules can be odd, and not what you'd think, with lots of breaks. People line up before the start time for popular characters, FYI (which was surprising to us tour first trip). You can search for each princess, by park or all parks, to see what your DD might like. HTH!

 

[Andtototoo]

We were there last week and happened to be in the Norway area and decided to check out the line for Anna/Elsa. It was about a 30 minute wait. So there is hope.

But as a parent, I never promise my kid that they WILL do something on a vacation. I say we HOPE to do it and it would be amazing if we did, but caution them. Managing expectations is really important to happiness.

 

[canadadoug]

We've told our daughters that they will see A&E in the parade. They are excited. If we can find a way to get FPP (so far no luck for our dates) or get there at RD with a short line, then we'll meet them too. I just haven't told them about that yet. Keep them on a need to know basis. We have found this strategy keeps disappointments to a minimum.

 

[1 DISNEY FAN]

^^Thank you everyone! We're planning on spending April 23rd and May 1st at MK. We do have a Disney account but our tickets aren't here yet, so I will definitely try this once they get here. Otherwise I guess it's a very early morning to try to beat the rush!

As for setting the expectation...that was set a LONG time ago when the movie came out, easier said than done to change a 4yr old's dream

If you are not staying on site these are the worst days to go to mk as it has morning EMH for on site. If you are on site good choice and get there early and run to a and e.

 

[jcemom]

But as a parent, I never promise my kid that they WILL do something on a vacation. I say we HOPE to do it and it would be amazing if we did, but caution them. Managing expectations is really important to happiness.

Smart move!

It makes me literally cringe to hear someone say their trip will be "ruined" if they can't do one particular thing. If that's truly the way someone feels, then they shouldn't even go. Some circumstances are beyond our control. The success or failure of a vacation like Disney World should never hinge on any one attraction, IMO.