Planning for character meets?

[juliekzp]

We are going on our first cruise this February on the Dream and will probably spend a few days at WDW beforehand. Can we find out ahead of time (and if so, how and when) which characters will be available to meet on the cruise, so that I know who we can skip at WDW?

For example, if I know Anna and Elsa will be on the cruise, I won't have to worry about getting FPs to meet them!

Thanks!

 

[PrincessShmoo]

We are going on our first cruise this February on the Dream and will probably spend a few days at WDW beforehand. Can we find out ahead of time (and if so, how and when) which characters will be available to meet on the cruise, so that I know who we can skip at WDW?

For example, if I know Anna and Elsa will be on the cruise, I won't have to worry about getting FPs to meet them!

Thanks!

While the "regular" Disney characters (Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Goofy, Pluto, etc) will most likely be onboard, there's no guarantee who will be onboard. You won't know for sure who's available until you are on the cruise. Meet & Greet times/locations/what character will be listed in each day's Navigator (that you get the night before).

There have been cruises where Anna wasn't available, as well as ones where Elsa wasn't there.

 

[juliekzp]

Ok good to know. Guess I'll still try for those FPs, just in case!! Thank you!

 

[MinnieSweetheart]

Yes I second this. It's especially easy for princesses to be missed. There's only one, maybe 2 girls who are friends with each princess. Whereas Mickey might have more friends.

Also, the princesses seem to vary a lot when I talked to others.

The only other thing to watch for is that sometimes there is some variety in princess friends. Tiana on our ship was probably 15 pounds smaller than the one at WDW a few months later. The one on the boat was just super tiny, but a perceptive 6 year old would pick right up on it. Not sure of the age of your kids, but maybe think about that.

I would plan to meet Peter Pan on pirate night as that is more accessible and gets a decent line at the parks.

 

[juliekzp]

The only other thing to watch for is that sometimes there is some variety in princess friends. Tiana on our ship was probably 15 pounds smaller than the one at WDW a few months later. The one on the boat was just super tiny, but a perceptive 6 year old would pick right up on it. Not sure of the age of your kids, but maybe think about that.

Lol, my sweet DD8 has known for ages that they are just pretend, but she still loves to meet them! And DD3 would likely be oblivious (same for DS6, for that matter).

 

[Jsoenning]

Unless a specific character that is a favorite I'd skip the meet and greets at WDW as there are a ton of shorter line opportunities on the cruise. We met more than our oldest DD ever wanted to...it's tough to say the same on the WDW rides once it gets super crowded.