Question about Meeting Princesses and Tinkerbell

[Dory'sMom]

We're headed down there at the end of April. This is our third trip to Disneyland in the past three years. Our daughters will be 5 and 3 and our son will be one. The last two times the girls weren't really that interested in the princesses so we didn't have to go to the Princess fantasy faire. (Yay!) That has all changed and I think they would like to meet the princesses but I don't want to spend a ridiculous amount of time waiting in line. Any suggestions for the best way to hit the Fantasy faire? Best times? When is it open?
How about Tinkerbell's Hollow or whatever it's called? When does it open? What are the lines like?
If we went to Magic Morning at 7 on the Sunday would we have time to hit either of these after going on the rides if we have a PS at Minnie's at 10:30?
Thanks.

 

[Raindown]

Both open an hour after the park open (not including the MM time). Last week they both opened at 9am, with the park opening at 8am. I have not done PFF but the line was rather long in the afternoon, at least 60 mins. If you want to meet the princesses, you might want to really consider Ariel's Grotto. It saves you the wait times, is a meal, and you get to meet 5 princesses (usually the big 5).

Pixie Hollow, really doesn't seem to get that busy, but if you can get it out of the way in the morning that is when the line is usually small. The line may look long, but it seems to move pretty well and there is a lot to look at compared to PFF, so it moves and might keep the kids somewhat entertained. You usually get Tink plus one other. To me it seems like PFF gets busier than PH. Take note though PH usually closes one hour earlier than PFF!

I'd go earlier in the day to either one, the characters will be fresh and less rushed to get through the line after they rope it off for the day.

EDIT: Additional tips for PH: you can start to see the first meet and greet when you are about 5th or 6ish in line. I wouldn't tell you children who it is yet because they might be changed out before you enter PH. They keep the line back and it allows for a more one on one experience which I find really nice. If you visit and it is the same characters I wouldn't jump ship. While we were meeting Silvermist, Terence joined Tink right before we got to her.

 

[specialks]

Another vote for Ariel's Grotto if you can afford it. We have 2 girls (5 & 3) who really like the princesses and we loved skipping the PFF lineup and getting to see more princesses at the meal.

 

[jenniferrose]

I am going to hijack the thread and ask....

With Ariel's Grotto... do you really get the conversation time like at PFF? At PFF they really seemed to take the time to sit and talk to my kids. Do they do the same at Ariels? Is there somewhere for the kids to get up and really pose for a picture with the princesses since at the tables you cant really get good pics.

Thanks!

 

[mom2rtk]

I am going to hijack the thread and ask....

With Ariel's Grotto... do you really get the conversation time like at PFF? At PFF they really seemed to take the time to sit and talk to my kids. Do they do the same at Ariels? Is there somewhere for the kids to get up and really pose for a picture with the princesses since at the tables you cant really get good pics.

Thanks!

I'm kind of with you on that. It depends on the quality photos you want. Photos at the character meals are not as nice with half empty plates and other diners possibly mid-bite behind you....... So while we're planning on AG, I think we might try PFF too.

How early do you have to be in that line to avoid an hour plus wait? I'm considering going back into the park on the morning we are leaving town just for my daughter and I to do this and a couple last rides while the boys all sleep in and check out.

Do the princesses ever appear out in front of the park during the day? I have heard that maybe Cinderella appears at "drawn to the animation" at DCA. Any confirmation from anyone?

 

[Flitterific]

Definitely get to PFF at least 30 minutes before it opens. Make sure you line up at the side where the restrooms are (on the left) and not the other side. Sometimes people get confused and start lining up both sides and the CMs will tell you that the line is on the left. Getting there early will enable you to avoid waiting 1hr+ for pictures with the princesses.

Pixie Hollow where Tinkerbell and her fairy friends are actually get pretty busy too, but not half as bad as PFF. The lines there are usually about 35 minutes but I have seen them at 1hr+ before. It's best to go there early as well.

 

[Dopey's MIL]

I am going to hijack the thread and ask....

With Ariel's Grotto... do you really get the conversation time like at PFF? At PFF they really seemed to take the time to sit and talk to my kids. Do they do the same at Ariels? Is there somewhere for the kids to get up and really pose for a picture with the princesses since at the tables you cant really get good pics.

Thanks!

We have done both. The princesses at the PFF really took a great deal of time with my little girl. Belle taught her to curtsey and to spin around in her dress. She got to meet Belle, Snow White, Mulan and Jasmine. She wanted to meet Cinderella so badly and within about 10 minutes of our turn to go in Ms Cindy left the area...we were soooo disappointed.

So we went to Ariel's Grotto to meet her. One thing she and I both noticed...sorry princesses...but they weren't as pretty. Is that awful to say or what...but a 6 year old noticed!

The picture we had taken with Cinderella was backed up against a bright window and my camera didn't do a very good job...so not only was it not on our photopass by a phothog it wasn't really even nice enough to print and Lexi wanted the REAL Cinderella...

So the next year we went to PFF again and still did not get to meet her.

Oh well, there's always another trip. In just a couple of weeks we'll try the PFF again! I think it's so worth the wait if your little girl really knows her princesses!!! (is that all of them?)

 

[Dopey's MIL]

I have heard that maybe Cinderella appears at "drawn to the animation" at DCA. Any confirmation from anyone?

She does! The entertainment is outside on the sidewalk...after it's over Cinderella walks inside the main room of the animation theatre and that's where the line begins for autographs and pictures. But again, no phothog for a professional image.

 

[Kayla's Mom]

Do the princesses ever appear out in front of the park during the day? I have heard that maybe Cinderella appears at "drawn to the animation" at DCA. Any confirmation from anyone?

Last year there were times when they appeared out near the Mickey Floral (after you enter the turnstiles) at about 3 PM. There were 4 out there when we entered the park in March and I know other people were posting the same thing. Not sure if they do this anymore or not.

Regarding the Drawn to Animation show - they choose 3 kids to participate. At the end of the show, each kid gets the sketch of one of the characters. DD8 got Cinderella when we were there for her birthday.

 

[mom2rtk]

Last year there were times when they appeared out near the Mickey Floral (after you enter the turnstiles) at about 3 PM. There were 4 out there when we entered the park in March and I know other people were posting the same thing. Not sure if they do this anymore or not.

I'd LOVE to hear more recent reports on this. Would they be on the schedule if I asked a CM to call the character hotline?

 

[mom2rtk]

She does! The entertainment is outside on the sidewalk...after it's over Cinderella walks inside the main room of the animation theatre and that's where the line begins for autographs and pictures. But again, no phothog for a professional image.

So is there one side or another I should stand near to be close to the front of the line? Or does everyone follow her inside?

 

[Raindown]

The picture we had taken with Cinderella was backed up against a bright window and my camera didn't do a very good job..

I was warned about this and I had to turn a princess around so I could get a better shot. The windows are large and you don't want your subject with their back to the windows during the day. Personally I have not been too impressed with photopass. They seem to unnecessarily use flash way too often. Sorry to hear about your daughter. Our Cinders was very nice looking. All the princesses were I thought, especially Snow White.


As for the interaction, I can't help here too much as I have never been to PFF and I went to AG with another adult. I will say we didn't feel rushed with any of the princesses. They actually seemed pleased to be able to chat with adults, not that we were a rarity at AG. They seemed happy to chat and oblige our signature requests.

 

[the donut]

Do the princesses ever appear out in front of the park during the day? I have heard that maybe Cinderella appears at "drawn to the animation" at DCA. Any confirmation from anyone?

Cinderella was part of the Drawn to the Magic show when we saw it. She and her prince stuck around to sign autographs and posed for pictures afterwards. Cinderella chatted with my daughter quite a bit, or tried to at any rate--my kid is more into Tink and her friends right now. There was maybe 10 or so total people lined up total and the line was a bit slow moving.

We have seen the princesses at the front of the park in the early afternoon, though not every visit. You can ask at city hall if they're going to make appearances.

 

[Dopey's MIL]

So is there one side or another I should stand near to be close to the front of the line? Or does everyone follow her inside?

shhhhh...we waited inside for her!

 

[the donut]

So is there one side or another I should stand near to be close to the front of the line? Or does everyone follow her inside?

In our case, the show was at the stage opposite the Monsters, Inc. ride. Afterwards, Cinderella stood on the left side of the stage (as you face the stage). Sorceror Mickey formed a line down the middle aisle, and Woody was off to the right of the stage. Guess its not the same every time if sometimes she goes inside the animation academy.

 

[Kayla's Mom]

In our case, the show was at the stage opposite the Monsters, Inc. ride. Afterwards, Cinderella stood on the left side of the stage (as you face the stage). Sorceror Mickey formed a line down the middle aisle, and Woody was off to the right of the stage. Guess its not the same every time if sometimes she goes inside the animation academy.

When we saw the show it was performed right outside the Animation Academy, so it probably just depends on where the show is performed at.

 

[nana50]

I've been to AG 3 times and loved every time. We saw ALL the princesses except the newest, (Tianna?) They stopped and talked to my granddaughter, signed her autograph book, took a picture with her and she was thrilled. You also get to eat a decent lunch, don't have to stand in line forever, and are guaranteed to see your favorite princess. I thought they were all beautiful.

 

[Ross3half]

We have been to Drawn to the Magic a handful of times and Cinderella has been the princess in the show every time we've been. She has always stood on the left of the stage (if you're facing the stage) so we make sure we get a seat in the far left front area so that our kids can hop into her autograph line right when the show ends.

As for PFF, we have lined up before it opens the last couple times to shorten the wait. I was told by the CM's that they always start with the main three princess for the day, and then rotate them out periodically with other princesses. And, if I remember right, the main three are Cinderella, Aurora, and Belle.

Have fun!

 

[Ross3half]

Oh, and if they like Jasmine, you can catch her outside of Aladdin's Oasis at different times throughout the day. We walked right up one time and the other time we waited about 5 minutes to meet her (with Aladdin). Check with City Hall to see what times they're appearing. Hopefully they're still doing this!

Sometimes we see princesses in the Animation Building over in DCA. Last time we saw Snow White with only one family ahead of us.

 

[mom2rtk]

We have been to Drawn to the Magic a handful of times and Cinderella has been the princess in the show every time we've been. She has always stood on the left of the stage (if you're facing the stage) so we make sure we get a seat in the far left front area so that our kids can hop into her autograph line right when the show ends.

As for PFF, we have lined up before it opens the last couple times to shorten the wait. I was told by the CM's that they always start with the main three princess for the day, and then rotate them out periodically with other princesses. And, if I remember right, the main three are Cinderella, Aurora, and Belle.

Have fund!

It seems to me that when we got in line at PFF in 07, it was 20 or 30 minutes before it was to open. After it opened, I seem to recall that our wait was STILL 45 minutes to an hour. When DO people start lining up?