Sure would be nice to have more FP options

[Steve19842015]

In preparation of my March trip I see that DLR doesn’t have close to the amount that MK has. Do you think it would be a good idea to add FP to character meets like MK? Sometimes the kids prefer to meet characters more than the rides.

 

[dina444444]

In preparation of my March trip I see that DLR doesn’t have close to the amount that MK has. Do you think it would be a good idea to add FP to character meets like MK? Sometimes the kids prefer to meet characters more than the rides.

We don’t have as many set indoor location meet and greets but I feel Disneyland has more characters out in general. Such as encountering characters in town square, Tiana riding with guests on the Mark Twain Riverboat, or characters walking around Fantasyland etc.

 

[jammyjam25]

Part of the fun of Disneyland for me is the spontaneity of seeing characters around. Having to get a fast pass and schedule time to interact with characters would suck some of the joy out of those interactions.

I know they did have FP's when Anna & Elsa first debuted because the lines were so crazy and I think it's okay in those circumstances just for crowd control. But on a day to day basis I wouldn't want that.

 

[agamble]

Disneyland doesn't have as many FP options as Magic Kingdom but it does have more rides. Most waits are outside too. Mostly just the headliners have FP with a handful of other rides like Buzz Lightyear. The only ride that doesn't have FP that could really use it is Peter Pan, and it would be difficult to add FP to Peter Pan. Too bad too, we hardly ever ride that one because the wait gets long within 30 seconds of the park opening.

The characters are not too hard to see. Usually you can find a line for Mickey or friends around the entrance. Also there are wandering characters like Peter Pan who you can quickly snap a picture with. The big lines for characters are princesses, Mickey's house, and Anna/Elsa. The FP for characters isn't needed the same way it is at WDW.

 

[GrandBob]

Please please PLEASE don't add FPs and scheduling to character meet & greets. As you can see above, we like our spontaneous character interactions. Scheduling them would be one more step down the descent into becoming WDW west.

Bob

 

[ADLFAN]

I don't think I would like FP for characters. If they introduce a new character or maybe had sets of popular characters in a group like they do for Holiday parties, I don't see the harm in adding FP. But to add it to the large majority of characters who traditionally meet outside would be difficult and they'd have to move the meet inside so passers by didn't jump in line.

I think it would be awesome if they used some of their rare characters to group up and pose to add more FP capacity in the busy Holiday and Summer seasons, which would actually be a draw for character lovers.

But please don't ask me to schedule a FP for Mickey and friends - walking into the Park to find them meeting in Town Square or at the gates helps enhance the magic and makes even grown ups wonder if they just woke up and went outside their Disneyland homes to greet us!

I thought they modified the Peter Pan line to potentially accomodate FP a while ago - did they change their minds offering it as a FP? I mean - it seems like a disaster in the making, but I figured they'd try...

I figured when MaxPass rolled out they'd have to expand FP offerings to entice people to buy it. Maybe they're waiting to drop that bomb til Star Wars opens and they REALLY need more FP capacity.

 

[MATTERHORN]

Couldn't agree more with everyone above!! You really don't have to 1+ hour waits to meet characters like you do at WDW!! So no need. Not to mention, it just jams up the other rides, etc, that you do while you wait for your fastpass time to become available. I live right by WDW and still travel 3-4 times a year to Disneyland because the system is still superior!!!

 

[Steve19842015]

I guess I’ll find out for myself in a few weeks

 

[sherilaine]

Let’s leave the relaxed pace of Disneyland alone is my opinion, one if the reasons we return and do not venture to WDW is I don’t want to plan that far ahead!

 

[theluckyrabbit]

E

... Do you think it would be a good idea to add FP to character meets like MK? Sometimes the kids prefer to meet characters more than the rides.

Don't need FP for meeting characters at DLR, just use the free DLR app! The app will tell you who's out that day, when, and where. Other characters roam about. And others... well, let's just say that DLR has a lot of spontaneity and magic when it comes to meeting characters. Just have your camera ready! (Example: DH and I were having our photo taken outside CCR, when the PhotoPass CM started grinning like mad. When we were done, he said that we were going to love our photos! Later we discovered why: the Mouse himself had photobombed us! For me, that's true DLR magic!)
If your kids like Alice and the Mad Hatter, ask the pianist at Refreshment/Coke Corner what time musical chairs will be that day (usually around 1 or 2 pm). All kids are invited to play along -- super fun time for all!

 

[blackjackdelta]

Please please PLEASE don't add FPs and scheduling to character meet & greets. As you can see above, we like our spontaneous character interactions. Scheduling them would be one more step down the descent into becoming WDW west.

Bob

I agree with Bob, we dont want the place to be like WDW....

Jack

 

[cmwade77]

Honestly, it wouldn't work, they can probably get away with adding one or two more FP attractions per park, at most. The problem is that if people aren't on a ride, at a show or in a line, then they have to go somewhere and there is limited space. The shops are already overcrowded, as are the counter service locations, the walkways are narrow, especially at Disneyland, so where do all of these people who used to be in lines suddenly go? There will be some that will go to other attractions of course, but overall that isn't what usually happens.

As for characters, FP for Princess Fantasy Fair could possibly work, but there really aren't any other permanent structures for character meet and greets besides Mickey's House and a FP there would take out the entire house. No, our character interactions are different and they need to be due to the demographics of who is in the parks.