The 'Character Express': are there proper queues?

[sarahc]

Just wondered whether there were proper queues to see the characters after they get off the train, or whether it's the usual DLP bunfight?!

 

[A Small World]

Just wondered whether there were proper queues to see the characters after they get off the train, or whether it's the usual DLP bunfight?!

Unless its changed since Easter it was a free for all- no queues.

 

[sarahc]

Oh heck! I was really hoping they might have sorted this by now. How difficult can it be to get people to line up against a wall or railing? This is my one major bugbear at DLP!

 

[tttessa]

It is the usual - but, if you wait at the castle end near the character points you get a chance to be there at the start of the "scrum".

They do have a "minder" for each character - they all have to leave together to get back on the train- so if you see any of them heading back to the train, be aware that they will all leave sharply. Also, when we were there, Buzz and Eeyore couldn't sign autographs - my girls took all their time trying to get to Buzz and were disappointed - even though we got a lovely photo of them with him!!
Tessa

 

[rottie155]

What a friend and I discovered recently is that when there are free-for-alls with the characters it is sometimes better to give your camera to the minder (as they dont seem to do much else) and ask them to take a photo for you. They then instruct the character to pose with you and you get a pretty good picture. And it saves you from being attacked by God knows how many kids and parents in the big character rumble!!


AdaM

 

[Ware Bears]

Good tip AdaM!

 

[Ste7en]

Sorry?

It might be just me but I'd rather see the characters spend time with the kids rather than teenagers, adults etc.

Looking at who they make the most fuss of I suspect the characters feel that way too.

Fair enough, if all the kids have had their turn nip in for a quick piccie but I'd hate to think I'd taken a childs place.

Still hate pushy parents though...

 

[rottie155]

I agree with what you're saying but then it's a catch 22 situation. If people were more orderly about it all and there were queues and things then more people, if not all, would get to have their photo taken with the characters as opposed to a few poor battered and bruised kids who get caught-up in the action...

 

[Ste7en]

If there were queues you'd be in WDW

It was a conscious decision to have the characters mingle in DLP.

The jury is still out as to if it was a good idea or not IMO...

One thing is guaranteed, if I ever saw a child get battered and bruised by an overexcited 'adult' I'd have very strong words...

 

[rottie155]

wouldn't we all....but I'm sure you've heard the saying "kids can be so cruel". If they wanna see their favourite character, then generally nothing is gonna stop them!! lol
As long as everyone plays friendly I don't see why everyone cant have fun and have their photos taken. The whole idea of Disney is to "relive your childhood" etc afterall....

 

[Ste7en]

Yep, kids are cruel... or can be. I'm guessing 'adults' should know better, but...

Walt's vision with WDW was for a place for 'famlies' (his words) but I know what you're saying. Not that I'm saying anyone without a family shouldn't be allowed in, that'd be mad! They have the most cash to blow.

I've had my picture taken with characters. But I tend to let kids get their go first. Hey, at least I won't cry for the rest of the trip

 

[rottie155]

Yeah lol. Everyone HAS to have a photo taken with Mickey Mouse!! It's criminal not too!! And I think I would cry if I never had that LOL!!!!!

AdaM