What are some tips when doing character meet and greets solo?

[JellyMintJames]

I still having a little trouble with the solo meet and greets because when I go to meet lets say Minnie Mouse I have no clue what to say or do so it just comes out a awkward interaction and photo how can I can avoid this and have successful character meet and greets? I am guy by the way just in case you're wondering.

 

[Queen of the WDW Scene]

Maybe don't go 24-26 times in one day.
Also you may have better luck with face characters since they can actually have coversations back with you.
You've gone solo 7 and soon to be 8 times this year alone so its hard to give such a frequent traveler advice.

 

[OatsZoo]

Just be yourself, enjoy and get into the moment. It is only awkward if you are nervous and make it awkward. I am just goofy and silly and then they see that you are enjoying yourself and do the same thing.

 

[Lesverts]

First few times was awkward, after that things I've used include

1) Complimenting the lady characters on their outfits, they are big flirts
2) Making jokes or off-hand comments about missing characters that are associated with them. Asking Anna where Kristoff was for instance, that was great. Had people in line laughing.
3) Just enjoying it, a lot of times characters see adults and internally groan. Playing off them to make their jobs easier creates a better experience for all.

 

[usfbull]

Most characters I interact with solo are pretty good about starting the conversation/doing something entertaining.

For example, I met Goofy the other day and he was very interested in showing off that he was taller than me (barely) so we went back and forth taking several pictures where one of us was on our toes to be even taller. Mickey (this was at Epcot where they're together) also played off that and felt bad because he was shorter, so I squatted down (sorority style lol) for our picture.

Some times I literally just high five them, say hi, and pose for a picture and move on. I go enough that I can always go back if I want to and I mainly want the picture anyways.

 

[Michaela72]

I still having a little trouble with the solo meet and greets because when I go to meet lets say Minnie Mouse I have no clue what to say or do so it just comes out a awkward interaction and photo how can I can avoid this and have successful character meet and greets? I am guy by the way just in case you're wondering.

Doesn't matter if you're a guy or girl. Just have fun and be yourself like everyone else has said. I really like the idea of playing off the characters too and will definitely work that in on my next solo trip (or even with the fam). Sometimes I wear a Universal Character shirt (Minions or something) to Disney and that creates interactions as well which can be pretty funny. I also just play off the character's character and hug them as if they were real (not so much with the princesses though) and that's a lot of fun too, because most adults are so darn "stiff/formal" instead of letting their inner kid out. Don't overthink it. Just have fun!

 

[usfbull]

Doesn't matter if you're a guy or girl. Just have fun and be yourself like everyone else has said. I really like the idea of playing off the characters too and will definitely work that in on my next solo trip (or even with the fam). Sometimes I wear a Universal Character shirt (Minions or something) to Disney and that creates interactions as well which can be pretty funny. I also just play off the character's character and hug them as if they were real (not so much with the princesses though) and that's a lot of fun too, because most adults are so darn "stiff/formal" instead of letting their inner kid out. Don't overthink it. Just have fun!

Strategically planning your shirts/outfits to meet characters in is also a fun way to do it, good point!

 

[adamreisinger]

For face characters (particularly Princesses) I like to bring something unique to get signed, which usually breaks the ice and gets a fun conversation going. I also try to do my research (meaning, basically watch the same movies and shows I've watched a thousand times before) and talk about something unique about the character -- and I've been impressed that they've always been able to keep up the conversation.

Also, every once in a while (when I can work up the nerve), I'll sing to a character. It's made for a couple of really memorable video keepsakes.