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Snag a sideline spot for the parade

Parade

Parades are a veritable feast of characters. In fact, there are many individuals who you’ll only ever see in a parade. While it’s true that you can’t get a lot of one-on-one time with a character during the parade, you shouldn’t discount this opportunity for have a memorable experience.

Characters on floats are limited in their interactions. They may point, wave, and mouth a hello, but that’s the most you can get. Those who walk between the floats, however, are a completely different story. If you’re close enough to the parade route, these characters can come over and shake your hand, snap a fast photo, or exchange a few words with you.

There’s no guarantee you’ll get a character’s attention, but your chances increase exponentially if you have a cute smiling child at the front of your party or in your arms. Keep your camera handy because these opportunities come and go in a flash.

Book a character dining experience

Tusker House

If you want to knock out several character meet and greets and enjoy a mouthwatering buffet all in one sitting, you absolutely must book a character dining experience. These meals have an assortment of popular characters on hand who will rotate through the dining area one at a time. You don’t have to wait in line or wave madly to get a character’s attention. Simply sit and enjoy your meal. The characters make their way to every table in order, giving you an opportunity to chat, get an autograph, and take pictures at your leisure when it’s your turn.

The character rotation is set so you’ll see every character at least once during your meal. Nearly all character dining experiences are buffets, so you can get up and refill your plate as many times as you want, making the occasion well worth the price.

You’ll find character dining at a number of hotels as well as in all the parks. Animal Kingdom has character dining at Tusker House. At Disney’s Hollywood Studios, you can dine with characters at Hollywood & Vine. At Epcot, enjoy a character meal at The Garden Grill and Akershus Royal Banquet Hall. Magic Kingdom’s famous character dining is found at The Crystal Palace and Cinderella’s Royal Table.

Attend specially ticketed events

Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party

Specially ticketed events are hands-down the best way to catch elusive character appearances. Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party are the only places where you can see all 7 of Snow White’s dwarfs at once, for example. The Halloween party is also popular for the annual appearance of Jack and Sally from The Nightmare Before Christmas.

Even classic characters, like Mickey and the gang, get a fresh look for these special events. You’ll find them in spooky Halloween outfits or all their holiday finery, depending on the party. Everything takes on a different air at separately ticketed occasions like these. While they do come at an added expense, they’re well worth the price for the exclusive highlights.

Whether you’re keen on the princesses or a voracious fan of villains, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to meet and mingle with popular Disney characters if you plan your visit right.

 
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