Donald Duck at the Mexico Pavilion

Image: DisneyThere’s a joke in The Simpsons about the introduction of a new line of Malibu Stacy dolls. Lisa points out that there’s no value in these dolls since the only thing that’s different is that Malibu Stacy has a new hat. Devoted doll collector Waylon Smithers shouts, “She has a new hat!” A mob scene occurs as consumers swarms the just-opened boxes to get the new dolls.

I always think of that when I evaluate the various photo ops at Walt Disney World. Many of them are similar, with the primary difference of a modified outfit for a cast member. The change is trivial to most people, but to Disney obsessives, the “new hat” is everything.

That’s particularly true at the Mexico Pavilion, where Donald Duck wears his Three Caballeros outfit as he greets guests. This ensemble is spectacular. Donald has a poncho and a sombrero that are beyond adorable. It’s one of the cutest outfits at Walt Disney World, making for unforgettable pictures with the iconic Disney character.

BB-8 at Hollywood Studios

Image: DisneyStar Wars robots have delighted children (and grown-ups) for more than 40 years. Technological innovations have enabled Disney to create a believable audio-animatronic of the breakout star of Star Wars: The Force Awakens. BB-8 is no longer the newest droid on the block (that honor belongs to BB-9E), but he still gets my vote for most adorable. Sorry, R2D2. You had a nice 30-year run.

Anyway, the BB-8 character meeting at Disney’s Hollywood Studios is the height of technological innovation right now. BB-8 is incredibly responsive, beeping and whirring in reply to actual human dialogue. The photo ops here will make you feel as if you’ve entered a galaxy far, far away. The best part is that it only scratches the surface of what’s to come with the impending arrival of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge in 2019!

Chef Mickey’s

Image: DisneySeveral restaurants at Walt Disney World also have character meetings. You’ll pay more for these photo ops, but you get your money’s worth in the exchange. While everyone has a favorite, I’m of the opinion that the best one is at Chef Mickey’s. It’s a matter of quality AND quantity. Several primary Disney characters are available for personal interactions and photos here, but the best one happens the instant that you check-in for your meal. A cast member will escort you to a special backdrop where you’ll take a series of family photos with an official Disney photographer. These pictures are ALWAYS better, and the one at Chef Mickey’s screams “PUT ME IN A FRAME!!!” We have multiple shots of this nature on our walls.

‘Ohana breakfast with Lilo & Stitch

Image: DisneySeveral other restaurants have great photo ops. My family’s favorite is the ‘Ohana breakfast due to the presence of three of our favorite Disney characters. Lilo & Stitch host the event while Mickey Mouse roams around in a Hawaiian shirt. The sad news for Lilo fans is that she doesn’t get a Disney photographer to follow her around, but Stitch does. The pictures featuring him are professional, and they also include the backdrop of Bay Lake and Magic Kingdom. Make sure that you are facing the right way when you take pictures here. It’ll make a huge difference in the quality of the images. The alternative is…a wall. Trust me. Bay Lake in the background is better.