Video:How to Meet Disney Characters

Transcript:How to Meet Disney Characters

One of the most memorable moments of a visit to the Disney parks is getting up close and personal with Mickey and his friends. Hi, I'm Arthur Levine, the Theme Parks Guide at About.com, here with some tips about meeting the characters at Disney World.

Use a Schedule to Meet Disney Characters

Mickey and the gang can often be found in parades, shows, and at locations throughout the resort, and it can be a thrill to happen upon them, but to ensure that you and your kids have face-time with the characters, get autographs, and pose for photos with them, be sure to pick up a daily schedule as you enter the front gates of the parks. It will list character greeting times and locations.

Consider a PhotoPass Card to Meet Disney Characters

You might want to consider picking up a free PhotoPass card, available from Disney photographers. Even if you take pictures with your own camera, you could view photos shot by the Disney shutterbugs on the PhotoPass site. It doesn't cost any money to see them or to share them with others online. If you wish, you could purchase the shots as well.

Try the Town Square Theater to Meet Disney Characters

Meeting any of the characters is a real treat, but let's face it: everybody wants to meet the big cheese at Disney World, Mickey Mouse. One way to get an audience with Mickey is to visit him in his dressing room at the Town Square Theater in the Magic Kingdom. You could wait in line -- in air-conditioned comfort inside the theater -- or, you could pick up a Fastpass so you could return and meet with the Mouse at a reserved time with little wait.

Plan a Character Meal to Meet Disney Characters

Another great way to meet the Disney gang is to plan a character meal. There are many restaurants at the parks and hotels where the characters will come to your table as you dine. You won't have to wait in any lines to say hello, take a photo, or get an autograph. The characters make sure that they visit everyone at least once during each meal.

Tips for Meeting Disney Characters at a Character Meal

Wes: Well, the great things about the character meals is that they actually travel around, and they actually have a specific place where they go each time. So the great thing about it -- you don't have to leave your table! They actually come to your table themselves, so it's great. So actually the tip is is just to be there.

You're getting your food, if you're going like to a buffet, make sure that you're back in time so you can actually meet the characters themselves. Have your camera ready, and also have everything ready because the characters do an absolutely great job at loving on your kids and actually loving on the adults as well.

Make a Character Meal Reservation to Meet Disney Characters

There are a variety of restaurants and price points, and character meals are offered for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Be sure to make reservations, either online or by calling Disney World's dining reservations number, so you'll be sure to get a table. You never know whom you might meet here!

To learn more about Disney World, visit us on the web at About.com.