Disney Meet And Greets 2023: The Ultimate Guide
If you’re planning a trip to a Disney park in 2023 and hoping to meet some of your favorite characters, you’ve come to the right place! Getting those coveted photos and autographs from Mickey, Minnie, and more at Disney meet and greets creates magical memories that will last a lifetime.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know for meeting characters at Disney World and Disneyland in 2023, including how meet and greets work, a full list of available characters organized by park, tips for scoring those prized pics, and changes coming in 2023 that will impact your experience.
How Do Disney Meet and Greets Work?
Disney Meet and Greets are a magical way to meet your favorite Disney characters up close and personal. Here’s how they work:
Standby Queues vs. Scheduled Return Times
When you visit a Disney park, you’ll have two options for experiencing a meet and greet: standby queues or scheduled return times. Standby queues are the traditional way of waiting in line to meet characters. You simply join the line and wait your turn.
However, Disney has also introduced scheduled return times for popular meet and greets. This allows you to reserve a specific time slot to meet the character, reducing your wait time and giving you more flexibility to enjoy other attractions while you wait.
Disney’s FastPass+ system can also be used to reserve a time slot for certain meet and greets. This allows you to skip the regular standby queue and have a shorter wait time.
Tips for Managing Wait Times and Getting Good Photos
Wait times for meet and greets can vary depending on the popularity of the character and the time of day. Here are some tips to help you manage wait times and make the most of your meet and greet experience:
- Plan your meet and greets strategically. Check the park’s schedule and plan to visit popular characters during off-peak times.
- Use the Disney mobile app to check wait times for meet and greets in real-time. This can help you decide which ones to prioritize.
- Bring snacks, water, and entertainment to keep yourself and your kids occupied while waiting in line.
- Consider using Disney’s FastPass+ system to reduce your wait time for popular characters.
- Be prepared to wait, especially for popular characters. Use this time to interact with other guests and soak up the magical atmosphere.
- When it’s finally your turn, be ready with your camera or smartphone to capture those special moments with the characters.
- Don’t be afraid to ask the Disney Cast Members for help with taking photos. They are more than happy to assist you in getting the perfect shot.
Remember, Disney Meet and Greets are all about creating magical memories. So, embrace the wait, enjoy the experience, and make the most of your time with your favorite Disney characters!
Full List of Characters by Park for 2023 Meet and Greets
Magic Kingdom Meet and Greet Characters
The Magic Kingdom is home to some of the most beloved Disney characters. In 2023, visitors can expect to meet and greet Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse, the iconic couple who started it all. Joining them will be their friends Donald Duck, Goofy, and Pluto.
These classic characters will be ready to pose for photos, sign autographs, and share some magical moments with guests of all ages.
Epcot Meet and Greet Characters
Epcot offers a unique experience for Disney fans with its World Showcase and Future World. In 2023, visitors to Epcot can meet and greet characters from around the world. From Anna and Elsa from Frozen in Norway to Mulan in China, guests can interact with their favorite characters from different cultures.
Additionally, popular characters like Joy and Sadness from Inside Out and Baymax from Big Hero 6 will also be available for meet and greets at Epcot.
Hollywood Studios Meet and Greet Characters
Hollywood Studios is the place to be for fans of Star Wars and Toy Story. In 2023, guests can expect to meet and greet characters from these beloved franchises. Joining the Dark Side will be Darth Vader, Kylo Ren, and Stormtroopers, ready to intimidate and entertain.
On the lighter side, Woody, Buzz Lightyear, and the rest of the Toy Story gang will be there to bring joy and laughter to visitors.
Animal Kingdom Meet and Greet Characters
At Animal Kingdom, guests can meet and greet characters from the wild. In 2023, visitors can encounter Mickey and Minnie Mouse in their safari outfits, as well as other classic characters like Baloo and King Louie from The Jungle Book.
For fans of The Lion King, Timon and Rafiki will also be available for meet and greets. These animal-themed characters will make your visit to Animal Kingdom even more memorable.
Changes Coming to Meet and Greets in 2023
Disney enthusiasts and fans of character meet and greets will be thrilled to hear about the exciting changes that are coming to the parks in 2023. From new characters to new locations, the meet and greet experiences are set to be better than ever before.
Get ready to meet your favorite Disney characters in a whole new way!
New Characters Coming to the Parks
One of the most exciting changes happening in 2023 is the introduction of new characters to the meet and greet lineup. Disney is always looking for ways to keep things fresh and exciting, and what better way to do that than by introducing new characters for fans to meet?
Whether you’re a fan of classic Disney films or the latest releases, there will be something for everyone. Imagine the joy of meeting Moana, Elsa, or even the lovable Baby Yoda! These new additions will surely make for some unforgettable meet and greet experiences.
New Meet and Greet Locations
Another change coming in 2023 is the introduction of new meet and greet locations throughout the parks. Disney understands that waiting in line to meet your favorite character can be a bit tedious, so they are expanding the meet and greet areas to accommodate more guests.
This means more opportunities to meet and interact with your beloved Disney characters without the long wait times. Whether it’s a dedicated meet and greet building or a special area within an attraction, these new locations will make the meet and greet experience even more magical.
Characters on the Move
In addition to the new characters and locations, Disney is also implementing a “Characters on the Move” initiative in 2023. This means that instead of waiting in line for a character to come to a designated meet and greet area, characters will be roaming around the parks, surprising guests as they go.
Imagine turning a corner and running into Mickey Mouse or Cinderella! This new approach will add an element of spontaneity and surprise to the meet and greet experience, making it even more memorable.
With all these changes coming to meet and greets in 2023, it’s safe to say that Disney is constantly striving to enhance the guest experience. Whether it’s through the introduction of new characters, the addition of new meet and greet locations, or the “Characters on the Move” initiative, Disney is dedicated to making sure that every meet and greet is a magical and unforgettable experience for guests of all ages.
So get ready to meet your favorite Disney characters like never before!
Tips and Strategies for 2023 Disney Meet and Greets
Using Early Entry to Your Advantage
One of the best ways to maximize your Disney meet and greet experience in 2023 is by taking advantage of early entry. Disney offers early entry options for certain guests, such as resort hotel guests or annual passholders.
By arriving early, you can beat the crowds and have more time to meet your favorite characters without long waits. Take advantage of this opportunity to get those coveted autographs and snap some memorable photos with your favorite Disney characters!
Key Times to Visit
Timing is everything when it comes to Disney meet and greets in 2023. To avoid long lines and wait times, it’s important to plan your visit during key times. One of the best times to visit is during the weekdays, as weekends tend to be more crowded.
Additionally, consider visiting during off-peak seasons when the parks are less crowded. This will give you a better chance of meeting characters without the hassle of long lines.
Best Locations to Stake Out
Knowing the best locations to stake out for Disney meet and greets in 2023 can make a big difference in your experience. Keep an eye out for character meet and greet locations throughout the parks, as well as scheduled appearances.
Some popular locations include Princess Fairytale Hall in Magic Kingdom, Pixie Hollow in Disneyland, and Character Spot in Epcot. Plan your day accordingly and make sure to check the park’s schedule for character appearances to increase your chances of meeting your favorite Disney characters.
Pro Camera Tips
If you’re looking to capture the best photos of your Disney meet and greet experiences in 2023, here are some pro camera tips to keep in mind. Firstly, make sure to bring a camera with a fast shutter speed to capture those quick moments with the characters.
Additionally, consider using a telephoto lens to get up close and personal shots from a distance. Lastly, don’t be afraid to get creative with your shots and try different angles to capture unique and memorable photos of your Disney meet and greet experiences.
Conclusion
Meeting beloved Disney characters and collecting those photos and cherished autographs is often the highlight of a Disney vacation for kids and kids-at-heart. With this guide detailing the full lineup of 2023 Disney meet and greet offerings, along with tips to make the most of your experience, you’ll be ready to make magical memories when you visit the parks this year.
