People who grew up with vacations to Disney World may remember their favorite characters wandering around the parks, ready for a hug and a photo with their fans. In the recent years, Disney made a change and characters can now only be met at certain times in a preplanned location. Don’t be discouraged – this new system works to your advantage! Here is how to utilize the new system and meet all of your favorite characters in record time:

Pinterest Photo

Tip 1: Utilize the Fast Pass

More popular characters like the princesses and Mickey are stationed indoors. You can select a Fast Pass to beat long lines and snag that magical photo!

Tip 2: Meet Multiple Characters at One

At Princess Fairytale Hall in the Magic Kingdom you get two characters for the price of one! The two princesses here change often, so be sure to use one of your Fast Passes at this location so you know whom you’ll be meeting. Bonus: there is a beautiful castle backdrop to make your photos seem even more magical.

Character Photo One

Tip 3: Hang out in Fantasyland While Waiting for your next Fast Pass

Some of the lesser-known characters still do make surprise appearances outdoors in New Fantasyland. If you are killing time before your next Fast Pass, eating lunch, or just taking a break, keep an eye out for characters walking through Fantasyland. I love meeting Cinderella’s evil stepsisters and evil stepmother – another three for the price of one deal! You will still have to wait in line to meet them, but cast members will cut off the line after a certain number of people so you will never have to wait long. You never know who you’ll meet!

Tip 4: Enjoy a Character Meal

Another way to share special one-on-one time with many of your favorite characters at once is to have your travel agent book you a meal with character dining. The characters will be sure to personally come up to your table, so they really do the work for you! Ariel’s Grotto at Disneyland and Chef Mickey’s and Cinderella’s Royal Table in Disney World are some of the most popular hot spots, though Cinderella’s Royal Table will be closed from January-Spring 2015. There are other places to meet your favorite characters, so be sure to ask your travel agent to help you with your dining reservations.

Character Photo Three

If you follow these tips, you will be able to meet all of your favorite characters with time to spare. Happy planning!

E-mail me at Sydney@TravelWithTheMagic.com for more information on meeting characters or to help you plan your next vacation. I can’t wait to hear from you!