Hi Charlene ~
Your trip is super close and I know you're too excited to sleep! My family loves taking pictures with characters and a picture with Mickey is always a must do on all of our trips.
Years ago, the characters would stroll through the parks stopping along the way for pictures and autographs with Guests. However, times have changed and the number of Guests visiting the parks has grown. You may see characters walking to and from their designated spots and they may waive to you as they go by, but they will keep moving to their destination and won't stop for pictures or autographs. The same goes for any of the dance parties or street performances. You are welcome to snap action photos but they won't stop to pose or sign autographs.
In order to keep things more orderly, characters have specific places where they will pose for pictures and sign autographs for Guests. Some characters have permanent meet and greet locations like Mickey at the Town Square Theater in the Magic Kingdom. Other characters will have designated meeting spots where they can be found. You can usually see several characters along Main Street, U.S.A. near City Hall.
I would suggest downloading the
My Disney Experience mobile app prior to your trip. You can check for character appearances on the day you visit the parks to see where they are appearing. Also pick up a printed Times Guide as you enter the parks. If you don't see a character you're looking for on either, you can check with one of the Cast Members in the blue shirts that are with any of the characters. They sometimes have a handy list of when characters (even those without permanent meet and greet locations) are appearing in the parks on that day.
Please feel free to visit us again with any last minute questions. We're hEAR for you!
Wishing you minnie magical memories :-) Allison V.