Planning a vacation with character, eh? Welcome to planDisney, Danielle, where we've got all the best tips and tricks for capturing memories with friends, family, and characters! Getting a picture with a favorite character is an essential part of any Walt Disney World vacation, and I'd be happy to provide you with some helpful information about snapping a selfie with a friend who's roaming the parks or resorts.
When I have seen characters on the move at Disney World they have usually been on their way home after a meet and greet. They are typically flanked by a Cast Member or two who are helping to escort them through the crowd, and they don't normally stop to take pictures. You can stand with your back to the approaching character and grab a selfie as they walk by, but they most likely won't be able to stop and pose for a photo with you. I have quite a few of these "passing by" selfies with characters, and they were taken during parades or when there was a crowd but I didn't have time to queue for a meet and greet and photo.
There are roaming characters who interact with guests on a more informal basis, and you can meet them in places like
Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge and Animation Courtyard in Disney's Hollywood Studios. Characters may also make appearances in the lobby of your Disney Resort hotel, and you can check the activities schedule or ask at the front desk to find out when they might stop by for a visit. Since these are typically more free-flowing appearances, you should have no issue posing for a quick selfie with these characters, just ask! There are so many ways to see characters, and you can check out a full list of
character experiences online or tap the "Characters" icon on the resort map in the
My Disney Experience app.
One final tip I want to share with you about meeting characters is to let the magic come to you! I was waiting for my wife and daughter outside of the Baby Care Center in EPCOT on a recent visit, and I was stunned when I saw
Asha making her way up the path toward me. I was the only guest around, and when she was near enough I said, "Hey, Asha! Have you made any good wishes lately?" and she answered that she had made tons of good ones (of course) and couldn't wait to see which ones would come true. I asked to take a quick photo and she happily obliged, then she went through a nearby door back to Rosas. This interaction was an unplanned chance encounter, but it was perfectly magical. I hope you'll also be surprised by a character or have a memorable moment to share after your vacation, too.
Go meet those characters and take lots of pictures, Danielle! I hope this information helps you know where to find characters and how best to go about capturing memories with them. Please visit us again here at planDisney when you think of more planning questions or need more tips and advice. We love adding some character to our responses!
Stay magical,
Scott