Hello, Danielle!
Welcome to planDisney! Thank you for reaching out to ask your question. I'd be more than happy to help you prepare for your
first-ever Disney Cruise. How exciting!
You'll be sailing aboard the beautifully enchanting
Disney Wish. The ship is stunning from bow to stern and filled with plenty of activities and entertainment options. That includes lots of opportunities to meet and interact with Disney Characters. Most of the Character Greetings do not require any reservations. Once you are onboard the Disney Wish, you will be able to use the
Disney Cruise Line Navigator app to view the daily activity schedule. The activity schedule will list every Character greeting opportunity including the character, time, and location. You never know who may turn up on your sailing, but you can expect to see Mickey, Minnie, Pluto, Goofy, Donald, Daisy, and more pals! There will be many Characters throughout the ship and plenty of chances for greetings, hugs, and photos.
The Royal Gathering is one Character Greeting that requires reservations. There is no fee to make a reservation and reservations are available to book 30 days before your sail date. You can book your spot at the gathering in the My Cruise Activities section of the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app or after signing in to your account on the Disney Cruise Line website. The Royal Gathering is perfect for cruisers hoping to meet several princesses at once. You'll be able to wait in one short line and go from one greeting to the next, meeting
several royal friends in succession.
Olaf's Royal Picnic is the final Character Greeting that requires reservations onboard the Disney Wish. I hesitate to call it a Character Greeting, because really... it's a big event! Olaf's Royal Picnic is intended for children ages 3-12 and their parents. This is an opportunity to join Olaf, Kristoff, Anna, Elsa, and Castle Staff in a special picnic celebrating summer in Arendelle. The banquet hall is decorated with beautiful sunflowers, and guests can enjoy scrumptious summertime treats, music, and merriment. Every child in attendance receives a delightful assortment of gifts to commemorate the event. This is a special experience and costs an additional fee to take part in. Olaf's Royal Picnic can be reserved 75 days prior to your sailing date for a first-time cruiser like yourself.
Danielle, you'll be visiting Disney's own
Castaway Cay so be sure to be on the lookout for Characters on the island too. Have a wonderful sailing and please cruise back to me if you have any further questions. It's a pleasure to help!
Happy Planning,
Adrianna