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  • On May 12, 2011
    Algie from GA Asked Note: This answer was provided prior to the change to planDisney and may still contain references to Disney Parks Moms Panel.

    Experiences, policies, pricing and other offerings are subject to change and may have changed since the date of this answer.

    This will be my fourth time coming to Disney in August and my 2 yr old son's first time and I'm so excited well I want him to have the most awesome time ever without getting afraid of some of the Disney characters. Any tips guy???

    Hi Algie!

    Happy to see another Georgia peach! :)

    Well, I'm not sure how qualified I am to answer your question because BOTH of my kids are scared of the characters. (Isn't that horrible for a Disney Mom?!) My 5 year old won't even watch the parade unless she's half a mile back. And my 2 year old won't get close enough for a picture. But, here's what we've done to help ease their fears and hopefully get them ready for next time!

    1. Talk about it beforehand. We've talked about how the characters are just costumes. We tell them they aren't going to walk straight up to them or pick them up.

    2. Start slow. Show the kids a character from a distance. Let them realize Mickey is actually taller than them and not 3 inches high like on TV. Maybe watch a parade or a show before you try a meet-and-greet.

    3. Start with a Face Character. My daughter loves meeting the Princesses because they have real faces. Maybe try a photo opp with them first so your son can get the feel of it.

    4. Don't force it. If he's afraid, don't push him up there. On our last vacation, we stood in line to see Mickey & Minnie for 45 minutes and we made my daughter sit right between the 2 of them. She was terrified and wouldn't get near another character the rest of the trip. I think it's because she was traumatized by that first encounter!

    5. Follow the Character's lead. The characters are professinals. They won't jump on your son or make him sit on their lap. When I brought my 2 year old to the Character Connection in Epcot, he loved them until we got within arm's reach. Donald played peek-a-boo with him and Minnie blew kisses. They stepped away quickly when he started getting nervous. And the Photo Pass people were snapping away the whole time. So I still got some good pictures out of it!

    I hope that helps! Here's to hoping your son runs to the characters and you have lots of pictures for your scrapbook!
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Meet the Panelist: Amanda, Georgia

I'm a happy stay-at-home to two preschool kids. I've been visiting Disney World since I was three years old and it has been a part of my life ever since! I'm excited to help you plan your magical vacation---and the magical memories that will go with it! Learn More About Amanda

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