Welcome to planDisney, Tiffany!
Whether we're visiting Walt Disney World Resort or setting sail with Disney Cruise Line, we love seeing Mickey and some of his best pals! I'm happy to share a bit more about the
character experiences you can expect on Disney cruises.
While you won't be able to view a full list of characters ahead of your cruise, Tiffany, I've always found plenty of opportunities to meet, play, and interact with Disney friends during our vacations. Once you embark on your cruise, you'll find a complete activity schedule for your particular sailing in the
Disney Cruise Line Navigator App, including character meet and greets. Characters are always subject to change, but I will say that we have found many occasions on each cruise to meet Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Pluto, Goofy, Donald Duck, Daisy Duck, Chip 'n Dale, Disney princesses, and many, many more! One of our favorite nights for character greetings is
Pirate Night, where we can see our Disney pals in the swashbuckling best, and also usually greet special pirate friends, such as Jack Sparrow and Captain Hook. Don't forget to also check for characters at Disney's
private destinations in the Bahamas!
planDisney Pro Tip: If you're hoping to meet princesses at sea, I'd recommend checking availability for the
Royal Gathering. This free character greeting is offered on most sailings and gives you a chance to meet several princesses, but it requires a reservation. Given its popularity, you'll want to be ready to book when reservations open - usually 30 days before your cruise.
The ship you choose may also influence which characters you find available to meet. For example, the
Disney Destiny typically has more opportunities to meet with heroes and villains, while
Bluey and Bingo have been appearing on select sailings onboard the
Disney Dream and
Disney Wish. You may even find a chance to see characters at dinner in select rotational dining restaurants, such as
Arendelle: A Frozen Dining Adventure on the Disney Wish. Over the years, my kids have enjoyed the character interactions at
Disney's Oceaneer Club, too! If you are on a themed sailing like
Pixar Days at Sea or
Marvel Days at Sea, you can expect to find unique opportunities to interact with characters that you won't always find on other itineraries.
I hope this information has been a helpful start, Tiffany, as you continue planning your cruise! If you have any other questions about character experiences or would like more details about a specific ship or sailing, please stop by to see us again here at planDisney!
SEA ya real soon!
Kristi