Welcome back to planDisney, Melanie! I'm excited to see you're planning a visit later this month; you're coming just as the Walt Disney World Resort will be transitioning from its
summer celebrations to its
fall festivities, so whether you're looking to end summer with a splash or embrace the freshness of fall, 'tis the season for both!
Melanie, you are correct that at this time, the new
Lightning Lane Multi Pass system does not include any character meet-and-greets. The good news, though, is that the characters are still out and about with many opportunities for Guests to visit, snap some photos and selfies, and get autographs! Here are a few ways you can meet your favorite characters without using Lightning Lanes:
- Standby queues are still available for many popular in-park meet-and-greet locations, including Princess Fairytale Hall at Magic Kingdom Park and Mickey and Friends at CommuniCore Hall in EPCOT. You can find up-to-date meeting times and locations for a variety of characters in each park in the My Disney Experience mobile app and jump in line to meet your favorites!
- Character dining experiences are excellent opportunities to make memories with your favorite friends without the worry of a line! My favorites are brunch at Topolino's Terrace and dinner at Garden Grill Restaurant in EPCOT, but there are a variety of other character meals to choose from!
- Pop-up meet and greets are on the rise throughout the parks and resorts! On my most recent visits, I was surprised to find characters roaming freely at my Disney Resort hotel and in assorted unexpected places in the theme parks, especially EPCOT! While these sightings are not guaranteed or scheduled, it's always a good idea to keep your eyes peeled for unexpected magic!
Melanie, I hope this is helpful and I hope you will have the opportunity to mix and mingle with all of your favorite pals during your visit! If you're attending
Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party while you're there, that's another great opportunity to meet some characters, and they'll even be dressed up for Halloween! Their costumes are always boo-tiful! If you have any other planning questions, come on back to planDisney and let us know -
you've got a friend in me!
See you real soon,
Alison