Welcome, Natsumi, to planDisney, where we’re all about celebrating
all the happily ever afters.
Even though you’re not planning on having a wedding at the
Walt Disney World Resort, it does seem that congratulations are in order, so congratulations on your marriage! Make sure that while you’re visiting, you stop at the Front Desk of your hotel or a Guest Services location to grab a Celebration Button to let everyone know you’re celebrating.
If you’d like to take pictures with characters at the resort, there are so many wonderful opportunities, depending on who you’re most excited to meet. First, be sure your outfit follows the Attire Policies listed in the Property Rules. Then, explore the
Character Greeting page to see who’s available, and use the My Disney Experience mobile app once you arrive to find meeting locations and times. Just tap the three horizontal lines (☰), select “Wait Times & Showtimes,” choose your park, and make sure “Show Only Lightning Lane Experiences” is toggled off. You can even tap an experience to get directions.
When it’s time to meet your character, interactions are designed to keep the line moving so everyone gets a turn, but you can absolutely let the PhotoPass Photographer know what kind of photo you’re hoping for. While not every request may be possible, they’re wonderful at guiding the moment and helping capture a little bit of Disney magic whenever they can. Just make sure to purchase Memory Maker so you can download and keep all of the wonderful memories you have taken throughout your trip.
Here are some of my favorite meet-and-greets in the parks:
- In Magic Kingdom Park, you can’t beat Princess Fairytale Hall, a beautiful royal setting with classic favorites and a rotating lineup of visiting princesses. You can also dine with princesses at Cinderella’s Royal Table, where Princess visits are brief, and photos are casual snapshots rather than formal portraits. But it's still a lovely way to say hello and capture a sweet memory.
- In EPCOT, I love visiting Anna and Elsa at Royal Sommerhus. It’s beautifully themed and a favorite spot for character interactions. For classic characters, you can also meet Mickey & Friends in World Celebration.
- If Moana is on your list, be sure to visit her at Character Landing for some wayfinding advice in Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park. And there’s a new meet-and-greet with Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde from Zootopia.
- Also, I love hanging out with my Pixar friends at Pixar Plaza in Disney’s Hollywood Studios. You’ve typically got Joy from Inside Out, Edna Mode, Mr. and Mrs. Incredible, and Frozone from The Incredibles, and Sulley from Monsters, Inc.
You can also book a Capture Your Moment session at select locations around the resort for 20 minutes with a PhotoPass Photographer. While characters aren’t included, you’ll get personalized time in front of some beautiful backdrops, and you can even book two sessions back-to-back for extra photos. As a reminder, you will need to purchase these photos to keep them, which is why Memory Maker is so highly recommended.
Natsumi, I wish you a visit that’s magical, memorable, and full of character. If you have any other questions,
I won’t hesitate to answer them!
Wishing you all the best memories,
Matt