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  • On Mar 14, 2012
    Leeann from OK 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.

    We are planning a trip to Walt Disney World with my 5-year-old niece who is terrified of mascots (people in costume). Can you recommend any ways to AVOID characters greetings? She is excited to see princesses, but not any of characters in large heads.

    One of the great features of character greetings is that nearly all of the encounters are when the guests decide to meet the character, so it is quite unlikely that your niece will have to meet any characters without making the decision to do so.  

    However, there are times where she may see them off to the distance, such as upon entering the Magic Kingdom.  If it would be better for her not to see them at all, I'd try to distract her.  By chance, will she be in a stroller? Just thinking that will make it much easier to distract her because she could be doing something else more easily. One possibility would be for her to have her own copy of the map of the park and ask her to look for something on it (like her own scavenger hunt).  You can also consider giving her a Disney book or even small electronic game to distract her. If you won't have a stroller, you may want to go directly to the train station to avoid the character meet 'n greets in the area.  Just strategically placing adults her should help her to avoid seeing them. A quick final thought, they are also in the opening ceremony at the Magic Kingdom if you are there for the opening; just stand where you can't see the train well. 

    To help avoid other character encounters, you'll want to have a copy of the Times Guides of each parks located with the maps. It will provide you with the times and locations of characters, so you'll know where and when to avoid them. Of course, you'll also be able to see where the princesses are, so she can visit them.

    They are also in the parades, so that may be another attraction to avoid, as well as the performance attractions such as Dream Along with Mickey, Beauty and the Beast Live on Stage, and Fantasmic. 

    Thank you for the question; please let us know if we can help again. 
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Meet the Panelist: Kara, Nebraska

I am a retired teacher with a family of 3 adult sons who have grown up through Disney. I am known by friends as the Star Wars loving Disney Nerd who always wants to serve up tips and ideas of how to make visits to Walt Disney World special and magical.  Learn More About Kara

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