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Mom And Daughter Laughing together on Hammock at beach
  • On Aug 1, 2011
    Tracye 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.

    HI, we are sailing on a family cruise on the Dream (we leave this weekend) my 8 year is afraid of customed characters (those with their face hidden). She has informed me she does not want to cruise now. HELP!! What can I do to make her comfortable?

    Hi, Tracye!

    Poor little princess...her fear must be getting the best of her as you approach your sail date! Let me see if I can offer some words of comfort for you and for her.

    On the Disney Dream, there are no character encounters which you can't avoid. For instance, the characters aren't at the restaurants.  In fact, most character appearances are listed on your daily Personal Navigator which is the newsletter delivered to your room with a listing of all the happenings on the ship. There is a spot on the Personal Navigator which lists the character appearances so that you know how to plan.

    The characters do make impromptu visits to Disney's Oceaneer Club and Oceaneer Lab occasionally.  Therefore, you'll want to tell the counselors of her fears and make sure she's in another area if a character visits those spaces while she's there.

    As a mom, I encourage you to love your daughter through this little hang up -- it will pass.  Be patient and understanding, and listen to her talk about her fears. In fact, allow her to watch the characters from a distance interact with other guests, and reassure her that she's safe and protected.  You may be surprised that she'll make some advances toward liking the characters during the cruise. In fact, bring along a blank pillowcase and a permanent marker.  Ask the folks at Guest Services if your daughter can get autographs from the characters on it, and she doesn't even have to be around! It will be delivered back to your stateroom as a neat souvenir.

    I hope this helps, and I'll be praying for her (and you) this weekend! (Write me back to let me know how it goes.) Have a wonderful day and a magical vacation.

    Bon voyage,

    Andi
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Meet the Panelist: Andi, Alabama

Anchors aweigh! Time to set sail aboard Disney Cruise Line, and I'm just the mom to help you navigate the waters of planning. From stem to stern to ports of call, I'll show you the ropes of pixie-dusted vessels filled with magic and adventure. Learn More About Andi

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