Welcome to this month’s Blogorail Blue Loop. Today we are sharing some Disney trip printables to help you plan your vacation, like this one on where to find characters on your next trip!
First, WHY to find the characters.
Before we had children, my husband and I could never understand how anyone would spend precious time during their Disney vacations to wait in line to see characters. (Nevermind the fact that most of our friends didn’t understand why we spent our precious time during our vacations at Disney World.)
As we’ve continued to visit Disney destinations since then, those characters have sure grown on us. There is something extra magical about the special interactions kids have with their favorite heroes, villains, princess, and fairies.
If you’re headed to Walt Disney World soon, be sure to save this handy printable so you know exactly where to find your child’s favorite – or your favorite! – Disney friend inside the parks.
Now – WHERE to find Characters!
A few things to note —
- Even more than attractions, restaurants, and just about anything else in Walt Disney World, character locations are always subject to change. Be sure to pick up a current “Times Guide” at the front of each park (and at many retail locations) to see who you may find on a given day… then also keep your eyes peeled for some of them showing up unannounced! Those are some of our favorite visits.
- Most characters will sign autographs, but not all. If you’re in line for a character that is signing and you have an autograph book, please have it opened to the page you want them to sign. The rest of the line will thank you for it!
- Character dining is a great way to see many characters at once, without waiting in line! Most WDW dining reservations can be made 180 days in advance, by calling 407.WDW.DINE or visiting the Disney Dining website. Here are just a handful of the current character dining options and who you’ll see:
- 1900 Park Fare breakfast (Grand Floridian): Mary Poppins, Mad Hatter, Alice, Pooh, Tigger
- 1900 Park Fare dinner (Grand Floridian): Cinderella, Prince Charming, Lady Tremaine, Anastasia, Drizella
- Akershus Royal Banquet Hall (Epcot, Norway Pavilion): a selection of princesses
- Cinderella’s Royal Table (Magic Kingdom, Cinderella’s Castle): a selection of princesses
- Chef Mickey’s (Contemporary): Donald, Goofy, Mickey, Minnie, Pluto
- Crystal Palace (Magic Kingdom, Main Street USA): Pooh, Tigger, Piglet, Eeyore
- Garden Grill (Epcot, The Land Pavilion): Chip, Dale, Mickey, Pluto
- Hollywood & Vine (Hollywood Studios): Doc McStuffins, Sofia the First, Jake (of neverland pirate fame), Handy Manny
- ‘Ohana breakfast (Polynesian): Lilo, Stitch, Mickey
- Special events such as Mickey’s Not-so-Scary Halloween Party and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party have lots of characters that aren’t regularly in the parks. Check the special schedule/times guide at those events, or even consider booking an event for “character spotting” if it’s something your family loves. You won’t be disappointed!
Who has been your favorite character to meet on a Disney vacation?
check out the other great posts from the Blogorail!
Here is the map of our Magical Blogorail Blue | Disney Trip Printables Loop:
- 1st Stop – Superheroes and Teacups | Disney Attraction Height Requirements
- 2nd Stop – The Delightful Life | YOU ARE HERE! 🙂
- 3rd Stop – Saving Up for Disney | Packing List for Kids
- 4th Stop – Crafting to Disney | Disney Dining Plan Worksheet
- 5th Stop – Magical Mickey Tips | FastPass+ Tips
Lauren Tanner
This is so helpful! I’m still so sad they took away Baymax and Hiro. My little guys are bummed too. Hopefully they’ll be back before we visit next February.
[email protected]
Oh I know! I felt the same about Ralph and Vanellope. I hope they bring back lots of fun characters when they figure out (or share :)) where they can put the animation stuff!
Patricia Mickus
I wish more characters would walk around the parks to meet and greet guests.
[email protected]
I wouldn’t have always said this, but I agree! They add so much to the experience!
Heidi
We’ve had so many great character interactions over the years that it’s really hard to pick a favorite! Sometimes those you least expect to like end up being among your favorites!
FamilyTravelEscapades
I love this printable idea! I don’t know how to do it, but this is great. I am printing it off to give to my daughter for when we go to WDW in October.
[email protected]
I hope it helps make your trip simpler and extra magical!
Rosanne @ What's the Point?
This is wonderful. You can spend your whole trip looking for one character. This makes it so much easier! My favorite character – well, it has to be Belle. I always have the best conversations with her!
[email protected]
Yes! I love meeting the princesses also. Those were the ones we (I) would actually wait in line for before we had kids 🙂
Julie B.
I really appreciate that WDW has such specific areas for meeting characters (it’s a little less structured or scheduled at Disneyland). We love seeing our favorites!
[email protected]
There are definitely pros and cons to each. We love just “happening upon” the characters at Disneyland and some of our most cherished interactions are there, but it’s certainly nice to know you can find someone you just have to see! 🙂
Cindy Howell
What a great resource! My boys don’t feel like waiting in line for characters, but maybe I can use the printable for myself. 🙂
Mary
Love this list. When you are in the park it is easy to walk right past a meeting spot without even knowing it. Now you can be prepared.