Disney’s notorious for stepping up their game against others amusement parks and their meet and greets are just one of their “wow factors!” Disney loves to immerse their guests with all things Disney related and that includes the meet and greets. From elaborate room designs, one-of-a-kind sounds, Characters costumes, autographs, hugs, and much more, we ask ourselves how does Disney do it?
Pre-COVID Disney allowed guests to interact with beloved characters from Cinderella to Jack Sparrow. People from all ages and walks of life had their favorites and taking special photos alone or with loved ones is magical and keeping the Disney memories alive for ever. But when COVID hit we had all that stop. Social Distancing came into play and new rules and regulation were put into place. It seemed the whole world shut done and that of course included Disney World!
My story
Getting to meet Chewbacca for me was my all-time favorite character meet and greet, and the way Disney allowed me to immerse myself in Star Wars was absolutely phenomenal. From the design of the environment to sounds from room to Chewbacca staying in Character the who time. Now of course I loved all my other greet and meets, there are just too many to name but favorites after Chewbacca would have to be Kylo Ren and the stepsisters from Cinderella. I mean they were such in character, I couldn’t believe it!!!
What do we know so far?
Disney announced earlier this summer that Character experiences would be coming back in November but would be limited to just a few select characters and modified. I believe Disney is testing the waters. COVID has limited social distancing and that Mickey hug we oh so desire again might not comeback like once before. Due to COVID Disney announce that characters would be back but in a distant form, where we as guests could snap pictures and wave to character from a far. Hey at least we can see them!
Now we learn that the modified version will now have a new name called “Sightings.” It looks as though Disney had kept the beloved and most popular characters from Cinderella, Mickey, Minnie, Tiana and more to add. It is not clear now if this will completely take over the Disney Character experience the meet and greet or if they are trying out this new verbiage. It is also unclear if other characters will show up this year. Here is what we can know see on the website so far.
- Disney Junior Stars in the Animation Courtyard at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
- Disney Princesses at Princess Fairytale Hall in the Magic Kingdom
- Mickey Mouse in his 50th Anniversary EARidescent outfit at Town Square Theater in the Magic Kingdom
- Minnie Mouse at Red Carpet Dreams in Disney’s Hollywood Studios
I wonder when other characters will show including the “princesses of Disney” has we celebrate them this month.
Current “Meet a Disney Princess”
Chat with Disney Princesses and pose with them for photographs. Find out what traits they have that make them truly noble inside and out.
Check for specific meeting times using My Disney Experience Mobile App and visit Disney Princesses in these locations:
Magic Kingdom Park
- Meet Cinderella and Elena at Princess Fairytale Hall
- Meet Rapunzel and Tiana at Princess Fairytale Hall
- Meet Merida at Fairytale Garden
- Meet Ariel at Her Grotto
EPCOT
- Meet Jasmine in Morocco
- Meet Anna and Elsa at Royal Sommerhus
- Meet Mulan in China
- Meet Belle in France
- Meet Snow White in Germany
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park
- Meet Pocahontas at Discovery Island Trails
Sightings to Come
Disney has not officially announced the dates and times for this Disney Experience and or confirmed the new name. The official Walt Disney World website also doesn’t give much information on what modifications have been made to the social distancing notion. One thing is for sure Disney is still concern for the safety of there staff and guests going into this refurbished character experience.
Stay tune to wait for more information on “Sightings”