Tips for Meeting Characters at Disneyland

A key piece of what makes Disneyland such a magical place for children and adults alike are the familiar characters that reside in the parks. We know them from our favorite films, television shows and comic books and while in the parks, you have the opportunity to meet them.

The best resource to find out which characters are available in the parks and where they are located, I suggest using the Disneyland mobile app.

Now that you know which characters are out and when and where they are located, lets work on making that experience a positive and memorable one.

First things first, expect each character to have a line. If the character(s) are not out yet, many guests will begin forming a line on their own accord, despite what cast members may tell you. Many times, the official response from cast members regarding issues like this will be to tell you not to form a line, however it is rarely enforced, hence guests lining up ahead of time. Figuring out where to line up if you're the first one there can be tricky and unpredictable. This is when you can ask a cast member or often times other guests around you who may also be trying to figure out where the line is located.

Once you or others form a line, the next step is to prepare for meeting the character(s) whom you're waiting to meet.

Get you camera ready, making sure it's on photo mode and not video (or visa versa if you wish to record the moment). If you have an autograph book to collect signatures from the characters, be sure to get that out and ready along with a pen. Find the page that you want them to sign on and have it marked some how so that when it's your turn, you'll be able to open it up quickly.

Once it's your turn, the interaction can sometimes move quickly, which is why you should prepare the previously mentioned steps, but it is also important to coach your children (or anyone else who will be in the photo) on what you want them to do once it's your turn. Things like, where to stand, handing them the autograph book first and how to hand the book over to make the transaction smooth. As the picture taker, you may also want to take pictures of the entire interaction, which for many, include a hug or high-five from the character which can often make for great candid moments.

This is also a good time to make sure your kids are "picture ready". Clean their face and/or hands ahead of time. Fix their clothes, hair, hats etc. You are investing time in this line, increase your odds of leaving with the photo that you will be happy with.

Now that everyone knows the plan, keep in mind that all of this can go out the window if you do not make it to the front of the line in the time the character is out taking pictures with guests. Depending on the weather, park attendance and other factors, the time that the characters may be out taking pictures will vary from as little as 15-20 minutes, and up to an hour if the character is indoors, and/or what is known as a face-character; which are the characters which you can hold a conversation with and they can speak back to you.

Generally, it does not matter at what point you make it to in line, when it is time for that character to leave, they leave and there's is nothing you can do about it. When this happens, if you are bound and determined to meet with that character, you'll have to return at a later time that day or return another day. The schedules they have listed are always subject to change and in my experience they never add additional times so make sure you research the meet and greet times early in the morning and plan ahead to ensure you meet the characters that you have your heart set on.

If you or your child enjoy cosplaying, this is another fun way to get better character interactions. If you're not up for cosplay, simply wearing a t-shirt with character on it may also inspire different character interactions. I also suggest, if you have an iphone, use the "live" photo mode which takes a series of pictures so you can relive short moments of the experience. I find this to be a great medium between deciding to take a picture or video of the moment.

Again, meeting with the characters can be a fun and memorable experience and by following these suggestions, I believe it will assist in ensuring these experiences are good ones for your party and for other guests wishing to meet the characters as well.