Meet-N-Greet Tips

As I sit here this morning it is raining outside and only about 40 degrees. Disneyland weather is sunny and 65. Who wouldn't rather be there. Maybe I will go sit in a tanning bed today for about 5 minutes and dream I am flying through the air on the Dumbo ride. 

On our first trip with Ainsley she was super excited to go. We didn't tell her until just before so her excitement wouldn't get the best of her. Honestly though, I have an amazing daughter. No matter how excited she is about an activity she still manages to sleep and maintain a calm level of anticipation. Don't get me wrong...she can be energetic like any normal 5 year old, but she can be really good at waiting too.

One of my biggest fears was how she would react to all of the characters. We saw a man dressed as Tigger one year handing out candy for Halloween and she hid behind me. Keeping that experience in mind I had determined that we need to be purposeful in how we introduced her to Mickey Mouse and friends. The plan was to arrive on our first day and immediately take her to Mickey's house in Toontown. Inside of Mickey's Movie Barn you can meet with the mouse himself. Cast members take park guests in small groups into Mickey's dressing room where you have an opportunity to meet with him and have a photo taken. Ainsley changed that plan when we first walked in the gate. Off to the right of the entrance in front of the Mad Hatter Hat Shop we saw Mickey and Pluto. She couldn't wait and wanted to meet Mickey right then. What a special moment that was.

Ainsley meets Mickey for the first time.

If you think your child might be afraid here are a few tips:

1. Be willing to stand in the picture with your child and ask a cast member to take a picture of your family. They will gladly use your camera and allow you to review it to make sure that it turned out well before you leave.

2. Use an autograph book. Ainsley loves to collect signatures of all the characters she meets. We like the autograph books with the picture pockets that can be purchased at the park.

3. Start with a favorite character. If you are not sure where to find them ask a cast member. However, Mickey is almost always at his house in Toontown and so is Minnie. Pooh and Tigger can often be found in Critter Country and many Princess can be found throughout the day at Princess Fantasy Fare.

4. While meeting the characters at Disneyland can be great fun, it’s not a must for a great Disneyland experience. Cast Members will do all they can to help you and your child have a great meet-n-greet with each character you encounter, but it's okay to wait until your child is ready.

Watch for my next blog for tips on where to find Character Meet-N-Greets at Disneyland.