BREAKING NEWS: Disney Announces Major Change to Character Meet & Greets (Finally!)

One of the most unpopular lingering impacts of the pandemic on the guest experience at Disney World has been that guests have not been able to enjoy up-close character greetings. For over two years the iconic hug and an autograph from Mickey that for many guests is the quintessential Disney World experience has been strictly off-limits.

When Disney World reopened after the four-month closure at the start of the pandemic, character offerings began with character cavalcades only. Since then, while many characters have returned to their original greeting places, physical distancing measures have remained and there is a strict no contact rule for guests and characters. Obviously, this has meant no hugs, no autographs, and only selfies from a distance. As most things at Disney World have gradually moved back to normal (or some new version of it) the question on a lot of guests’ minds has been — when will “normal” character greetings return (and why has it taken so long)? Thankfully, that day has finally come. Get your autograph books ready and learn more below.

Here is the updated statement from Disney Cast Member Shawn Slater:

It’s been so great to see live entertainment returning to our theme parks, resorts, and cruise ships, and today, I’m thrilled to tell you about another quintessential Disney entertainment experience that’s on the way back. As early as April 18, we will start reintroducing traditional character greetings at Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resorts, as well as aboard Disney Cruise Line and at Aulani Resort in Hawaii. That’s right! Very soon, you will once again be able to hug Mickey Mouse, get an autograph from Mulan, and share a laugh with Goofy. We know many of you have missed these special moments, and your Disney character friends have missed you, too!

During the past two years, we’ve taken a very gradual, intentional approach to health and safety protocols. Recent trends and guidance have provided opportunities for us to bring back some of our most beloved magic, like character greetings and dining experiences. While not all locations will be available immediately, we anticipate reopening in phases throughout the spring and early summer.

This exciting milestone continues the recent, powerful momentum of returning entertainment across the Disney parks and resorts. As part of the 50^th Anniversary celebration at Walt Disney World, we’ve welcomed back shows such as “Mickey’s Magical Friendship Faire” and “Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular,” along with the Disney “Festival of Fantasy” Parade and new experiences like “Disney Adventure Friends Cavalcade.” This spring, Disneyland will see the return of several beloved nighttime spectaculars, including “World of Color,” “Disneyland Forever,” “Fantasmic!” and “Main Street Electrical Parade,” celebrating its own 50^th anniversary. And aboard Disney Cruise Line, we’re once again delighting guests with fireworks at sea and magnificent, Broadway-style shows on every ship.

So, with character greetings coming back this spring, who’s at the top of your “must meet” list for your next Disney vacation?

This is a welcome change. Since character greetings returned last fall with “individual time” physical distancing measures such as a barrier (rope, fence, planters, etc) have been used to keep guests distanced from the characters. Also, no autographs have been allowed.

Guest interest in when the policy would be updated spiked recently when guests noticed that there are no physical distancing measures in place at the new Star Wars Galactic Starcruiser hotel. Guests have seen videos of characters hugging and mixing with guests with no precautions, which begged the question if it’s okay in the trendy hotel where guests pay thousands for a two-day experience, why is it not okay in the parks?

Thankfully, the measures will be dropped and we’ll be able to hug Mickey and other characters again!

RELATED ARTICLE: The New Disney World Normal–Visiting During the Current Covid Restrictions – What You Need to Know

by Chad and Cindy Nykamp

When Walt Disney World reopened in July 2020, after a four-month closure, the park operated in a “phased reopening.” Many offerings were suspended and certain operations were modified. Slowly over time, restrictions have eased, many offerings have been brought back, and nearly all restaurants and resorts have reopened. So while Walt Disney World may be out of its “phased reopening,” visiting Walt Disney World in the pandemic era is still different than those blissful pre-Covid days.

Some restrictions, closures, and modifications appear to be here to stay, or at least, there is no indication that things will entirely go back to the way they were before the parks closed in March 2020 (at least not anytime soon). When planning a visit to Walt Disney World, we want you to be aware of these “new normal” operations. Here’s what you need to know about visiting Walt Disney World during Covid restrictions.

1 – A My Disney Experience Account is Absolutely Essential

We have always encouraged guests to have the latest version of the My Disney Experience app for the Walt Disney World vacations but now having an active account has become essential for planning and enjoying your Walt Disney World vacation. You might be able to get by without the app on your phone, but you must have the account. You’ll need an account to make park reservations, dining reservations, and use Mobile Order service. Also, now that Disney Genie, Disney Genie+, and Lightning Lane are here, you’ll need an account for those services. You can use the web version of My Disney Experience at home to set up your account and make reservations. While at Walt Disney World, you’ll use the app inside the parks for all of those services mentioned above. We certainly are fully in the digital age and a vacation to Walt Disney World is no different. When planning a Walt Disney World vacation, your first step is to set up a My Disney Experience account.

2 – Resort Scheduled Reopenings

All but one Walt Disney World Resorts have reopened. Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort has not reopened, however, it is scheduled to reopen on March 31, 2022.

For the latest information on resort openings, click here.

3 – Disney Park Pass Reservation System

When the parks reopened in July 2020, Walt Disney World introduced a new Disney Park Pass reservations system as a way to monitor and limit capacity in the parks. However, even with capacity limits eliminated there is no indication that the system is going anywhere. Currently, reservations are available (and necessary) through January 2023. Also, with the recent rollout of a new annual pass program, extra park pass reservations are an integral benefit of the annual pass program. We believe the system is here to stay, so be prepared to make your park reservations as soon as possible after purchasing tickets. Visit the link below for more information.

Click here for information on Making Park Reservations at Walt Disney World and What You Need to Know.

The face-covering policy has changed multiple times over the last year. Read the current policy below:

Face coverings are optional for fully vaccinated Guests in both outdoor and indoor locations. We expect Guests who are not fully vaccinated to continue wearing face coverings in all indoor locations, including indoor attractions and theaters. Face coverings are still required by all Guests (ages 2 and up) on Disney buses and monorails.

5 – Transportation

Physical distancing measures have now been removed on Disney transportation. However, face coverings are still required on all Disney transportation. Finally, Tram service has returned to the Magic Kingdom parking lot. Other park Trams will return “throughout 2020.”

6 – Fireworks are Back but Not at All the Parks

Two new nighttime spectaculars are here as part of the 50th-Anniversary festivities. A new nighttime spectacular, “Disney Enchantment,” is at Magic Kingdom Park, and “Harmonious,” is over at EPCOT. Over at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, guests can again see “Wonderful World of Animation.” There is no word on when “Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular” will return, however, Disney has confirmed that Fantasmic! will return sometime in 2022.

7 – Park Hopping Has Been Modified

Park hopping was initially suspended when the parks reopened in 2020. In January 2021, it returned, with an important modification. Guests can now only park hop after 2:00 pm and only after they have visited the park where they have their park pass reservation. After 2:00 pm, you can hop from park to park as before. But keep this in mind when planning which park to visit first.

8 – Some Live Entertainment and Parades are Still Not Available

Many fan-favorite live entertainment shows such as Festival of the Lion King and Beauty and the Beast Live on Stage are back. Finding Nemo – The Musical has been closed but will return sometime in 2022. However, the Festival of Fantasy parade is back, along with a new stage show is an updated version of Mickey’s Royal Friendship Faire. You can find the complete list of unavailable entertainment by clicking here.

9 – Extra Magic Hours and FastPass+ Have Been Retired; Genie+ and Lightning Lane Now Available

Please note, Extra Magic Hours were suspended during the phased reopening and Disney announced Extra Magic Hours will not return. Since October 1, 2021, Disney resort guests have an early entry benefit that works differently than Extra Magic Hours. All resort guests are allowed to enter all parks, all days, thirty minutes early. This option is available every day and at every park. Deluxe resort guests will get some extended hours at select parks on a limited basis.

Click here to learn more about the Resort benefits that are available to guests during the 50th Anniversary celebration.

Also, the FastPass+ service was suspended during the phased reopening and that has been retired as well. A new option, called Genie+ and Lightining Lane are now available. Click here for more details on Genie+ and Lightning Lane. 

10 – Dining – New Reservation Window and Other Changes

The dining reservation window has been reduced from 180 days to 60 days. This is another one of those changes that was made during the phased reopening, that appears to be here to stay. Please note, because not all restaurants have reopened it is especially important for guests to make dining reservations as soon as their reservation window opens at 60 days. Resort guests still have the added benefit of making reservations for their entire length of stay for up 10 days, potentially giving them the ability to make reservations 70 days out. Dining reservations are still in short supply and it is very difficult to get reservations at popular restaurants, especially for non-resort guests.

If you can’t get a dining reservation for a restaurant of your choice, there is still a walk-up option. One new feature that was rolled out during the phased reopening is the ability to join a walk-up waitlist in the My Disney Experience app. This alleviates the need to walk to the restaurant to check availability. In the app, simply click on the plus button on the bottom of the screen, then click “Check Dining Availability,” enter your party size and the day of the visit, then click “Now” instead of a time of day. This will give you a list of restaurants that are accepting walk-ups. It’s a great feature that really is convenient for guests.

Another new feature that was added was the ability to check-in for a dining reservation through the app instead of having to visit the hostess stand. We recently used this feature at Topolino’s Terrace and were able to enjoy drinks at the lounge and check-in from our seats. It’s another great feature.

Be aware that because most restaurants require the use of Mobile Ordering through the My Disney Experience app, actually getting your food can take a long time, especially on busy days. Click here for our recent thoughts on the service and what Disney should do about it.

Finally, at this time the Disney Dining Plan is still temporarily unavailable, however, Disney has confirmed that it will return. No timetable has been given on its return.

11 – Enchanting Extras–Events, Tours, Recreation, and Other Experiences Update

There are a lot of extra activities such as certain special events, tours, recreation, and more, that are still not available. The Grand Floridian Spa was the first spa to reopen, but others still remain closed. Click here to learn what is available and what is not.