Blog Archives
Meet Cruz Ramirez from Disney·Pixar’s ‘Cars 3’ at Disney Parks
This summer, when guests head on down the highway to Disney California Adventure® Park at Disneyland® Resort, they’ll be able to meet one of the newest stars from Disney·Pixar’s “Cars 3,” Cruz Ramirez. Cruz has joined Lightning McQueen and Mater in Cars Land. She’ll also be taking a summer road trip down to the Sunshine State, stopping in on Pixar Place at Disney’s Hollywood Studios® at Walt Disney World® Resort.
In Disney·Pixar’s “Cars 3,” Cruz Ramirez is a top-notch technician at the Rusteze Racing Center where she’s assigned to train the team’s talented rookies. Cruz always had racing dreams of her own, but it isn’t until she meets Lightning McQueen that she realizes her passion to compete is still there. Now she’ll finally get the chance to see if she’s got what it takes to win.
Woodbrey Family Travel
New Character Breakfast to Debut at Trattoria al Forno at Disney’s BoardWalk
An all-new character dining experience will debut this spring at Disney’s BoardWalk, with appearances by adventurous royal couples from beloved Disney films! A delicious breakfast awaits you at Trattoria al Forno, as you get ready to set out for a day of endless magic at Walt Disney World® Resort. It’s a hearty “bon voyage” celebration, featuring popular characters from favorite Disney stories like “Tangled” or “The Little Mermaid.”
This unique, new character breakfast is slated to begin in late spring.
Woodbrey Family Travel
Frozen Ever After Attraction & Royal Sommerhus To Open June 21 at Epcot
Two new “Frozen” experiences are coming to Epcot on June 21, 2016. First, the Frozen Ever After attraction and the adjacent Royal Sommerhus, where guests will be able to meet these two princesses. 
Located in the Norway pavilion at Epcot, Frozen Ever After allows guests to set off on an adventurous boat tour through the kingdom of Arendelle. First, they’ll be transported to the “Winter in Summer” Celebration where Queen Elsa embraces her magical powers to create a beautiful “winter-in-summer” day for the entire kingdom. Next, they will pass Troll Valley on their way up to the icy North Mountain to Queen Elsa’s Ice Palace before their return trip to the Bay of Arendelle. And, starting on May 21, 2016 guests will be able to start making Fastpasses for this attraction.
And, over at the nearby Royal Summerhus, Anna and Elsa’s summer home, the royal sisters will be available for greeting opportunities.
– Cody Woodbrey
Mickey’s Halloween Party at the Disneyland Park – 2015
This event is filled with all kinds of spooktacular entertainment and is one of the most anticipated special events of the year. Join your family with a Villainous Fireworks show, popular seasonal attractions, such as the transformation of the Haunted Mansion into the beloved Nightmare Before Christmas Haunted Mansion Holiday, and Space Mountain into Space Mountain Ghost Galaxy. Here you will find some of your favorite Disney Villains, along with Mickey Mouse and his friends all dressed in their Halloween costumes! Costumes are not required for this event but definitely encouraged. Dressing up for this event for our family really has added to the magic and excitement of the event.
Main Street Pumpkin Festival
In the center of Town Square you’ll find a 12-foot high Mickey ‘jack-o’-lantern’, complete with pumpkin ears. As you make your way down Main Street U.S.A., you will see over 300 different carved pumpkins on display in the shop windows.
Big Thunder Ranch Halloween Carnival
This is one of my family’s favorite places to visit during the day before the Halloween party starts. Here you’ll find your favorite Disney characters in Halloween costumes, special entertainment, pumpkin carvers, activities, merchandise, treats, and this year, the Halloween Carnival is where you will find your favorite Disney Villains. Live entertainment will be provided while you make your own Halloween mask at the craft station or try your hand at carnival games; and don’t miss the Magic Cauldron Sideshow, where you can cast a magic spell to conjure up a Disney Villain.
Haunted Mansion Holiday
The bakers at the Disneyland Resort come together each year to create an original gingerbread house for the ballroom scene. Last year’s gingerbread house was perched on a tall and spindly mountain featuring a flying Zero and a ghost train. At 9 feet tall, it was one of the tallest they’ve ever built. The Haunted Mansion will also be transformed into a Tim Burton ‘Nightmare Before Christmas’ theme.
Space Mountain Ghost Galaxy
As always this year, Space Mountain will be transformed into “Space Mountain Ghost Galaxy!” Move through space and experience surprises around every corner. Typically, it is best to do the attractions during the day. This will allow you to have more time seeing all the extras of the party and to see more cool and rare characters. If you only have tickets for the party, you will still be able to get into the park at 4:00 p.m., which will allow you to do the attractions before the party starts.
Toontown Treat Pre-Party starts at 6:00 pm
Event guests may enjoy some spooky fun in Mickey’s Towntoon, even before the party starts. Where early Trick-or-Treating Witches & Wizards will greet guests. Line up for the pre-party 30-45-minutes before it starts. This will help you get through the lines a lot quicker, you’ll get more candy, and you’ll have time to see all the characters. The characters you will see for the pre-party are Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Pluto, Goofy, Donald Duck, Chip n’ Dale, Clarabelle Cow, and Roger Rabbit. Roger Rabbit and Clarabelle Cow only come out for this pre-party. This was so much fun, and it definitely kicked off the night on a high note. We saw so many characters and got loads of treats before the party even started.
A Villainous Surprise in the Skies Fireworks’ runs nightly at 9:30 p.m
This “Halloween Screams” Fireworks Spooktacular show is hosted by none other than Jack Skellington. Flames, fireworks and great music all come together to make this a don’t-miss firework show. These fireworks, which are different than the regular fireworks done during the week, are absolutely amazing and are my favorite to watch!
Mickey’s Tick-or-Treat Trails
Treats include apple slices, carrots, raisins, dried fruit, and of course, a variety of chocolates and other candies. Trust me when I say you will leave the party with several pounds of candy. The Trick-or-Treat trails are all over the park, and cast members hand out handfuls of treats.
Halloween Treats
Halloween party treats are sold throughout the park, with exclusive Haunted Mansion treats at The French Market and Café Orleans! Goodies available include Silly Halloween Caramel Apples, Pumpkin Muffins topped with Cream, Mickey Halloween Cookies, Hot Caramel Apple Cider, and Pumpkin Cheesecake!
Dance Party
Take a load off and dance the night away with some of your favorite Disney characters at the night’s dance party event in Tomorrowland. Select Disney Characters come out and dance with everyone; however, they will not stop and take pictures or sign autographs at the dance party.
Costumed Characters
Keep your eyes open, because you never know whom you’ll see–but will you recognize them? Your beloved Disney Characters will be dressed up in their best costumes, and Disney Villains will be out in full force. During our last visit we saw Mickey and his friends dressed up in four different costumes from 4:00 p.m. to the end of the party. It was fun to see all of their different costumes. Just make sure you don’t forget your camera!
List of some of the characters doing meet n’ greets at the party
(May change without notice)
Phineas & Ferb – Innoventions in Tomorrowland; Aladdin Jasmine & Genie – Aladdin’s Oasis; Jack Skellington & Sally – French Market; Winnie the Pooh, Tigger, Rabbit & Eeyore– Critter Country; Jack Sparrow, Peter Pan, Wendy & Captain Hook – “Pirates Wharf” – Mark Twain & Sailing Ship Columbia Dock; Stormtroopers – Little Green Men Store Command; Toy Story Characters – Big Thunder Ranch; Mickey & Minnie Mouse – Big Thunder Ranch; Merida – “it’s a small world” Promenade; Disney Villains – Main Street USA/Next to the Train Station; Here are the villains – Maleficent, Cruella De Vile, Dr. Facilie, Hades, Evil Queen, Queen of Hearts, & Jafar; Disney Princesses – Fantasy Faire Hall, The Princesses will be with their princess.
Additional Party Tips
The Disney Villains, Phineas & Ferb, Stormtroopers, and the princes can only be seen during the Halloween party. You can see the rest of the characters during the day, which will leave you more time to enjoy the rest of the party, or to see even more characters. You can also see a few other villains at the Big Thunder Ranch during the day, along with Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Daisy, Goofy, and Chip n’ Dale in their costumes.
Mickey’s Halloween Party 2015 dates
Friday, Sept. 25; Monday, Sept. 28; Wednesday, Sept. 30; Friday, Oct. 2; Monday, Oct. 5; Wednesday, Oct. 7; Friday, Oct. 9; Monday, Oct. 12; Wednesday, Oct. 14; Friday, Oct. 16; Monday, Oct. 19; Thursday, Oct. 22; Friday, Oct. 23; Sunday, Oct. 25; Tuesday, Oct. 27; Thursday, Oct. 29; and Saturday, Oct. 31.
If you are planning a trip to Disneyland, please contact me for more information and deals.
– Cody Woodbrey
Celebrities and Entertainment Announced for Star Wars Weekends 2015 at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Once again, Disney’s Hollywood Studios is hosting this year’s Star Wars Weekends. Over the course of 5 weekends, Friday – Sunday, May 15 – June 14, guests have the opportunity to feel the power of the force with all new entertainment along with the chance to meet some of their favorite celebrities from the Star Wars films.
The universe of Star Wars comes to life for guests through having more than 60 Star Wars characters roaming the theme park for meet-and-greet opportunities, a Star Wars motorcade, and the “Symphony in the Stars” nighttime fireworks spectacular saluting iconic sounds of the films. The event will also feature event-exclusive merchandise at Darth’s Mall, Star Wars-inspired dining offerings where guests meet Star Wars characters, specialty food and beverages, interactive activities, and much more.
Many of the Star Wars Weekends’ favorite celebrities will be returning to this year’s event, such as: Warwick Davis – Wald and Wicket W. Warrick; Ray Park – Darth Maul; Peter Mayhew – Chewbacca; and several others. These celebrities, including the newcomers, will appear each weekend in star conversations, talk shows, autograph sessions, and motorcades.
Bringing his evil powers to Star Wars Weekends for the first time, actor Ian McDiarmid, Senator/Emperor Palpatine in the Star Wars movies, will kick off Weekend I, May 15-17. And, to balance out the appearance of the dark side with a beacon of light, actor Frank Oz, the voice of Yoda in the Star Wars movies, will make his first event appearance in Weekend V, June 12-14, to finish out the event. Below is the full lineup of celebrities with the weekend they will be attending.
Over the next few weeks, I will be sharing some of my own experiences and excitement for attending Star Wars Weekends, so stay tuned for more information!
– Cody Woodbrey
Star Wars at Sea!
There will be 8 Select Disney sailings in 2016 on the Disney Fantasy that will have the Star Wars Day at Sea! These sailings will be a seven-night Western Caribbean cruise departing from Port Canaveral. Ports of call for these sailings are Cozumel, Mexico; Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands; and Disney’s private island in the Bahamas, Castaway Cay. The Star Wars Day at Sea is scheduled for the day after porting at Grand Cayman.
Talk about an out-of-this-world experience!! Happening one day during each of the eight sailings, guests will have a galactic experience that has never happened before on a Disney Cruise. Guests will get the opportunity to meet their favorite characters from the films, participate in galactic deck parties, watch fireworks, meet some of the actors from the films, and so much more. This is a cruise you don’t want to miss! Below is the outline of the Star Wars Day at Sea as given by Disney Cruise Line.
Star Wars Day at Sea event includes the following:
Force-filled Fun for Everyone
- Darth Vader, Chewbacca, Boba Fett, Stormtroopers and other characters from across the Star Wars galaxy will be onboard for scheduled meet and greets, as well as roaming on deck and elsewhere around the ship. You’re also are encouraged to dress up in your own stellar costumes!
- A shipboard version of the popular Jedi Training Academy experience invites young Jedi hopefuls — known as “Padawans” — to learn lightsaber moves from a Jedi Master. They can then use the Force and face off in a final test against the evil Darth Vader.
- Kids and families enjoy friendly competition during Star Wars trivia games, covering fun facts from the film and television sagas.
- For Younglings, Star Wars-themed arts and crafts, games and activities will be offered throughout the day in Oceaneer Club and Oceaneer Lab youth clubs.
- In the evening, adults entering the night club will feel like they stepped into the Mos Eisley cantina scene. Characters and cantina music set the mood as Star Wars-themed specialty cocktails are served.
Film Screenings and Celebrities
- You can watch the first six Star Wars films and follow Darth Vader, Obi Wan Kenobi, Luke and Leia along their epic journey.
- Also showing will be episodes of the new Disney X D animated series, Star Wars Rebels.
- On each of the special sailings, celebrities and insiders from the Star Wars galaxy will share their experiences, meet fans and sign autographs.
Star Wars Deck Party and Fireworks
- There’s intergalactic fun when the Star Wars deck party blasts off to an exciting evening filled with music, dancing and games.
- Star Wars characters converge on the deck stage for a celebration of the Star Wars saga in a show featuring special effects and Guest participation.
- The deck party culminates in a spectacular display of themed pyrotechnics, lighting, sound effects, lasers and Star Wars music.
Star Wars Day at Sea is available on these select sailings :
- January 9
- January 23
- February 6
- February 20
- March 5
- March 19
- April 2
- April 16
Contact me for more information or to book your Disney Cruise and May The Force Be With You!
– Cody Woodbrey
Oswald the Lucky Rabbit is coming to Disney California Adventure
Starting on September 14, 2014, Oswald the Lucky Rabbit will be meeting guests at Disney California Adventure Park. This will be his first appearance at the Disneyland Resort. His meet and greet area will be along Buena Vista Street. Oswald was one of Walt Disney’s first animated characters. “Trolley Troubles” was the first film he appeared in on September 5, 1927.
Thank you for reading and stay tuned for more great information on all things Disney Characters & Disney Travel.
– Cody Woodbrey
Villains’ Sinister Soiree: A Wicked Takeover of Cinderella’s Castle
New this year to Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party in the Magic Kingdom Park is the devilish dessert party that will be taking place in Cinderella’s Castle. Lady Tremaine and her villainous friends have taken over Cinderella’s Castle and are having a delicious dessert party with wickedly fun entertainment and villainous character meet and greets.
The event will take place in the great halls of Cinderella’s Royal Table, which has been transformed into an upscale villainous room. Here guests will enjoy live music, which includes being serenaded with solos from Lady Tremaine herself. You’ll also enjoy an array of delectable desserts and specialty non-alcoholic beverages. Upon leaving the dessert party guests will receive an autograph card and a souvenir Maleficent dragon cup! As an added bonus to the dessert party, guests will have reserved seating for Mickey’s Boo-to-You Halloween Parade and a reserved viewing area for HalloWishes, the nighttime spectacular.
For those Disney Villain Character fans there will be several of your favorite villains attending the dessert party. Those attending will be Lady Tremaine, The Queen of Hearts, Captain Hook, Frollo, Maleficent, Cruella, Facillier and the Evil Queen. Most of these characters will not be doing meet and greets during the Halloween Party. This may be your only chance to see them.
Admission to the Villains’ Sinister Soiree: A Wicked Takeover of Cinderella Castle is available for $99 per person, plus tax (gratuity included). Guests are required to have already purchased admission to Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. Reservations can only be booked by calling in. To make a reservation, please call (407) 939-5262. Reservation are expected to go quickly, so don’t wait until the event to make a reservation.
The Dessert Soiree at Cinderella’s Royal Table, taking place at both 10:15 p.m. and 11:45 p.m. on September 1, 9 and 12, 2014; and at 10:15 p.m. only on September 14, 16, 19, 21, 23, 26, 28 and October 2, 3, 5, 9, 10, 13, 16, 17, 19, 21, 23, 24, 26, 28, 30 and 31, 2014.
To check in for the event, you will visit the main will call booth outside the main entrance of the Magic Kingdom park from 4:00 pm to 6:30 pm. Starting at 7:30 pm. you can check-in at the parade and fireworks viewing area in the central plaza by the Castle Forecourt State. It is recommended you check in at will call for saving time and for convenience. Once you have checked in, you’ll receive a wristband, which must be presented to enter the preferred viewing areas and Cinderella’s Royal Table. You can also check in at Cinderella’s Royal Table if you don’t want to participate in the preferred seating extras for both the parade or fireworks.
For more information or to buy tickets to Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween party, please contact me at cody@woodbreyfamilytravel.com. I also book and plan trips to Disneyland and to the Disney Cruise Line.
– Cody Woodbrey
Characters From Disney’s “Big Hero 6” are Coming to Disney Parks
For those who know me, you know that I have a huge passion for all things Disney Characters. To go along with that, I love blogging about them too. For all things Disney Characters, I’m your man! My most popular blog post about characters is “Meeting Disney Characters 101”. This blog post walks you through the steps in having the best possible experience meeting your favorite characters.
There are some fantastic character experiences coming to the Disney parks and you can count on me to provide you with the most up-to-date information.
Hiro Hanada & his friend robot Baymax from Disney’s newest film “Big Hero 6″ will be making their first appearance at Disneyland and Walt Disney World this fall. Locations and exact dates for this meet and greet experience have not been released yet. More information will be released soon.”Big Hero 6” will be in theaters November 7, 2014.
If you are planning a trip to Disneyland or Walt Disney World this fall, please contact me and I’ll help book an amazing trip for you. cody@woodbreyfamilytravel.com
Thank you for reading and stay tuned for more great information on all things Disney Characters.
– Cody Woodbrey
“Frozen Summer Fun” Premium Package Now Available at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
The popular Disney animated film “Frozen” is coming to life like never before with all-new, immersive experiences at Disney’s Hollywood Studios during “Frozen Summer Fun!”
And, now through Sept. 1, 2014 (with the exception of Aug. 23), you can reserve viewing for three of the park’s most anticipated new experiences with the “Frozen Summer Fun Premium Package.”
The fun begins during Anna and Elsa’s Royal Welcome, a procession down Hollywood Boulevard welcoming the visiting royalty to the kingdom of Hollywoodland. Then, you can cool down inside Premiere Theatre during For the First Time in Forever: A “Frozen” Sing-Along Celebration, featuring the music from the film’s chart-topping soundtrack. And, to wrap up the day’s festivities, you will enjoy an exclusive dessert party in a reserved area for a viewing of the “Frozen” Fireworks Spectacular.
The “Frozen Summer Fun Premium Package” costs $59 for adults and $34 for children (including tax and gratuity). Discounts do not apply. Park admission is required. Subject to restrictions and change without notice. The number of packages available each day is limited.
– Cody Woodbrey
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Photo Credits: Tyler Mower, Cami Grudzinski & Disney
Disney Villains Unleashed Event at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
The massively popular Disney Villains will take center stage for a special hard-ticketed event later this summer at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Join hosts Hades and Meg at this year’s Disney Villains Unleashed event. There will be over 50 Disney Villains running wild throughout Disney’s Hollywood Studios causing mischief and mayhem. Some of the exclusive entertainment is as follows: “Hades Hangout & Dance Party,” “Oogie Boogie’s Variety Show,” a Star Wars villain zone, a new “Villainy In The Skies” fireworks spectacular, and a villain-inspired pre-show to “Fantasmic!”. There will also be face painting, exclusive merchandise, food and beverages, and more. Guests are encouraged to dress up and show off their Disney villain side. Select attractions will still be open for enjoyment, including The Twilight Zone – Tower of Terror, Rock N Roller Coaster, Toy Story Mania! and Star Tours.
The event ‘Villains Unleashed’ will take place on Saturday, August 23 at 8:00 p.m. – 1:00 a.m. Ticket sales begin on June 6th for Annual Pass Holders and DVC members and on June 9th for the general public. You can purchase tickets with Woodbrey Family Travel. Adult tickets cost $67 plus tax and children ages 3-9 cost $62 plus tax.
This is one of the most anticipated events of the year and tickets are expected to sell out fairly quickly. Don’t be caught without a ticket! May your night be full of Villainous activities!
– Cody Woodbrey
Here are some of the Disney Villains you will meet at the event…
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Using FastPass+ Efficiently
Disney’s FastPass+ allows guests to reserve select attractions, entertainment, parades, shows, Disney characters meet-and-greets and much more using the My Disney Experience website or mobile app before you check into your resort. Guests can reserve up to three FastPasses per day for one park before you even arrive. You can start making these reservation 60 days before your trip if you are staying on Disney property and 30 days if you are staying off Disney property.
Tips: When selecting your FastPasses, choose times that are in the afternoon. If you arrive when the park OPENS, you will be able to experience most of your favorite attractions with minimal lines. If you save your FastPasses for the afternoon, it gives you a chance to repeat your favorite attractions, or skip the line for something new! Your FastPasses can be changed really anytime but they are subject to availability so be sure to book as soon as you can. Also, keep in mind to avoid selecting your FastPass+ options during or too close to shows, parades, fireworks and any dining reservations you may have. You will not want to miss out on any of the extra magic!
Once in the park you can use any of the FastPass + kiosks to change or add FastPasses. Once you have used your three Fastpasses for the day you can get an extra Fastpass at one of the kiosks but keep in mind most of the popular attractions will not be available. Actually, the popular FastPasses usually are taken before the day even starts
Below you will find the FastPass+ Priority List. This list is created with the most popular attractions at the top and the least popular ones at the bottom of the list.
Magic Kingdom
- Seven Dwarf Mine Train – 38″
- Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade
- Space Mountain – 44″
- Peter Pan
- Big Thunder Mountain Railroad – 40″
- Enchanted Tales with Belle
- Splash Mountain – 40″
- Jungle Cruise
- Meet Cinderella and Princess Aurora at the Princess Fairytale Hall
- Meet Rapunzel and Princess Tiana at the Princess Fairytale Hall
- Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
- The Magic Carpets of Aladdin
- Under the Sea – Journey of the Little Mermaid
- Tomorrowland Speedway – 32″
- Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin
- Meet Ariel at Ariel’s Grotto
- Meet Mickey Mouse at Town Square Theater
- Goofy’s Barnstormer – 35″
- Pirates of the Caribbean
- Haunted Mansion
- Dumbo the Flying Elephant
- Mad Tea Party (Tea Cups)
- it’s a small world
- Mickey’s Philhar Magic
- Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor
Epcot
Choose one FastPass from Tier 1 and two from Tier 2 or three from Tier 2
- Frozen Ever After (Tier 1)
- Soarin’ – 40″ (Tier 1)
- Test Track – 40″ (Tier 1)
- Mission Space – 44″ (Tier 2)
- Meet Disney Pals at the Epcot Character Spot (Tier 2)
- Spaceship Earth (Tier 2)
- The Seas with Nemo & Friends (Tier 2)
- Turtle Talk with Crush (Tier 2)
- Living with the Land (Tier 2)
- Journey Into Imagination With Figment (Tier 2)
- Disney & Pixar Short Film Festival (Tier 2)
- Illuminatinos: Reflections of Earth – World Showcase Plaza (Tier 1)
Disney Hollywood Studios
Choose one FastPass from Tier 1 and two from Tier 2 or three from Tier 2
- Slinky Dog Dash – 38″ (Tier 1)
- Alien Swirling Saucers – 32″ (Tier 1)
- Toy Story Mania (Tier 1)
- Rock ‘n’Roller Coaster – 48″ (Tier 2)
- The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror – 40″ (Tier 2)
- Star Tours: The Adventure Continues – 40″ (Tier 2)
- Fantasmic – Early entrance with priority seating (Tier 2)
- Beauty and the Beast: Live on Stage – Early Entrance with priority seating (Tier 2)
- For the First Time in Forever – A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration (Tier 2)
- Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular – Early Entrance with priority seating (Tier 2)
- Voyage of the Little Mermaid – Early Entrance (Tier 2)
- Disney Junior – Live on Stage – Early Entrance with priority seating (Tier 2)
- Muppet Vision 3D (Tier 2)
Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Choose one FastPass from Tier 1 and two from Tier 2 or three from Tier 2
- Flights of Passage – 44 (Tier 1)
- Navi Rive (Tier 1)
- Expedition Everest – 44 (Tier 2)
- Kilimanjaro Safari (Tier 2)
- Kali River Rapids – You will get wet – 38 (Tier 2)
- Dinosaur – 40 (Tier 2)
- Finding Nemo the Musical (Tier 2)
- Festival of the Lion Kin (Tier 2)
- Jungle Book: Alive with Magi (Tier 2)
- Meet Favorite Disney Pals at the Adventuress Outpost (Tier 2)
- It’s Tough to be a Bu (Tier 2)
- Primeval Whirl – 48 (Tier 2)
For more information on Disney’s FastPass + or to book a trip to Walt Disney World, please contact us!
Woodbrey Family Travel
Meeting Disney Characters 101
There are several ways in which to get the most out of your “meet and greet” with your favorite Disney Characters. As a performer at Walt Disney World, I can tell you that I’ve seen and experienced it all – the good, the bad, and everything in between. I have therefore compiled some tips and information for you in order to help make this experience the best for your family. This blog post is created to help you better your experience and maximize your “meet and greet” time with the characters.
Lesson 1: Be Prepared
There are a couple of things you can do to be prepared before you ever meet the character.
1. Have your autograph books and cameras ready. This will give you more time to play and interact with the characters versus trying to get your book out or camera ready. This also helps the line go quicker.
2. Take off jackets, bags and/or ponchos. Doing this makes for better-looking pictures. Waiting until you get up to the character takes away from your time to interact with them.
3. Put down any food or drinks. The characters will not take pictures with them in the picture.
Lesson 2: The Approach
When you approach the Disney character, don’t shove your book into their hands.
1. They want to say hi first with a hug or a high five. They want to know you are there for more than just a signature.
2. Make sure the character sees you approaching. They don’t have the best eyesight, and at times they don’t even realize there is a young child by their legs.
3. Please do not jump up on them.
4. Be careful when touching their heads – it’s actually preferred that you don’t touch their heads at all.
5. Everyone must be wearing shoes unless they are being held.
6. They cannot hold your baby.
7. Don’t be rough with the characters. They can be hurt!
Lesson 3: Helping Unsure Kids
I’ve seen hundreds of families that wait in long lines to see the characters only to get up to them and find that their child no longer wants to see them or is crying. These tips will help you get those pictures without the big hassle or need for convincing.
1. Let them watch the character interact with the other families and talk to them about all the fun the other families are having.
2. Holding the child or getting down to the child’s level helps the child feel safe and protected.
3. Hold the child’s hand while walking up to the character.
4. Ask someone to take the picture for you so you can stay with your child. I usually ask the family behind me to do it just in case there isn’t someone at the front of the line to do it. Always check the photo before moving on, as not everyone knows how to use a camera correctly.
5. When taking a picture with your child, put them on the outside shoulder away from the character. By doing this you will help keep them from looking at the camera instead of at the character and/or help them stop crying.
6. If the opposite shoulder strategy doesn’t work, take several steps in front of the character, get their attention to look at the camera, and take the picture. This helps because the child is far enough away that they feel a bit safer and you still get a picture with the character.
Lesson 4: Writing Material for Autographs
By having the right kind of writing utensils it will help you get the best signature possible.
1. Even before you hand the character the autograph books, make sure you use the words “Please” and “Thank You”. These words are often forgotten, but greatly appreciated!
1 – 2-inch pens are hard for anyone to write with, and with a paw it is even harder.
2. Light ink pens or coloring utensils make it hard for the characters to see what they are signing. Use dark ink or colors for signing. When the character can see what they are signing you will get a great signature.
3. Larger-than-life pens are also not the easiest to write with for the characters. The thickness of the pen does make it a bit hard to get a good grip for a great signature.
4. Disney characters’ favorite type of writing utensil is a regular-sized SHARPIE. The inks are thick and they are extremely easy to hold.
5. Characters love it when you use different colors – For example: Tigger loves using Orange colors, whereas The Green Army Man loves using Green to write.
6. The characters also love writing with the fun different Disney pens. They love tickling your faces with the ones with the fuzz on the ends or twirling the character on the end of the pen. They especially love pens with themselves on them.
7. 2-inch size papers or loose papers without something hard behind them are hard to sign on. If you are going to have the papers loose, then use a small clip board. Doing this will help you get the best quality of signatures possible.
Lesson 5: What Characters Can Write On
Disney characters love to sign their name on things, but there are a few things they cannot sign.
1. They cannot sign currency, checks, receipts, other important documents, or things with inappropriate materials on them.
2. They can sign shirts, hats, toys, blankets, and things like that
3. They can’t sign anything while it is being worn. You can take the item off only if it doesn’t reveal skin or undergarments.
4. They can sign the cast of a broken arm or leg – this is the only exception to the previous rule. (Signing casts at the Walt Disney World parks is allowed but NOT at Disneyland parks)
Lesson 6: Creating a Little Bit of Extra Magic
1. The characters love holding, signing, and playing with things that have them on it. Buzz Lightyear loves pretending to fly with his action figure… Or should I say, “Falling with style.”
2. They love giving hugs and high fives
3. Be creative with your pictures. Don’t just stand there; strike a pose! They take thousands of pictures a day with guests posing the same way and they are eager to do something different. Go with the flow – If they want you to pose a certain way, do it. They do some great poses. You can even ask them, “What pose should we make today?” and they will respond with some great ideas. If you have some ideas, they will also join in, as long as it is appropriate.
4. Use more than just your phone camera – you will get better pictures using a real camera.
5. Take a “Selfie” with the characters.
6. Share with the characters why you love them and are there to see them.
Lesson 7: Leaving
When you leave, make sure you thank the Disney characters and the character attendants for letting you come and see them. It’s not easy standing out in the heat all day, but it’s worth it when they feel appreciated and loved. Give last minute high fives and hugs!
If you are planning a trip to one of Disney’s theme parks or a Disney Cruise, please contact me for more information.
– Cody Woodbrey
Woodbrey Family Travel Blog 