Tips for Meeting Characters at Disney World

I have been lucky enough to visit Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida five times. All of those trips occurred while I was an adult and two of them were without children. Walt Disney World (WDW) is a great place to visit at any age. One of my favorite activities is seeing the characters. If you are planning on taking a trip for the first time, here are some tips for seeking and visiting the characters.

1. Not all characters are out at all times. The costumes are very hot, so the cast members are only able to stay out for designated time periods and they take frequent breaks.

2. If you or your children have favorite characters, you can obtain a list of character visitation times and locations from guest service locations at the front of each park.

3. Some lines are very long because everyone wants autographs and pictures. Be patient. Also realize that not all characters can talk. They all find ways to communicate and uncostumed cast members accompany and assist them at all times.

4. WDW sells autograph books, but I came up with a better idea that I have since recommended to numerous friends over the years. Autograph books are nice, but they get get placed in drawers after the trip and are rarely looked at again. On our trips we always take plain light-colored tote bags and a variety of colored fabric markers. The bags are practical, eco-friendly, and fun. As an added bonus, they provide you with an extra bag for carrying souvenirs when you return home. Personalize them with each person's name and the date of the trip.

5. To meet multiple characters at once in a relaxed environment, make reservations for a character meal. It is easiest if you do this from home before you leave. It costs a little bit more, but the experience is worth it. Additionally, the cost often includes a fabulous meal and a formal picture of your family with the characters. There are many options for these dining packages. Check the WDW website for a list of current opportunities. Over the years, we have enjoyed character dining at the following locations:

• Chef Mickey's Restaurant (Contemporary Resort) with Mickey, Minnie, Chip n Dale, Donald, Daisy, Goofy, and Pluto.

• Crystal Palace Restaurant (Magic Kingdom) with the Winnie-the-Pooh characters.

• Polynesian Restaurant (Polynesian Resort) with Lilo and Stitch, Mickey, Goofy, and Pluto.

• Cape May Café (Boardwalk Suites) with Mickey, Minnie, Donald, and Goofy.

• Akershus Royal Banquet Hall (Norway Pavilion at Epcot) with all of the Princesses.

• Cinderella's Royal Table at Cinderella's Castle (Magic Kingdom) with characters from Cinderella. This was my personal favorite!

Hunting down characters and standing in line at the parks can be time-consuming. It can also be a lot of fun if you have the right attitude. Be prepared by doing research ahead of time. Get a list of character visitations from guest services at the front of each park. If your budget allows, also plan a character dining experience with your favorite characters. The memories will last a lifetime. Relax and make sure to take lots of pictures to show everyone back home.