Terrific Tuesday: Top Ten Most Fun Things at Disney World – Number 6: Meeting Characters….PLUS Today’s Giveaway!

Welcome to Day #2 of our Birthday Week Celebration! Today’s Giveaway of the Day is your choice of a Cars or Princess hanging wipe-off board!  To enter, simply answer today’s question in the comments below. I will then choose one winner using Random.org from everyone who enters before 11 p.m. ET. Please note: you must answer on the blog post to be eligible!

And now, for your chance to win today’s giveaway, please tell us in the comments below:

What is your most “terrific” ride or attraction at Disney World? (Or if you haven’t visited yet…what do you look forward to seeing or doing the most?)

And now….on to today’s post from Shannan! 🙂

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Last time we read of the thrills and excitement experienced while riding on Kali River Rapids.  Well, this attraction is nothing near the thrill ride of Kali, but it is just as exciting!  Number six on my kids’ top 10 most fun things to do at Walt Disney World is meeting characters.  You can accomplish this in several different ways and in lots of different places.  Each park has certain characters in certain places through out the day.  Always check with guest relations at each park to verify the exact time and place of character appearances.

One of my family’s favorite meeting spots at the Magic Kingdom is near the Astro Orbitor in Tomorrowland.  This is a hidden place where Chip and Dale are often found, dressed in space costumes.  We have never had to wait in a long line, as it seems few people know of this character spot.  There are also great opportunities to meet characters outside Tony’s Town Square on Main Street, in Adventureland and Tomorrowland.  Each land has its own special characters and meeting spots.  Magic Kingdom does have the most “meeting” spots of any of the parks. 

When at Animal Kingdom, don’t forget to visit Camp Mickey/ Minnie and Rafiki’s Planet Watch for some special favorites.  Though there aren’t as many options for meet and greets at Animal Kingdom, the ones that are available are special.  We met Flick off of one of the trails just by seeing his antennae sticking up.  Not many others seemed to notice, so we got a little one on one time!

Another way to meet characters is meal time.  This is our family’s preferred way of meeting characters.  You can sort of “kill two birds with one stone”.  While leisurely enjoying your meal, the characters stroll around to each table and stop for autographs and pictures.  There is no standing in line in extreme temperatures or rain and  no being rushed along by PhotoPass photographers.  Most character meals are included in the dining plan.

Our first character meal was at the Crystal Palace and it wasn’t a great one.  We continued on and tried the Garden Grill in the Land Pavilion at Epcot and loved it!   This is the one that got us hooked on character meals.  One of our favorite so far has been the Supercalifragilistic Breakfast at the 1900 Park Fare in the Grand Floridian. 

There are rules when meeting characters.  Number one is be patient.  Lines can be very long and sometimes the characters need a break too.  Think about how hot you are, then think about how hot it would be to be standing there in a costume.  Always have your camera ready, you aren’t the only person in line!  Also, if you want an autograph, have your book open and your LARGE pen ready.  Characters with large hands have trouble signing with normal size pens.  ALWAYS, ALWAYS, thank the character and any other cast member that helps with your greeting. 

Keep your eyes open, as you never know when and where your favorite character may appear.  Don’t forget to check guest services with the times for you “must meets”.

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Shannan is a mom that was born and raised in rural Tennessee. She tells us: “I live with my husband and 3 of our 5 children. Travis is 24 and is father to my grandbabies, Emma and baby Judson. I can’t wait to start sharing Disney with them. Dusty is 22, Clay 12, Zachary 10 and Erin is 8. I clean houses to make money to fund my magical trips. I went to Disney the first time as a teen and couldn’t wait to start introducing my own children to the magic. We took our 3 youngest in 2004 and that started it all. We have been 3 times since then and have our first Christmas trip planned for this December. Usually my parents accompany us on the trip and I have to research and plan for things that will suit various ages in our party of 7. Each time I go, I try new experiences in lodging and dining so I can share it with friends and family that seek my advice on trip planning! Disney is definitely my first choice in vacation destinations. Hopefully there is a Disney surf and turf vacation in our future!“