How do you think Disney does in keeping the number of characters in the parks. I've always felt they do a good job of keeping them scarce so they seem special, but still around enough that they're not impossible to find. Do you wish there were more characters around?
As an adult traveling without kids, I'm more less indifferent to the characters. That said, from what I've noticed, they seem to be around enough that we see them regularly enough that I think if we WERE looking for them we wouldn't have trouble.
I do miss the times of them just wandering around the park rather than the designated locations. It felt a little more magical having Mickey just come up and tap you on the shoulder rather than saying we have to be in such and such a place at such and such a time.
Zipadeedoodah -- yeah, man
As an adult traveling without kids, I'm more less indifferent to the characters. That said, from what I've noticed, they seem to be around enough that we see them regularly enough that I think if we WERE looking for them we wouldn't have trouble.I do miss the times of them just wandering around the park rather than the designated locations. It felt a little more magical having Mickey just come up and tap you on the shoulder rather than saying we have to be in such and such a place at such and such a time.
YES! That is what made the trip when I was three worth it, even if I don't remember it very well. My brother and i got SO excited to see characters wandering around. Captain Hook got our attention by pulling on my pigtails! That was a lot of fun for everyone...
That said, when I went with a high school group, we saw a few characters making special moments as they were on their way to the designated spots. Our choir director had on her Eeyore shirt in the Animal Kingdom (she LOVED Eeyore) and the Pooh characters were on their way to the planned spot, saw her shirt and went over to her for a few minutes. The moments happen, just not as often
Very interesting question! We don't usually search for characters anymore, so I have no idea how available they are. I do know that you can find all of the appearances on the times guides, so it's not all that mysterious when they're out.
Caitie -- I love your stories of the special interaction with characters! On my recent trips, the parks have been so busy that character meet and greets have lines LONG before they come out and nobody gets any special "me time" with them.
I do miss the times of them just wandering around the park rather than the designated locations. It felt a little more magical having Mickey just come up and tap you on the shoulder rather than saying we have to be in such and such a place at such and such a time.
I remember when I was a kid looking at the souvenirs outside a shop, just minding my own business, when I felt a tap on my shoulder and turned around to see Jafar towering over me!
Needless to say I screamed and ran away
teacherdrama wrote:
I do miss the times of them just wandering around the park rather than the designated locations. It felt a little more magical having Mickey just come up and tap you on the shoulder rather than saying we have to be in such and such a place at such and such a time.I remember when I was a kid looking at the souvenirs outside a shop, just minding my own business, when I felt a tap on my shoulder and turned around to see Jafar towering over me!
Needless to say I screamed and ran away
That is awesome!
We always try to track them down. When I took my hubby for his first trip he even did the autograph book thing. I think we got 50ish signatures. The one he mainly wanted was Tigger which I assured he'd find. We didn't find him until our last hour in MK on our last day. I teared up when Tigger hugged him.
I would like to see more roaming, rather than having to wait in scheduled lines all the time though. 
Wishin' I was at WDW!
It would be nice if you didn't have to seek them out now that you mention it. I wouldn't mind a few more I suppose.
