Good/Bad Character Interaction

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Mon, 12/09/2013 - 18:25

VelcroPooh

All of our character interactions were great. My favorite as far as being very animated and talkative was Alice, in Epcot. My least favorite was Belle at the Princess dinner. She smiled and spoke a little but really didn't act like she wanted to be there. But the Belle in blue in Epcot was just the opposite.

I actually really enjoyed the character meets where there were dedicated buildings or areas for them. The ones where they were there for hours (switching out). I didn't like the ones out in the open air that were only for 30 minutes at a time with a 30 minute wait in between. There was a couple of times we walked up to get in line only to be told they were leaving and wouldn't be back until later. I know they have to do this, and as an adult, I can understand, but kids that were flying up because they could see them were very disappointed to be told they couldn't meet them.

Mon, 12/09/2013 - 23:01

JoAnn C

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DisneyDee27 wrote:

I had the best time in the UK section of Epcot with Pooh & Tigger...I spent probably 7-10 minutes with them. They and the handlers were awesome. I posted my videos to FB but they files are too big for here.
It was awesome!!

I had a great time with them too.

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Tue, 12/10/2013 - 12:08

DisneyDee27

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h0ney227 wrote:

haha what was pooh doing on the floor?

he was admiring my shoes which have little Poohbears all over them.

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Tue, 12/10/2013 - 12:10

DisneyDee27

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JoAnn C wrote:

DisneyDee27 wrote:
I had the best time in the UK section of Epcot with Pooh & Tigger...I spent probably 7-10 minutes with them. They and the handlers were awesome. I posted my videos to FB but they files are too big for here.
It was awesome!!

I had a great time with them too.

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Mon, 01/06/2014 - 21:42

Melli

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When it comes to Character Interactions, I only have good memories. And maybe I just have this uncanny ability to forget the bad ones, cause I can't think of any. When I go to Disney, my Brother makes fun of me (in a good way) of how much I want to stand in line to see Characters. But to me, they are real... Yes, we all know they are actors. But, when I am standing in line, I get so excited, so giddy, this feeling in my stomach that I am about to meet a hero.

I remember this one time in 2012, I met Thumper. Now Thumper is by far my most favorite Character of all. When I went to DAK to meet him, everyone lined up to see Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Chip and Dale. But me? I ran to Mrs Bunny and Thumper. No one was in line to see them, in fact I even heard some people wonder what characters they were... I was shocked! But I had them all to myself, I was the happiest girl on the planet.

And then a few days later, I met yet another favorite character of mine. I had always been a Tinkerbell fan because of her sassiness, but when I first heard of Rosetta. I fell in love with her. She's become my favorite fairy. I was excited that she was at Magic Kingdom. And so when I met her, the conversation went along these lines:
Rosetta: You seem excited to be here.
Me: Oh! I am! I simply could not wait to get to this point and meet my favorite...
Rosetta: to meet Tinkerbell?
Me: Oh no! She's not my favorite! YOU Are! I wanted to meet you!
Rosetta: Oh my! I've never had anyone tell me that before! Thank you!

I heard Rosetta no longer meets and greets anymore? Is this true? D:

I have other pictures and interactions, but those two remain my most loved! I am still in need of meeting Beast and Belle at Epcot. It's on my to do list. But then again, its on my to do list to meet every single character on property. So I've got a longs way to go

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Tue, 01/07/2014 - 00:10

Disney Holic

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We have had mainly good interactions with characters, but having young children we do tend to put the children forward to meet the characters and stay back ourselves, though often I go in for a hug and photo too, specially with Chip'n'Dale.
The best interactions we have had on both our last 2 WDW trips were at the Garden Grill. Last time Mickey sat on the floor with our son (who was 2yrs then) and played trains with him for a good 5mins. Lots of characters also crooned over our youngest daughter, who was only 8wks old at the time, in fact at Cape May I started to worry Goofy wasn't going to give her back! I find it easier to interact if I have some ideas of what to say or have something with me that relates to the character. My eldest daughter and I had lots of fun one trip as we both had Minnie Mouse nails so that helped when meeting Minnie. There is a webpage somewhere, though I can't remember where, that has suggestions of things to say to different characters, and I plan to find it again and print it out before our next trip to take with me. We had a bit of fun with Rapunzel in DLP last year as we caught her out, she said she was married to Flyn Rider, but of course we knew that wasn't his real name (though had a mental blank at the time and could only remember his first name, Eugene).

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Tue, 01/07/2014 - 03:04

alicemouse

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Quote:

I hope i'm not the only one who feels this way... But I get SUPER nervous when I'm waiting in line to meet a character

Me too Karli! I always want to think of something clever to say from one of their shorts or their movie and then I end up completely drawing a blank and standing there stupidly waiting for them to do something. Although I did asked the stepsisters to sing sweet nightingale, but they said it was far too early in the morning for singing. They were really good!

I had a really excellent interaction with Alice in UK on our 2012 trip. She was a very fast talker and she was absolutely hilarious! My first ever character interaction was with Donald Duck in Mexico and he did this whole dancing and stealing me from my husband thing. It was really cool and what makes me continue to go back to the meet & greets. Benn got scolded by Mary Poppins one time for not standing up straight like a proper gentleman! We also had a blast with Chip & Dale at Garden Grill. Dale pretended to eat my mouse ears and he wanted me to take a closeup photo of his nose!!

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Fri, 01/10/2014 - 01:52

Erin T. Aardvark

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In 2009, my parents, my sister, and I went for a couple of days in December. We were there for the Christmas party one night, and I wasn't in a very good mood for some reason or another. Probably because I was starving, and a lot of the restaurants were closing for the party. Anyway, my sister and I were looking for something that was open, and we came across the line to meet Scrooge McDuck. Knowing I'm a "Ducktales" (and "Mickey's Christmas Carol") fan, we got in line (and really, you don't see Scrooge very often). Thankfully (for me), they closed the line right after Sis and I got in it. When it was our turn, my sister held up the video camera, and I started this "this is me with Scrooge McDuck" spiel. I don't remember exactly what I said (I have to dig out the tape it's on), but I mentioned "Ducktales" being one of my favorite cartoons, and Scrooge started jumping up and down, clapping. I got a big hug from Scrooge after that.

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Fri, 01/10/2014 - 02:11

Mandy

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Melli wrote:

I heard Rosetta no longer meets and greets anymore? Is this true? D:

I believe they rotate the other fairies based on the season. If you were meet Tinkerbell, during the winter months, Perriwinkle is most likely to be there. I think Rosetta may be there during spring or summer. Also you can no longer meet Belle and Beast in Epcot. It is only Belle now because Beast has been relocated to Magic Kingdom in Be Our Guest Restaurant during dinner. I know he is not guaranteed to be there because BOG is not an official character dining location.

Fri, 01/10/2014 - 02:18

Mandy

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A lot of times when I meet Goofy, he tries to take me away and ride attractions with me. It happens at different locations as well. It most recently happened in Dino-land.

Sun, 01/12/2014 - 17:39

Melli

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Mandy wrote:

Melli wrote:
I heard Rosetta no longer meets and greets anymore? Is this true? D:

Oh! Well hopefully he will be there when I go to BOG in March <3 I will still make a tour by Epcot for Belle then And I hope to still meet Rosetta in that case! Thanks

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Wed, 01/15/2014 - 22:46

Erin T. Aardvark

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I have a couple more experiences I forgot about until now.

2000 - family went for my high school graduation celebration (and mein sister's too, she graduated high school in 1999). This was the only time I had somewhat of a "Love & Shove," or at least that's what it felt like. I was visiting with Ariel, and she didn't say much. She just signed my book, and said "thanks for visiting me" and that's it. On the same trip, I went "character hunting" and found Chip 'n Dale. I was wearing a Monkees t-shirt, and apparently, Dale is also a Monkees fan. He pointed to my shirt and gave me a thumbs up. Truthfully, though, I don't say much to the characters, for some reason. I guess it's because I'm afraid of holding up the line for people with kids, since I'm single, and kid-less.

2006 - I had a very nice conversation with Ariel this time around. She asked some questions, I told her I dressed up as her for Halloween when I was eight years old (and my mom hand-made the costume)

2009 - this was when fans were able to meet Mickey and Minnie together. Mein sister's favorites. I was working the video camera for this meet-and-greet, and my sister turned to Minnie and asked her, "is it all right if I give Mickey a kiss?" She didn't want to make Minnie jealous. LOL!

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Thu, 01/16/2014 - 10:52

amy1989

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I had fantastic experiences at 1900 park fare with all the characters each one spent a great deal of time with us and even when the mad hatter came around and my mam wasnt there he talked to me for a while and then came back when my mam was around.

however one of the best charcater interactions i have ever seen (and unfortunatley it wasnt mine was a little girl who was stood in front of me to meet the beast, she was only about 3 but she was dressed up as belle, as soom as the beast realised he kinda turned around and straightened his outfit and hair up for her then got on his knees so he wasnt too high and kissed her hand and twirled her around as if she was the real deal, the little girl was so happy and you could see that she would be talking about that the rest of the trip!

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Thu, 01/16/2014 - 20:52

Allie

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amy1989 wrote:

I had fantastic experiences at 1900 park fare with all the characters each one spent a great deal of time with us and even when the mad hatter came around and my mam wasnt there he talked to me for a while and then came back when my mam was around.

That is SO adorable!

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Wed, 08/13/2014 - 23:04

Clarkjj14

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I really usually only go to disneyland, since I live about 6 hours away or so. Last year, my husband and I went there for my birthday. I had made reservations at Ariel's Grotto for a birthday lunch, wore the button, and all the works. The only people that were nice and said happy birthday were the people working the stands. Any of the characters that can actually talk to us didn't really say much to us other than okay, let's take the picture. The characters in costume, acted the same as they did with kids, hugs, blown kisses, high fives, ect. The lunch was not worth the $150 we paid for the 2 of us. We got no recognition of my birthday, the princesses had slim to no interaction with us, and the food was jus mediocre. I won't be going back there, that's for sure. I'm going again in 2 weeks and am really hoping my experience with the characters is better. We are trying breakfast at the Plaza Inn or whatever. Any suggestions for having better interactions with all of the different types of characters? Thanks!

Thu, 08/14/2014 - 18:46

Disneylover21

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Wow I'm amazed your dining experience wasn't great at Ariel's Grotto. I had an amazing time, Belle sang happy birthday to me and I took Selfies with all of them. One of the Cast Members was also very awesome. I ate alone and she said that if it wouldn't have gotten her in trouble she would have sat with me the whole time. I'm sorry your experience wasn't that great

Fri, 08/15/2014 - 17:42

The Colonel

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I won't even go into the time I almost had it out with Duffy, that fuzzy little $%*&#.

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Fri, 08/15/2014 - 20:58

CdnSquirrel

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Uunfortunately only Tink is now meeting people at the town square theatre. The other fairies returned to pixie hollow.

Sat, 08/16/2014 - 01:59

h0ney227

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I remember that story. Darn you Duffy!

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Sat, 08/16/2014 - 15:17

jw24

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This may be somewhat off topic but I feel that for the characters, they prefer doing a standard meet and greet shift over character dining. While the restaurant maybe air conditioned, there's probably more standing and walking around for photos and they sort of have to be a mini-waiter/waitress because they have to make sure they visit every table and not make the mistake of skipping or re-visiting the same table if there is no new parties occupying it during their shifts. Plus they're on their own with no attendants with them so if anything bad were to happen to them, who would be the bigger authority to call out a person for bad behavior in the most polite but firm way? Aside from that, looking back on my experiences, I've come to terms that I play a part in making the meet and greet memorable. If I don't express my passion, interest and love for the character, I may not get a passionate and sincere interaction in return. Of course, that may not always be true 100 percent of the time but I have to agree that a good interaction is contingent on the actor/actress playing the character him or herself.

But anyway, I wanted to share my story of the best interaction I've had if people haven't had the time or willingness to search through the posts. It's at the very top of the second page, btw.

http://www.wdwforgrownups.com/forum/best-places-ive-ever-been-disney-memories?page=1

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Sat, 08/16/2014 - 14:28

oldtink

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My brother and his wife think this is funny, but I feel sad for my nephew because they hadn't addressed his core problem (ADHD) for a few more years, HOWEVER, they decided to treat their two boys to WDW for a week (they are a military family so they used that resource) and while at the park they saw characters interacting and walking around. The younger nephew was about 7 and when Mickey put his arm around the boy for a picture opportunity, my nephew hauled off and fist punched Mickey in the nose. The guides quickly pulled him away and moved on. As I said my brother's family laugh about it but I just feel sad. ( and a little embarrassed for my nephew.

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Sun, 08/17/2014 - 10:51

Mandy

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jw24 wrote:

This may be somewhat off topic but I feel that for the characters, they prefer doing a standard meet and greet shift over character dining. While the restaurant maybe air conditioned, there's probably more standing and walking around for photos and they sort of have to be a mini-waiter/waitress because they have to make sure they visit every table and not make the mistake of skipping or re-visiting the same table if there is no new parties occupying it during their shifts. Plus they're on their own with no attendants with them so if anything bad were to happen to them, who would be the bigger authority to call out a person for bad behavior in the most polite but firm way? Aside from that, looking back on my experiences, I've come to terms that I play a part in making the meet and greet memorable. If I don't express my passion, interest and love for the character, I may not get a passionate and sincere interaction in return. Of course, that may not always be true 100 percent of the time but I have to agree that a good interaction is contingent on the actor/actress playing the character him or herself.

But anyway, I wanted to share my story of the best interaction I've had if people haven't had the time or willingness to search through the posts. It's at the very top of the second page, btw.

http://www.wdwforgrownups.com/forum/best-places-ive-ever-been-disney-memories?page=1

Currently at WDW, the dining locations do have character attendants inside the location if anything were to happen and to make sure the characters visit everyone. They do have a rotation to follow when at dining locations to make sure they don't skip anyone.

Some of my best interactions have happened recently. A few weeks ago when I was getting my car fixed at the AAA Care Center, I spent my day at the Magic Kingdom. I had been trying to get the Mad Hatter to notice me at Festival of Fantasy but because I was always in the wrong spot, he wouldn't. That day, when I watched Festival of Fantasy, I watched the parade from the step off point (over at Splash Mountain where the parade starts). I was on Pecos Bills side, so he couldn't get distracted by other families, at that point, he wouldn't be dancing just yet and I would be one of the first guests he would see. It finally happened. When came his turn to come out on the route, I was waving at him. Dopey noticed and got his attention then pointed me out. As soon as the Mad Hatter saw me, he came right on over to me. He said something like "So I've heard that you've been waiting a while to see me." Then he gave me a hug. I was happy, nervous, and a bunch of other emotions. The two girls that were standing next to me, said that they had never seen a character do that before and got excited with me. He made my day so much. Since that day, that's where I watch Festival of Fantasy and continue to get attention from the Mad Hatter no matter who else is around.

Mon, 08/18/2014 - 13:05

Kristen K.

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jw24 wrote:

I've come to terms that I play a part in making the meet and greet memorable. If I don't express my passion, interest and love for the character, I may not get a passionate and sincere interaction in return.

I find this to be very true. The more "into" the Characters you appear to be, the more interaction you get back from them. Just like meeting other new people when you're out and about you can't rely on them to carry the conversation. Have some talking points or questions to ask the characters that you really want to spend time with!

Mon, 08/18/2014 - 13:54

oldtink

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On the last nite of our most recent trip, we were sitting on the porch in front of Crystal Palace waiting for the evening parade. We could see all the people eating and Tigger and Pooh walking around, when all of a sudden Tigger is at the window knocking. When I turned around he waived at me. My son says he was asking us to help him escape kiddo land inside, but I think he was just friendly and when I lifted my camera, he posed so nicely.

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Mon, 09/29/2014 - 20:18

Seanzie

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Jafar tried to steal Holly from me!
Thank goodness I'm more handsome.

Mon, 09/29/2014 - 20:52

Mandy

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My favorite characters to meet are the Green Army Men. They are always up to something.

Tue, 09/30/2014 - 13:39

PJsLife

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JoAnn C wrote:

Kristen K. wrote:
Too many people, not nearly enough manners.

No kidding. It's always a few who ruin it for the rest of us.

I do miss the surprise of walking around a corner and seeing Mickey.

You mean there are people with poor Disney Manner? (J/K of course)

Tue, 09/30/2014 - 13:50

PJsLife

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The last time we did the O'hana Breakfast, Stitched missed our table. Our waitress asked us if we saw all the characters and I told her I missed Stitch. She saw my autograph book and camera, so she knew I wanted to see them. B/C we didn't have children they sat us at a table for two.

She told me to hold on that Stitch was on break. About 5 minutes later Stitch came out to my table to see me. There was no way I could be disappointed. The waitress came back by and said when the CM heard that "they" missed a table they were mortified and got ready and came back out to see me.

My favorite was when I saw Phineas and Ferb. I know I was being a dork in the queue line but both P & F payed me lots of attention and Ferb tried to "steal" me from my husband (who loved it and played along).

Tue, 09/30/2014 - 17:23

Spook

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The only somewhat disappointing interaction I've had was lunch at Tusker House. Most of the characters (except Daisy) seemed rushed and hardly interacted with us at all. Goofy just patted us on the back on his way by. They seemed to be paying more attention to the tables with kids. I think it felt more disappointing than it should have because we had such an awesome time at the Garden Grill a few nights earlier.

When I was little, we met Captain Hook. It was actually a great interaction, however at the time I was quite upset with him! He signed my autograph book and when he went to hand it back, he "dropped" it as I was reaching for it. When I bent down to pick it up, he kicked it across the room! It's funny now and exactly how a villan should be

Wed, 10/01/2014 - 02:05

CdnSquirrel

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Meeting characters is something I am very much looking forward to and was one of the reasons I chose to purchase the memory maker option and also why we are going for breakfast at The Crystal Palace. I am bringing a book i bought, Disney's Junior Character Encyclopedia, to use as an autograph book!

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