Meeting Disney Characters

Meeting characters at any of the many Disney parks around the World is one of the most fun things to do. Each character has their own personality which they are eager to show off to you through chat, photographs and video. Where else can you meet your favourite childhood characters? Whether it's the more modern characters such as Elsa and Anna, or you prefer the traditional Mickey and Minnie Mouse, they are all available to meet in one way or another. However, there are some rules of etiquette that should be taken.

1. DO NOT push in the queues.

The amount of times I have seen rude parents shoving their kids to the front of lines is ridiculous. Everyone wants their child to be able to meet their character and no child (or big kid) deserves that right more than other. So wait your turn, be courteous to other people in the queue, even chat to them, you never know you could make a new friend.

2. DO NOT push autograph books into characters faces.

Once you finally get to the character do not shove an autograph book in their face without saying a word. You have not been waiting a considerable amount of time to just get one signature and no interaction, and neither have they.

3. DO NOT shove or hit characters.

This one should be obvious, but trust me when I say I have seen this first hand. Rowdy children or clever adults who think they can push or pull tails of characters are just plain rude. So don't do it.

4. BE Prepared (yes a little Lion King pun)

Make sure that your children (or yourselves) have your autograph books open to the correct page and the pen ready and turned on. Especially if you're meeting a character like Pooh who has stubby little cubby chubby fingers, hand him the pen in between his thumb and palm, this will help him greatly. Also make sure your cameras are at the ready if you're taking a selfie or if someone is taking a photo for you, characters don't have time to wait around while you faff with your camera settings. And if you are using a photopass, have it handy for the photographer to scan.

5. THINK about poses or conversation

To get the best character interactions you should really think about the character you're meeting. For example, if you're meeting Rapunzel maybe ask her where pascal is or whether Maximus is still keeping away all criminals from the kingdom. Or if you're meeting Tinkerbell ask her about any of her fairy friends etc. Also think about poses, this makes it fun for you and the character. For example if you are meeting Peter Pan maybe you two can crow together, or if you're meeting Ariel, maybe bring along a Dinglehopper (a fork) and brush your hair together. The possibilities are endless and there are always new and inventive ways of interacting with your favourite characters. They will make the best photos and the best memories.

Here are a few of my favourite character photos. Feel free to post your own.