Yes, character hugs are back at Disney World!
After a long period of modified interactions due to the pandemic, traditional character meet-and-greets with hugs, autographs, and close-up photos have fully returned to the parks.
Key Details:
- Full Interaction Restored: You can now hug, get autographs, and pose closely with characters at designated meet-and-greet locations.
- Character Dining: Hugs and close interactions are also back at character dining experiences.
- No Reservations Needed: For most standard meet-and-greets, you no longer need a reservation. You simply join the queue. However, character dining still requires an advance dining reservation.
- “Character Sightings” Are Over: The distanced “character sightings” or cavalcades without stopping are now rare. Characters are back to their traditional, interactive routines.
A Few Things to Note:
- Check the App: Always check the My Disney Experience app for the most up-to-date times and locations for character meet-and-greets, as schedules can change.
- Character Dining: This remains one of the best ways to guarantee time with multiple characters in a relaxed setting. Reservations open 60 days in advance and book up quickly.
- Spontaneous Fun: You can still find characters making spontaneous appearances or in mini-parades, but now you can interact with them up close again.
In short: The magic of personal connection with Disney characters has fully returned. Feel free to get those long-awaited hugs!