Character meet and greets are coming back to Disney World and Disneyland!

After reopening in 2020 and 2021, Disney World and Disneyland had no replacement for Character Meet & Greets. Characters would make appearances throughout the parks in cavalcades, but getting your picture taken with a character was not really an option. Late last fall, Disney introduced socially-distanced character sightings. These were very similar to meet and greets, but did not feature any hugs or autographs.

Disney Parks Blog just announced that traditional character meet and greets will be returning to US Disney Parks this spring. The first meet and greets will debut as soon as April 18.

Minnie Mouse Meet and Greet - Magic of Disney Animation - Hollywood Studios Attraction

From Shawn Slater on Disney Parks Blog:

As early as April 18, we will start reintroducing traditional character greetings at Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resorts, as well as aboard Disney Cruise Line and at Aulani Resort in Hawaii. That’s right! Very soon, you will once again be able to hug Mickey Mouse, get an autograph from Mulan, and share a laugh with Goofy. We know many of you have missed these special moments, and your Disney character friends have missed you, too!

It looks like the meet and greets that Disney guests have come to love over the years will be back in their original form, complete with hugs and autographs — and without social distancing.

However, not every character will have a traditional meet and greet immediately. Disney says that these character interactions will open up in the parks in phases throughout the spring and summer. Disney also will be bringing back more character dining experiences, which are now possible with the new safety protocols.

We will be updating our character meet and greet guides as soon as more details are announced:

We want to hear your thoughts!

Are you excited about this character meet & greet policy change? Which character are you most excited to meet on your Disney vacation? Let me know in the comments below!