The Geek Family Disney Trip 2017 looked a little different than the Geek Disneymoon. One of those differences was the fact that we spent a lot more time meeting characters than riding rides. We did meet characters on our honeymoon, but that wasn't necessarily the focus. Here's a look at some of our favorite character meet and greets, in no particular order, from this time around!
BB-8 Star Wars Launch Bay, Disney's Hollywood Studios
This little guy beeped and booped and wobbled his little head around- it was pretty cool. He wasn't quite sure what to do about all the hugs a certain four-year-old wanted to give him, but she had a great time.
Tinker Bell Town Square Theater, Magic Kingdom
This was the first character we met on the whole trip. Miss Chief was dressed like her, and we got a little Peter Pan onesie for Peanut, which Tink thought was just adorable. It was quite early in the morning but this pixie was positively bouncing off the walls!
Belle Enchanted Tales with Belle, Magic Kingdom
This attraction wasn't technically a meet and greet, but it was still the coolest character interaction in the parks. You travel to the library in the Beast's castle, where Belle is going to tell you her story, but she needs help, so children (and adults!) are assigned roles in the story. Our Miss Chief got to play Chip the teacup, hopping up and down to greet Belle. She did a great job, and afterwards, Belle gave her a bookmark!
Mickey Mouse Town Square Theater, Magic Kingdom
This was hands down the best Mickey meet and greet- because he talked to us! Sadly, I hear Mickey won't be talking to guests anymore, so we're lucky to have met him when he did. It was his birthday, and he told us we made his birthday extra special by coming to see him. He also told us all about his roadster racer- and a certain four-year-old knew all about that! It really was amazing to hear him talk- when he walked into the room and said "Hiya!" all of the adults audibly gasped!
Tiana Princess Fairytale Hall, Magic Kingdom
Tiana was so sweet and attentive, and, as you can see, gave the best hugs. Our little princess was a little shy every time she met royalty, but Tiana really brought her out of her shell.
Baymax Hiro's Workshop Character Experience, Epcot
Baymax was...huge. Huggable, but huge. I loved the setup of this meet and greet, with all of the little San Fransokyo details.
Minnie Mouse Epcot Character Spot, Epcot
I really loved the Epcot Character Spot- we met Mickey, Minnie, and Goofy here, and we didn't feel rushed from one to the next. The interactions were wonderful and the pictures turned out great!
Anna Royal Sommerhus, Epcot
Our Frozen-obsessed four-year-old was positively awestruck to finally meet her heroes, so she needed a little guiding to interact with them. I suggested that she twirl around in her pretty dress for Anna, who was very enthusiastic about the whole thing. Elsa was a bit quieter- she is a bit less goofy than her sister, after all- but she did let us know that it's an Arendelle tradition to eat chocolate cake on your birthday.
Pocahontas Character Landing, Animal Kingdom
So I've gotta admit, we got in line for Pocahontas purely because I wanted to meet her- Chief had no interest in this meet and greet at all. But as soon as Pocahontas invited us over, she changed her mind. We told Pocahontas that we're from Virginia, and she said maybe she'd come visit our village sometimes since we're so close to hers.
Daisy Duck Tusker House Restaurant, Animal Kingdom
Tusker House is probably my single favorite buffet in Walt Disney World, and the characters in their safari gear are an extra treat. There was a nice selection of North African and Mediterranean foods, and Chief tried a wide variety of things (not just her standard macaroni and cheese, although that was available, too).
Ariel Akershus Royal Banquet Hall, Epcot
I'm not sure any of us were super impressed with the menu at Akershus, but as a one-credit meal on the meal plan, it's a better value than Cinderella's Royal Table if you're mostly interested in the princess aspect. (I guess Scandinavian food is just...not exciting?) Ariel was really sweet and of course commented on Chief's beautiful red hair, and at the end of the meal, there was a little parade throughout the restaurant where the kids got to follow the princesses around the room.
Tigger 1900 Park Fare, Grand Floridian Resort
The breakfast buffet was really good at 1900 Park Fare- certainly better than Chef Mickey's- and it featured an interesting variety of characters. We met Mary Poppins, Alice and Mad Hatter, Winnie the Pooh, and, after we ate, we met Tigger. Peanut loved how big and cuddly he was, and he pulled some pranks on Chief. Overall it was a great morning!
Who are your favorite characters to meet?
Much love,
The Geeks
BB-8 Star Wars Launch Bay, Disney's Hollywood Studios
This little guy beeped and booped and wobbled his little head around- it was pretty cool. He wasn't quite sure what to do about all the hugs a certain four-year-old wanted to give him, but she had a great time.
Tinker Bell Town Square Theater, Magic Kingdom
This was the first character we met on the whole trip. Miss Chief was dressed like her, and we got a little Peter Pan onesie for Peanut, which Tink thought was just adorable. It was quite early in the morning but this pixie was positively bouncing off the walls!
Belle Enchanted Tales with Belle, Magic Kingdom
This attraction wasn't technically a meet and greet, but it was still the coolest character interaction in the parks. You travel to the library in the Beast's castle, where Belle is going to tell you her story, but she needs help, so children (and adults!) are assigned roles in the story. Our Miss Chief got to play Chip the teacup, hopping up and down to greet Belle. She did a great job, and afterwards, Belle gave her a bookmark!
Mickey Mouse Town Square Theater, Magic Kingdom
This was hands down the best Mickey meet and greet- because he talked to us! Sadly, I hear Mickey won't be talking to guests anymore, so we're lucky to have met him when he did. It was his birthday, and he told us we made his birthday extra special by coming to see him. He also told us all about his roadster racer- and a certain four-year-old knew all about that! It really was amazing to hear him talk- when he walked into the room and said "Hiya!" all of the adults audibly gasped!
Tiana Princess Fairytale Hall, Magic Kingdom
Tiana was so sweet and attentive, and, as you can see, gave the best hugs. Our little princess was a little shy every time she met royalty, but Tiana really brought her out of her shell.
Baymax Hiro's Workshop Character Experience, Epcot
Baymax was...huge. Huggable, but huge. I loved the setup of this meet and greet, with all of the little San Fransokyo details.
Minnie Mouse Epcot Character Spot, Epcot
I really loved the Epcot Character Spot- we met Mickey, Minnie, and Goofy here, and we didn't feel rushed from one to the next. The interactions were wonderful and the pictures turned out great!
Anna Royal Sommerhus, Epcot
Our Frozen-obsessed four-year-old was positively awestruck to finally meet her heroes, so she needed a little guiding to interact with them. I suggested that she twirl around in her pretty dress for Anna, who was very enthusiastic about the whole thing. Elsa was a bit quieter- she is a bit less goofy than her sister, after all- but she did let us know that it's an Arendelle tradition to eat chocolate cake on your birthday.
Pocahontas Character Landing, Animal Kingdom
So I've gotta admit, we got in line for Pocahontas purely because I wanted to meet her- Chief had no interest in this meet and greet at all. But as soon as Pocahontas invited us over, she changed her mind. We told Pocahontas that we're from Virginia, and she said maybe she'd come visit our village sometimes since we're so close to hers.
Daisy Duck Tusker House Restaurant, Animal Kingdom
Tusker House is probably my single favorite buffet in Walt Disney World, and the characters in their safari gear are an extra treat. There was a nice selection of North African and Mediterranean foods, and Chief tried a wide variety of things (not just her standard macaroni and cheese, although that was available, too).
Ariel Akershus Royal Banquet Hall, Epcot
I'm not sure any of us were super impressed with the menu at Akershus, but as a one-credit meal on the meal plan, it's a better value than Cinderella's Royal Table if you're mostly interested in the princess aspect. (I guess Scandinavian food is just...not exciting?) Ariel was really sweet and of course commented on Chief's beautiful red hair, and at the end of the meal, there was a little parade throughout the restaurant where the kids got to follow the princesses around the room.
Tigger 1900 Park Fare, Grand Floridian Resort
The breakfast buffet was really good at 1900 Park Fare- certainly better than Chef Mickey's- and it featured an interesting variety of characters. We met Mary Poppins, Alice and Mad Hatter, Winnie the Pooh, and, after we ate, we met Tigger. Peanut loved how big and cuddly he was, and he pulled some pranks on Chief. Overall it was a great morning!
Who are your favorite characters to meet?
Much love,
The Geeks
