One of the best souvenirs you can bring home from a trip to Walt Disney World Resort is a photo of your child gleefully meeting one of their favorite characters.

However, if your child has never encountered these larger-than-life figures before, you might be nervous about how they’ll handle it. Whether your child is outgoing and eager to meet new friends or tends to hide behind your legs in new situations, their reactions at Walt Disney World Resort can be unpredictable.

To help make these magical moments as smooth and memorable as possible, here are some tips to prepare your little ones for their first character meet-and-greet.

1. Prepare Your Kids at Home

They say the best defense is a good offense, and that’s exactly what you want to do here.

Instead of waiting until you arrive at the parks, start preparing your kids at home as early as possible. If you watch Disney movies or read Disney books with your children, begin discussing what it would be like to meet those characters in real life. Ask them what they might say or do if they saw their favorite characters in person. Let them know that these beloved characters sometimes visit Walt Disney World Resort too, and they might just cross paths! Building excitement and curiosity at home can help ease any nervousness they might feel when the moment finally arrives.

If your family celebrates holidays like Easter or Christmas, taking your children to get pictures with Santa or the Easter Bunny can provide a helpful practice run. This experience can give you a sense of how they might react when meeting Disney characters. Sporting events where a costumed mascot is present may also be a helpful chance to see how they respond to mascot-type characters.

Even the most outgoing kids can sometimes feel overwhelmed when they come face to face with their favorite characters, who are like big-time celebrities to them. Watching videos of character meet-and-greets on YouTube can also be a great way to give your child a clear idea of what to expect. Seeing other children interacting with characters can help put their minds at ease and make the experience feel more familiar.

By starting the preparation process at home, you’re setting the stage for a smooth and magical character meet-and-greet at Walt Disney World.

2) Start with Face Characters

So you’ve made it to the park, and you’re ready to dive right in. While it might be tempting to head straight for Mickey Mouse, it’s often better to start with face characters, like the princesses. These characters can be less intimidating for young children, as they look more like regular people and are around the same height as adults they know and love, albeit in beautiful costumes.

Face characters have the added advantage of being able to speak, making it easier for children to relate to them and ask questions. This interaction can help ease any initial nerves and build up your child’s confidence for meeting the larger, masked characters later on. By starting with face characters, you’ll set the stage for a magical experience at Walt Disney World.

The benefits of starting with face characters are numerous. They can talk, smile, and engage with your child in a personal and comforting way, making the experience feel more like meeting a new friend rather than an overwhelming encounter. Many children already adore characters like Cinderella, Belle, and Elsa from movies and books, so meeting these familiar faces in person can be an exciting and reassuring first step into the world of character meet-and-greets.

Additionally, face characters often have a story to tell. They can share tales of their adventures, ask about your child’s day at the park, and even give a little insight into their world. This storytelling aspect can captivate your child’s imagination and make the experience even more memorable.

By starting with face characters, you’re gradually introducing your child to the magical world of Disney gently and engagingly. It’s a wonderful strategy to ensure their first character meet-and-greet is a positive and enchanting experience.

3) Give your Children a Task

Meeting characters at Walt Disney World can be a bit nerve-wracking for children but giving them a specific task can make the experience more enjoyable and less intimidating. When kids have something to focus on, it can help calm their nerves and make the interaction more meaningful.

One effective strategy is to encourage your child to think of fun questions to ask the characters who speak, such as the princesses. This can turn the meet-and-greet into a lively conversation rather than a simple photo opportunity. Ask Elsa and Anna if Olaf likes warm hugs or Belle what her favorite book is, and you’re sure to get an animated answer that will delight your little one.

Another great idea is to have your child draw a picture or make a small gift to present to their favorite character, like Mickey Mouse. This not only gives them something to do but also creates a personal connection with the character.

A popular and classic task is collecting autographs. Whether you purchase an autograph book or choose a more creative option, like a T-shirt or a hat, make sure it’s something easy for characters with larger hands to handle and sign. Having an autograph book or another item to collect signatures on gives your child a clear goal and a tangible souvenir to remember their magical experience.

By giving your children a task, you’re helping them engage more fully with the characters and easing any nervousness they might feel. This approach can transform their first character meet-and-greet into a fun and memorable adventure.

4) Plan the Right Time for your Child to Meet the Characters

Timing is everything when it comes to introducing your little ones to their favorite Disney characters, and it’s an aspect that requires careful consideration. Although not every character interaction can be perfectly planned, most character meet-and-greet times are listed in advance on the My Disney Experience App, allowing you to plan.

If a character is scheduled to meet during your child’s usual nap time, it’s best to avoid scheduling an interaction then. Forcing a meet-and-greet when your child is tired could lead to a less-than-magical experience. Similarly, if your child isn’t a morning person, consider saving character interactions for later in the day, perhaps after they’ve warmed up with a ride or two.

Remember that long lines, heat, and lots of walking can tire anyone out, and the last thing you want is for your child to have a negative experience that could affect their desire to meet more characters or even dampen the entire trip.

By planning character interactions at times when your child is likely to be at their best, you’ll help ensure their experience is as magical as possible. This is something I like to talk through with my clients so we can include character meet and greets at the best possible spot in your itinerary.

5) Lead by Example

Building confidence in a child can often be as simple as seeing a parent or older sibling take the lead. When you’re waiting in line to meet a character, try to remain relaxed and excited but calm. Children often take cues from adults on how to behave, so if you’re annoyed by the long line or complaining about the heat, they may mirror your irritability.

When it’s your turn, greet the character warmly. Shake their hand, offer a hug, or give a high five, and introduce them to your child. Don’t hesitate to speak up for your little one if they’re feeling shy—telling Goofy that your child is a big fan but a bit nervous can help. Disney characters are experienced in dealing with a variety of reactions and are prepared to make the interaction as enjoyable as possible.

If your child is still feeling timid after the introduction, stay beside them and be part of the picture, and put yourself between your child and the character if it makes them more comfortable. It might not be exactly what you envisioned, but you’ll likely cherish that extra photo with your child, hopefully capturing some big smiles.

By leading by example, you’re helping to create a magical and memorable experience for your child.

Introducing your child to Disney characters for the first time can be a magical experience with the right preparation and approach. By starting at home, planning the timing, giving your child a task, and leading by example, you can help ease their nerves and ensure their interactions are enjoyable and memorable. These tips will help you create enchanting moments that your family will cherish for years to come.

With a little planning and a lot of excitement, your child’s first character meet-and-greet at Walt Disney World can be a truly magical adventure. Looking for more information on magical character interactions? Subscribe to my newsletter for tons of helpful character information!