Been craving a hug from Mickey Mouse? Or maybe a photo of your little one interacting with Minnie Mouse? Well, character meet-and-greets have been different lately, but things might be changing soon!
While you might have been used to autographs and hugs from Disney characters prior to the pandemic, the situation with COVID-19 changed the meet-and-greet situation substantially. Previously, characters were only available for guests to say “hello” to from a distance (sometimes a pretty significant difference). Then, some more traditional meet-and-greets returned, still with distancing requirements (a.k.a. no autographs, no hugs, and no up-close contact). But, Disney has just given us a sign that things could be very different soon!
Back in early March of 2022, Christine McCarthy, Senior Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer of the Walt Disney Company, said that face-to-face meet-and-greets should be returning to the Disney Parks “soon.” We’ve been waiting on an announcement from Disney since that time and…it seems like that time is almost here!
Today, via the Disney Parks TikTok, Disney shared a video of Mickey Mouse at a meet-and-greet area. In the video, an individual removes the rope from the stanchion that would traditionally block guests from getting close to the characters. Mickey then waves his hand over, as if to say “come on closer!” and even makes a gesture as though he is giving a hug!
@disneyparks The moment we’ve been waiting for ✨ #Disney #DisneyParks #Disneyland #DisneyWorld #DisneyCruiseLine #Aulani #Magic #MickeyMouse
Sounds like a very BIG announcement regarding face-to-face character meet-and-greets could be in store. We’ll be sure to share all of the latest details with you as soon as we learn more!
Given the recent changes we’ve seen in the parks, in terms of many other things returning to “normal,” parades coming back, and other spots reopening, the news of character meet-and-greets potentially changing is not necessarily surprising, but is surely very exciting for fans who have yearned for “normal” meet-and-greets to return.
Again, be sure to check back with us tomorrow for all of the latest updates!
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