10 Tips for Character Interaction at Disneyland Paris (And 4 Big No-Nos!)
I am not ashamed to admit it. I’m a huge fan of Disney character meets! My favourite characters have huge heads and great big squishy bodies. They bounce around like chubby toddlers, and they are just so dang cute! I also love meeting the iconic Disney Princesses in their swishy dresses. As you might imagine, I know a thing or two about characters. I’m so excited to share my top tips for getting the best character interaction at Disneyland Paris. AKA – How NOT to feel like a fool when one approaches you! (Though I’m still working on that last one…)
This Guide to Character Interaction at Disneyland Paris will cover:
- What to do before you go
- Essentials to bring with you
- Tips for making the most of your character interaction
Going to Disneyland with a toddler? Check out these 5 easy tips to help meeting a Disney character with your little one.
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✔️ Things to Do Before You Leave Home…
Good news – You are already ahead of the game by reading this Meeting Characters Guide! Here are the smart things you can do to be prepared before your trip.
Tip #1: Do Your Character Homework
To get ready for meeting characters at Disneyland Paris, research the character locations and their schedule.
Start by making a little wish list of your favourite characters, where they are and when to see them. Then, slot that into your park itinerary.
🤓 GOOD TO KNOW All the characters you can meet at Disneyland Paris are in my Complete Character Guide. It also has WHERE to meet them and WHEN to meet them!
Tip #2: Bring These Character Interaction Essentials With You
The best tip if you are shy about meeting a Disney character (or if your child is nervous), is to bring something to chat about. You and your child will have a more relaxing experience if you have something to do while you’re on the spot.
Something to Collect Character Signatures
The easiest item for relaxed character interaction is a Disney Autograph book (for example tap below). But there are even more creative options like photo mounts and canvas bags.
The Best Pens
A must-have on your list is Sharpie pens. Get the standard-size Sharpie markers because the slim ones are hard for the characters to hold with their big furry hands.
We brought a pack of colourful Sharpie pens to match the characters (i.e. pink for Aurora, green for Peter Pan, orange for Tigger). It also looks really nice if you sign a Disney book with silver or gold Sharpie markers.
✏️ PRO TIP Furry characters have big hands. Take the lid off the pen for them – they will appreciate it and you will get a cleaner autograph!
Hand Wipes
Lastly, bring a pack of hand wipes for character meals like Plaza Gardens or Auberge de Cendrillon – Cinderella’s Inn. Have them nearby for wiping away messy hands and between visits to the buffet counter. It will keep your autograph book clean and make meeting the character a little nicer for the next person.
My favourite wipes are the biodegradable Panda bamboo wipes.
Tip #3: Consider Clothing to Show You’re a Fan
Disney characters get very excited if you are wearing a T-shirt, backpack or hat of them!
If you’re struggling to find clothing, check out George at Asda for Mickey Mouse and Frozen apparel, Amazon for Disney princess costumes and superhero uniforms, and even Vinted for second-hand character t-shirts.
Another way to show you are a true fan is if your child has a cuddly toy or doll of that character. Don’t be shy to show it off to your favourite character! You could try Primark for Disney plush dolls which are much cheaper than in the parks.
⏰ Do This While You’re Waiting For Your Character Meet…
Tip #4: Prepare Your Camera
Before your character meets, be sure your phone is charged and you have enough storage for pictures.
I promise there will be wonderful moments to capture forever, and there’s nothing worse than a dead battery or no more memory in your phone!
Between the Disneyland app for ride times and taking videos and pictures, I use my phone a lot in the parks! To make sure I always have enough battery, I bring my 10,000mAh portable power bank. It holds enough for 2-3 full charges at least.
Tip #5: Be Ready to Go
Have you heard the expression ‘hurry up and wait?’ Meeting characters is like that in reverse. You will be patiently waiting, and then when it is your turn, all heck breaks loose!
So, keep an eye on the party in front of you. Or, in a restaurant, keep an eye on the tables nearby. Gather up your camera or your camera phone. Make sure the autograph book is open and your pen is ready (lid off). Wipe clean any sticky hands.
In other words, be ready to go as soon as it’s your turn.
🥰 Make the Most of Your Character Interaction at Disneyland Paris…
The time has finally arrived! Here are the best ways to enjoy your encounter, get memorable photos and make conversation with confidence.
TIP #6: Initiate the Conversation (Here’s How!)
Because the furry characters don’t actually speak, they love it when you have something to talk about. Then, they can chime in with their adorable gestures. It’s sort of like a game of charades!
So, right before you meet the characters, think about a question you can ask them.
⁉️FAQ: But what if you’re shy?
Every Character Experience is a personal encounter to treasure. Naturally, you might feel a little foolish at first, or your kid might shrink away awkwardly. But, just be yourself, calmly walk over or welcome the character to your table if you’re doing character dining. And don’t force your kid, just show them how it’s done and encourage them to take part.
⁉️FAQ: What if You Don’t Know What to Say?
Not sure how to initiate the character interaction? Greet them like a friend! Then carry on with a friendly chit-chat.
💡 PRO TIP Check out these 50+ Questions to Ask Disney Characters.
Tip #7: Collect a Character Autograph
What’s next? After you’ve had a little chat with your favourite Disney character, ask them for an autograph, or get your child to show them their book or bag to sign. (Don’t forget to check out Disney Autograph Books from Tip #2.)
🤓 GOOD TO KNOW This is a tip I wish I’d known sooner! You don’t need to overly rush your experience. The characters can’t stay for more than a few minutes. But you needn’t stress to squeeze it into a 30-second encounter either. Have a chat, get a signature, ask for a hug, take a photo and smile.
Tip #8: Capture the Moment Perfectly
What’s a character meet without a picture to remember it forever? Here are 5 things to remember for the best character photos for you and your family.
✏️ 5 BEST TIPS How to Get the Best Character Photos
- Time it right. After you’ve had a quick chat and secured an autograph, ask if you can have your picture with your character. It’s normal to do the photo last.
- Take more than one picture in case it’s blurry.
- If one’s available, ask a cast member to take a photo with your phone or camera so your whole group can be in a picture together.
- If you have a Disney PhotoPass, give it to the photographer to scan before you speak to the character. If you don’t have Photopass, ask the photographer for a temporary pass. You can opt to check that photo later and decide whether to buy it or not. I like to put my PhotoPass in a lanyard for easy access because the character meet is sometimes a bit chaotic!
- It’s ok to take a couple of poses for your photo. Perhaps do one where everyone is being silly and one where your group is just smiling. Another good idea is to get a photo of just the kids with the character and then one of the whole group together.
Tip #9: Avoid the Biggest No-Nos
Of course, you will be super excited to meet your favourite Disney characters. But be sure to follow the rules of etiquette and avoid these big no-nos:
✔️ Wait Your Turn
The characters will give you their undivided attention when it’s your turn. So, try to avoid interrupting a character when they’re with another family.
✔️ Listen for Instructions
Your Disney character will often be accompanied by a ‘handler.’ This is a cast member who might have to deliver some bad news like the character needs to go away for a short break.
Cast member instructions have to be respected. Don’t worry, the characters always return fairly quickly (unless signposted otherwise).
❌ Don’t Be Obnoxious
This doesn’t apply to 99% of people. But for the other 1%, remember that a Disney character is alive. Don’t poke them, step on them, try to pull their clothes off or otherwise engage in rude behaviour. Cast members will remove you. Be gentle.
❌ Spoiling the Disney Magic Is Unacceptable
Remember that there are little kids nearby. Characters are real. And if you don’t believe they are, then you really don’t have to say it out loud until you get home.
Tip #10 (The Best One of All!) Get a Heart-Melting Hug
Even the most stony-hearted Scrooge likes hugs now and then. And one thing all the characters have in common is that they love hugs!
So, if you like hugs too, just put your arms out. A big squishy cuddle is one of the best feelings in Disneyland Paris. Group hugs are great, too!
🌈 Over to You…
If there’s one thing to remember for great character interactions, it’s to act your shoe size, not your age. Walt Disney created a park where even adults can capture the magic of being a child. Embrace the moment, take lots of photos and make the best memories!
I hope you enjoyed this Guide to Character Meets at Disneyland Paris. Did it help you? What character are you looking forward to meeting? Can you think of any tips I’ve left out? Leave a comment below.👇
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