Meeting Characters

One of our favorite memories of Disney was meeting the characters. The kids were not really into Disney characters before this trip because they didn't watch the Disney Channel. They're still in the Nickelodeon channel phase.

But something happens when you're at Disney. It must be the magic. They were so excited to meet the characters and get their autographs. We met most of the princesses at the castle - I thought it was worth the money to get a good meal and lots of autographs/pictures in one place. Another character dining experience was at Chef Mickey's in the Contemporary. We had a nice buffet dinner and met all the major Disney characters. We met more characters out at the parks. We were lucky that many of them had short lines. The kids still take out their autograph books and reminisce about their trip.

Kiki's reaction to getting Minnie's autograph is priceless.

With Minnie

Goofy

Pluto

Mickey

Donald - they were a little upset Daisy Duck wasn't there.

Marie from the Aristocats. We were sitting in the French section of Epcot and watched Sleeping Beauty sign autograph books. Kiki already got her autograph at the castle the day before so she didn't want another one. Then we saw this cat walk by with a handler. We didn't know what character it was, but we knew we had to get an autograph. We followed the cat and were first in line for the autograph and picture.

Pluto - this was the first character we saw on our first day. Pluto was hanging just outside the entrance and there was a short line. We only got a picture because we'd forgotten the autograph books. The chipmunks, Chip and Dale were nearby but we didn't get in line because we wanted to get their autographs later. Kiki regrets not getting a picture with them. She's determined to do that on her next trip to Disney, she says.

Pinocchio - he was very sweet and gave her a kiss with his nose

Fairy Godmother - she was outside the entrance of the castle. Kiki said that she was going to eat at Cinderella's Royal Table and the Fairy Godmother was so delighted to hear that.

Lilo and Stitch - Aside from Chef Mickey's, Josh avoided pictures and autographs of the characters. It was our last day at the parks and we had canceled our reservations for breakfast the next day with Lilo and Stitch because of time constraints. We talked Josh into taking a picture with them at Animal Kingdom. They seemed to have a good time with him.