Disney's FASTPASS To Be Available for Meet-and-Greet for First Time

[GrumpyFan]

I think this is a great idea, and possibly even necessary. I know, I know, it takes away some of the spontaneity. But considering where the characters will now be located, they almost have to do this, or else there would most likely be a long line early in the morning, possibly crowding up the square even more. Now, you can just grab a Fastpass on your way in, then return later in your day.

This is also potentially good for Disney too as it will get people to come back down Main Street a second time, which could translate into more revenue, if you stop in one of the stores to buy something.

The one thing I don't like about it is that it means I will have to backtrack in my touring if I choose to use FP.

[GoBlueLacheta]

Obviously things have to take a different course sometimes, I remember growing up not even having any distinct lines and just walking up to characters throughout the parks as they waltzed through.

I wouldn't be surprised if many of the more "A" list characters would just go to a complete fastpass type meet and greet in the parks. Especially if the meeting was indoors somewhere in a building or attraction.

Your best bet anyway with characters has always been character dining. They are at your table, you can take pictures, and don't have a line of people behind you making you feel guilty. It is more personal and to a child it makes it seem like the character came to see them rather than they were waiting in line to see the character. They can easily feel more special.

[eas423]

So last time we were in WDW ('09) you met Mickey and Minnie together in Toontown. The way the newblurb reads it sounds like Mickey will be alone. Anyone know if he'll be with Minnie still, or is that now a hard to get meet-and-greet op?

[finaldynasty]

Great idea! Disney is always on the forefront of innovation and change. This will make characters more assessible and allow for more productive trips.

[bob6572]

Great idea!! What took so long!!

[Imagineer1981]

I think everyone is looking at this as there will be only one Mickey for everyone to see. Think about the Mickey meet and greet at ToonTown, and how you only went in small groups at a time to a room. SPOILER ALERT --------


There was more then one Mickey in that building!!!!!!! In fact there are 3-4 rooms with Mickey and Minnie funneling guest through. Perhaps what they will do is have several rooms set up again, and FP guest at least have one room dedicated to it. Then it makes alot more sense. You can get a FP to see Mickey, come back during your window and you didn't wait to see him an hour or more like before, and our children aren't a mental wreck by the time we get to see Mickey from the long wait.

While I still love the random magic of finding characters in the park, those days are almost done, especially when they can sell you autograph books and Photopass photos at scheduled locations

[missylee19]

After my experiences in Hollywood Studios waiting to see Minnie Mouse this past week I am ALL for a Fast Pass option! The same handler cut my daughter off not one but TWO separate times in two different locations. First one I could have handled, we knew we were close to the cut off time. But the second time the family in front of us had their kids pictures taken and then herded family who were not in line to get in a picture. We begged the Character handler to let my crying 3 year old get her picture but she responded "If I let you I have to let everyone else". When I went to Guest Services to complain about the handler I wasn't the only one there toting a small child who was unhappy about not getting to see a particular character in there.

I think that a Fast Pass option would help a lot of people manage their park time easier. I spent almost 45 minutes in each of those 2 lines to see a character and then got cut off. That kind of thing frustrates a lot of people who are in the parks spending a lot of money on making sure their "Magical Memories" get made. Being able to know I will be guaranteed a time to see those characters outside of a character meal is a BIG appeal to parents like me with small children who can't handle long lines!!!

[NJGIRL]

I'm not sure how I feel about this. It really won't affect us since my son is too old for the characters but it just seems every little thing now needs to be planned out in a time schedule when you go to Disney. Your meals, your rides, your shows and now when you see the characters. I know that you don't have to make ADR's, get fast passes for rides or characters but if you don't and everyone else is then you end up waiting forever or don't get to do certain things. We travel alot and Disney is the only place that we have to almost plan down to the minute what we are doing each day. Sometimes I almost wish that they would go back to no ADR's or fast passes or do I ???

[MickeysEars]

I think for people with small children EPCOT has perfected the meet and greet. ONE place, ONE line all in one place...THEN you walk out and there are more random characters in areas towards the Land sometimes. But for the most part you get to see the major players all in one place. My husband said this is the MAJOR flaw of Camp Minnie Mickey. You should get on one line with paths going from each character to the next NOT 5 different lines that take a 1/2 hour each.

[minnie-mouse]

I think it's a great idea! Why waste your time and make young children tire fast by standing and waiting in line to see a character when they could go do something else first and come back on time to meet their cahracter later. Makes great sense and if done right will be very efficient! Can't wait to try it!