Autographs @ Disney World & Tips On How To Get Certain Characters

If you have been following this blog, or even if you have a pulse, you realize that Disney World is a magical place. It is a place where adults can feel like children and children can feel like royalty. The park just seems to be a cut above. Everything about the park and the experience involved with it is special. Part of that special experience for children often involves character interactions and autographs. Getting the characters to acknowledge them is magical for the children. The character taking time to sign is incredibly spectacular for the kids.

I was not sure my oldest son would be able to appreciate autographs yet, so we were planning on holding off on them. Boy was I wrong. We started an allowance system with him shortly before we got passes again. The 1st thing that he bought with his own $$$$ was.....a character autograph book. He loves that book and adores getting signatures. He also has/had a very specific pattern he wanted to get their signatures in Mickey Mouse, then Goofy, and so on....we try to cross a few off each time so that he can enjoy these interactions and make it a point of emphasis before we go. So I thought we wouldshare some of those tips with our readers......

Tips for autographs and where characters currently are in the parks

Aladdin

Aladdin meets @ Frontier Land in Magic Kingdom and in Morocco @ Epcot
I have never been to either meet as my children aren't that into Aladdin, but maybe someday soon. I have not seen long lines for Aladdin during any visit. I know that Aladdin meets with Abu during the Not So Scary Halloween Party and Very Merry Christmas Parties. If we do one of those, we might try to meet Aladdin.

Alice

Alice meets @ Mad Tea Party Early in the Morning
By noon Alice is gone so go in the morning to meet her. She also meets @ 1900 Park Fare Character Breakfast. Haven't meet Alice yet, but we will be doing the character breakfast in the next year and can give an update at that point.

Anna and Elsa

Meet @ The Frozen Section in the Norway Pavilion @ Epcot
Lines will be extremely long. Book Fastpass+ if available.

Army Men

Meet Outside Toy Story Mania! @ Hollywood Studios
Expect Little to No Wait!

Baloo

Meets @ Upcountry Landing @ Animal Kingdom
Expect a wait between 5-20 min. One of our favorite meet and greets

Bolt
Meets near the Great Movie Ride @ Hollywood Studios
This is a newer meet and greet, but lines aren't too bad. Not sure why Bolt is meeting of all characters, seems like a waste of a meet to me....

Baymax
Meets @ Character Spot West in Epcot
Does not Sign

Buzz Lightyear
Meets next to Buzz Lightyear Ride in Tomorrowland of Magic Kingdom
Great meet with waits typically under 20 min.
Also Meets w/ Woody Across From Toy Story Mania!
A meet that is always packed and I haven't seen less than 30 min
Note: Buzz Lightyear stamps and does not sign

Chewbacca
Meets @ Star Wars Launch Bay @ Hollywood Studios
I have typically seen wait times around 20 minutes when I have been

Chip n' Dale

Meet in all 4 parks
In Tomorrow @ MK
At Rafiki Planet Watch @ AK
Great Movie Ride @ HS
Land Pavilion @ Epcot
Also Features in Several Character Breakfasts
None of the lines are too long
I personally prefer the Animal Kingdom meet and the Magic Kingdom meet
We had no wait @ Magic Kingdom last time!

Daisy Duck
Meets in all 4 Parks
Meets @ AK Character Breakfast
Character Landing @ AK
Pete's Silly Sideshow @ MK
World Showcase Pavilion @ Epcot
Great Movie Ride CY @ HS

Doc McStuffins
Meets in Disney Jr. Courtyard @ Hollywood Studios
Lines are not long

Donald Duck
Meets in All 4 Parks
Pete's Silly Sideshow @ MK
Cretaceous Trail @ AK
Great Movie Ride @ HS
Mexico Pavilion @ Epcot
Also Meets @ Several Character Breakfasts
Some of the lines get long, but nothing too bad typically.
We prefer the Mexican Pavilion or a character breakfast.

Doug and Russell
Meet in Animal Kingdom
We don't like Up so we skip this meet and are unsure of lines.

Eeyore
Only available for meet @ Crystal Palace in Magic Kingdom.
Also available @ Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party and Very Merry Christmas Party

Flik
Started this year meeting across from Discovery Trail in Animal Kingdom
We have yet to participate in this meet, but will at some point in the future. Lines aren't long.

Gaston
Meets near Gaston's Tavern in Magic Kingdom
Lines vary throughout the day. However, they have gotten long and we have been turned away before because they are too long.

Goofy
Meets in All 4 Parks
Dinoland USA @ AK
Pete's Silly Sideshow @ MK
Movie Ride CY @ HS
Character Spot @ Epcot
Character Spot is longest wait time, but is short early in morning. Others are not bad waits.
Also meets @ Several Character Breakfasts

Jack Skellington
Meets @ Halloween & Christmas Parties
This is one of the most popular meets @ those parties

Jake
Meets in Disney Jr. Courtyard @ Hollywood Studios
Lines are not long
Also appears @ Hollywood and Vine Character Dining

Jasmine
Jasmine meets @ Frontier Land in Magic Kingdom and in Morocco @ Epcot
I have never been to either meet as my children aren't that into Aladdin, but maybe someday soon. I have not seen long lines for Jasmine during any visit. I know that Jasmine meets with Genie during the Not So Scary Halloween Party and Very Merry Christmas Parties. If we do one of those, we might try to meet Aladdin and/or Jasmine.
Jasmine also appears at Cinderella's Royal Table Character Dining and Akershus Character Dining

Jessie
Appears w/ Woody in Frontierland in Magic Kingdom
Lines can get long best to arrive just before 10am when their 1st set starts

Jiminy Cricket
Appears @  Animal Kingdom for Earth Day

Joy and Sadness
The Inside Out characters meet @ Character Spot West near Baymax
Lines can get long, but are short early in the day

King Louie
Meets @ Upcountry Landing @ Animal Kingdom
Expect a wait between 5-20 min. One of our favorite meet and greets
King Louie does not sign autographs, but there are rumors that Baloo does sign

Kylo Ren
Meets @ Star Wars Launch Bay in Hollywood Studios
Personally not a fan of this character, but the times I have seen posted are <30 min

Lilo
Meets @ The Great Movie Ride CY in Hollywood Studios
Also Meets @ Ohana Character Breakfast
Both meets are fantastic and I'd recommend them. I would assume the HS meet is short term, but Ohana will likely stay.

Mad Hatter

Mad Hatter meets @ Mad Tea Party Early in the Morning
By noon Mad Hatter is gone so go in the morning to meet him. He also meets @ 1900 Park Fare Character Breakfast. Haven't meet Hatter yet, but we will be doing the character breakfast in the next year and can give an update at that point.

Mary Poppins
Meets @ Magic Kingdom Fireworks Viewing Plaza

Also Appears @ 1900 Park Fare Character Breakfast
Again with boys typically skip this

Max

Not a regular meet, but often seen @ Hollywood Studios in the Summer Time

Mickey Mouse
Meets @ All 4 Parks with Fastpass+ Available for most
I'd recommend getting the Fastpass for most meets. Talking MM appears only @ Magic Kingdom. However, he does not always talk. Still, I'd recommend possibly meeting him @ Magic or Epcot depending on line. Hollywood Studios is the only park that does not offer Fastpass to meet Mickey, but the line is typically pretty short. Epcot is a short wait in the morning and Goofy and Minnie are right next to him at this meet.
Also appears at many character breakfasts.

Minnie Mouse
Meets @ All 4 Parks
I'd recommend Epcot meet, but Magic Kingdom meet has a short line
Mickey and Minnie are also typically available at the Disney Visa Special Meet @ Epcot.
Character Breakfast Opportunities also available.
The most chances to meet any characters are the mouses and Pluto.
Here my son is w/ main four @ Epcot. This is where he got these 4 to sign!

Olaf
Meets in Hollywood Studios
I'd assume the lines are long, but he started meeting this summer and we haven't been

Peter Pan

Meets in Magic Kingdom by his ride
Lines are long!!!!

Piglet
Appears @ Crystal Palace Character Breakfast
Occasionally appears @ 1900 Park Fare
Occasionally Appears @ Pooh's Thotful Spot

Pluto
Meets @ All 4 Parks
Longest wait is Main Street Flagpole in Magic Kingdom. Shortest Wait is typically Dinoland  USA in Animal Kingdom with Goofy.
Also appears at just about every character breakfast.
Pro Tip: Pluto cant see past his nose and has to sign close up to his eyes. Be careful when handing him the pen/marker. He marked up a page in Jr.'s book accidently.

Pocahontas
Appears @ Discovery Island in Animal Kingdom
Typically a fairly short wait

Princesses

There are two princess character dining experiences, Cinderella's Royal Table in Magic Kingdom and Akersaus in the Norway Pavilion @ Epcot
There is also a Princess Fairytale Hall meet with Fastpass+ in Magic Kingdom

Rafiki
Jr.'s favorite person to meet thus far
Meets @ Rafiki's Planet Watch in Animal Kingdom
Meets in Frontierland in Magic Kingdom
Expect short lines in Magic Kingdom

 Hugs

 More Hugs

 w/ Rafiki

 Posing

The Autograph

Scrooge McDuck

Uncle Scrooge appears with Donald @ the Christmas Party

Stitch

Appears @ Magic Kingdom Flag Pole (Long Wait)
Appears in Great Movie Ride CY (Unknown Wait, Temp Spot)
Appears @ Ohana Character Breakfast (Great Opportunity)

Tarzan

Meets in Animal Kingdom

Tigger

Meets @ Pooh's Thotful Spot (lines can get long)
Meets @ Crystal Palace Character Dining
Meets @ 1900 Park Fare Character Dining

Tigger w/ mommy and Eli

Winnie the Pooh

Meets @ Pooh's Thotful Spot (lines can get long)
Meets @ Crystal Palace Character Dining
Meets @ 1900 Park Fare Character Dining

Eli meeting his favorite w/ mommy

Woody
Meets w/ Jessie in Frontierland @ Magic Kingdom
Meets w/ Buzz @ Hollywood Studios Across from Toy Story Mania!
Lines can get long for both meets. Especially @ Hollywood Studios. I hope they offer Fastpass+ for the HS meet soon!

More Opportunities
There are random character meets at Hollywood Studios (called Character Palooza) and Epcot (called Training Meets). Locations and times are unknown, but hopefully you can run into these. They are super neat.

-Noland

2015 Disney Character Rankings (80-1)

We are once again back fans of the blog! Sorry it took us so long. With Eli's baptism and Noland Jr.'s 3rd birthday, we fell a little behind on writing. However, have no worries because we are back to it now!!! We also have some updates from his birthday coming next week along with some zoo reviews in the near future!
This is the 4th and last portion of the Disney Character Countdown for our Disney loving family. I decided to just include all of the characters and a link to their bios in this piece. I did that because we are running out of 2015 dates and I wanted everyone to see how the characters rankings changed. Feel free to comment to get a rationale for the rankings! Our previous countdowns are preview, 102-91, 90-81. Now, enjoy the rest of our countdown contained here...

80. Brer Fox (77)

79. Brer Rabbit (69)

78. Timothy Q. Mouse (73)

77. Marie (80)

76. Kanga (99)

75. Bruce (75)

74. Terk (74)

73. Sven (90)

72. Remy (66)

71. Oswald

70. Owl (86)

69. Slink (68)

68. Abu (71)

67. Wreck-It Ralph

64-66. Huey, Duey, and Luey (33-35)

63. Bullseye (60)

62. Magic Carpet (89)

61. Zurg (55)

60. White Rabbit (72)

59. Lady (63)

58. The Tramp (62)

57. Pascal (48)

56. Perry the Platypus (53)

55. Squirt (50)

54. Jessie (49)

53. Kaa (46)

52. Mushu (45)

51. Tick Tock Croc

50. Thumper (44)

49. Mufasa (39)

48. Scuttle (37)

47. Rabbit (54)

46. Bagheera (41)

45. Bambi (43)

44. Marlin (40)

43. Roo (32)

42. Flounder (20)

41. Shere Khan (38)

40. Nala (42)

39. Lightning McQueen (81)

38. King Louie (26)

37. Mike Wazowski (31)

36. James P. Sullivan (29)

35. Pete (52)

34. Rex (51)

33. Crush (24)

32. Stitch (30)

31. Genie

30. Ursula

29. Dory (19)

28. Olaf (22)

27. Lumiere

26. Baloo (8)

25. Scar (25)

24. Nemo (23)

23. Sebastian (16)

22. Eeyore (21)

21. Jiminy Cricket (14)

20. Rafiki (18)

19. Dumbo (15)

18. Beast

16, 17. Timon & Pumba (9,10)

15. Piglet (7)

14. Simba (11)

13. Woody (13)

12. Buzz Lightyear (12)

11. Pluto (36)

9, 10. Chip & Dale (30, 31)

08. Daisy Duck (17)

07. Tigger (5)

06. Tinkerbell

05. Winnie the Pooh (2)

04. Goofy (6)

03. Minnie Mouse (4)

02. Donald Duck (3)

01. Mickey Mouse (1)    

                                     

-Noland

Characterpalooza at Hollywood Studios

In the past year, Noland and I have been going to Walt Disney World a lot. We both have learned so much about how to navigate the parks and meet characters that we can even have a full day with several rides and character meet and greets during the busy times. We've also gone for an afternoon and accomplished more than some people do in a whole day.

Have you ever watched the TV Show called The Middle on ABC? Well, on their 2014 season finale, they won a trip to Disney World. It's a long story and I don't want to ruin the episode but the first day they go to Disney, they run into many misfortunes and don't end up riding anything. In fact by the time they agree to get into one of the many long lines, they jump into a line of people who happen to be walking out of the park. It made me laugh so hard because I know that I've been to Disney and felt that way before. Have you  ever gone to Disney World and felt completely overwhelmed? I know that the first few times I went to Disney's Magic Kingdom, my mom only managed to get me to ride a couple of rides. I met a few characters too but that may have been around the times when characters would just walk around. And according to the pictures, my brother and I rode Dumbo...

And here we are in front of the castle.

It can be hard to navigate a place if it is your first time going or you have only been one or two times before. After all, each park is large, it's hot outside, crowded, you are trying to read this large map to figure out where to go, and what is the best way to get there, all while your toddler/ little one is (or multiple kiddos are) crying because he/she is hungry or thirsty. Okay so that is a little bit over-dramatic, but it can be challenging. I get it. Since we've managed to figure it out, we have decided to start sharing some Disney World tips and tricks on this blog occasionally.

Today we are going to talk about Characterpalooza at Walt Disney World's Hollywood Studios (previously known as MGM). I'm starting to believe that Hollywood Studios could be one of the best places to meet characters. As an adult, it has two of the best rides (in my opinion) in all of Walt Disney World Resort: Tower of Terror and Rockin' Roller coaster) and it has a TON of characters and a secret meet and greet that I'm going to telly you about called CHARACTERPALOOZA.

What is Characterpalooza? Well it is a gathering of characters that happens at Hollywood Studios! It will not be listed on the map or times guide but it happens almost every day.

Up: Noland and Noland Jr. meeting Stitch Below: The Evil Queen from Snow White, and Pocahontas.

What characters will be at Characterpalooza? There is no telling which characters will show up at Characterpalooza, I hear it changes from time to time but, we did see some characters that you could not see anywhere else. We happened to run into Characterpalooza on Tuesday, July 24, 2014. They had about 14-15 characters out. Here are the list of characters that were out when we arrived: Stitch, Evil Queen (from Snow White), Pinocchio, Gepetto, Queen of Hearts, Mary Poppins, Penguin (from Mary Poppins), Chip, Dale, Pocahontas, Meeko, Minnie Mouse, Mulan, and a couple of Army Men from Toy Story.

Above: Here is Minnie Mouse interacting with some people in line and the Queen of Hearts posing for a picture. Below: Mulan ran out of time to meet with all her fans so she went by and talked to each of them before she left. We met Chip. Noland Jr. didn't look at the camera but he was smiling!

 










When is Characterpalooza? According to Kenny the Pirate, it all depends on Fantasmic (a nighttime extravaganza featuring music, pyrotechnics, video projected on water, fiber optics, lasers and many more effects at Disney's Hollywood Studios).

• If Fantasmic isn't scheduled, Characterpalooza will NOT happen.


• If one Fantasmic show is scheduled, Characterpalooza will occur at 4:30 p.m. near Echo Lake, and 5:30 p.m. on the Streets of America.


• If two Fantasmic shows are scheduled, Characterpalooza will happen only at 6:00 p.m. on the Streets of America.

So the next time you travel to Disney's Hollywood Studios in Orlando, make sure to check out Characterpalooza and meet some characters that you may not see anywhere else in the parks. 

Below is Noland Jr and I meeting Pinocchio. Gepetto was there too but stepped away by the time is was our turn in line.

How long is Characterpalooza? Characterpalooza is usually in about half hour increments. When we met the characters, they were out for about 30 minutes. We didn't get pictures with every character but we did get to interact, meet and take pictures with about 4-5 of them. 

Hollywood Studios has many other characters that can be found on the park's times guides such as: Donald Duck, Daisy Duck, Green Army Men, Jake from Jake and the Neverland Pirates, Sophia from Sophia the First, Phineas and Ferb, Wreck-it-Ralph, Vanellope von Sweets, Woody, Buzz, Sorcerer Mickey, Mr. Incredible and Frozone from The Incredibles, Lightning McQueen and Mater from Cars, Sully, Mike Wazowski from Monsters Inc/Monsters U.

This is outside of Toy Story's Midway Mania. The green army men hang out there.








Here are the Nolands meeting Jake from Jake & the Never land Pirates by the Disney Junior Stage show.

Hope that helps in planning your vacation!

-Jen

The Top 101 Disney Characters of All-Time (10-1)

We have finally reached the Top 10 of this countdown. However, before we get to it, let's recap...

101-91

90-81

80-71
70-61

60-51
50-41

40-31

30-21

20-11

Also remember, no humans!

09, 10. Timon & Pumbaa

The top 10 starts with 2 characters that are always linked. I could easily separate the duo, but why bother. They are both elite and their brilliance together is what makes them elite. There are two questions when it comes to these two being top 10 characters.
1) How are they ranked ahead of the main character (Simba)? These two are ranked ahead of Simba because they have a more lasting impact on the Disney Universe. The duo got their own cartoon off of their popularity. Additionally, they were so popular that Disney came out with The Lion King 1 1/2 based solely on the story of Timon and Pumbaa. Finally, they taught Simba not to worry which helped him move on with life. Without Timon and Pumbaa, Simba is dead and there is no redemption story. This duo made The Lion King.
2) Which one of the duo is better? Many people would say Timon, but it is clearly Pumbaa. He is the 1st character to pass gas on screen and make jokes about flatulence. Pumbaa also comes up with most of the brilliant ideas which Timon always takes credit for. He appears dumb, but has lots of good ideas. Pumbaa is as good as it gets as a character.
However, these two are linked and belong as a package deal. The duo together should start the top 10 because they are just that awesome.

08. Baloo

Baloo is the best character from Walt Disney's last film. That has to get him some sort of bump on this list. Add in that he was the main character in Jungle Cubs and Talespin and you can see why Baloo is a top 10 character. In fact, he is the highest rated character outside of the main 5 and the Winnie the Pooh characters. Want more reasons why he deserves this spot? He always looks for the "Bare Necessities" and finds out what is really important. He is incredibly fun and easy-going. He came up with a top 5 song in Disney history. Baloo is a diverse character that can work in any movie. This guy also has stood the test of time much better than the Lion King and Toy Story characters from 30 years later. Finally, Baloo is the Papa Bear of the elite Disney characters that are not human (and outside the main group and Pooh). In the movies before the Jungle Book, only Dumbo can compete with Baloo's brilliance in that category. Is he a Top 10 character? "You'd better believe it."

07. Piglet

Some of you are thinking "how is Piglet ahead of so many other legendary Disney characters?" I will answer that question for you. Piglet is #7 because of his impact on the Disney Universe. He has his own stand-alone movie and is the best friend of one of the most iconic characters in Disney history. Piglet is one of the main characters in Disney's second most popular series. Outside of the main series' involving Mickey Mouse, the Pooh franchise dominates. In fact, sometimes it gets more popular than those series. There is no doubting its popularity and Piglet is a vital part of that. Piglet is Pooh's best friend. He is the little guy that everyone loves. He has to be in the Top 10 and belongs at #7.

06. Goofy

Goofy is the best friend of Mickey and Donald, but I don't believe he is quite as iconic as either one. He doesn't see to be as popular as the other characters in the Top 5 either. This dog is a fantastic character, but just outside the Top 5. I had him outside the Top 10 for a while, but that is unfair to Goofy because he clearly is a Top 10 character. He fits perfectly here at #6. The only question is, "why does Goofy talk, but not Pluto when they are both dogs?"

05. Tigger

Tigger may be the happiest, most cheerful, most energetic, most fun, and lively character in all of Disney. There are many that believe he is the best character in the Pooh franchise (including some of my family). It's hard to disagree with his energy level or his popularity. The other stuff might be a stretch, but not by much. This guy is a clear top 5 character to me. He is just fun, fun, fun, fun, fun. The most wonderful thing though is that he is the only one.

04. Minnie Mouse

Mickey's love interest has to be in the Top 5. This girl is his fun-loving, sweet, partner in crime and the best friend to Daisy Duck. However, she plays a much bigger role than Daisy in the Disney Universe. Minnie can also succeed as a standalone character and has her own show Minnie's Bow-Toons. She isn't quite as important as the top 3 on this list, but she is close. You can argue Minnie up to #2. She is the most important female character in all of Disney, not including the humans.

03. Donald Duck

This original angry bird is certainly a top 5 character. I love Donald personally as well. He adds so much versatility to the Disney Universe. Sure he is angry sometimes, but he is also best friend to Mickey Mouse, and uncle to Huey, Dewey, and Louie. "Oh boy, oh boy, oh boy" there are not many in the Disney Universe that are bigger than Donald. In fact, I can only think of two that mean more to the company.

02. Winnie the Pooh

 Is there any other possible choice for #2? Yes, there is. Is there any other correct choice for #2? No, there isn't. Look, Pooh is the best Disney character that isn't a mouse. Don't believe he is this high? Just wait until you have young kids. Pooh is my favorite character in the Disney Universe. I will get that nugget out of the way before I continue, but he is also the best besides Mickey Mouse. The most series that have been started other than Mickey come from Pooh. He also has a movie featuring his characters every 5 years or so. This guy is a legend! He also happens to be my son's favorite character by far. The honey loving bear belongs at #2 and should be in everyone's top 5.
                                               

And finally the obvious choice for #1
Bushroot

Ok, obviously I am kidding and it is...

01. Mickey Mouse

This had to be the #1. There is no doubt that Mickey is Disney's most important, most popular and most iconic character. He has been a great present to all of us.
"I hope we never lose sight of one thing, that it was all started by a mouse." - Walt Disney
Mickey is the true #1.

Hope everyone enjoyed this countdown. I will do a recap write up tomorrow and reveal my favorite 100 characters all at once so everyone can see where and if any bias came into these rankings.

-Noland