Character Meet and Greets Make Long Overdue Return to Disney Cruise Line

It appears that Disney Cruise Line is finally starting to sail a little closer to pre-pandemic normalcy once again.

Just a few weeks after announcing that it would end vaccination requirements for Guests 12 and under, it now appears that normal Character Meet and Greets will finally return to Disney Cruise Ships before the end of this month!

The report was shared by Theme Park Insider Scott Gustin, who said,

“Disney Cruise Line announced return of traditional character greetings, up-close character greetings, and autographs by Aug. 29.” 

Disney Cruise Line announces return of traditional character greetings, up-close character greetings, and autographs by Aug. 29. https://t.co/ZcEkq6AtI7

— Scott Gustin (@ScottGustin) August 25, 2022

While there are still character experiences happening aboard the Disney Magic, Disney Wonder, Disney Fantasy, Disney Dream, and Disney Wish, they are still restricted due to lingering covid-justified restrictions on the Disney Guest experience.

As of this article’s publication, the Disney Cruise Line website states the following photo ops are ticketed events that require a reservation:

• Mickey Mouse
• Minnie Mouse
• Donald Duck
• Daisy Duck
• Chip ‘n Dale
• Goofy
• Pluto
• Cinderella
• Jake
• Doc McStuffins
• Sofia the First
• Queen Elsa*
• Princess Anna*

Special character experiences such as “Meet the Stars of Disney’s Frozen,” “Heroic Encounters,” and “Princess Gathering” are also included in this reservation number.

Disney Cruise Line also currently prohibits autograph signings at all of the Character Meet and Greet locations:

Please note that some locations are designated as photos locations only. At these sites, autographs are not allowed due to time constraints. Please check with the onsite Character greeter for more information.

Consult your Personal Navigator or the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app once onboard the ship to confirm the daily schedule of Character Appearances and locations. You can also check the digital board in the Lobby Atrium for more details.

Related: Report: Disney Cruise Line’s Strict COVID Rules Causing Loss of Passengers

We expect Disney Cruise Line to issue more information regarding this change as August 29 gets closer. Regular Character Meet and Greets have already made their return to the Disney Theme Parks, including Disneyland Paris, Walt Disney World Resort, and the Disneyland Resort in California.

We at Disney Fanatic will continue to update our readers on Disney Cruise Line news and stories as more developments come to light.