Here is what to do if your kids are scared of characters before your first Walt Disney World trip. Maybe they are terrified of Santa or the Easter Bunny or they have only seen costumed characters standing on the side of the road trying to sell something and they made them feel uneasy. Disney characters are nothing like the characters you meet at home, but you want to be careful about how you introduce the characters to your child.
1. Watch movies and shows. Before your trip to Walt Disney World or Disneyland, watch movies featuring the characters you want to meet the most. You can see Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Pluto, Donald and Daisy in Mickey Mouse’s Clubhouse which is a great show for toddlers.
2. Talk about the characters. A month or two before your trip, start talking with your child about how excited you are to meet your favorite characters. Let them know that it is okay if they decide they don’t want to meet them, but that you are going to and they are welcome to watch you. Look up videos on Youtube of other kids meeting Disney characters and watch the best ones with your child. Always prescreen just in case the child in the video doesn’t behave in a way conducive to what you are trying to accomplish.
3. Plan your first character meet. You don’t want to just meet any character first. The best character for your child to meet is what we call a ‘face character.’ This includes the princesses, princes, Peter Pan and Mary Poppins. These are characters that can talk with the guests which might help your child feel more comfortable. Pick one to meet first and make sure you have seen their movie(s) and read their book(s).
4. Pick out an autograph book. Let your child help pick out their autograph book. You can either make yours, order one from Etsy.com or pick one out in the gift shop when you arrive.
5. Meet your first character. When you join the line, let your child know how excited you are to meet this character. Hold their hand, reassure them and let them know when you get up there, they are welcome to stand by the rope if they decide they don’t want to meet the character. Don’t force your child to meet the character, but ask them when you get to the front of the line if they want to meet the character. If they say no, let them stand to the side and watch you meet the character. You can invite them over once to join you and the character after they have watched for a bit, but if they say no, tell them that is okay.
After the meet, hug and reassure your child. Let them know who you are meeting next (even if it isn’t for hours or another day). If you pass characters along the way, ask your child if they want to meet them. They might decide that they are brave enough.
If you are doing character meals, let your child watch the character interact with other guests. Instead of sitting in their own chair as the character gets close, let them climb in your lap to feel more comfortable. Continue to reassure and encourage your child. They might just surprise you!
The characters are all really great at dealing with shy and timid children. Don’t feel bad if your child is one of them.
Does anyone else have any tips on how to meet characters for the first time?
Don’t miss this article about the 5 characters with the longest lines at Walt Disney World.
Learn more about the Walt Disney World Parks including attractions, secrets, tips and more. Plus my friends at Destinations in Florida can help you plan your perfect Walt Disney World vacation.