Did WDW characters ever have more freedom? As a kid I rode Peter Pan's Flight with Peter Pan himself, which was totally random and amazingly special for a little kid. I seem to remember characters to be in more of an abundance, and a bit more free roaming a a decade (...or two!...) ago.
I'm not sure, to be honest. When I was a kid, I remember seeing Pooh and Donald out and about. But I was like 5 so I couldn't remember if there was a line or not.
Then when I was in high school in 2000, I remember seeing barely any characters out at all. The only ones we saw were Chip and Dale by Splash Mountain.
When I returned in 2006, tons of characters were out and I was so happy. By then though, they were all line greeting.
It would be cool if the characters had the freedom to walk around and actually live the part. The princesses should not be tucked away in toon town, in my opinion. Cinderella should be able to stand outside her castle. Unfortunately, the demand for them is so great, it's just easier and safer for them to stand in line and let the people come to them. I didn't see as many characters as I normally do because the lines were sooooo long. If they were allowed to walk, they would be mobbed. And people are so rude and entitled when it comes to their kids that it would just be caos. So it's a necessary evil to have them in lines I guess.
One more thing. I know, I know, I am a chatter box, lol
Peter Pan had originally been stationed by the Pirates of the Carribbean rest rooms. But the last few years, I have found him in a little glen in between Adventure Land and Main Street. There was a big tree where you could sit and relax and since it was fenced in, it was like a little circular private playground for him. He seemed a little free to roam and play in that spot. Now, I don't know if this is true or just me over thinking it, But I am reading they moved him BACK to the restrooms. I didn't even see him this trip (which really disappointed me). So now, he is basically back to just standing and greeting.
