When characters visit the resorts...

slappy magoo

Well-Known Member
Our last WDW trip was in early-mid December of 2008. The crowds weren't crazy yet, and li'l Slapperina was only 4-5 months old. My wife wasn't crazy about ride switching, so if it was something we couldn't take Slapperina on, either we'd skip it, or my wife would "set me free," or I'd go back in the afternoon whilst the two of them were napping. Nonetheless, touring the parks was pretty easy, so we were also to spend a lot of time doing something we always wanted to do by going to WDW in December - tour the resorts and check out their decorations, their trees, their ginormous gingerbread houses...their holiday treats. :slurp:

One afternoon, after some MK touring, we walked over to Contemporary. Babyw as being fussy so we found as secluded an area as we could find to soothe her, give her a bottle and let her chill. When she was getting sleepy, we started heading back to the monorail to get the bus back to our resort, when lo and behold, who do we run into but the BMIC himself (Big Mouse In Charge), the leader of the club that's made for you and me. Mickey. We figured what the heck, waited on the modest line, and got some pics with our sleeping Slapperina.

Long set up for hopefully simple questions: Is that common, or unusual, for characters to be at the Contemporary? If it's common, how often do they visit other resorts? Is it something one can find out in advance, or is it always a surprise to the guests?

I'm just thinking, if it were something you could find out ahead of time at various resorts, it might influence our touring a little further. I'm not saying, were we staying at Wilderness Lodge, we'd drive all the way down to Old Key West just for a photo op. But if it were happening around meal time, I might be persuaded to schedule a meal reservation at Olivia's to coincide with the visit.

Anyone know if that's the sort of thing one can find out, online or by calling the resorts in question? Or should I just chalk my experience up to some pure luck?
 

slappy magoo

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
Was he wearing a chef's outfit? Chef Mickey's is in the Contemporary resort- and I know they have a photo op with him there...

Didn't think of that, but no, he wasn't wearing Chef Mickey's garb. But nonetheless, it may explain why he was there; Mickey was dressed in a top hat and tux tails, with a green bow tie. Now, at the time, I just thought maybe it was festive wear for the holidays. But maybe there was a special occasion going on, one that included an appearance by the mouse, and his handler decided to give passersby an opportunity for some face time too. :shrug:
 
Upvote 0

marcriss

Member
During the holiday season the deluxe resorts (not sure about the others) have character visits. They're dressed in holiday attire. Each year it's for fewer days, closer to xmas. Just another instance of getting less than you used to. They used to have a storyteller at the YC too, but that got axed last year.
They did have caroling in the lobby though.

There's usually a handout at check-in for your resort's holiday offerings.
 
Upvote 0

Cmdr_Crimson

Well-Known Member
If I recall watching a youtube video someone took during their trip there was a hurricane/tropical storm and the guests were stuck at the value resort but they did have characters there to calm the kids down...
 
Upvote 0

Mukta

Well-Known Member
I have seen characters at the BC a few times. I have seen Stitch in the lobby playing games with kids. I have seen Mickey wandering around after the Cape May breakfast. I thought all hotels had character appearances at some point. :shrug: Maybe it is just the deluxe ones.
 
Upvote 0

Tiggerfanatic

Well-Known Member
Our last 2 December trips we stayed at the Contemporary, both Mickey & Minnie were in the lobby wearing their Christmas finery. The 1st time we happened to catch them as we were getting ready to check in. The 2nd time we were given a schedule from the desk CM as to when they would be there.
 
Upvote 0

Raven66

Well-Known Member
The first time we took our daughter to WDW in 2002 we stayed at All Star Movies. In the mornings at a certain time they had character meet and greets in the lobby.
 
Upvote 0

Rob562

Well-Known Member
The first time we took our daughter to WDW in 2002 we stayed at All Star Movies. In the mornings at a certain time they had character meet and greets in the lobby.

That was most likely the era of the "Character Cavalcade" or whatever it was they called it... Thanks to budget cuts, they eliminated the Early Entry program and replaced it with visits by characters to the resorts 3 or 4 days a week.

And of course TDO spun the reasoning in that people didn't want more time in the parks, they wanted more interaction with characters...:rolleyes:

Luckily it was short-lived, and Early Entry returned. (Or the program may have lasted until they introduced the EMH program around 2004/2005)

-Rob
 
Upvote 0

surfsupdon

Well-Known Member
Around Christmas and Easter, you should be able to catch characters at most of the Resorts, if not at all the Deluxes.

I remember more being around for Easter and the Easter entertainment than for Christmas.
 
Upvote 0

disney magic 06

Well-Known Member
Its a shame the characters aren't seen around the resorts more at WDW. I have yet to see any in five two-week visits. They appear every morning and evening at the Disney hotels at DLP, although I suppose this is balanced by the parks' shorter opening hours.
 
Upvote 0

Register on WDWMAGIC. This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.

Back
Top Bottom