I Have Anxiety. Here's How I Learned to THRIVE at Character Meet and Greets in Disney World!

Disney World is known as the most magical place on earth, and though I wholeheartedly agree, I still find myself battling with my unfortunate bestie; anxiety.

Physical representation of what my anxiety looks like

Whether it’s the jitters before a big thrill ride or the stress of making it to a dining reservation on time, anxiety sometimes tags along on my park days. But there’s one thing I’ve completely conquered when it comes to park anxiety—and I can’t wait to share with you how I did it!

Character meet and greets are a big part of Disney World. From taking pictures with princesses to meeting Mickey Mouse himself, this is an exciting experience you can enjoy at all of the parks. But even though they are so much fun, they can also be just as nerve-wracking. Luckily, one simple thought has helped me master every character interaction—just think of it like a Mickey ice cream sandwich!

Mickey Cookies & Cream Ice Cream Sandwich

Yup, you read that right! And if you’re thinking “Angie, what on earth do you mean by that?”—Don’t worry, I’d be more than happy to explain.

The way I take on character interactions is by viewing it in layers, much like the ones a Mickey ice cream sandwich has. The first layer of a successful meet and greet? A solid greeting! Whether it’s Darth Vader or Snow White, a simple hello is a great start to any interaction.

Love meeting Minnie and complimenting her on her bow!

Next comes the second layer—the sweetest part of the ice cream sandwich: the ice cream! In this case, that means following up your greeting with a question. For certain characters who don’t typically speak, like Figment or Goofy, a simple yes or no question is the perfect choice. Or, if you’re meeting a character who loves to chat, asking a question related to their movie will be a great way to spark a fun interaction!

I still get very starstruck when meeting Mickey!

For example, if I’m meeting Sulley from Monsters, Inc., I’ll ask him if he’s been up to any other adventures with Mike back at Monstropolis. And if I’m meeting Alice from Alice in Wonderland, I’ll ask her what her favorite tea to serve during her merry unbirthday party is.

A pirate’s life for me!

And finally, the last layer of the character meet-and-greet ice cream sandwich—asking for a photo! For many, the highlight of meeting a character is getting that perfect picture. But if a photo isn’t your thing, no worries! You can ask for an autograph or simply wish them a magical day.

Always so magical to meet Figment!

Wrap it all up with a thank you and voila! You’ve just nailed a character meet and greet like a pro! How sweet is that? Just like a Mickey ice cream sandwich, if you ask me.

We’re always sharing our personal experiences to give you the best tips on your next trip to Disney World so stay tuned with us here at AllEars!