Disneyland Paris characters: virtual queues, waits and tips
Getting a photo with Mickey or the Princesses is often top of the list, but it means dealing with queue times that can quickly get out of hand. I’ve been exploring the parks since 1997 and I know how you can meet the characters without giving up half your day. In this FAQ I’ve gathered all my practical tips for finding the official meet and greet spots in the app, mastering the virtual queues at Hero Training Center and understanding how the Princess Pavilion works, which is quite specific. I also cover the smart alternatives, such as character dining. Here’s my method for collecting photos and autographs without standing around for hours.
01 How do you meet the Disney characters at Disneyland Paris?
There are four main ways to meet a character: in the park with a standard queue, in dedicated areas with a virtual queue in the Disneyland Paris app, during a character meal (character dining) or in some official Disney hotels. If you can’t get a meet and greet, you’ll also see the characters in the parades and shows.
02 How does a meet and greet with a standard queue work in the park?
Find where the meet and greet is (shown in the Disneyland Paris app and in the daily Programme), then join the queue there. The wait depends on the character and the time of day. You then have a few moments for a photo and an autograph.
03 How does a virtual queue meet and greet work?
For some very popular meet and greets (Princesses, Marvel heroes at Avengers Campus...), you don’t queue in person. You book a time slot in the Disneyland Paris app in advance, then come back at the time shown. It’s free, but the slots go fast. I’d recommend trying as soon as the park opens.
04 How does a character meal (character dining) work?
You book a restaurant where characters come to your table during the meal. There’s a photo and an autograph each time they stop by. Booking is strongly recommended, sometimes several weeks ahead. Prices and the full list are in my Restaurants FAQ and in my dedicated article.
05 Which Disney hotels have character meet and greets?
Almost all of them. The Disneyland Hotel, Disney Hotel New York - The Art of Marvel, Newport Bay Club, Sequoia Lodge, Hotel Cheyenne and Hotel Santa Fe all have meet and greets, in the lobby or near reception, usually for hotel guests only. Only the Davy Crockett Ranch has none. Schedules vary by hotel and season, so ask at reception as soon as you arrive.
06 If I can’t do a meet and greet, where can I see my favourite characters?
All the characters appear in the parades and shows, which are free and included in your ticket. You can also spot them during occasional musical moments on Central Plaza or in some lands. See my Shows & Parades FAQ for the details.
07 How can I find out which characters are out on the day?
In the Disneyland Paris app (under Today in the park or Characters) and on my blog. The line-up changes every day, and some meet and greets are only announced that same morning.
08 Do you need to book to meet a character?
It depends on the format. For a standard queue: no, just turn up. For a virtual queue: yes, you book a slot in the Disneyland Paris app. For character dining: yes, booking is strongly recommended. For hotel meet and greets: no, they’re usually included for hotel guests.
09 Can you get PhotoPass photos at a meet and greet?
Yes, most standard and virtual queue meet and greets have an official PhotoPass photographer on site. The photos are included if you have an active PhotoPass bundle, or you can buy them individually afterwards. At character meals, photos are usually taken with your own camera or phone.
10 What is a Magic Shot at Disneyland Paris?
A Magic Shot is a photo effect from the Disney PhotoPass service, not an in-person meet and greet. A Disney photographer takes your picture at a set spot, then a character (Mickey, Stitch, Olaf...) or an effect is added to your photo digitally. You’ll find the result in your PhotoPass account. It’s quick, there’s no queue, and it’s a lovely way to leave with an original souvenir.
11 Are there meet and greets suited to wheelchair users or special needs?
Yes. The meet and greet areas are wheelchair accessible and the Cast Members adapt the interaction. If your child has specific needs (autism, anxiety…), let the Cast Member at the entrance know: they can arrange a calmer moment. See also my Accessibility FAQ.
12 What time do character meet and greets start?
The first meet and greets usually start at park opening, around 9:30-10:00 depending on the character. Some only take place in the morning, others in the afternoon, and some at both times. The exact times change every day and you can check them in the official Disneyland Paris app and on my blog.
13 Where can you meet Mickey Mouse at Disneyland Paris?
You meet Mickey at the Meet Mickey Mouse attraction in Fantasyland, by booking through the official app. You can also meet him through a standard queue in Disney Adventure World, near the lake.
14 Which Disney characters can you meet at Disneyland Paris?
You can meet lots of iconic characters: Mickey, Minnie, Pluto, Goofy, the Disney Princesses, Stitch, Woody, the Marvel heroes, The Mandalorian and Grogu, Anna and Elsa, and many more. The line-up changes with the seasons and special events.
15 Is character dining a good idea with young children?
Yes, very much so. The characters take time to stop at every table, which kids love, and there are children’s menus. Breakfast is calmer and often ideal with toddlers. I’d book well in advance, especially in peak season: these meals are often fully booked several weeks ahead.
16 Which Disney hotel has the Princesses?
It’s the Disneyland Hotel, the iconic hotel at the entrance to Disneyland Park, designed entirely around a royal theme. Its character restaurant lets you meet Princesses during your meal (booking recommended). For every other spot, see my guide to meeting the Princesses at Disneyland Paris.