Disney is a magical place that’s filled with wonder and excitement. However, it may be a little overwhelming for some children. Not all children are ready for the crowds, characters, and chaotic moments that can be a part of a Disney day.
That being said, I believe that Disney is a place for everyone. If you have a child that’s a bit more reserved, shy, or easily overstimulated, you’re in the right place. I want to help you successfully take your little one on a Disney vacation that they'll truly enjoy. In this article, I’m going to provide you with helpful tips for taking a shy kid to Disney. Follow along to learn how to handle character meet and greets, ways to navigate the parks, and activities to do with your child.
Everyone deserves to experience the magic of Disney. Let’s discuss how to make that possible for your shy child.
Character meet and greets can be a tricky thing to navigate with a shy kid at Disney. Generally, it’s very exciting for a child to see one of their favorite characters come to life. However, that doesn’t always mean that they want to meet them or that an encounter with them will be any less intimidating.
Before attempting to take your child to a character meet and greet, it will help if you’re able to get a feel for the type of character that they prefer. There are two different types of characters that are available to meet at Disney – face characters and mask characters (also referred to as fur characters). Face characters are ones that remain in human form, but wear makeup, wigs, and costumes to turn into the character that they are portraying. For face characters, think princesses, princes, pirates, and superheroes. These characters talk and interact just like any other human, but with their character’s personality.
Mask characters are ones where the human identity is fully covered by a costume and mask. These characters are often animals, which is why they are sometimes referred to as fur characters. Examples of fur characters include Mickey Mouse, Chip ‘n’ Dale, Pluto, and Donald Duck. However, these characters aren’t always animals. For example, Buzz, Woody, Genie, Jafar, Luca, and Alberto are all mask characters and of course not animals. While you may see mask characters speaking during a show or parade, they generally don’t speak during a meet and greet. Instead, these characters somewhat mime a conversation through gestures.
When deciding which characters your child will be the most comfortable meeting, consider if they’d do better interacting with a human or a fully masked character. Some kids are too shy to speak with face characters. However, for some children, having a real human talk to and interact with them makes it easier on them. When it comes to mask characters, some kids are frightened by their size. Others are thrilled and find them comforting, almost like a giant plush toy.
Before meeting any characters, point out the differences to your child and see if they seem to have a preference. Of course it generally helps to take them to their favorite characters since these are the ones they’ll most likely be the most comfortable with.
Once you and your child have decided which type of character is best for them to meet, consider how to make the interaction more comfortable for them. An autograph book is a great way to lead into a character interaction. The time that it takes the character to sign will give your child a chance to check out the character. Normally, face characters are very chatty while they're signing. It's a great chance for your child to talk with the character and become more comfortable with them prior to posing for a picture. When mask characters are signing, I've noticed that little ones take that time to fully inspect and take in the character that's in front of them. It gives the child a moment to warm up to them before pictures are taken.
Rest assured, all of the characters are very patient with children. They're also extremely intuitive and can usually tell if a child needs a little more time.
If a character meet and greet seems like it would be too much for your child, there are other options.
A character dining experience is a great first step for a shy kid at Disney. When dining with characters, children can see the characters without the pressure of having a full interaction with them. However, if they would like to meet them, have a discussion with them, or even get a hug or picture with them, they have that option!
Character meals provide a space for children to see characters while they’re in a comfortable setting doing something normal, like eating. This is often preferred over specifically going to a meet and greet, standing in line, and solely focusing on that meeting. During character dining experiences, the characters walk around while Guests are eating. They stop by each table to say hi, but this moment can be a minimal or as interactive as your child is comfortable with.
If you feel like a character meal may even be too much for your shy kid at Disney, don’t feel down. They still have other opportunities to see characters even if they don’t feel like meeting them! Parades are a great way to see characters. This will give your child the chance to see many different characters at one time without feeling anxious about meeting them. Characters can also be seen during shows. By watching a show, your child will have a chance to relax, enjoy entertainment, and see characters with no pressure attached.
If crowds are notoriously stressful for your child, there are steps that you can take to help.
More often than not, you’ll experience crowds during your time at Disney. However, your first step to avoiding crowds is to book your trip when the crowd level is expected to be lower. We’ve created a Crowd Calendar for both Disneyland and Disney World that you can use to help assist with your planning. If your dates aren’t flexible, you can take additional steps to help your kiddo maneuver through the crowds at Disney.
The best way to avoid crowds at rides and attractions is to utilize Lightning Lane Passes. With the combination of Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Lightning Lane Single Pass, you’ll be able to get your child onto rides and attractions without having to wait in long lines. The rapidness of your activities can also help them continue through their day without noticing the stressors of the crowd that’s surrounding them. By steadily going from one attraction to the next, they’re focus will more than likely stay on the activities that they’re doing as well as what will come next.
You’ll experience the biggest crowds at Disney is during nighttime spectaculars. Specifically during the fireworks show. Guests start gathering for the fireworks extremely early. By showtime, a huge mass has gathered, Guests are squeezed in tightly together, and there’s no such thing as personal space. This can be extremely overwhelming for little ones. Especially being surrounded by so many adults that are larger than they are. If you don’t think you can hold your child the entire time, or feel like that won’t even help, there are ways that you can still enjoy nighttime shows with your shy kid at Disney.
At Disneyland and Disney World, Dining Packages and Dessert Parties are available for Guests. When Guests secure these packages or parties, they not only get to enjoy a delightful meal or delicious plate of desserts, they also receive preferred viewing for nighttime spectaculars. These packages and parties are a great thing to book for a shy kid at Disney. When taking part in these, kids are able to relax, enjoy some food, and watch an amazing nighttime show without becoming anxious or overstimulated by a large crowd.
If you’re worried that your child won’t do well in general with Disney’s nighttime crowd, consider watching the show from your hotel! Many Disney Resort hotels have “Fireworks View” rooms. From one of these rooms, your child can enjoy the fireworks while in the comfort of their own room. You can make it extra special by putting them in some comfy jammies, wrapping them in a blanket, and giving them a favorite plush to cuddle during the show!
The Disney Parks aren’t simply filled with rides, characters, and food. There are also many activities that can be enjoyed.
As I previously mentioned, shows are a great option for a shy kid at Disney. Shows give children a chance to sit down and enjoy a story, characters, and music. It’s a great chance for them to relax and avoid the hustle and bustle of the park.
Another activity that’s great for a shy kid at Disney is a drawing class. Both Disneyland and Disney World offer classes where Guests can learn how to draw a Disney character. These classes are led by Disney artists and are extremely lowkey. Your child will be able to work on their piece of art in the comfort of their own space without additional outside stressors.
There are many more activities at Disney that give shy children the opportunity to have fun and experience the magic of Disney without becoming anxious or overstimulated. There are so many activities that are available that shy children would enjoy. Enchanting Extras include activities such as building a droid or lightsaber, decorating a cake, fishing, horseback riding, getting a princess or prince makeover, and more!
There are a few activities that you’ll want to avoid with a shy kid at Disney. While these activities are fun, innocent, and geared towards children, there is the chance that they’ll randomly be selected and have attention drawn toward them. This can be extremely jarring for anyone, but especially someone who is shy.
Both of these activities are interactive shows. These shows are Turtle Talk With Crush and Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor. During these shows, characters talk to and interact with members of the audience. At the most, the audience member is usually just asked a couple questions. However, being singled out and having all eyes on them is not an ideal situation for a shy child. During Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor, the audience member is also shown on a large screen, which would make the situation even worse.
If you believe that a situation like this would be too much for your child, it would be a good idea to go ahead and skip these two shows.
The most important thing that you can do for your shy kid at Disney is let them take breaks when they need them. Disney can be overwhelming for anyone, but especially a shy child. It’s easy to take a quick break at Disney. Grab a snack, find a place to sit, and let your child take a breath. You could even plan a resort break in the middle of your day to give your child a chance to regroup. By following these tips and focusing on your child’s needs, you’ll be able to have a fantastic and magical trip with your shy child at Disney.
Did you know that you can enjoy this favorite Disneyland dessert in the form of a cocktail? This drink is a dream come true, and it's a secret menu item from one of our favorite Disneyland restaurants. See details about this boozy Dole Whip drink and where you can find it!
There are some secret targets you may not know about that can help you get your highest score yet on the popular shooting ride Toy Story Midway Mania! See our top tips and tricks for this interactive ride and the SECRET Toy Story Midway Mania targets to aim for.
Planning a Disney World Vacation?
Get exclusive access to prices on hotel & tickets just for Mickey Visit subscribers. Don't miss our travel hacks newsletter!
1. Decide Which Type of Character Your Child Will Be the Most Comfortable With
Character meet and greets can be a tricky thing to navigate with a shy kid at Disney. Generally, it’s very exciting for a child to see one of their favorite characters come to life. However, that doesn’t always mean that they want to meet them or that an encounter with them will be any less intimidating.
Before attempting to take your child to a character meet and greet, it will help if you’re able to get a feel for the type of character that they prefer. There are two different types of characters that are available to meet at Disney – face characters and mask characters (also referred to as fur characters). Face characters are ones that remain in human form, but wear makeup, wigs, and costumes to turn into the character that they are portraying. For face characters, think princesses, princes, pirates, and superheroes. These characters talk and interact just like any other human, but with their character’s personality.
Mask characters are ones where the human identity is fully covered by a costume and mask. These characters are often animals, which is why they are sometimes referred to as fur characters. Examples of fur characters include Mickey Mouse, Chip ‘n’ Dale, Pluto, and Donald Duck. However, these characters aren’t always animals. For example, Buzz, Woody, Genie, Jafar, Luca, and Alberto are all mask characters and of course not animals. While you may see mask characters speaking during a show or parade, they generally don’t speak during a meet and greet. Instead, these characters somewhat mime a conversation through gestures.
Which Type of Character is Best?
When deciding which characters your child will be the most comfortable meeting, consider if they’d do better interacting with a human or a fully masked character. Some kids are too shy to speak with face characters. However, for some children, having a real human talk to and interact with them makes it easier on them. When it comes to mask characters, some kids are frightened by their size. Others are thrilled and find them comforting, almost like a giant plush toy.
Before meeting any characters, point out the differences to your child and see if they seem to have a preference. Of course it generally helps to take them to their favorite characters since these are the ones they’ll most likely be the most comfortable with.
Talk About the Character Interaction First
Once you and your child have decided which type of character is best for them to meet, consider how to make the interaction more comfortable for them. An autograph book is a great way to lead into a character interaction. The time that it takes the character to sign will give your child a chance to check out the character. Normally, face characters are very chatty while they're signing. It's a great chance for your child to talk with the character and become more comfortable with them prior to posing for a picture. When mask characters are signing, I've noticed that little ones take that time to fully inspect and take in the character that's in front of them. It gives the child a moment to warm up to them before pictures are taken.
Rest assured, all of the characters are very patient with children. They're also extremely intuitive and can usually tell if a child needs a little more time.
2. Use Alternative Strategies to See Characters
If a character meet and greet seems like it would be too much for your child, there are other options.
A character dining experience is a great first step for a shy kid at Disney. When dining with characters, children can see the characters without the pressure of having a full interaction with them. However, if they would like to meet them, have a discussion with them, or even get a hug or picture with them, they have that option!
Character meals provide a space for children to see characters while they’re in a comfortable setting doing something normal, like eating. This is often preferred over specifically going to a meet and greet, standing in line, and solely focusing on that meeting. During character dining experiences, the characters walk around while Guests are eating. They stop by each table to say hi, but this moment can be a minimal or as interactive as your child is comfortable with.
Consider Disneyland Parades to See Characters
If you feel like a character meal may even be too much for your shy kid at Disney, don’t feel down. They still have other opportunities to see characters even if they don’t feel like meeting them! Parades are a great way to see characters. This will give your child the chance to see many different characters at one time without feeling anxious about meeting them. Characters can also be seen during shows. By watching a show, your child will have a chance to relax, enjoy entertainment, and see characters with no pressure attached.
3. Avoid Large Crowds
If crowds are notoriously stressful for your child, there are steps that you can take to help.
More often than not, you’ll experience crowds during your time at Disney. However, your first step to avoiding crowds is to book your trip when the crowd level is expected to be lower. We’ve created a Crowd Calendar for both Disneyland and Disney World that you can use to help assist with your planning. If your dates aren’t flexible, you can take additional steps to help your kiddo maneuver through the crowds at Disney.
The best way to avoid crowds at rides and attractions is to utilize Lightning Lane Passes. With the combination of Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Lightning Lane Single Pass, you’ll be able to get your child onto rides and attractions without having to wait in long lines. The rapidness of your activities can also help them continue through their day without noticing the stressors of the crowd that’s surrounding them. By steadily going from one attraction to the next, they’re focus will more than likely stay on the activities that they’re doing as well as what will come next.
4. Watch Nighttime Spectaculars Without a Crowd
You’ll experience the biggest crowds at Disney is during nighttime spectaculars. Specifically during the fireworks show. Guests start gathering for the fireworks extremely early. By showtime, a huge mass has gathered, Guests are squeezed in tightly together, and there’s no such thing as personal space. This can be extremely overwhelming for little ones. Especially being surrounded by so many adults that are larger than they are. If you don’t think you can hold your child the entire time, or feel like that won’t even help, there are ways that you can still enjoy nighttime shows with your shy kid at Disney.
Book a Dining Package for Reserved Viewing
At Disneyland and Disney World, Dining Packages and Dessert Parties are available for Guests. When Guests secure these packages or parties, they not only get to enjoy a delightful meal or delicious plate of desserts, they also receive preferred viewing for nighttime spectaculars. These packages and parties are a great thing to book for a shy kid at Disney. When taking part in these, kids are able to relax, enjoy some food, and watch an amazing nighttime show without becoming anxious or overstimulated by a large crowd.
If you’re worried that your child won’t do well in general with Disney’s nighttime crowd, consider watching the show from your hotel! Many Disney Resort hotels have “Fireworks View” rooms. From one of these rooms, your child can enjoy the fireworks while in the comfort of their own room. You can make it extra special by putting them in some comfy jammies, wrapping them in a blanket, and giving them a favorite plush to cuddle during the show!
5. Do Relaxing Activities With Them
The Disney Parks aren’t simply filled with rides, characters, and food. There are also many activities that can be enjoyed.
As I previously mentioned, shows are a great option for a shy kid at Disney. Shows give children a chance to sit down and enjoy a story, characters, and music. It’s a great chance for them to relax and avoid the hustle and bustle of the park.
Another activity that’s great for a shy kid at Disney is a drawing class. Both Disneyland and Disney World offer classes where Guests can learn how to draw a Disney character. These classes are led by Disney artists and are extremely lowkey. Your child will be able to work on their piece of art in the comfort of their own space without additional outside stressors.
There are many more activities at Disney that give shy children the opportunity to have fun and experience the magic of Disney without becoming anxious or overstimulated. There are so many activities that are available that shy children would enjoy. Enchanting Extras include activities such as building a droid or lightsaber, decorating a cake, fishing, horseback riding, getting a princess or prince makeover, and more!
6. Avoid Activities Where They May Be Put On the Spot
There are a few activities that you’ll want to avoid with a shy kid at Disney. While these activities are fun, innocent, and geared towards children, there is the chance that they’ll randomly be selected and have attention drawn toward them. This can be extremely jarring for anyone, but especially someone who is shy.
Both of these activities are interactive shows. These shows are Turtle Talk With Crush and Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor. During these shows, characters talk to and interact with members of the audience. At the most, the audience member is usually just asked a couple questions. However, being singled out and having all eyes on them is not an ideal situation for a shy child. During Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor, the audience member is also shown on a large screen, which would make the situation even worse.
If you believe that a situation like this would be too much for your child, it would be a good idea to go ahead and skip these two shows.
7. Let Them Take Breaks When Necessary
The most important thing that you can do for your shy kid at Disney is let them take breaks when they need them. Disney can be overwhelming for anyone, but especially a shy child. It’s easy to take a quick break at Disney. Grab a snack, find a place to sit, and let your child take a breath. You could even plan a resort break in the middle of your day to give your child a chance to regroup. By following these tips and focusing on your child’s needs, you’ll be able to have a fantastic and magical trip with your shy child at Disney.
READ MORE – You Have to See This Boozy Dole Whip On the Secret Menu at One of Disneyland’s Best Restaurants
Did you know that you can enjoy this favorite Disneyland dessert in the form of a cocktail? This drink is a dream come true, and it's a secret menu item from one of our favorite Disneyland restaurants. See details about this boozy Dole Whip drink and where you can find it!
READ MORE – SECRET Targets to Get High Score On Toy Story Midway Mania
There are some secret targets you may not know about that can help you get your highest score yet on the popular shooting ride Toy Story Midway Mania! See our top tips and tricks for this interactive ride and the SECRET Toy Story Midway Mania targets to aim for.
Planning a Disney Vacation? Get Exclusive Discounts + Free Bonuses
In addition to exclusive discounts for Mickey Visit subscribers, get our free planning printable and guide to make your life SO much easier.
