10 Weird Things Guests Try to Do at Disney Character Meet-and-Greets

Have you ever experienced a guest at a Disney park doing something a bit odd during a Disney character meet-and-greet? Have you been this guest? 

There are so many people who interact with Disney characters at parks around the world every single day. Invariably there are somewhat strange interactions every single day between guests and characters. We’ll dive into the 10 weirdest things guests try to do during Disney character meet-and-greets that you should almost certainly not try. At Mickey Visit, we report on all recent Disney news including the changes to restaurant menus at Disneyland and our review of the Disney World EPCOT Christmas foods.

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10. Trying to Get Cast Members to Break Character

One of the most amazing aspects of a trip to Disney Parks is the life the characters bring to meet-and-greets. For some, these moments last a lifetime. Keeping this in mind, it should be important for guests of all ages to understand that their interactions with characters matter not only for their own Disney Parks experience, but for all who might be watching. 

It can be easy for guests to forget the role that these performers are playing and the importance of their interactions with guests during character meet-and-greets, but guests should have the awareness to remember that these cast members are performing their job duties and guests should do their best to play their part in keeping the magic alive for all.

9. Giving Characters Gifts

Even though it might feel like it’s a nice gesture to offer gifts to their favorite Disney characters, it’s important for guests to note that characters are not able to receive gifts from guests. With this in mind, gift-giving to characters would simply not be a good idea. 

Like the number 10 strange thing to do at a Disney character meet-and-greet, guests should remember that cast members are performing a job when creating magical moments as a characters during meet-and-greets and the giving of gifts would put these performers a weird situation.

8. Recreating Movie Scenes

While it might seem like a good idea to some guests to try and recreate a movie or television scene, characters operate under firm job duty responsibilities, and recreating movie scenes might not be appropriate at the time of character meet-and-greets. While it might sound fun to idea to play Han Solo alongside your pal, Chewy, be sure to think twice that your ask of performers is appropriate for the time and place of the meet-and-greet.

Given the fact that character meet-and-greets are generally crowded and have lengthy wait times, it is also usually in the best interest of guests to refrain from asking or implying to characters to recreate a favorite movie or television scene to help with keeping lines moving so that guests of all ages have a chance to meet their favorite characters.

7. Asking for Autographs of Strange Items

One of the most impactful and lasting moments between characters and guests happens when characters sign autographs for guests. What’s important for guests to remember, though, is that performers are signing autographs while in costume, and signing these autographs may be more difficult than it looks. Due to the costuming of large character heads with minimal visibility, large gloves, etc. characters may be quite limited in their ability to sign a variety of items. 

It’s generally a good idea for guests to stick to books, water bottles, and flat-surfaced props for character autographs during meet-and-greets. Guests should also remember that characters might not able to sign strange items simply because it wouldn’t be appropriate based on the item. Let’s not make it weird!

6. Trying to “Test” the Character

While it may seem like a funny idea to try and “test” characters during meet-and-greets, it’s in the best interest of guests to refrain from doing so. Whether it’s Buzz Lightyear defending the galaxy or Chip and Dale up to their normal antics, these performers are working their jobs and have a responsibility to fulfill their role to the best of their ability.

In addition to fulfilling their job duties, these performers are on time constraints, so guests who attempt to “test” the character by trying to be funny or get a rise out of the character will likely be redirected by cast members assisting the character. You may have seen the viral video of the woman who was trying to flirt with Gaston from Beauty and the Beast. That’s a perfect example of someone taking the character interactions and story too far.

5. Trying to Steal Props

Character meet-and-greets are often accompanied with various props associated with the characters, and it’s important for guests to know that attempting to steal props (whether in a humorous fashion or for other reasons) would not be a socially acceptable behavior of guests during character meet-and-greets.

Whether trying to steal a stormtrooper’s blaster or trying to steal an item off one of the sensational six, just don’t do it. Who wants to be photographed being escorted out of a Disney park, right? 

4. Asking for a Non-Disney Pose

Guests experiencing character meet-and-greets often wish for characters to engage in particular poses for pictures. While this is a widely accepted and acceptable behavior and ask of guests onto performers, it’s important for guests to remember that characters are employees of Disney and they must perform their work as such.

Out of all of the weird things guests might do on this list, asking for a non-Disney pose might be right up there with putting performers in the most awkward situation. Don’t kill the magic, people! Sure, they might be open to doing a small aspect of a TikTok trend, but don’t be surprised if an attendant steps in to stop you from trying to get them to say “6-7”. 

3. Asking Characters On a Date

While it might seem humorous for guests to ask characters on a date, guests should, to put it simply, not do this. Whether intended to be funny or not, guests should refrain from asking performers on dates as this could certainly put the performer in an awkward situation. These characters are performing their job duties during meet-and-greets and this behavior from guests would likely put performers in a compromising situation.

These performers have their own lives outside of the moments they are donning their Disney character attire, and while there may be potential for some sort of forming of relationships between guests and cast members (who knows, right?), character meet-and-greets are likely not the best time nor the place to create a relationship.

2. Trying to Lift Characters

While it might seem like a good option for a photo op, lifting performers is not a good idea for guests during character meet-and-greets. In addition to any wardrobe malfunctions that might come with guests lifting characters, lifting characters create an unsafe situation. Guests should refrain from attempting to lift any performer during their character meet-and-greet.

1. Proposing to Characters

While proposing to a Disney character might make for a good photo op, it could put the performer in an uncomfortable position. The performer is trying to do their job to deliver for all guests. In addition to slowing down the meet for other people, proposing steps into a weird personal space. The cast members at Disney have their own own family, friends, etc. outside of the parks. You should respect that. Don’t propose to a Disney character.

Have you witnessed any weird character interactions? Please share in the comments below or on social media.

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