Want to know a secret? Disney is a magical place, but some people seem to experience more magic than others. If you’ve ever wondered why, I’m here to share how this happens; it’s the energy you put out towards the characters. The more engaged you are with them, the more the characters get energised and send that excitement back to you.
I’m NOT saying that you should be jumping at them, or yelling as loud as possible, but what I am saying is that showing your excitement to see a character and engaging in a quick conversation with them can help turn an already great experience into a magical memory.
Now if you’re wondering how can I chat with a character, or what would I possibly say to them? I’m here to help. Here are 10 conversation starters to help make your next character meet-and-greet one to remember.
10. Ask About Their Friends
When you ask a question about a character’s friend or family member, they often jump into a quick story they want to share with you. For instance, Moana is more than happy to update you on the latest boat snack that Hei Hei has tried to eat (spoiler alert: it’s usually rocks).
9. Ask About Future Dreams
Oftentimes, Dreams are part of a character’s storyline, so asking about the next dream they’re chasing or adventure they want to go on will open the door for them to share a future goal. Rapunzel is the first character that comes to mind when discussing chasing dreams, but this subject is popular among many characters, making it a solid go-to question during a meet-and-greet.
8. Have a Character Specific Question
One of the easiest ways to get a character to chat is by being curious about their storyline and having a question that’s specific to them. For example, asking the Evil Step Sisters their thoughts on Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s engagement, or asking Belle what the most recent book she’s read is. A question that ties directly back to the character allows them to share their thoughts and tap into the personality traits they’re known for.
7. Be Curious About Their Surroundings
If you’re meeting a character at a restaurant, ask them which food option is their favorite. At Chef Mickey’s you could ask which character is the best cook? Or at Storytellers Café, you could ask which character tells the best stories? These questions are fantastic options for characters who don’t talk, but are able to point and interact non-verbally with you.
6. Ask a Celebration-Specific Question
Whether its meeting characters dressed as Pirates during Pirate Night on a Disney Cruise or Santa during the festive season, asking a question that connects back to the celebration they’re part of generates a fun exchange. For instance, when meeting Chip and Dale in their Pirate outfits, I’d ask to see their meanest pirate pose or which one of them would be the best captain.
5. Bring Up a Shared Interest
Having common ground or a shared hobby is a perfect topic to discuss when meeting a character. Asking Mr. Incredible about his workout routine and whether he finds leg day more challenging than upper body workouts leads to some truly comical interactions.
4. Ask to See Their Dance Moves
Dance is a universal language. If you ask a character if they have a favorite dance move, it often will deliver memorable results.
Be it Stitch trying to dance like Elvis, or the Evil Queen adamantly denying that she’s ever danced, the exchange is one to remember.
3. Ask For an Autograph
Giving a character time to sign your autograph book opens the door for them to chat with you, or gives them a chance to make a show of signing the book. Either way, this option can lead to a noteworthy interaction.
2. Let the Character Drive the Conversation
Similar to #3, this option allows the character to lead the conversation. However, I will remind you that it’s essential to be present in the conversation and respond to their comments. Your reaction to what they’re saying is what gives the excitement and energy back to the character, encouraging them to continue the conversation.
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1. Bounding!
Whether it’s bounding as the character you’re meeting or as someone else they’d recognize, characters love to interact with bounders! We spend time comparing the similarities in our outfits, and the excitement they show for us having created looks inspired by them leads to some truly amazing interactions.
Bounding is my #1 topic to take a character meet-and-greet from a great experience to something even more magical.
Try a few of these conversation starters on your next visit, and you may find that the most magical souvenirs are the memories you create in the moment.
~Kelly