New Signs Point to Possible Return of Regular Character Interactions at Disney World

With return of fireworks, parades, and many shows, are we closer to normal character meet and greets? New signs point to a possible return sooner rather than later.

Character Sightings

After a quiet year, entertainment is exploding in the theme parks. Many shows and performing acts have returned in recent months with more on the way. A Celebration of Festival of the Lion King, Beauty and the Beast Live on Stage, and Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular are a few of the shows that have recently delighted Guests once again.

Performers like Viva Gaia Street Band are back at Animal Kingdom, and several Epcot acts returned for the start of the 50th anniversary celebrations.

Of course, we can’t forget about characters! Above everything else, Guests are most happy to see the return of their favorite friends. Other than the traditional cavalcades, distanced meet and greets are returning. Many expressed their dissatisfaction with these meets, saying they are too distanced and masks are required indoors.

However, masks are no longer required indoors for fully vaccinated Guests. But, what about the social distancing part? We are packed in like sardines watching fireworks and parades, so when will Disney let up on this?

New Signs

The answer lies in a galaxy far, far away. Kind of. While the official opening of Galactic Starcruiser is in a few days, Disney invited media, influencers, and Make-a-wish kids to experience the hotel last week.

From what we have seen, there is little to no social distancing whatsoever with the Star Wars characters onboard. I suppose it’s possible Disney was putting their best foot forward and allowed these select groups the chance to interact with characters differently than what will take place this coming week when “regular” Guests board.

If so, I believe that’s very misleading. Hopefully that is not the case. Perhaps Disney is testing more “normal” character interactions on Starcruiser before broadening it to the parks and resorts.

Many character meals are still closed or modified, so it will be interesting to see what takes shape in the next several months.

Do you think Starcruiser character interactions are a signal of more normal interactions in the parks? When would you like to hug Mickey again? Let us know in the comments below and on Facebook.