Things have changed a lot on Disney Cruise Line over the past few months…and they’re about to change AGAIN!
We’ve already seen mask requirements adjusted on Disney’s cruises, as well as COVID-19 requirements updated for sailings from Canada, and more changes. But soon a key thing many fans have likely missed from Disney’s sailings will be coming back!
Though characters have been available to see on Disney’s sailings, character interactions have been physically distanced. Close-up encounters and autographs have been temporarily suspended due to the situation with COVID-19. But now that’s going to change!
Today, Disney announced that traditional face-to-face character meet-and-greets will be returning to a number of places including Disney World, Disneyland, Aulani, and Disney Cruise Line!
Starting as soon as April 18th, guests will once again be able to hug, have up-close meet-and-greets, get autographs from, and take up-close photos with their favorite Disney characters aboard Disney’s cruises.
This should also mean character appearances at certain character dining experiences should return to “normal” — meaning characters will be able to have up-close interactions with guests, take up-close photos, and more. We will note that character dining has not been specifically noted though. Disney did include that not all locations will be available at once, and there will be a phased reopening over the next several months.
Of course, keep in mind that this is all subject to change again as the situation with COVID-19 continues to change and develop. Be sure to check the Disney Cruise Line “know before you sail” website ahead of your trip. But, for now, guests with upcoming Disney Cruise Line sailings planned can get ready to snap some up-close selfies and hug their favorite characters once again!
Check back with us for all the latest Disney news!
Click here to get a FIRST LOOK at the new merchandise coming to the Disney Wish cruise ship.
What You Need to Know About Disney Cruise Line
Join the DFB Newsletter To Get All the Latest Disney News Delivered Right to Your Inbox! Click here to Subscribe
Are you excited to have traditional character meet-and-greets return to Disney Cruise Line? Tell us in the comments!







Our handy (and portable!) ebook guides make sure you get the best deals and can plan a vacation of a lifetime.

TRENDING NOW
Disney just announced 3 returning menu items to Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party!
A new Florida line will affect dining in Disney World.
We're getting worried about the holiday season at Disney World...
We know when 'The Devil Wears Prada 2' is coming to Disney+!
This new Disney Springs rule starts today!
FOUR new hotel deals have dropped for Disney World, and they'll save you BIG this...
Things are always changing in Disney World. Here are seven things changing in Disney World...
Calling all "Tangled" fans! A NEW Loungefly backpack and ears have landed online!
Disney World is offering AMAZING Annual Passholder savings this holiday season!
Where can (and should) you eat at the Orlando International Airport? We've got everything you...
UH-OH! Do you need to recharge your phone STAT in Disney World? We've got you...
THESE are the EPCOT snacks you want to use your Dining Plan snack credits on.
We know when the 2026 EPCOT Festival of the Holidays will take place!
A Magic Kingdom attraction will reopen soon.
A Disneyland visitor fell down the 50-foot drop on Tiana's Bayou Adventure.
We spotted new Winnie the Pooh ears in Disney World! Check 'em out here.
Something new is coming to Downtown Disney!
The Grand Floridian gingerbread house will not be returning for 2026.
These American Disney rides will be closed at various points throughout the year.
Disney is enforcing these rules... and not everyone is happy about it.