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!
TRENDING NOW
A NEW entertainment offering is coming to Disney Springs soon!
Disney adults -- you have to see these items on sale on Amazon!
Fans of the Disney Dining Plan will want to sit down for this EPCOT news...
Disney World's Lightning Lane system needs a CHANGE!
Check out this brand-new Bluey collection at H&M!
A favorite Disney World perk is returning to Disney's Animal Kingdom soon and we're bringing...
We're HUGE fans of these MagicBand upgrades!
These perks make staying at a Disney Hotel extra worth it.
We're taking a look at ALL of the stateroom options onboard the Disney Fantasy cruise...
Disney and Starbucks have once again joined forces to launch new mugs to their Discovery...
A new Disney Loungefly collection inspired by Sleeping Beauty just debuted online, and you're NOT gonna...
The third version of the attraction is on... track to debut later this year.
If you've been eying a new Loungefly bag, this sale is perfect for you!
Next week marks an important event that could help shape the future of Disney+!
Let's find out why this Disney World hotel is suddenly WAY cheaper!
Check out these new Disney World Disney Dining plans that were just announced!
We've got to talk about a couple of things that the Disney World bathrooms desperately...
Should Walt Disney World have ALREADY added a fifth park?
These Disney traditions are disappearing.
Some of the popular styles of up to 1/2 OFF!