Meeting Disney characters is one of the most magical experiences in the parks – until someone ruins it.

We get it. You’re excited to meet your favorite character, and you want to make the most of your time with them. But there are some unspoken rules that every Disney adult NEEDS to follow to make sure the experience is great for everyone involved – yourself, the cast members, and the little kids waiting behind you. Whether it’s knowing what NOT to do or how to make your interaction even better, here are the top rules you need to follow when meeting Disney characters.

Respect Personal Boundaries

Let’s start with the basics: keep your hands to yourself. While giving Mickey a hug or taking Cinderella’s hand for a twirl is totally fine, anything that crosses into inappropriate territory is not.

These are real people in those costumes, and making them uncomfortable – whether through too much touching, suggestive comments, or trying to be “funny” at their expense – is never okay. If you wouldn’t do it to a stranger on the street, please don’t do it to a character.

Don’t Try to Break the Magic

We know you know there’s a Cast Member inside the costume, but that doesn’t mean you need to point it out. Asking characters things like “Aren’t you hot in there?” or “What do you really look like?” takes away the magic not just for you, but for everyone around you – especially the kids who still believe.

Keep the interaction in the world of Disney. For example, if you’re meeting Belle, ask her about the Beast or what book she’s reading. Just watch and see how she lights up. That’s where the real fun happens!

Don’t Treat Character Interactions as a Stunt for Social Media

Trying to catch a character off guard for a viral video? Yeah, let’s not do that. These Cast Members are professionals doing their job, and setting them up to “fail” or react in a way that could get them in trouble is unfair.

How about instead of looking for a way to go viral at their expense, you focus on creating a genuinely fun and magical interaction that you’ll remember forever.

Keep Your Cool When It Comes to the Line

The lines for character meet-and-greets can be long, and it can be frustrating if a Cast Member mistakenly lets a family go ahead of you or if an excited child cuts in front.

Take a deep breath and remember: Disney is for everyone. If a kid runs ahead, let it go. If a Cast Member accidentally overlooks you, politely remind them. Losing your temper isn’t a good look in the most magical place on Earth.

Don’t Monopolize the Character’s Time

We know. We know. It’s tempting to have a full conversation with Tiana about her gumbo recipe or ask Buzz Lightyear about his latest space mission. But keep in mind, there are plenty of other people waiting for their turn.

Keep your interactions fun, but brief, so that everyone has a chance to enjoy the experience. And if you have multiple souvenirs to get signed, try to limit it to just one or two.

Watch Your Language (And Conversations in Line)

You might be an adult, but Disney is still a family-friendly environment. That means keeping your language clean and avoiding inappropriate conversations – especially while waiting in line.

Kids have sharp ears, and they WILL repeat what they hear. Keep things light and fun, and save any grown-up topics for when you’re outside the park.

Be Mindful of Your Photos and Poses

Getting creative with your character photos is part of the fun, but be mindful of how certain angles or poses might look. Holding the camera too low, making suggestive hand gestures, or trying to pose in a way that could be misinterpreted isn’t the best move.

Stick to fun, wholesome poses, and if you’re unsure, let a PhotoPass photographer help guide you.

At the end of the day, meeting Disney characters should be a fun and respectful experience for everyone involved. Follow these unspoken rules, and you’ll not only have an amazing time – you’ll help keep the magic alive for others, too!

In the meantime, stay tuned to DFB for all the latest from Disney.

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What are your favorite characters to meet at Disney World? Let us know in the comments!