Disney Cruise Line in a Jiffy: What is a Meet & Greet?

Just like in the Disney parks, a Meet & Greet on Disney Cruise Line is a chance to meet with a Disney character, a “live” version of favorite Disney screen personalities. You’ll get a fun little interaction, a photo, and if you choose, an autograph. But the cruise life brings a bit of a unique spin, so here’s what to know about meeting characters on a Disney Cruise.

What Characters Can You Meet on a Disney Cruise?

All Disney Cruise Line sailings will have Meet & Greets with several princesses and movie favorites. You’ll also find popular characters from the cartoons. These range from Mickey and Minnie to Chip & Dale to Stitch or Captain Hook. On seasonal themed sailings such as Halloween on the High Seas, many of these characters will wear special on-theme costumes. But characters love to dress up on cruises, and you may find some unique attire no matter what sailing you’re on.

Other themed sailings, such as Marvel Day at Sea, feature Meet & Greets with the theme characters. For example, on Marvel Day at Sea sailings you can meet Captain America, T’Challa, Ant-Man & the Wasp, and other favorites from the Marvel Universe. These theme character greetings are all on one day, but there are many characters to meet on this day.

How to Find the Characters on a Disney Cruise

For most Disney Cruise Line Meet & Greets, you don’t need a reservation or a ticket – just show up and get in line. You’ll find the times and locations in the Navigator app once you board. Head for Explore ⇒ Characters to find out who’s meeting today; tap the greeting to access the schedule and see that character’s times for the entire cruise. And if you tap the heart for a specific time, you’ll get a reminder notification 15 minutes in advance.

On the ship, characters will meet in a few common locations that are easy to get to, like the atrium or theaters. But if you stop at one of Disney’s private ports, you’ll find characters meeting on the island as well! Whether you’re visiting Castaway Cay or Lookout Cay, times and locations will be in the Navigator app.

For some greetings, such as the multiple-princesses Royal Gathering or featured characters on “at Sea” themed sailings, advance reservations are available. You can make these reservations once the booking window opens, if your cruise is paid in full. If you don’t get a reservation you wanted, check as soon as you get on board; it’s not uncommon for Disney to hold a few slots to be booked on embarkation day.

There are also some upcharge meals, the equivalent of character dining at the resorts. These are:

• Royal Court Royal Tea Party (Dream and Magic class ships)
• Olaf’s Royal Picnic (Wish)
• Adventure Tea with Royalty (Treasure, Destiny)
• Royal Society for Friendship and Tea (Adventure)

Tips for Meeting Characters on Disney Cruises

⭐ Arrive 10-15 minutes early for popular characters. Characters mostly have 15-minute greeting slots, and lines can form quickly!

⭐ Many Meet & Greets will have a Shutters photographer present. But you’re welcome to take pictures with your own camera if you don’t want to pay for Disney’s shots.

⭐ Character Meet & Greets aren’t just for kids! Plenty of adults love to do this, so if you want to, go ahead.

Disney Cruise Line in a Jiffy is for first-time Disney cruisers looking to learn about the DCL experience. Got a Disney Cruise Line term that you want to see explained? Suggest it in the comments below!