Three New Character Meet and Greets At Disney's Hollywood Studios

During our Summer 2016 visit to the Walt Disney World Resort we took advantage of three new character meet and greets at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.  Located back to back of each other in the area circled on the map below.

We thought the meet and greets were easy to find although we saw guests walking right past “Red Carpet Dreams” entrance for a couple of reasons:  One-they had no idea what it was--some thought it was a show and two, Chip and Dale were greeting guests just steps away across from Sci-Fi Diner entrance.  Since guests could physically see Chip and Dale, that’s where they went to queue up, outside, in the heat, and the sun.  While, the other character meet and greets had covered queues with fans and eventually led inside, to the air conditioning!

Celebrity Spotlight features Olaf.  Guests can find the entrance in the Echo Lake area, just past the Jedi Training Academy sign-up area but before the bathrooms.  Wait time is posted prior to the queue and we found it accurate. 

We met Olaf twice and enjoyed the interactions both times.

Spoiler Alert:  There are two Olafs!  There was a family of 10 ahead of us in the queue, they were taken in and we were told to stand behind the line to wait our turn, still outside, but far enough to block our view of the door.  When it was our turn to go in, there was another family in front of us. . . not the family of 10.  I made mention to the Cast Member handling the line inside and she just smiled.  I’m on to you Disney, but way to go to make the best use of space and guests’ time!  If you’re going to build one set why not build two?  

Red Carpet Dreams entrance is on Commissary Lane, with the queue being side by side to Celebrity Spotlight.  This meet and greet features both Minnie and Mickey.

Guests meet Minnie first in her plush digs and beautiful dress.

Then, travel down a corridor to find Sorcerer Mickey.  His “workshop” is very well appointed and he gave us a personal tour!  There’s magic there, so be sure to ask to see some!

Here are our Top Tips:

• Check the Times Guide for character availability and plan accordingly.
• Have your camera and autograph books ( for us it is a pillow case) ready.  Use that time in the queue to ready your materials rather than waiting until you’re with the character.
• Have something to say to the characters.  I complimented Minnie’s dress, asked for a tour of Mickey’s workshop, and asked Olaf for a warm hug.  While the characters can’t speak, they can sure communicate!
• Photopass Photographers are on hand so relax and let them do the work!  Then, scan your MagicBand or Photopass card to add the photos to your account.

Ready. Set. Smile!