Best Trip Tips: Free Ways to See Characters
Did you know there are places around Walt Disney World where you can meet characters without paying park admission and without paying for a dining experience? Amazing right! There are two such places. Each are found at resorts. Each do not require any sign up ahead of time. Each are open to any and all guests. One is a character experience with Chip’n’Dale and the other is a very magical moment with Cinderella.
Chip’n’ Dale Sing-a-Long Campfire
You can find this free character experience at Fort Wilderness Resort. Located in the Magic Kingdom Resort Area, Fort Wilderness is a campground, where guests can pitch a tent, bring their tent trailer or stay in a cabin. The resort has a woodsy, north-pacific feel to it. With large Evergreens everywhere. In the heart of this resort is a recreation area, with their main pool, quick-service restaurant, and some shopping. Also in this recreation spot is a campfire pit area. Which has grandstand seating, benches, two campfire pits, a wagon-style stage and an outdoor screen. This is where you will nightly find the Chip’n’ Dale Sing-a-Long Campfire. As mentioned above this is 100% free and open to anyone. Nightly at either 7pm or 8pm, depending on the time of year, Chip’n’ Dale join a local cowboy in leading a group campfire sing. Singing some family favourites, like if you’re happy and you know it, and some Disney tunes. Chip’n’Dale perform for part of this sing-a-long but then they work the crowd, giving autographs, hugs and taking pictures. It’s truly a unique experience, that your group will never forget. For more details click this link.
Grand Floridian Magical Moment
Monday-Friday, Cinderella and Prince Charming make a guest appearance at the Grand Floridian. Guests 12 and under are encouraged to participate in this special experience. All princes and princess are asked to meet at the M. Mouse Mercantile on the 2nd floor of the Grand Floridian at 3:35pm. The young ones will be escorted to the entrance of Victoria and Albert and Citricos, two of Grand Floridian’s signature restaurants. As the group is posing for photographers, Cinderella and Prince Charming will appear behind them. Almost as if by magic. The couple will then promenade down the grand staircase to the main lobby, the youngsters follow, all of this is accompanied by the Grand Floridian Society Orchestra.
Once the couple and all their loyal subjects have reached the lobby, the Grand Floridian Pianist plays a tune and the Prince and Princess waltz. All guests are welcome to join in. This whole character experience is free. No cost what so ever. All you have to do is show up. It’s a perfect opportunity to dress your little princess up in a costume or a fancy dress. For more details click this link.
Take advantage of these two incredible experiences. There’s no wait time, no lines, no fastpasses needed. You don’t have to reserve, all you have to do is show up. You can certainly carve these into your already busy park days but I strongly recommend participating in these events on non-park days. Spend time at these different resorts, maybe even dine at one of their quick-service restaurants or at their respective fabulous table service restaurants. When we went to the sing-a-long campfire we began our evening by dining at Fort Wilderness’ Trail’s End Restaurant. The day we discovered the Grand Floridian Magical Moment we had enjoyed breakfast at 1900 Park Fare. No matter how you fit them in, these experiences will create one of a kind memories most guests are not experiencing on their Disney Vacation. Giving you incredible photos that will remind your littles of the time they spent with some of their favourite Disney characters. Happy Planning Friends.
