UPDATED July 24, 2024

An autograph book can be a child’s most cherished souvenir from their Disney vacation. Once home, they flip through the dog-eared pages, each Disney signature evoking a special memory of a magical encounter with a beloved character.

How and where can you find the Disney characters and score those sought-after Disney “celebrity” autographs?

Here are some useful tips and advice by Sue Pisaturo of Small World Vacations:

• Before you leave home, sign up for a free MyDisneyExperience account and download the free corresponding app. You can find out where and when to meet your favorite Disney pals!. Choose Characters in the drop-down menu for characters by park, and their greetings times and locations.
• If you’d like to research where to find ALL THE CHARACTERS in Disney World before your trip even begins, click here!
• When you get to Walt Disney World, check the posted information boards in the parks (or, of course, the My Disney Experience app) to determine which characters will be available each day and where you can find them. You can also inquire at the concierge at your resort, City Hall in the Magic Kingdom or Guest Relations in the other parks for the most up-to-date character locations. Cast members sometimes have a special phone number to call for character locations.
• For more leisurely time with the characters, book off-time dining reservations at Disney Character Meals. Here, the characters stop by your table for personal one-on-one interaction and photos! Character meals at the Disney resorts (with the exception of Chef Mickey’s at Disney’s Contemporary Resort) are generally less popular than those in the parks. Click here for a list from Disney Food Blog of Disney World Character meals and locations!
• Label your autograph book with your name, cell phone number, and Disney Resort hotel in case you lose it.
• Bring an assortment of colored fat pens or Sharpie pens with retractable tips for ease of use for characters without five fingers.
• Be ready with your autograph book open to a clean page. Have the parents hand the item to be autographed to the Cast Member. Take a photo of your child with the character or have a Cast Member take a group photo. Keep the opposite autograph page blank and when you get home, glue the photo of that character and your child on the empty page for a special memory!
• You can have things other than traditional autograph books signed for a GREAT souvenir! You could ask characters to sign a shirt, a water bottle, a photo, a frame mat, or even a pair of ears! (Use fabric pens if you want to get clothing, pillowcases, or hats autographed.) As long as it’s something appropriate that wouldn’t break Disney World’s rules, characters can most likely sign it. We have lots of ideas HERE.
• A child’s first character encounter can be intimidating. Let your child warm up to the characters at their own pace. Sometimes, your child is only ready for a simple wave to a character from a “safe” distance.
• Characters whose face is uncovered, such as a Disney Princess, can speak with you. “Furry” Characters are silent but happily communicate through pantomime. You will be surprised at how expressive they can be!
• Be aware that some characters’ vision is impaired by their costume. Try to approach them from the front. 
• Look for characters in the countries of EPCOT’s World Showcase. You’ll find them in the location where their story is set such as Mulan in China, Belle in France, Aladdin and Jasmine in Morocco, Alice and/or Mary Poppins in the United Kingdom.

Small World Vacations’ agents are experienced Disney autograph seekers! Here are some insider tips from some of our agents:

• Shannon’s tip: Bring a Disney picture book with a collection of different Disney stories. Ask the character to sign the first page of their story!
• Kathy’s tip: We have always enjoyed asking non-character Cast Members for their autograph. Cast members get a real kick out of it, and the extra memories can create a special keepsake. For example: Monorail, Train, Bus or Ferryboat driver; Mousekeeper (housekeeping); and Cast Members we Pin-traded with.
• Andrea’s tip: Head to character locations when the park opens, as most guests are off to ride the more popular attractions. The line for autographs gets super long as the day goes on. I have seen people get a lot of things signed by characters like hats, shirts and once I saw a woman have a small lampshade autographed!
• Jill’s tip: My favorite idea is the photo mat – the kind you can get at a craft store to add to a framed picture. Characters sign the mat, then you frame your favorite picture. Hats are another good one for us – because they have a purpose beyond just collecting the signature.
• Tracy’s tip: Have members of your party split up and each stand in line for a different character. Text each other when you get close to the front of the line.

You’ve got a friend in us! Contact Small World Vacations today for a free no-obligation quote for a Walt Disney World Vacation.

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