Things have changed a lot on Disney Cruise Line over the past few months…and they’re about to change AGAIN!

We’ve already seen mask requirements adjusted on Disney’s cruises, as well as  COVID-19 requirements updated for sailings from Canada, and more changes. But soon a key thing many fans have likely missed from Disney’s sailings will be coming back!

Though characters have been available to see on Disney’s sailings, character interactions have been physically distanced. Close-up encounters and autographs have been temporarily suspended due to the situation with COVID-19. But now that’s going to change!

Today, Disney announced that traditional face-to-face character meet-and-greets will be returning to a number of places including Disney World, Disneyland, Aulani, and Disney Cruise Line!

Starting as soon as April 18th, guests will once again be able to hug, have up-close meet-and-greets, get autographs from, and take up-close photos with their favorite Disney characters aboard Disney’s cruises.

This should also mean character appearances at certain character dining experiences should return to “normal” — meaning characters will be able to have up-close interactions with guests, take up-close photos, and more. We will note that character dining has not been specifically noted though. Disney did include that not all locations will be available at once, and there will be a phased reopening over the next several months.

Of course, keep in mind that this is all subject to change again as the situation with COVID-19 continues to change and develop. Be sure to check the Disney Cruise Line “know before you sail” website ahead of your trip. But, for now, guests with upcoming Disney Cruise Line sailings planned can get ready to snap some up-close selfies and hug their favorite characters once again!

Check back with us for all the latest Disney news!

Click here to get a FIRST LOOK at the new merchandise coming to the Disney Wish cruise ship.

Are you excited to have traditional character meet-and-greets return to Disney Cruise Line? Tell us in the comments!

The post BREAKING: Traditional Character Meet-and-Greets Are RETURNING to Disney Cruise Line first appeared on the disney food blog.