I know I’m overthinking this by a mile, but I’m growing more nervous about my solo character dining next week (Akershus and Artist Point).
When characters come to your table, do you stand for photos? Or stay seated? Are selfies okay? (I’m a solo adult traveler). Also, is it okay to ask for signatures?
I'm an experienced solo character diner (though I haven't been down since Artist Point converted) and here are some tips I've found come in handy:
- When your host or hostess shows you to your table, remind them that you're dining solo and ask if you might be able to get some assistance with photos when the characters arrive. Sometimes the CMs will have the time/opportunity to take photos for you.
- Also, make sure to let your waiter/waitress know that you are in fact interested in meeting the characters. I've had one or two occasions where they assumed because I was an adult male dining solo that I wasn't there for that, but it's one of my favorite things to do at WDW. Also, if a character misses your table for whatever reason -- for example, if at Akershus you're up at the buffet when Ariel stops by -- let your waiter/waitress know, and they'll have the character swing back.
- If you can get someone to take the photo for you -- whether a CM or a nearby friendly guest -- selfies are definitely fine. I always ask the character to be certain, but I've never been told no.
- Characters will sign autographs, same as if you were meeting at a character spot. As previously mentioned in the thread, some characters (mostly fur characters with unwieldy hands/paws) will have a stamp or a card instead of signing. Also, same rules as the meets apply: particularly that they will sign articles of clothing, but not if you're wearing it. I've done pretty much everything EXCEPT the standard Disney autograph book. You'll definitely want to have whatever you're getting signed out and ready before the character arrives at your table.
- Be nice and be courteous, and you'll have fun.