Last week we were introduced to the three new character greetings added to Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse rolled out the red carpet for park guests in a shared meet and greet across from Sci-fi Dine-In, while Olaf pulled up his beach chair for some summer fun over by Backlot Express. Both are clever re-purposes of the old American Idol audition spaces.
This last weekend, we were there when Mickey & Minnie’s photo opportunity opened to guests for the first time. So we took advantage and booked our own visit.
There are no fastpasses for either experience. The wait to see Mickey and Minnie was posted at 30 minutes, which turned out to be accurate give or take a minute. The waiting area queue was rather plain with no fans above to aid in cooling, but it was at least shaded. This would have been a great spot for one of Disney’s famous interactive queues or at least something visually interesting to watch.
Just inside the door are a pair of posters for movies from “Red Carpet Pictures” that indicate which pictures Mickey and Minnie will be starring in.
Up first is Minnie Mouse, who greets us in her Hollywood finest. We meet her on the set of her new picture “Hollywood Dreams.”
Between Mickey and Minnie is a hallway lined with more posters advertising other motion pictures from Red Carpet Pictures. Keep an eye out for some great Disney tributes.
Then we get to Mickey Mouse as The Sorcerer’s Apprentice. Mickey’s set is full of spell books and familiar props. It’s definitely an upgrade from that giant painted backdrop used at the temporary locations.
We then switched over to Olaf’s meet and greet. There the wait time was posted at 10 minutes, but the wait was actually only about 5. Without any major signage people aren’t yet seeking out Olaf like they do Mickey Mouse. But there is plenty of room for a queue when he is discovered.
Compared to Mickey and Minnie’s sets, Olaf’s room is a bit plain, but with the monotone nature of Olaf, simpler turns out to be better. Just an umbrella, a table, and warm hot sand that’s perfect for a snowman like Olaf who likes warm hugs.
Are character meet and greets a regular part of your vacation plans? What do you think of these new additions to Disney’s Hollywood Studios?