Hiya Kelly!
I'm Ariane, and I like warm hugs! Welcome to planDisney, and thank you for making us a part of your planning journey. Oh my goodness, Kelly, your magical vacation is finally here! Can you believe that you are about to experience all the magic, and during the World's Most Magical Celebration, no less? So much of the magic has been returning to the Walt Disney World Resort, and I cannot wait for you to soak it all in.
I see that you have been keeping up with the news, Kelly! This past April 18th, 2022, hugs officially returned to the Walt Disney World Resort, and they brought so much magic with them. Getting to finally hug Mickey Mouse after two years was such a magical moment for me, and I cannot wait for you to experience it as well. To answer your question, autographs have, along with hugs, also returned to the character meet and greets, so make sure to have your autograph book ready! While some character experiences have yet to return, the currently available ones are not distanced and do allow autographs. To get a complete list of the character experiences presently available, I highly recommend downloading the My Disney Experience mobile app. In the map section, you will be able to click on the arrow at the top and then on "Characters." The map will then display all character meet and greets currently available, so you can get all of your hugs in!
If seeing your favourite characters is what your family loves, make sure to also check out all the fantastic entertainment experiences currently available around the parks! I absolutely love watching the parade and cavalcades at Magic Kingdom Park, especially since they sometimes include characters that you cannot meet in the parks. In addition, you can watch Mickey Mouse and special guests in front of the Cinderella Castle during Mickey's Magical Friendship Faire, a celebration of the place where the magic feels like home. You might even get to see your favourite snowman and warm-hugs lover! Lastly, you must stop by the Town Square Theatre to meet Mickey Mouse in his special 50th-anniversary costume, because no Disney trip is complete without a Mickey hug!
I hope this was helpful, Kelly, and that you and your loved ones will have the best day ever on your Disney vacation. If you have any other questions or need some recommendations, don't hesitate to reach out. You've got a friend in us!
Have a magical day and lots of hugs!
Ariane
