Hi ya, Kelsey!
Welcome to planDisney, I'm so happy to meet you! Making new friends at the Disneyland Resort is just the best, let's talk about getting a little more "character" into your Disney day!
First things first: most characters at the Disneyland Resort are currently signing autographs! Sometimes if a character is on the move they might just have time for a quick wave, and characters in Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge don't typically sign autographs. Other than that, if you're able to join a queue for a visit most characters will happily provide an autograph along with a high five, hugs, and posing for photos.
You can purchase an autograph at many shops around the parks, as well as larger pens that make signing a little easier on some of our friends. Personally, I love to bring a larger, felt-tip permanent marker so that our autographs are nice and bold!
Now that you know you can ask most characters for autographs, the next question is...how do you find the characters? I really love using the Disneyland Mobile App when we're in the parks to see which characters are meeting with guests that day. When you open up the app tap on the map pin icon (just to the left of the "+" at the bottom of your screen) then tap on "Attractions" at the top to open the menu and select "Characters" so you can see where to meet characters in the park. If you tap on a character pin you'll see who will be there and the approximate times you can visit with them. You can also tap on "Show List" at the top right of the map to see an alphabetical list of characters if you're looking for someone specific.
One of my favorite ways to get lots of autographs is character dining! Minnie & Friends — Breakfast in the Park is located at the Plaza Inn inside Disneyland Park and includes some favorite classic characters along with a delicious breakfast buffet. This is definitely my favorite character dining experience, especially if you can dine outside with a view of Sleeping Beauty Castle!
If you're feeling particularly royal, you might like Disney Princess Breakfast Adventuresinside Disney's Grand Californian Hotel & Spa. Or to visit the main mouse, I recommend Mickey's Tales of Adventure Breakfast Buffet at Storytellers Cafe (also at Disney's Grand Californian Hotel & Spa). Dining at the Disneyland Resort Hotels is open to all, so no need to be a hotel guest, but dining reservations for all character meals are highly recommended. You can search for availability starting 60 days in advance.
Characters bring so much joy and excitement to a Disney park visit. I hope you're able to enjoy some truly wonderful interactions, Kelsey! If you have more questions about your next visit you're welcome to send me a note here and I'll jump in to help as quickly as I can.
Keep moving forward!
Amanda
