Mickey Mouse is giving hugs to visitors again.
From 18 April, personal interaction between visitors and costumed
characters will be allowed again at Disneyland, Walt Disney World and on
Disney cruises.
This means that costumed characters at Disney parks in the United
States will be able to give hugs, sign autographs or interact up close
with fans after a two-year hiatus since the pandemic started in 2020.
Following a temporary closure in spring 2020, costumed characters
could only waved from a distance in the parks or in parades after the
parks reopened that summer. In fall 2021, the parks allowed the costumed
characters to return to locations around the parks for individualised
meet-ups with visitors, but they were only allowed to greet visitors and
have their photos taken from a distance.
As part of the 50th anniversary celebration at Walt Disney World,
shows such as “Mickey’s Magical Friendship Faire” and “Indiana Jones
Epic Stunt Spectacular,” the Disney “Festival of Fantasy” Parade and new
experiences like “Disney Adventure Friends Cavalcade" will make a
comeback.
Disneyland
will also see the return of several nighttime spectaculars, including
“World of Color”, “Disneyland Forever”, “Fantasmic!” and “Main Street
Electrical Parade".
As well, fireworks at sea and Broadway-style shows will return to every Disney Cruise Line ship.