The Best Hotels with Character Meet and Greets in Orlando

One of the joys of visiting Disney or Universal is seeing the surprise in a child’s eyes when a beloved cartoon character appears, ready for a hug--and these encounters are not limited to the theme parks. Certain hotels outside the parks offer character breakfasts, lunches, barbecues, and even fireside singalongs featuring one or more of the familiar creatures. Adults know it’s only an actor in a bulky suit (right?), but kids clearly still believe they are hugging Mickey or Cinderella. They will learn the truth soon enough, so let the kids enjoy the magic while it lasts. Be advised, these encounters are off-the-charts popular, so make a reservation up to six months early.