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Disney to offer first FastPasses for a character meet and greet

By Robert Niles
Published: February 22, 2011 at 11:04 AM
Walt Disney World today announced that it will offer FastPass reservation times to meet Mickey Mouse in his new home at the Town Square Theater in the Magic Kingdom.

Town Square Theater at Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom

Mickey got "evicted" earlier this month when Disney closed his old home in Toontown Fair, to make room for the Fantasyland expansion. Instead of walking through a country home, guests visiting Mickey in Town Square will proceed through a Victorian-style theater, better keeping with the Main Street USA turn-of-the-20th-century theme.

From the Disney press release:

Guests arrive at a building befitting Mickey Mouse's stardom -- with a grand-Victorian-theater elevation, including a marquee that glistens with gold-leaf trim and sparkles with lights. Inside, there's a mosaic floor, lush curtains with gold rope tie-backs and polished-brass chandeliers. Imagineers are creating new elements and surprises for Magic Kingdom guests, including an interactive queue -- with an extra touch of Disney magic -- and highly themed retail shops.

The queue takes guests "backstage," where Mickey is waiting to greet them in a rehearsal-room environment amid posters, steamer trunks and stage props.

The Town Square theater also will host the Disney princesses while their new meet-and-greet location is under construction in Fantasyland.

Readers' Opinions

From Robert Niles on February 22, 2011 at 11:08 AM
My $.02? The easiest place to meet Disney characters with little or no lines has been World Showcase in Epcot. Mickey's almost always to be found outside the American Adventure. I'd try there before burning a FP or waiting in line in Town Square.
From 162.94.28.111 on February 22, 2011 at 11:23 AM
Does this mean Tony's is closing? Hope not as that is a great spot to eat a meal outside while watching the parade.
From 209.208.1.4 on February 22, 2011 at 11:26 AM
So, when can I get a fastpass?
From Crystal A on February 22, 2011 at 11:30 AM
I like this building and have always wished they would make better use of it. I do wonder if this will effect traffic flow into the park since it is only a few feet away,once you enter through the tunnel.
From Robert Niles on February 22, 2011 at 11:35 AM
No word on the opening date yet, beyond "spring."

Also, this is going into the old Walt Disney Story theater building, not the restaurant next door.

From 192.91.147.34 on February 22, 2011 at 2:18 PM
Toontown is now closed for the fantasy land expansion and this new Mickey house says "Spring 2011." I am heading to Disney next week and am wondering where Mickey and the Princesses will be located then before the new Mickey house opens?
From Robert Niles on February 22, 2011 at 3:05 PM
According to Disney, Mickey's in Tomorrowland, next to Space Mountain, and the princesses are in the Adventureland Verandah.

Have a great trip!

From Jeff Schilling on February 22, 2011 at 6:42 PM
Thanks Robert.
From 173.189.14.227 on February 22, 2011 at 8:21 PM
For all I care they could move the meet and greets to the parking lot. Waiting in line to meet a person in a costume is silly to me.
From Thomas Caselli on February 23, 2011 at 7:30 AM
It may be silly to you, but children love the characters.
From 208.100.40.40 on February 23, 2011 at 1:07 PM
sounds like the set up they were testing in CA with a talking mickey character.
From 173.189.14.227 on February 23, 2011 at 2:03 PM
I know, I know the kids love it. Which is all the more reason it's annoying.... They have all this extravegant entertainment, and yet I have to go with them to meet Pinnochio..... lol.
From David Sutter on February 24, 2011 at 4:49 AM
You gotta be kidding me! Fast pass meet and greet! No thanks Ill pass. Is that sound I hear a toilet flushing? Or a hand basket being carried to a very hot place?

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