Disney has their own version of pretty much everything, and that includes credit cards. The Disney Rewards Visa from Chase is a pretty standard credit card, but it does come with in-park bonuses like exclusive character meet and greets with free photo downloads at Disney Visa Photo Spots in Epcot, Hollywood Studios, and California Adventure.
No, I did not get a credit card just for character meet and greets. That would be crazy!
(Okay, maybe I did.)
Walt Disney World has two exclusive character spots for Disney Visa Rewards members, one in Epcot and one in Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The Epcot one relocated to a new spot a few months ago, and I finally had a chance to go check it out.
The Disney Visa Photo Spot is located next to the Disney and Pixar Short Film Showcase near the Imagination Pavilion. It’s extremely easy to miss, unless you know what you’re looking for. There’s a Cast Member at the front for check in. You simply present your credit card and a photo ID, and tell them how many people in your party. Once you’re inside, there’s a short hallway that wraps around to hold the line.
There was only one party in front of me, a family of six, and no one behind me. Right after they went, the character attendant told me they’d be right back. It was about another five or ten minutes before she returned. I believe it was someone’s turn for a “snack break”. By the time it was my turn, the line had filled up.
Pluto and Minnie were waiting for me, and I got big hugs from both of them. Pluto was extremely excited about my Bambi shirt, and kept holding his paws over his heads like antlers. The Photopass Photographer took a bunch of photos and the Character Attendant even offered to use my camera for more photos. I hugged Pluto and Minnie one more time, and I was on my way.
I really like the Disney Visa Photo Spot. It’s a lot more private than any of the other character meet and greets because you and your party are the only ones in the room with the characters. You don’t have a sea of small children and their parents staring at you, which is really nice. The whole thing took around fifteen minutes, and I got to see both Pluto and Minnie! It’s also one of the only places you can see two characters at the same time, instead of one after the other. The only downside is you have no idea who you’ll be meeting, but the surprise makes it fun!
You can apply for your own Disney Rewards Visa here! Disclaimer: I earn rewards dollars if you sign up, but then you can refer someone too and earn rewards dollars!
