Tokyo Disney Resort has been quite slow to relax its COVID-19 protocols, with a double whammy of the local theme park association’s rules and a hesitant government keeping rules like temperature checks before entry and mandatory masking both indoors and outside in place. But the next step has been taken with some character interaction allowed once again beginning today!

Starting October 1, guests at Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea meeting characters at greeting spots are allowed once again to high-five characters, as well as request character autographs. Cast Members are vigilantly enforcing hand sanitizer protocols before guests may proceed to the character to compensate.

The yellow lines in place around the character to maintain a 2m (6ft) distance during photos must still be respected, the character will come to the line rather than guests crossing. Additionally, guests must still stand 6ft apart from the character they meet during photos. Masks may be removed during photos as of early September.

Hugs are still not allowed, and at all times except for a brief high-five or handing over autograph books, guests must still remain separated from characters by 2 meters.

This is the latest move as Tokyo Disney Resort very slowly relaxes its COVID policies. Early in September, masks outdoors functionally became optional after the theme park association ratified changes allowing people to remove masks when at a distance of 2 meters from others. Enforcement has been lax with this particular detail, and many guests we’ve seen in our most recent visits have walked around with masks around their chin or off entirely outside. Masks are required indoors, and enforcement is strict. Physical distancing was effectively removed in late April.

Are you excited to high-five characters at Tokyo Disney Resort again? Let us know in the comments below!

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