Town Square Theatre in Magic Kingdom, Walt Disney World, will be the new permanent home of Mickey Mouse. Those familiar with MK will know this as the current Exposition Hall area just inside the park’s entrance. Disney has decided to expand it’s “fast pass” virtual queuing system for the rides to character interaction. This is the first time the technology will be used for character meet and greets – and whom better to do it with then THE MOUSE, himself.

According to Disney Park Blogs, the princesses may occassionally visit Mickey while Fantasyland is under its renovations/ constructions.

Will it work? Worth a shot, for sure. Anything that cuts wait times is good, and the fast passes certainly work well with the rides.

I have braved long queues to meet characters before… I’ve waited to meet Mickey and the princesses earlier in my young kids’ experiences, and have waited again recently to meet characters I couldn’t find elsewhere (e.g. the Pixie Hollow fairies). But I find it a much more enjoyable experience to meet characters at the character meal locations. I’d rather have a break from the sun, rest my tired feet, have a wonderful meal, and have the characters come to my table than stand in a long queue for an autograph.

But… it certainly can’t hurt to give more options, and to make it easier to meet characters.

Here are the full details of the announcement posted on the Disney Travel Agent website:

Get a Disney’s FASTPASS to Meet Mickey Mouse

Later this spring, face-to-face meetings with Mickey Mouse will move into a permanent new location at Town Square Theater, located inside the current Exposition Hall area at the entrance of Magic Kingdom® Park.

Your Clients will be able to obtain a Disney’s FASTPASS® ticket specifying a one-hour window when they can return to see the popular character for hugs, photos and autographs — without waiting in the standby queue. This marks the first time the complimentary, computerized service has been utilized for a character meet-and-greet at any Disney Park.

Inspired by animated shorts such as The Nifty Nineties and Mickey’s Grand Opera, this building befits Mickey’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 your Clients, including an interactive queue — with an extra touch of Disney magic — and highly themed retail shops.