(Bloomberg) -- After two years of waving from a distance, kids can hug characters at Disney parks again.
Mickey Mouse and friends will resume meet-and-greets with guests at Disneyland, Walt Disney World Resorts and on Disney Cruise Lines starting April 18, Walt Disney Co. said in a blog post Thursday.
Although the parks reopened in Florida in July 2020 and in California in April 2021, characters remained at a distance from fans rather than roaming around for autographs and photos. As states across the U.S. have begun lifting Covid-19 requirements for masking, testing and vaccination, Disney said it is bringing back in-person greetings, dining and other events in phases this spring.
Park revenue doubled in the first quarter from pandemic lows, according to Disney's Feb. 9 earnings report. The company also vowed to diversify its characters with a pledge that half will come from underrepresented groups, beginning this year.
Read more: The New Disney World Hacks—How to Skip Lines and Meet Mickey
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