Character Interaction Experiences in Central FL - Is WDW the Only Option?

I have been to both Disneyland and WDW and I can tell you they are SO incredibly busy it really doesn't matter. If your son doesn't like the whole costume character thing he (and you) will still have a blast! He can watch all the other parents and kids lining up and waiting their turn for whatever character comes out at any given time and place, and then move on to the next fun thing.
There is so much to do and see, especially the shows and parade, that the personal character experience is not really necessary, especially if he's young and shy.
I only recommend the character meals if your kid is DYING to meet a character because honestly it's really expensive, the food is awful, and it's only REALLY worth it to see your little one "meet" their hero, be it Buzz Light Year or Snow White :)

I don't believe Mickey makes appearances outside WDW. We stayed at one of the resorts when my son was 2, took him to a character breakfast at Chef Mickey's. It was great. Lots going on and he liked waving to the characters and taking pics with them. It was crowded there, but with your reservation, they move you along and get you seated ontime. We didn't do the parks that time, but played putt putt, went to downtown Disney and used the pools at the resort. When he was 1, we met friends at a character breakfast at the Yacht and Beach Club Hotel(Cape May's I think it is called?) We had 3 one year olds with us and they pretty much cried at the sight of the characters. Hollywood Studios has a lunch you can do with Disney Channel Characters and we took him to that when he was 4 and he loved it. It was great and they played music and got the kids out of their chairs to dance. Food was good too! You can also try Fort Wilderness Campground. On certain nights they show a movie outside and you can make smores w/ Chip N Dale and Goofy too. The Hoop-ty Do review is supposed to be really good there too, but hard to get reservations for.

It seems you want Mickey...but, there are other options in Central FL. Seaworld does Breakfast with Elmo and Friends, and it's laid back and fun. Most kids love Elmo, which can be a good ice-breaker for costumed characters, which can be a little scary for kids. Anyway, just thought I'd throw that out there, have fun in what ever you do!

We are by far a big Disney family, do Disney character meals would be my first recommendation. But the Nickelodeon Hotel also does character meals too. That includes Sponge Bob, Patrick, Dora, & many more.
The more he's around them, the better he'll do. We go often (to Disney), & my 2 & 4 yo's are all about them. It's so much fun!!
Also, there are a bunch of character meals throughout the Disney resorts. When u book it, confirm who the characters are, so you make sure you know who you're getting.

The Disney characters do make appearances around Central Florida, but I don't know if there is a schedule. I think that doing a character dining meal would be the best way to meet the characters. It is a controlled environment, and there are no long lines. Your son can watch them for a while and decide what type of interaction he wants to have. Discuss that with your server--perhaps he just wants a character to wave to him from a distance or perhaps he would like to pose for a picture or get an autograph.