We went on the Magic back in Feb. I bought a t-shirt on board and then dropped it off. I explained that since my son was only 14 months, he did not have the patience to stand in line, but we would love to have the memory. They were very willing to take our shirt. I didn't have to give them a pen, they said they have plenty. I can see how this can get out of hand. My son's shirt is TERRIFIC!! I do believe, that if your children are old enough, it would be more fun for them to have the characters sign them in person. The characters make such frequent appearences(which suprised me) that one should have no problem getting all of them to sign it. If my son were older, he would have been getting the shirt done himself.