Whether you are visiting with your child or are a child at heart, it’s exciting to see Mickey Mouse and all his friends! When you visit the Walt Disney World Resort, there are so many opportunities to see them all! It helps to know where to find your favorites though! This is your complete guide to characters at Walt Disney World.
Where Can I Find Characters?
There are many opportunities to see characters throughout the parks at the Walt Disney World Resort. There are many character meet and greet opportunities throughout the day, as well as a parade and character cavalcades. In addition, some resort hotels offer character dining experiences.
In addition, for guests boarding the Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser, there are many unique and immersive experiences that may include familiar Star Wars friends!
Character Dining
At several of the deluxe resort hotels, you can make reservations for a character dining experience. Reservations are highly recommended and can be done up to 60 days prior to check-in for guests staying at a Walt Disney World Resort hotel.
The following restaurants offer character dining:
- Akershus Royal Banquet Hall (EPCOT) – dinner
- Artist Point (Disney’s Wilderness Lodge) – dinner
- Be Our Guest (Magic Kingdom) – lunch & dinner
- Cape May Café (Disney’s Beach Club) – breakfast
- Chef Mickey’s (Disney’s Contemporary Resort) – breakfast & dinner
- Cinderella’s Royal Table (Magic Kingdom) – breakfast, lunch, & dinner **Starting February 28, 2023
- Crystal Palace (Magic Kingdom) – breakfast, lunch, & dinner
- Garden Grill (EPCOT) – lunch & dinner
- Hollywood & Vine (Disney’s Hollywood Studios) – breakfast, lunch, & dinner
- ‘Ohana (Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort) – breakfast
- Ravello (Four Seasons Resort) – breakfast
- Topolino’s Terrace (Disney’s Riviera Resort) – breakfast
- Tusker House (Disney’s Animal Kingdom) – breakfast, lunch, & dinner
Please note that character appearances are always subject to change.
Theme Parks
The Walt Disney World theme parks offer many opportunities to meet so many Disney friends! There are several locations where guests can go for character meet and greets. Some of these are included when you purchase Disney Genie+, meaning you may enter through the Lightning Lane for shorter wait times. Other opportunities do not have a Lightning Lane entrance but are open throughout the day and the wait time can be found on the My Disney Experience app. It’s also important to check the My Disney Experience mobile app throughout the day as some characters only appear at certain times.
In addition, there are stage shows and cavalcades that include character appearances. The beloved Disney’s Festival of Fantasy parade takes place each day, weather pending, and features many Disney friends.
Characters at the Magic Kingdom
At the Magic Kingdom, there are three different character meet and greets that can be scheduled using the Disney Genie+ service. Guests can meet Disney Princesses at Princess Fairytale Hall – there are two different lines with a total of four different princesses. At Town Square Theater, guests can see Mickey Mouse.
In addition, there are several characters that you may see roaming throughout the park, as well as those that meet at select times throughout the day. Some examples include Peter Pan, Chip and Dale, Belle, and Stitch!
Characters at EPCOT
At EPCOT, there are several Disney Princesses waiting to say hello throughout the World Showcase. Check the My Disney Experience mobile app to find Belle, Aurora, Jasmine, and Snow White. Donald Duck is also ready for a hug in the Mexico Pavilion and Alice is in the United Kingdom.
In the Norway Pavilion, make sure you stop by the Royal Sommerhus to see Queen Anna and Elsa. This is the only opportunity to meet the Frozen sisters (and get a warm hug) at the Walt Disney World Resort!
Characters at Disney’s Animal Kingdom
At Disney’s Animal Kingdom, there is a meet and greet with Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse at the Adventurers Outpost. This meet and greet is available via both a standby line or the Lightning Lane with the purchase of Disney Genie+.
Over in DinoLand U.S.A., don’t miss Donald’s DinoBash! This fun party features opportunities to meet Donald Duck and several of his friends including Daisy, Pluto, Chip & Dale, and Goofy!
Finally, be on the lookout for the flotillas on the Discovery River. Listen for the music to change and then look to the water! You may see friends such as Russell & Dug, Launchpad McQuack, Scrooge McDuck, the Discovery Island Drummers, and more floating by and waving hello!
Characters at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
At Disney’s Hollywood Studios, there are several chances to meet your favorites from Star Wars! In Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, you may find familiar faces from the Resistance or from the First Order! Beware! The Stormtroopers are always on the lookout for spies! Over at Star Wars Launch Bay, come to face to face with Darth Vader or hug a Wookie when you meet Chewbacca! Then, stop and see BB-8, as this lovable droid stands on duty!
In Toy Story Land, be on the lookout for Buzz Lightyear, Jessie, and Woody. The Green Army Drum Corps also loves to entertain guests with their talented band and upbeat performances!
That’s not all though! Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse are waiting at the Red Carpet of Dreams and you can get a warm hug from everyone’s favorite snowman, Olaf! Disney Junior Pals can be found in the Animation Courtyard and Sulley is waiting at Walt Disney Presents. Be sure to check the My Disney Experience mobile app for times.
Please note that character meet and greets are always subject to change. The best way to check on availability for character experiences is to look at the My Disney Experience mobile app. Meeting characters at Walt Disney World is a fun way to add some magic to your visit! Don’t miss the many opportunities available to make some amazing vacation memories!
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