7 Tips for Finding Elusive Disney Characters at Epcot

7. Visit the parks when a new College Program session is starting: The characters are always super eager to help new students and interns of the Disney College Program – a program where college students can spend a semester working for Disney Parks and taking college courses on property – get used to their new jobs, so sometimes the more elusive characters will come out to play at the beginning of the semester! If it’s back to school, then the characters are more likely to come out to help the new DCP students.

6. Run a race: If running isn’t your thing then this may not be your best option, but an interesting life experience and way to meet characters at Epcot is by participating in one of runDisney’s events that take you through Epcot! The 5Ks are a lot more casual than the 10Ks and half marathons, since they’re more of a fun run, and there are character meet and greet opportunities throughout the course. A lot of the runDisney events at Walt Disney World take you through Epcot, so be sure to check it out if you’re looking to be active!

5. Look at already determined meet and greet locations: If you know that Mulan is meeting in the China pavilion, check to see if Mushu ever joins her! Going to Morocco with Aladdin and Jasmine? Ask about the Genie! You never know who might make a guest appearance with characters from their respective movies that already meet guests on a regular basis.

4. Ask a cast member: It can never hurt to ask someone who is going to be meeting and where at a theme park. While some elusive characters come out or magical moments that the cast members might not even be aware of, it can never hurt to ask while you’re there.

3. Look for character attendants and Photo Pass Photographers: If you see a character attendant (a cast member wearing a bright blue shirt), especially if they’re with a Photo Pass Photographer (these cast members have a beige uniform), then someone is bound to come out soon if they aren’t already there! Keep an eye out for the blue shirts, especially when paired with Photo Pass, so you can have a magical experience that you might not have had if you weren’t as observant!

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2. Go on a holiday: In the past, elusive or rare characters have made appearances, such as the princes with their princesses on Valentine’s Day at the World Showcase. While it is not a guarantee, keep an eye out for them if your vacation falls on a holiday!

1. Visit the parks in the weeks leading up to a special event: The best time to see characters that Epcot that you don’t usually see at all is to visit Epcot in the week leading up to an event like Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party, Very Merry Christmas Party, the Princess Half Marathon Weekend, and other events where rare characters are present. Since these characters haven’t met with guests for a while, they sometimes visit the areas near International Gateway, Canada Pavilion, and the American Adventure at the World Showcase to help prepare with their crew of Photo Pass Photographers and attendants!

BONUS TIP: Consider planning and booking your next Disney trip with an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner you can trust like Mickey Travels. They’ll help you get the best Walt Disney World deal, share expert advice and their services are totally FREE! It’s genius!