If you’ve ever wished for a little Disney magic that wasn’t plastered all over social media or promoted in giant banners at the park entrance, you’re in luck. Walt Disney World just rolled out a surprise that’s catching even the most dedicated fans off guard: a secret character meet-and-greet tucked away in EPCOT’s Germany Pavilion.
The kicker? It’s only for Annual Passholders.
From June 9 through July 31, 2025, Disney is offering something pretty rare—a character experience that isn’t being broadcast loudly or hyped in your My Disney Experience app. This is a quiet, tucked-away treat just for those who’ve invested in an Annual Pass, and it’s being offered as part of the V.I.Passholder Summer Days program.
The meet-and-greet takes place daily from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Der Teddybar, a charming little spot that usually sells plush toys and children’s keepsakes. Now, for a limited time, it’s doubling as the location for what might be the most exclusive character greeting of the summer.
Disney hasn’t revealed who the character is. All they’re saying is that it’s a “beloved Disney pal.” And that bit of mystery is driving fans wild. Could it be a classic character with a rare costume? A forgotten friend from EPCOT’s past? Or maybe someone who’s never met guests in Florida before? No one knows for sure—but the curiosity is part of the appeal. Some guests believe it could be Duffy the Bear.
What makes this meet-and-greet special isn’t just the mystery, though. It’s the fact that you don’t need to pay extra, schedule in advance. You just need to be a Passholder and show up. It’s first-come, first-served. There’s no Lightning Lane, no reservations—just a good old-fashioned line and a surprise waiting at the end of it.
Of course, it’s not totally without rules. To participate, Passholders must bring a valid Annual Pass (either on a card, MagicBand, or the Disney MagicMobile app) and show a government-issued photo ID. And with no virtual queue or scheduled return times, the earlier you arrive, the better. Especially on weekends, lines are expected to grow fast.
There’s something about this meet-and-greet that feels like a return to a different kind of Disney experience. A decade ago, you might have stumbled upon a character wandering World Showcase or caught a unique interaction without having to plan it all out on your phone. That kind of spontaneity has become increasingly rare—and that’s exactly what makes this offering stand out.
The location choice is brilliant, too. Der Teddybar isn’t exactly a high-traffic area. It’s quiet, tucked into a corner of the Germany Pavilion, and has that old-world charm that makes it feel like a hidden gem. Turning it into a surprise meet-and-greet spot feels like something only longtime EPCOT lovers would appreciate—and Passholders tend to fall into that category.
This new experience is just one of several perks available through V.I.Passholder Summer Days. So far, the event has included exclusive snacks, lounges, limited-edition merch, and photo ops—but this meet-and-greet is quickly becoming the most talked-about addition. There’s something about the exclusivity, the mystery, and the nostalgia that has people rearranging their park plans just to check it out.
And it’s not going to last forever. July 31 is the final day for the meet-and-greet, and there’s no word on whether Disney plans to bring it back in any form. That’s part of what’s making this feel like a bit of a collector’s moment—an experience that you either grab now or potentially never see again.
If you’re a Passholder who’s used to feeling left out of the big-ticket extras—like after-hours events or pricey dessert parties—this is your moment. It’s simple, free (well, included with your pass), and doesn’t require you to jump through a dozen hoops just to participate. And in a time when so many theme park experiences feel over-complicated or overly commercialized, that simplicity is refreshing.
It’s also a smart move for Disney, quietly offering more value to their most dedicated guests without turning it into a massive, over-marketed event. For a company that’s often criticized for nickel-and-diming its guests, this feels like a genuine “thank you” to those who’ve stuck with the brand through thick and thin.
So if you’re visiting EPCOT this summer and you’re a Passholder, consider making a beeline for Germany. You might just meet a familiar face you haven’t seen in years—or someone completely unexpected. Either way, it’s a rare opportunity that’s only sticking around for a few short weeks.
The magic might be low-key this time around, but it’s real. And it’s waiting at Der Teddybar.
