Disney just made Humphrey the Bear available to meet for the first time ever at Disneyland Resort, and if you're a fan of classic Disney animation from the 1950s, this is legitimately a huge deal because this character has existed for decades but was never available as a walk-around character until right now.
Where You Can Actually Meet Him at Disney
Humphrey the Bear is meeting guests at Donald's Tales of Adventure Dinner Buffet at Storytellers Cafe inside Disney's Grand Californian Hotel. This is part of Disney California Adventure's 25th anniversary celebrations, and apparently, Humphrey has replaced Goofy during the character dining experience.
You need advanced reservations for this because character dining experiences book up really fast, especially when there's a rare or brand new character involved. You can book up to 60 days in advance through the Disneyland website or the Disneyland app, so if you want to meet Humphrey you should probably reserve as soon as possible.
Who Even Is Humphrey the Bear
Humphrey is a mischievous, snack-loving grizzly bear from Brownstone National Park who appeared in several Disney animated shorts during the 1950s. He appeared in Goofy and Donald Duck cartoons and even starred in two shorts.
Humphrey's humorous antics inspired his namesake shop at Disney California Adventure, where references to him have existed for years. However, until now, he wasn't available as a walk-around character, only represented through the shop's theming.
Why This Is Happening Now
Disney California Adventure is celebrating its 25th anniversary, which is kind of wild when you think about how the park opened on February 8, 2001, to absolutely brutal criticism for feeling cheap and uninspired compared to what guests expected from Disney.
Over the years, Disney invested literally billions of dollars reimagining the park through major additions like Cars Land, Buena Vista Street, and Avengers Campus, completely transforming it from the disappointing opening-day version into the beloved destination it is today.
Other Disney Anniversary Stuff You Can Get
The 25th anniversary isn't just about Humphrey. Soarin' Over California is coming back for a limited run from February 6 through July 1, 2026. This is the original attraction that takes you on a virtual tour of California landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge, Yosemite National Park, and downtown Los Angeles.
It was replaced by Soarin' Around the World back in 2016, but fans have been consistently requesting the original California-focused version because it holds special significance as one of the few opening-day attractions that actually impressed guests during the park's troubled early years.
Mickey and Minnie are getting new outfits on Buena Vista Street starting February 6. The costumes feature sun motifs and vibrant colors that reference when the park first opened with themes of golden possibility.
The Food and Merch Situation
Schmoozies is offering a decadent cake shake from February 6-15, featuring strawberry icing, sprinkles, whipped topping, and a slice of cake. This Instagram-worthy dessert is sure to go viral. Additionally, the Pixar Pal-A-Round Bucket, inspired by the iconic Ferris wheel, features “Magic Inside” technology that changes color and lighting patterns based on your location in the parks. It’s available via mobile order at Hollywood Lounge, Boardwalk Pizza & Pasta, and various popcorn spots from February 6.
There's also a Disney California Adventure 25th Anniversary Collection with apparel and collectible pins featuring stylized illustrations of park icons like the Carthay Circle tower, Pixar Pal-A-Round, and Grizzly Peak. Available at Elias & Co., Gone Hollywood, and Seaside Souvenirs.
Grand Californian Hotel Is Celebrating Too
Disney's Grand Californian Hotel & Spa is also celebrating its 25th anniversary since it welcomed first guests on January 2, 2001. The hotel was the first Disney property located inside a theme park with direct access to California Adventure.
There's a limited edition pin featuring Chip ‘n' Dale in front of the hotel's Craftsman-style facade available at Acorns Gifts & Goods.
Why Humphrey Actually Matters to Disney
For Disney character enthusiasts, Humphrey's debut at the park is significant as it highlights Disney's commitment to showcasing lesser-known animated characters during milestone celebrations. Instead of focusing solely on popular contemporary figures, Disney is bringing out deeper cuts from its animation history that have passionate followings but haven't been available for meet-and-greet experiences.
If you want to meet Humphrey the Bear, you need to book that Storytellers Cafe reservation soon because once word gets out that this is a rare character appearance, those spots are going to fill up fast.
