Walt Disney World offers an immersive experience with countless opportunities to meet your favorite Disney characters. From the classic favorites to characters from newer films, there’s something for every Disney fan.
While you can also meet characters during Disney Dining Character Experiences, this guide focuses exclusively on the character encounters available throughout the parks. Here’s a complete guide to the Character Experiences you won’t want to miss at Disney parks.
Classic Favorites: The Iconic Disney Pals
At EPCOT, you can find all the classic characters, Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Daisy, Goofy, and Pluto, together at the “Mickey & Friends” meet-and-greet.
While this is the designated spot to meet these beloved pals, keep in mind that the classic six may also be found across the parks, sometimes even with special outfits. Here are some other places where you can meet them:
- Mickey and Minnie Mouse: As the heart of Disney, Mickey Mouse welcomes guests at Town Square Theater in Magic Kingdom, and right beside him is Minnie Mouse, so don’t miss the chance to say hello to this beloved duo!
- Goofy: Goofy is ready to pose in Pete’s Silly Sideshow in Magic Kingdom.
- Pluto: Meet Pluto near the EPCOT main entrance where this playful pup welcomes guests with a wagging tail.
- Donald Duck: Donald’s antics never get old. You can meet him in the Mexico Pavilion at EPCOT. He’s also in Animal Kingdom in Donald’s Dino-bash and Magic Kingdom at Pete’s Silly Sideshow.
- Daisy Duck: Daisy adds some flair to any meet-and-greet. You can find her in Pete’s Silly Sideshow at Magic Kingdom, dressed as a circus star.
- Chip and Dale: These mischievous chipmunks bring fun wherever they go, and you can meet them in Adventureland at Magic Kingdom, dressed as dinosaurs in Donald’s Dino-Bash! at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
Park Exclusive Characters: Rare and Special Sightings
- The Country Bears: Meet the iconic Country Bears at Frontierland in Magic Kingdom. These lovable, quirky characters make a rare but delightful appearance that transports you straight to Bear Country.
- Figment: EPCOT’s colorful dragon, Figment, is a must-see. You can meet Figment inside ImageWorks and take photos with the adorable purple dragon.
- Star-Lord: Marvel fans, rejoice! Meet Star-Lord from Guardians of the Galaxy near Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind at EPCOT.
Classic Movie Characters: Iconic Faces from the Films We Love
- Alice: Take a whimsical stroll with Alice in the United Kingdom Pavilion at EPCOT, and in Fantasyland near the Mad Tea Party ride.
- Peter Pan: Catch Peter Pan in Fantasyland at Magic Kingdom. Be sure to come prepared for some mischievous fun.
- Winnie the Pooh and Tigger: Visit The Thotful Spot at Magic Kingdom and meet Pooh and Tigger from the Hundred Acre Wood. It’s a perfect moment for a cozy hug.
- Mulan: Travel to the China Pavilion at EPCOT to meet Mulan, one of Disney’s most beloved heroines.
Other Characters: Special Encounters You Can’t Miss
- Asha: Meet Asha from Wish at World Showcase Plaza in EPCOT. Asha brings her charm and positivity, making this a must-see for fans of the film.
- Mirabel: Join Mirabel from Encanto at Fairytale Garden in Magic Kingdom for a joyful dance party with the star of the Madrigal family.
Disney Princesses: Royal Encounters
- Cinderella and Visiting Princesses: Head to Princess Fairytale Hall in Magic Kingdom to meet Cinderella and a rotating cast of visiting princesses. It’s a fairy tale come to life!
- Moana: Catch Moana in Character Landing at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Get up close to the courageous princess from the South Pacific.
- Belle: Find Belle in two locations: in the France Pavilion at EPCOT, and also in Princess Fairytale Hall in Magic Kingdom. Belle is ready for photos in her village dress or iconic yellow gown.
- Elsa and Anna: The royal sisters from Frozen can be found at Royal Sommerhus in EPCOT. Prepare for a cool meet-and-greet with your favorite ice princesses.
- Aurora: Meet Princess Aurora in the beautiful France Pavilion at EPCOT, where she looks as dreamy as ever.
- Jasmine: Join Princess Jasmine in the Morocco Pavilion at EPCOT, where she invites you into her royal world.
- Snow White: Head to the Germany Pavilion at EPCOT to meet Snow White, where she welcomes you with her signature smile.
- Tiana: Say hello to Princess Tiana and a visiting princess in Princess Fairytale Hall at Magic Kingdom, bringing a touch of Southern charm to your day.
Live Entertainment: Shows and Parades with Character Appearances
In addition to character meet-and-greets, Disney parks offer a variety of shows and parades where characters come to life:
- Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade (Magic Kingdom)
- Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After (Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Debuting May 27, 2025)
- For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration (Disney’s Hollywood Studios)
- Green Army Drum Corps (Disney’s Hollywood Studios)
- The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure (Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Debuting May 27, 2025)
Unexpected Encounters: Surprise Character Appearances
While Disney lists many iconic characters, some surprise meet-and-greets remain to be found, especially at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Characters like Kevin from Up, Russell, and Dug from Up can often be spotted roaming around, adding to the fun of exploring the park.
Keep an eye out—these characters don’t always have a set spot, but their spontaneous appearances can be a magical moment to capture. Additionally, you might encounter other beloved characters such as The Country Bears or even Carl Fredricksen from Up, who sometimes make surprise appearances. Be ready for unexpected encounters that can add a delightful twist to your Disney day!
Embrace the Magic: Disney Character Encounters to Remember
Whether you’re meeting the classic Disney pals like Mickey and Minnie, the beloved characters from the movies like Alice and Peter Pan, or newer stars like Asha and Mirabel, there’s no shortage of magical moments at Walt Disney World.
Be sure to check out the Park Exclusive characters like Figment and Star-Lord, as well as the stunning Princesses that grace Disney’s enchanting worlds.
These experiences are an essential part of the Disney magic, and they help create memories that will last a lifetime. So, grab your autograph book, charge your camera, and get ready for the ultimate character encounter experience!
