Meeting Your Favorite Disney Characters at Walt Disney World

Meeting beloved Disney characters is one of the most magical parts of any Walt Disney World vacation! Whether it’s giving Mickey a hug, getting a selfie with Elsa, or high-fiving Chewbacca, these moments create lasting memories for guests of all ages. Here’s a guide to where you can find your favorite characters—and how to make the most of your character experiences.

Where to Find Disney Characters

Disney characters appear throughout all four parks, and there are a few different ways to meet them:

Character Meet & Greets

The classic experience! These are scheduled times and locations where you can meet characters face-to-face, take photos, and get autographs.

  • Magic Kingdom

    • Mickey Mouse at Town Square Theater

    • Princess Fairytale Hall (Cinderella, Tiana, and more)

    • Ariel in her Grotto

    • Meet classic favorites like Winnie the Pooh, Tigger, and Peter Pan around Fantasyland

  • EPCOT:

    • Anna and Elsa at Royal Sommerhus (Norway Pavilion)

    • Donald Duck in Mexico

    • Mulan in China

    • Belle in France

    • Goofy, Mickey, and Friends near the main entrance

  • Hollywood Studios:

    • Toy Story characters in Toy Story Land

    • Star Wars favorites like Chewbacca, Darth Vader, and BB-8 at Star Wars Launch Bay

    • Disney Junior characters near Animation Courtyard

  • Animal Kingdom:

    • Mickey & Minnie in their safari gear at Adventurers Outpost

    • Pocahontas, Dug and Russell, and Kevin from Up! can often be found around Discovery Island

Character Dining Experiences

One of the best (and most efficient) ways to meet multiple characters without waiting in line is through character dining. You’ll enjoy a great meal while the characters visit each table for photos and interactions.

Some popular options include:

  • Chef Mickey’s (Disney’s Contemporary Resort) – Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Donald, and Pluto

  • Cinderella’s Royal Table (Magic Kingdom) – Princesses like Cinderella, Ariel, Jasmine, and Snow White

  • Tusker House (Animal Kingdom) – Safari Mickey and friends

  • Akershus Royal Banquet Hall (EPCOT) – A rotating group of Disney Princesses

  • Topolino’s Terrace – Flavors of the Riviera (Riviera Resort) – Mickey, Minnie, Donald, and Daisy in artsy attire

Travel Genie Tip: These reservations can book up quickly! Book 60 days in advance—or let your Travel Genie take care of it for you.

Character Cavalcades and Parades

If you prefer to see lots of characters without waiting in lines, catch one of the character cavalcades or parades that roll through the parks throughout the day.

  • Magic Kingdom’s Festival of Fantasy Parade features dozens of characters from classic and modern films.

  • In EPCOT, look out for surprise character flotillas around World Showcase Lagoon.

  • Animal Kingdom often has characters like Donald and Goofy sailing by on boats!

Use the My Disney Experience App

You can find up-to-date character locations and times in the My Disney Experience app. Just tap the map, select “Characters,” and it’ll show who’s meeting where—plus exact times.

Special Events and Hard-Ticket Parties

Seasonal events often feature rare characters you can’t normally meet!

  • Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party: Jack and Sally, the Seven Dwarfs, and even villains!

  • Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party: Santa Claus, holiday-dressed characters, and more.

Make it Extra Magical

If you’re celebrating something special, consider adding a custom character-inspired outfit or autograph book for your little one—and don’t forget PhotoPass! Disney photographers can capture every magical hug and smile.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re meeting Mickey for the first time or chasing down rare princesses, Disney character experiences bring your favorite stories to life. With a little planning (and help from your Travel Genie), you can make sure your trip is filled with magical moments and unforgettable photos.