10 of Our Favorite Character Meet and Greets at Walt Disney World
When it comes to planning your Walt Disney World vacation, it’s easy to get wrapped up in the hustle and bustle of it all as you run from one ride to the next. However, there’s an extra element of Disney magic that you should definitely try to fit into your Disney days and that is meeting some of the incredible characters that make the rounds at each of Disney World’s incredible theme parks. These familiar faces are on hand to pose for photos, sign autographs and to add that extra dose of pixie dust to your vacation. There are so many meet and greet opportunities available that we here at MickeyBlog thought we’d help you plan out your Disney days by highlighting a few of our favorites.
1. Mike and Sulley from Monsters Inc.-Hollywood Studios- NEW!
Fans of Monsters Inc. will be pleased to know that this loveable duo has now set up shop at Walt Disney Presents located near the entrance to Toy Story Land. You can now rub shoulders with Mickey and Sulley near a mysterious portal that has opened up to the Monster World!
2. Ariel – Magic Kingdom
Fans of The Little Mermaid will definitely want to flip your fins over to Ariel’s Grotto in New Fantasyland for a meeting with this much-loved Disney Princess. You’ll find Ariel waiting to meet guests in a magical seaside setting. What’s extra special about this location is that unlike her appearances at Akershus Royal Banquet Hall or Cinderella’s Royal Table, in her grotto she is in mermaid form. This makes for a wonderful photo op!
3. Pocahontas- Animal Kingdom
Visitors to Animal Kingdom can follow the paths through Discovery Island Trails to find Pocahontas surrounded in nature just like in the film! Have your autograph books and cameras at the read and be sure to say “Wingapo!” when you meet her.
4. Gaston – Magic Kingdom
As you saunter past Gaston’s Tavern in New Fantasyland be on the lookout for this tall, dark strong and handsome brute. You’ll usually find him near a line of swooning ladies waiting anxiously for a chance to pose for a photo with this Beauty and Beast baddie. Not one to be modest his wit will have you smiling for the rest of the day.
5. Mulan- China Pavilion- Epcot
In the shadow of the Temple of Heaven in Epcot’s China Pavilion, Fa Mulan will be on hand to greet honored guests. You won’t want to miss your chance to spend some time in the presence of this young woman who broke with tradition to stay true to her heart!
6. Buzz Lightyear – Magic Kingdom
Though meeting the characters like Buzz and Woody at the all-new Toy Story Land really packs in the crowds, guests hoping to rub shoulders with Buzz Lightyear may find it easier to pop by Tomorrowland in the Magic Kingdom. Buzz is usually on hand near Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin to meet visitors, pose for photos and sign autographs. He’s typically out at 20-minute intervals from 10:00 am – 4:45 pm each day!
7. Sorcerer Mickey – Hollywood Studios
Though there are many opportunities to meet Mickey at Walt Disney World this meet and greet as part of Mickey and Minnie Red Carpet Dreams at Hollywood Studios is one of our favorites. During this magical encounter, you’ll find Mickey dressed up as The Sorcerer’s Apprentice determined to hold audiences spellbound as he recreates his favorite scene from Fantasia.
8. Minnie, Daisy, Donald and Goofy – Pete’s Silly Sideshow – Magic Kingdom
We here at Mickey Blog love this meet and greet location that tends to get easily overlooked. Taking place in a big top behind Dumbo the Flying Elephant, you’ll find Minnie, Daisy, Donald, and Goofy all dressed up for the circus. There are two lines that you must wait in to meet all of the characters but the wait times here are usually minimal.
9. Joy and Sadness – Epcot
Fans of Pixar’s Inside Out will definitely want to pay an “emotional” visit to Joy and Sadness who are on hand to meet guests in Epcot’s Future World. Be sure to smile (or frown) for the camera! If you have some extra time after meeting this loveable duo, you’ll also want to line up to meet Baymax who shares the same meet and greet space as Joy and Sadness.
10. Merida – Magic Kingdom
You’ll find this Scottish princess nestled away in Fairytale Garden ( located at the side of Cinderella’s Castle near the Mad Tea Party.) Meeting this princess will definitely be one of the high points for Brave fans and her location even consists of a few surprises (of the bear cub variety). Merida spends a lot of time interacting with guests which is why Disney refers to this experience as a “play and greet”.
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