One of the best things about visiting Disney is the chance to meet and interact with your favorite Disney characters. And there are A LOT of character meet and greets at Disney World to know about! Whether it’s a new or old character, there’s usually a spot to meet them, you just need to know where – and that’s what we’re here to help with!

Overview of Character Meet and Greets at Disney World

Character meet and greets offer you unique opportunities to interact with your favorite Disney characters across Walt Disney World. And, you can find them almost anywhere you go including all four Disney Parks and the Disney Resorts!

In the parks, you can find all the classic characters like Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Goofy, and Pluto. But, there are also other friends to meet like the Disney Princesses, Pixar characters, and more! And, at the resorts, you may stumble upon a character in the lobby if you’re lucky. Or, you can guarantee that you’ll meet your favorites by booking a Disney character dining experience at restaurants that offer them.

The great thing about character meet and greets at Disney World is that, regardless of who you meet, you have the opportunity to give them a hug, snap a few photos, and get their autograph. And, it’s all included in your park ticket or the cost of your meal!

So, are you ready to come face-to-face with your favorite characters? Here’s how to find them and who you can expect to meet!

How To Find Character Meet and Greets at Disney World

While there are a lot of character meet-and-greet opportunities in Disney World, it can be easy to miss them if you’re not sure where to look. Here are the two best ways to find your favorite characters when you’re visiting!

My Disney Experience App

The My Disney Experience App is the easiest way to find characters in the parks and ensure that you’re in line in time to meet them! All you have to do is download the app, open it to the park map, and use the drop-down menu at the top to select “characters.” You can then view the full list of characters that are scheduled to be in the park that day with their locations and greeting times.

Park Maps

If you prefer to use a paper copy instead of your phone, you can pick up a park map at the front of the park or any merchandise location. Just look for the small Mickey silhouettes to find the character meet-and-greet locations.

Character Meet and Greets by Park

The Disney World theme parks are one of the best and easiest ways to meet Disney characters. Each park has at least five characters that regularly greet guests throughout the day. Plus, Disney is always updating their character meet-and-greet schedules to include the newest characters. So, you can even meet new favorites like Moana from Moana, and Mirabel from Encanto.

Here’s a full breakdown of the character meet-and-greets offered in each Disney Park:

Magic Kingdom

Keep in mind that character appearances may vary, so it’s best to check the official Disney World app or website for current schedules and locations during your visit.

• Mickey Mouse: Town Square Theater, Main Street, U.S.A.
• Snow White: Town Square Theater, Main Street, U.S.A.
• Cinderella: Princess Fairytale Hall, Fantasyland
• Elena of Avalor: Princess Fairytale Hall, Fantasyland
• Princess Tiana: Princess Fairytale Hall, Fantasyland
• Rapunzel: Princess Fairytale Hall, Fantasyland
• Belle: Enchanted Tales with Belle, Fantasyland
• Ariel (From the Animated Story): Ariel’s Grotto, Fantasyland
• Daisy Duck: Pete’s Silly Sideshow, Fantasyland
• Donald Duck: Pete’s Silly Sideshow, Fantasyland
• Goofy: Pete’s Silly Sideshow, Fantasyland
• Minnie Mouse: Pete’s Silly Sideshow, Fantasyland
• Chip n’ Dale: Storybook Circus, Fantasyland
• Peter Pan- Near Peter Pan’s Flight, Fantasyland
• Anastasia and Drizella: Cinderella Fountain, Fantasyland
• Mirabel: Fairytale Garden, Fantasyland
• Winnie the Pooh and Tigger: The Thotful Spot, Fantasyland
• Aladdin and Jasmine: Agrabah Bazaar, Adventureland
• Captain Jack Sparrow: Adventureland Stage, Adventureland
• Buzz Lightyear: Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin Exit, Tomorrowland

EPCOT

Remember to check the My Disney Experience app for up-to-date information on character locations and appearance times during your visit.

• Minnie Mouse: Park Entrance, World Celebration
• Goofy: Park Entrance, World Celebration
• Joy: ImageWorks, World Celebration
• Figment: ImageWorks, World Celebration
• Mickey Mouse: CommuniCore Hall, World Celebration
• Minnie Mouse: CommuniCore Hall, World Celebration
• Goofy: CommuniCore Hall, World Celebration
• Pluto: CommuniCore Hall, World Celebration
• Moana: Near Journey of Water – Inspired by Moana
• Asha from Wish: World Showcase Friendship Ambassador Gazebo, World Showcase
• Donald Duck: Mexico Promenade in Mexico, World Showcase
• Anna: Royal Sommerhus in Norway, World Showcase
• Elsa: Royal Sommerhus in Norway, World Showcase
• Mulan: Great Hall of China in China, World Showcase
• Snow White: Wishing Well in Germany, World Showcase
• Jasmine: Lamps of Wonder in Morocco, World Showcase
• Belle: Water’s Edge in France, World Showcase
• Aurora: France Gazebo in France, World Showcase
• Daisy Duck: International Gateway, World Showcase
• Alice in Wonderland: Tea Garden in the UK, World Showcase
• Mary Poppins: Garden Archway in the UK, World Showcase

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Keep in mind that character appearances may vary, so it’s best to check the official Disney World app or website for current schedules and locations during your visit.

• Donald Duck: Near Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular, Echo Lake
• Olaf: Celebrity Spotlight, Echo Lake
• Mickey Mouse: Red Carpet Dreams, Commissary Lane
• Minnie Mouse: Red Carpet Dreams, Commissary Lane
• Goofy: Grand Avenue
• Jessie: Toy Story Land Entrance, Toy Story Land
• Woody: Toy Story Land Entrance, Toy Story Land
• Buzz Lightyear: Toy Story Land Entrance, Toy Story Land
• Mr. Incredible: Pixar Plaza Gate West, Pixar Plaza
• Mrs. Incredible: Pixar Plaza Gate West, Pixar Plaza
• Edna Mode: Edna Mode Experience, Pixar Plaza
• Frozone: Pixar Plaza Palette, Pixar Plaza
• Sulley: Pixar Plaza
• Ariel (From the Live-Action Story): Inside Walt Disney Presents, Animation Courtyard
• Doc McStuffins: Animation Courtyard
• Fancy Nancy: Animation Courtyard
• Pluto: Animation Courtyard
• Vampirina: Animation Courtyard
• BB-8: Star Wars Launch Bay, Animation Courtyard
• Chewbacca: Star Wars Launch Bay, Animation Courtyard
• Darth Vader: Star Wars Launch Bay, Animation Courtyard

Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Remember to check the My Disney Experience app for up-to-date information on character locations and appearance times during your visit.

• Mickey Mouse: Adventurers Outpost, Discovery Island
• Minnie Mouse: Adventurers Outpost, Discovery Island
• Daisy Duck: Daisy’s Design Studio, DinoLand U.S.A.
• Chip: Upper Cretaceous Trail, DinoLand U.S.A.
• Dale: Upper Cretaceous Trail, DinoLand U.S.A.
• Donald Duck: Welcome Center, DinoLand U.S.A.
• Donald Duck: Donalds Dino Bash, DinoLand U.S.A.
• Dug and Kevin from Up: Discovery Island
• Moana: Character Landing, Discovery Island

Character Dining Experiences

Character dining offers a more personal way to meet Disney favorites while enjoying a meal. In fact, many Disney-goers prefer these meet-and-greet experiences compared to the ones offered in the parks, as you often have more time with the characters.

While not every restaurant offers a character dining experience, there are quite a few in both the parks and resorts for you to choose from. Just keep in mind that a dining reservation is highly recommended if you hope to eat at any of these locations. And, be sure to snag your reservation early as they tend to book up months in advance.

Also, note that character dining experiences are some of the priciest meals in Disney World. Prices often range from $29 to $59+ per person, depending on the location and meal time. You can see the pricing and full menu online before you book to be sure it’s a good fit for you and your family.

Here’s the full list of character dining experiences and who you can meet in Disney World:

Character Dining in the Parks

• Akershus Royal Banquet Hall Princess Storybook Dining at EPCOT – Snow White, Cinderella, Belle, Princess Aurora, Ariel, Mary Poppins, Jasmine
• Cinderella’s Royal Table at Magic Kingdom – Ariel, Belle, Princess Aurora, Jasmine, Snow White
• The Crystal Palace at Magic Kingdom – Winnie the Pooh, Tigger, Piglet, Eeyore
• Garden Grill at EPCOT – Chip and Dale, Mickey Mouse, Pluto
• Hollywood and Vine at Disney’s Hollywood Studios – Vampirina, Roadster Racer Goofy, Fancy Nancy, Doc McStuffins (Breakfast); Minnie Mouse, Mickey Mouse, Goofy, Pluto (Lunch and Dinner Seasonally)
• Tusker House at Disney’s Animal Kingdom – Donald Duck, Daisy Duck, Goofy, Mickey Mouse
• 1900 Park Fare at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa – Aladdin, Cinderella, Mirabel, and Tiana

Character Dining at the Resorts

• Chef Mickey’s at Disney’s Contemporary Resort – Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Goofy, Pluto
• ‘Ohana at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort (Breakfast Only) – Lilo, Stitch, Mickey, Pluto
• Cape May Cafe at Disney’s Beach Club (Breakfast Only) – Minnie Mouse, Goofy, Donald Duck, Daisy Duck
• Ravello at Four Seasons Resort Orlando (Saturday Breakfast Only) – Goofy, Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse
• Topolino’s Terrace — Flavors of the Riviera at Disney’s Riviera Resort (Breakfast Only) – Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, Daisy Duck
• Artist Point Storybook Dining at Artist Point with Snow White at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge – Snow White, Dopey, Grumpy, and a photo opportunity with The Evil Queen

Of course, character appearances may vary and are subject to change without notice. Check the official Disney World website for the most up-to-date information on available character dining options.

Special Events and Character Meet and Greets at Disney World

In addition to the meet-and-greets in the parks and resorts, Disney hosts special ticketed events throughout the year that include EXTRA opportunities to meet characters. And, oftentimes, the characters are these events are dressed in special costumes or are characters that can rarely be seen in the parks.

Note that all of these special events require a separate ticket and are an additional cost on top of your park ticket. Events do sell out so be sure to book your tickets early if you know you want to attend!

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party

This special Halloween party takes place in Magic Kingdom on select nights in August, September, and October. You’ll have the chance to meet rare characters in Halloween costumes PLUS some other characters that don’t greet guests during the day including Jack Skellington and Sally from “The Nightmare Before Christmas” and other Disney villains.

Wondering who you might see? Here’s the full list of character meet and greets at Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party in 2024:

• Sally & Jack Skellington
• Mickey Mouse
• Ariel and Prince Eric
• Belle
• Tigger, Pooh, Piglet, and Eeyore
• Alice & Mad Hatter
• Tweedle Dee & Tweedle Dum
• Queen of Hearts
• Drizella and Anastasia
• Mirabel & Bruno
• Seven Dwarfs
• Witch Minnie, Princess Daisy & Pumpkin Donald
• Pirate Goofy
• Abu and Aladdin
• Genie and Jasmine
• Jafar
• Captain Jack Sparrow
• Max Goof as Powerline
• Country Bears
• Elvis Stitch
• Timon
• Vamprinia
• Doc McStuffins
• Fancy Nancy
• Max Goof as Powerline

Note that these character meet-and-greets are subject to change. Check the My Disney Experience app or park map for the most up-to-date characters and their greeting times and locations.

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party

This holiday-themed event occurs in Magic Kingdom on select nights in November and December. Throughout the night, you’ll find characters dressed in their holiday best including Mickey and Minnie greeting together in Town Square Theater (which is a rare occurrence!). Of course, Santa Claus and other festive characters make an appearance as well with opportunities to meet Disney Princesses and Princes and many more. In fact, this special event boasts the most character meet-and-greets!

Here’s the full list of characters greeting guests during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party in 2024:

• Abu
• Aladdin
• Alice
• Ariel
• Aurora
• Belle
• Captain Jack Sparrow
• Chip
• Cinderella
• Country Bears
• Dale
• Daisy Duck
• Disney Junior Pals
• Donald Duck
• Eeyore
• Flynn Rider
• Genie
• Jack Skellington (as Sandy Claws)
• Jasmine
• Judy Hopps
• Mary Poppins
• Mickey Mouse
• Minnie Mouse
• Mirabel
• Naveen
• Nick Wilde
• Peter Pan
• Piglet
• Prince Charming
• Prince Eric
• Prince Florian
• Prince Phillip
• Rapunzel
• Sally
• Santa Claus
• Santa Goofy
• Scrooge McDuck
• Seven Dwarfs
• Snow White
• Stitch
• Tiana
• Tigger
• Toy Soldiers
• Tweedledee and Tweedledum
• The White Rabbit
• Winnie the Pooh

Note that these character meet-and-greets are subject to change. Check the My Disney Experience app or park map for the most up-to-date characters and their greeting times and locations.

Disney Jollywood Nights

Disney Jollywood Nights is an after-hours event held at Disney’s Hollywood Studios on select nights in November and December. Throughout the evening, the park is filled with festive happenings with an Old Hollywood flair, but there is no shortage of character meet-and-greets!

Here’s the full list of character meet-and-greets at Disney’s Jollywood Nights in 2024:

• Baloo (from Talespin)
• Bo Peep
• Chip (from Rescue Rangers)
• Daisy Duck
• Dale (from Rescue Rangers)
• Donald Duck
• Edna Mode
• Ferb
• Frozone
• Goofy
• José Carioca
• King Louie (from Talespin)
• Lotso
• Max Goof as Powerline
• Mickey Mouse
• Minnie Mouse
• Panchito
• Phineas
• Pluto
• Santa Duffy
• Santa Stitch

Tips and Tricks for the Best Character Meet and Greets at Disney World

Meeting guests is one of the most popular things to do in Disney World! We recommend that you arrive early to character meet and greets to avoid long lines. In fact, the best way to guarantee yourself a shorter line is to make the meet and greets one of the first things you do in the morning when you get to the park.

It’s also important to use the My Disney Experience app to your advantage! Check character locations and times before your park day to help you plan efficiently. It’s best to choose what characters you want to meet most and then try to meet them between rides throughout your day. Or, skip the lines altogether and book a character dining experience!

When it comes to actually interacting with the characters, have fun! Ask for autographs and tell them about your favorite parts of their movies. If you get them talking, you might be surprised by what they say they’ve been up to recently!

And, if you plan to meet a lot of characters during your trip and don’t want to have to worry about giving the Cast Members your phone for photos every time you meet a character, consider purchasing Memory Maker. PhotoPass photographers are located at every character meet and greet at Disney World and snap both candid and posed pictures of you with the characters. Memory Maker is cheaper to buy before your trip, so plan ahead!

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find the schedules for character meet and greets in Disney World?

The My Disney Experience app is your go-to resource for up-to-date character meeting times and locations. This tool provides real-time information as you explore the parks.

Each park also offers printed Times Guides with character greeting schedules. You can pick these up at the park entrance or guest services locations.

Which Disney park offers the most character meet and greet opportunities?

Magic Kingdom typically offers the most character meet and greet options. This park features a wide variety of classic Disney characters, princesses, and popular movie stars.

EPCOT comes in second and Disney’s Animal Kingdom offers the least amount of meet-and-greets.

Are there any additional costs for character meet and greets at Disney World?

Most character meet and greets are included with your park admission. No extra fees are required for the standard character encounters throughout the parks.

However, character dining experiences do come with an additional cost. These special meals require separate reservations and are not included in regular park tickets.

Comments

What are your favorite character meet and greets at Disney World? Let us know your best tips for meeting characters in the comments!