Pack your autograph books and ready your cameras, for we’re about to embark on a journey through the top five character hotspots.
However, first, the best way to meet characters’ is to plan, plan and plan some more. The best way to do this is to download the Disney ‘My Experience app’. You can find on the app where all the characters’ are in Walt Disney World for all meet and greets It will also show which character will be there and you can search where to meet your favorite character. It is a great planning tool and I used it many times on my WDW visits.
1. Magic Kingdom: Town Square Theater
Who You Can Meet:
Head straight to Town Square Theater on Main Street, U.S.A., and discover a portal to character wonderland. Here, you might find Mickey Mouse himself, dressed to the nines in his magician’s best!
Wait Times:
Magic Kingdom’s popularity knows no bounds, so the wait times can vary. However, fear not! Mickey’s magic isn’t constrained by time, and the enchantment is well worth the wait.
Best Time to Meet:
Early mornings or during parade times can be more favorable. Keep an eye on the schedule, and you might just catch Mickey between his magical acts.
Autograph Books and Photos:
Bring your autograph book, for here, Mickey loves to leave his signature, a treasure to cherish forever. Cameras ready! Mickey’s always up for a photo, and who wouldn’t want a snapshot with the true maestro of the Magic Kingdom?
2. Epcot: The Garden Grill Restaurant
Who You Can Meet:
Venture into The Garden Grill in the Land Pavilion at Epcot, and you’re in for a feast – not just for your stomach but also for your heart! Here, you might dine with characters’ like Chip ‘n’ Dale, Mickey Mouse, and friends.
Wait Times:
As a part of a character dining experience, you can enjoy your meal while the characters’ make their rounds, ensuring your wait time is as delightful as it is delicious.
Best Time to Meet:
Early breakfast or during lunch is an excellent time to meet characters’ here. Plus, you get to enjoy some delectable food while you wait for the fabulous five to swing by.
Autograph Books and Photos:
The characters’ at The Garden Grill are accustomed to the paparazzi. Have your autograph book handy, and take advantage of the photo opportunities as they make their way around your table.
3. Disney’s Hollywood Studios: Animation Courtyard
Who You Can Meet:
Dive into Animation Courtyard for a character extravaganza. Here, you might cross paths with Olaf from Frozen, Mike and Sulley from Monsters, Inc., or the ever-charming Disney Junior Pals.
Wait Times:
The popularity of these characters’ means that the wait times can vary. But fear not! The charm of these pals is worth every minute of anticipation.
Best Time to Meet:
Early mornings or during the afternoon can be opportune times. Keep an eye on the schedule for specific character appearances.
Autograph Books and Photos:
Each character here is a star, ready to sign your autograph book and pose for the perfect picture. Be camera-ready, and let the character magic unfold!
4. Disney’s Animal Kingdom: Adventurers Outpost
Who You Can Meet:
Embark on a wild expedition to Adventurers Outpost, nestled in Discovery Island at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Here, you might cross paths with Mickey and Minnie, dressed in their adventurous best.
Wait Times:
As with any great adventure, the wait times can vary. But worry not! The thrill of meeting Mickey and Minnie in their explorer attire is worth the wait.
Best Time to Meet:
Early afternoons or later in the day could be more convenient. Keep an eye on the schedule for the times when Mickey and Minnie are charting their course at Adventurers Outpost.
Autograph Books and Photos:
Mickey and Minnie love leaving their mark in your autograph book, and they’re always ready for a picture-perfect moment. Capture the explorer spirit with these iconic Disney characters’!
5. Character Dining at Chef Mickey’s – Disney’s Contemporary Resort
Who You Can Meet:
Chef Mickey’s, located at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, is a dining destination like no other. Feast your eyes on the Fab Five – Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Goofy, and Pluto – as they visit your table during this character dining extravaganza.
Wait Times:
As part of a character dining experience, the characters’ come to you! Enjoy your meal, and let the stars of the show make their way around, ensuring minimal wait times.
Best Time to Meet:
Breakfast, brunch, or dinner – anytime is a magical time at Chef Mickey’s. Reservations are recommended, so be sure to secure your spot at the dining table of enchantment.
Autograph Books and Photos:
As the characters’ visit your table, have your autograph books ready and cameras snapping. This is a dining experience where the memories on your plate are as memorable as the photos you capture with the iconic Disney characters’.
Tips for a Stellar Character Encounter:
- Plan, Plan and Plan: Use the Disney ‘My Experience app’ to see where the characters’ are and plan your route to rides, shows, dining and more to meet the characters’ on the way.
- Character Dining Reservations: Make reservations for character dining experiences well in advance to secure your spot at the table of enchantment.
- Autograph Books: Don’t forget your autograph book! Characters love leaving their mark, creating timeless mementos.
- Cameras and Phones: Keep your cameras and phones handy for impromptu photos. You never know when a magical moment might unfold.
- Costumes for Little Ones: If your little ones have a favorite Disney costume, let them wear it! Characters love seeing mini versions of themselves.
As you venture into these character wonderlands, may your autograph books be filled to the brim, your cameras be ready for that perfect shot, and your hearts be brimming with the joy that only Disney characters’ can bring. Here’s to magical meet-and-greets and whimsical memories that last a lifetime!