Disney World Characters: Where to Find Them ALL at Walt Disney World? 

Question of the Week: Where to meet Disney World characters inside the parks?

One of the things frequent Disney parks visitors have been looking forward to the most since they reopened during the pandemic, was the return of Disney character meet-and-greet experiences.

These experiences are essential to what makes the Disney parks so special. Everyone, no matter the age, always recalls how special it is when they meet Mickey Mouse for the very first time.

Every person nostalgically looks back on that moment when they met their favorite princess, Pixar or Star Wars character in real life in the parks.

This is because these characters are given so much life, personality and relatability. The ability to be able to see a part of yourself in these characters are what truly make these such pivotal and iconic moments in the lives of those who visit.

Cinderella Castle View from Tomorrowland
Cinderella Castle View from Tomorrowland

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What’s New with the Disney World Characters?

Since the parks reopened, the parks have managed to allow characters to be seen through cavalcades, a sort of mini parade.

Only just last month did Disney return the full meet and greet experiences again which you can view on the My Disney Experience app. I will dive a bit deeper later on.

My Disney Experience Sign in and create account
Website Screenshot

For now, we are going to discuss where you can currently find characters throughout Walt Disney World property, along with photo tips and etiquette for meeting them.

Epcot Festival of the Arts 3D Art Chalk of Frozen Characters

Masks are also no longer required for immunized Guests throughout the Walt Disney World Resort. Also, many characters and their locations will continue to be added as Disney reintroduces them.

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Where to find The Fab Five Disney World Characters?

When you think “Disney World”, you’re first thought is most likely Mickey Mouse! But where can you find Mickey and his friends? Not to worry, I have you covered!

Minnie and Mickey Mouse Topiary in Front of Cinderella Castle

1. Mickey Mouse

Mickey Mouse has returned to his meet and greet spot in Magic Kingdom at Town Square Theater. When you enter on the right-hand side of Magic Kingdom, it’ll be the first building you see on your immediate right after the tunnel.

Mickey Mouse on Main Street USA for Christmas at Disney Magic Kingdom
Photo Courtesy of the Disney Co.

If you enter from the left side, after the tunnel, turn to your immediate right and the theater is straight ahead.

Mickey is currently meeting guests in his Disney World 50th Celebration outfit in this location. He can occasionally be seen after cavalcades in Magic Kingdom on the second floor of the train station and the windows on Hollywood Boulevard at Hollywood Studios.

2. Minnie Mouse

Minnie Mouse has returned to her meet-and-greet spot in Hollywood Studios. She is located in Red Carpet Dreams on Commissary Lane where you can meet her in a gorgeous pink Hollywood glamour gown.

Minnie Mouse character meet at Disney World Hollywood Studios solo trip with NikkyJ

3. Goofy

Goofy can be found occasionally roaming in Hollywood Studios or Epcot doing some fun activities like fishing or hanging out with his son, Max Goof. They pop out randomly, so you have to simply keep an eye out for them.

Goofy at Blizzard Beach Water Park

Most times, they can be found near Echo Lake or the hill near Hollywood Brown Derby at Hollywood Studios or near the Journey to Imagination Lawn.

4. Pluto

You can meet Pluto near the entrance of EPCOT by the famous painted mural. You can also find him in many of the cavalcades throughout the Disney Parks.

New Fantasyland at Magic Kingdom Story Book Circus Pluto

5. Donald Duck

You can meet Donald Duck on many of the Disney Cavalcades, plus he always makes an appearance at some of the character dining breakfast locations such as Cape May, Tusker House, Topolino’s Terrace, and Garden Grill.

Topolino’s Terrace at Disney’s Riviera Resort Donald Duck and Daisy Duck at Character Dining
Donald and Daisy Duck at Topolino’s Terrace

More Places to Meet the Fab Five Disney World Characters

As of right now, most of the characters are out at random times but there are guaranteed ways to see or meet these characters: cavalcades and character dining!

Animal Kingdom Character Cavalcade on water

Here is a list of the cavalcades, dining experiences and characters you will see in them. Keep in mind, one option requires paying but it’s a guaranteed meet and greet!

Mickey’s Hollywood Studios Cavalcade

  • Mickey Mouse
  • Minnie Mouse
  • Donald Duck
  • Goofy
  • Pluto
  • Chip ‘n’ Dale

Mickey and Friends Flotilla at Animal Kingdom

  • Mickey Mouse
  • Minnie Mouse
  • Pluto
  • Donald Duck
  • Daisy Duck
  • Goofy
  • Chip ‘n’ Dale

Mickey and Friends Magic Kingdom Cavalcade

  • Mickey Mouse
  • Minnie Mouse
  • Donald Duck
  • Daisy Duck
  • Pluto

Goofy and Friends Magic Kingdom Cavalcade

  • Goofy
  • Max Goof
  • Clarabelle Cow

Character Dining Experiences with Fab Five

  • Chef Mickey’s
  • Garden Grill
  • Good Morning Breakfast with Goofy and his Pal
  • Hollywood and Vine (Note: Mickey and Pals are usually available for seasonal events at this location)
  • Topolino’s Terrace
  • Tusker House

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Chip ‘n’ Dale at Disney World

Now, where can you meet Chip and Dale at Disney World? These two rambunctious brothers can be found at Hollywood studios usually hunting for some scrumptious treats on the Hollywood Brown Derby grassy hill.

Dinoland Chip and Dale Meet and Greet Animal Kingdom with Victoria Wade. Disney Characters at Disney World.

Be sure to offer them treats for a fun experience!

Recommended: 10 BEST Magic Kingdom Shows You Have to See!

Where to Find the Disney Princesses at Walt Disney World?

Next up, well, it wouldn’t be Disney without those dreamy, brave and fantastic Disney princesses. You can see the ladies in cavalcades at Magic Kingdom and Epcot’s World Showcase.

Cavalcade at Disney Magic Kingdom with Tinker Bell

Currently, the only character dining experience on property featuring Disney Princesses is Storybook Dining at Wilderness Lodge’s Artist Point Restaurant.

Here, you can meet characters from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, which is one of my most recommended character dining experiences.

But fortunately, Princess Fairytale Hall at Magic Kingdom has recently reopened so let’s dive into where you can meet some of the ladies!

1. Princess Fairytale Hall

Princess Fairytale Hall is located in Fantasyland at the Magic Kingdom right near the carousel. This is where you can meet up to 4 Disney princesses. There are two sides to the hall.

Princess Tiana in a beautiful gown at the Magic Kingdom. Disney Characters at Disney World.
Princess Tiana in a beautiful gown at the Magic Kingdom

One side where you can meet Princess Tiana and Rapunzel and on the other side, it’s Cinderella and Elena of Avalor. Occasionally, a visiting princess friend will be in the hall, which is all part of the fun and magic of the hall!

2. Anna and Elsa

It’s best to get these two out of the way now haha. By far, amongst the most popular princesses to visit.

Frozen Ever After Ride with Elsa

In fact, when the film first came out, they would meet in Princess Fairytale Hall causing wait between 5-7 hours. This is why the Sumerhaus in Norway Pavilion in EPCOT was built for them.

Norway Frozen Summer House Entrance

Currently, the first ladies of Arendelle meet outside this location. They also have a singalong show at Hollywood Studios where you can see them and other friends from the Frozen films.

3. Snow White

As mentioned before, Snow White is one of the characters that you can meet at Storybook Dining at Artist Point. But this little gooseberry can be met near a wishing well, of course, in Germany Pavilion in EPCOT.

Snow White and Seven Dwarfs topiary at Epcot Flower and Garden Festival

4. Princess Jasmine

Jasmine currently meets on the stage in Morocco Pavilion in the EPCOT theme park.

Morocco Pavilion at Epcot Fez House Architecture

5. Mulan

Mulan meets at the entrance of the Temple of Heaven replica building and sometimes in the garden near the entrance of the triple arched ceremonial gate. This is located in the China Pavilion at EPCOT.

Epcot China Pavilion Chinese Temple overlooking pond

6. Belle

Typically, most guests would meet Belle in Enchanted Tales with Belle in Fantasyland at the Magic Kingdom. Currently this attraction is not open. However, you are able to meet Belle in France Pavilion in EPCOT.

Magic Kingdom New Fantasyland Enchanted Tales with Belle

Belle has her own show in Hollywood Studios in a Broadway style theater towards the end of Sunset Boulevard.

Beauty and the Beast at Hollywood Studios
Beauty and the Beast at Hollywood Studios

7. Princess Aurora

Aurora is greeting guests at France Pavilion at EPCOT currently and switches out spots in the same location as Belle.

Princess Aurora from Sleeping Beauty at Disney Epcot

8. Merida

Merida has her own meet and greet location near Cosmic Ray’s where Fantasyland starts. Currently, she is not meeting here and can only be seen in cavalcades.

Cosmic Ray's Starlight Cafe Entrance Magic Kingdom

9. Ariel

Ariel has her own meet-and-greet area in the back of Fantasyland right next door to the Under the Sea attraction. Currently, she is not meeting here and can only be seen in the cavalcades.

Magic Kingdom New Fantasyland Ariel Ride

10. Pocahontas

Pocahontas can usually be found at the very end of the Discovery Island Trails right before you cross the bridge into Dinoland USA at Animal Kingdom. She is currently not meeting here and can only be seen on the Discovery River Flotillas.

Pocahontas and Meeko sail down Discovery River as part of the holiday celebrations happening at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Kent Phillips photographer
Photo Courtesy of Disney Co.

Rare Disney Character Meet-and-Greets

The princesses do interact with guests from a distance at the end of their cavalcade in Magic Kingdom from the second floor of the train station.

Occasionally, you will see more princess like Moana, Mulan, Elena, and more, but it depends on the day.

Reimagined guest rooms inside Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla., feature details from Moana (Kent Phillips, photographer)
Photo Courtesy of Disney Co.

On rare occasions, Moana will greet guests at Polynesian Village Resort.

Where to find Pixar characters at Walt Disney World?

Pixar characters have become an integral part of the Disney Parks. We tend to see them more at Disneyland with its Pixar Pier section available.

Toy Story Land Green Army Man Holding Elmer's Glue

Sadly, at this moment in time, you can only see Pixar characters via the Pixar Pals Cavalcade. The characters included are Mr. and Mrs. Incredible, Edna Mode, Sully from Monsters Inc., The green army men, Jessie, Woody and Buzz from Toy Story.

Epcot Flower and Garden Festival Toy Story Topiary with Woody and Bo Peep

Prior to the pandemic, you could meet Buzz, Woody and Jessie in Toy Storyland in Hollywood Studios and Edna Mode had her own meet-and-greet behind Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway.

Christmas in Toy Story Land with Woody in Santa Scarf

Buzz has his own meet and greet area right next to Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin. Currently, these experiences are not available but are expected to return in 2022.

Occasionally, you can see Joy from Inside Out spreading…well Joy on the Journey to Imagination lawn at EPCOT and you can chat it up with Crush from Finding Nemo at the Turtle Talk with Crush in the Seas at EPCOT.

Where to find Star Wars characters at Disney World?

With the introduction of Star Wars: Launch Bay and Galaxy’s Edge, which oddly enough is on complete opposite sides of the park from one another, we have gained quite a few characters that we are able to meet in the expanded world of Star Wars.

Star Wars Rise of Resistance Storm Trooper Scene

Star Wars Launch Bay

At this exhibit/meet and greet/gift shop location in animation courtyard, you have the ability to meet a variety of beloved characters from the franchise.

Chewbecca from star wars

I have to preface that currently these meet-and-greets aren’t available. However, once they return, you can meet BB-8, Darth Vader, Kylo Ren and Chewbacca and occasionally the Stormtroopers will walk around the courtyard area.

Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge

Over in Batuu aka Galaxy’s Edge, our Star Wars friends slowly our returning to chat with guests!

Rey Skywalker and Vi Moradi have been seen recently near some parked ships chatting with visitors. Chewbacca has been wandering around fixing up some transports to get off that god forsaken planet soon hopefully.

Rey in Star Wars Land. Disney Characters at Disney World.

Kylo Ren and his stormtroopers have been recruiting on the main stage near the Blue Milk cart so stay clear and have your intergalactic identification ready to show just in case.

Recommended: May the 4th Be with You! 5 Ways To Celebrate Star Wars Day At Home

Where to find Disney Junior characters at Disney World?

Now if you’re like me, you’re fairly accustomed to the Disney Junior characters if you work in childcare or have younger family members. Thankfully, some Disney Junior friends have recently returned to their locations located in Animation Courtyard!

Disney Hollywood Studios Entrance Sign

They are very easy to find! As soon as you enter Animation Courtyard all the way to your immediate right at the end of Hollywood Boulevard, it will be on your immediate right again after you cross the archway.

Disney Hollywood Studios Mickey Mouse Cavalcade Parade

You are able to meet Doc McStuffins, Vampirina and Fancy Nancy at this location. You would normally be able to join some more Disney Junior characters at the adjacent Dance party but it is temporarily unavailable.

In the meantime, you can see Fancy Nancy, Doc McStuffins and Vampirina in their own Cavalcade.

Hipster Power Tip: You can always book breakfast at Hollywood and Vine and dig in with some of these Disney characters!

10 Tips for Taking Photos with Disney World Characters (Proper Etiquette)

Since more individualized meet-and-greets are slowly returning, we all have to prepare and adapt for a new normal post pandemic.

Daisy Duck and Goofy at Disney World Character Dining Breakfast Cape May

With that being said, I have spoken to a few pals who are former character attendants to give you the very best tips on taking photos and how to behave during a meet and greet experience.

1. Get Familiar with the Characters

First thing to remember is that these characters are coming straight from the very familiar stories you know and love. So, to make the experience fun, you would want to talk about things they know about.

Tigger at Disney World Character Dining Breakfast

For example, we know Anna loves chocolate so ask her about her favorite kinds! Characters won’t really understand things that are not in their world so try to keep conversation topics to things relatable to their story.

If you wanted, you could even bring Anna your favorite kind of chocolate!

2. Keep the Magic Going

If you are around children at a meet-and-greet location and a character is going to check in on something, please don’t say things like “Olaf is going to the bathroom” or “Mickey is taking a smoke break.

Princess Cavalcade with Aurora Ariel Elena. Disney Characters at Disney World.

Character Integrity keeps the magic alive for everyone around.

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3. Don’t be Nervous

Don’t be afraid about being shy or nervous when meeting with characters! Usually, the characters will engage the conversation and lead it.

How to find characters in disney world with darth maul

4. Have Your Autograph Book Ready

Once this is allowed again post pandemic, have your autograph books open, out and ready for characters to sign. This allows more time for the character to give more attention to you.

Epcot Flower and Garden Festival Mary Poppins in UK Pavilion

5. Be Patient

Remember to be patient and use the manners you were raised with. Doing things like snapping your fingers or yelling at characters is a sure-fire way to be ignored.

NikkyJ ThemeParkHipster Disney World Characters

Wait for the Disney character to acknowledge you and be kind to them.

6. Have Your Camera Ready

Have your phone or camera ready to snap during sighting experiences. Also, be sure to stand near the socially distanced barrier so the character knows to eventually acknowledge you.

Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse on Main Street USA with Christmas Outfits at the Magic Kingdom Disney Characters at Disney World
Photo Courtesy of Disney Co.

7. Listen to the Cast Members

It is important to listen to everything the character attendant says. What they are saying isn’t to be annoying or rude, but to simply make sure all Guests have a seamless and memorable experience.

Pluto in fronts of Spaceship Earth mural at Epcot

8. Ask if It’s Okay to Record

Ask characters and/or attendants if it is okay to video record something. This especially goes for Tik Tok trends, as characters have to abide by character integrity.

Best Buffet in Disney World Cape May with NikkyJ and Goofy. Disney Characters at Disney World.

Please do not come up to them with cameras in their face and put them on the spot. Be polite and ask kindly.

9. Solo Travelers are Welcome!

If you are having a solo Disney trip, don’t be afraid to ask another Guest or Cast Member to take a photo for you. If you go with this option, try to ask before it’s your turn.

Gaston at the Magic Kingdom. Disney Characters at Disney World.

Some locations use photo machines to take photos in indoor locations so make sure to ask before your turn comes.

10. Get Good with Taking Selfies

Perfect your selfie angles because most of the time, that’s the photo you will be taking for yourself!

Topolino’s Terrace at Disney’s Riviera Resort NikkyJ Minnie Mouse and Mickey Mouse at Character Dining

Recap of Where to Find Disney Characters

Let’s quickly go over where you can find many of your favorite Disney Characters. Please remember that many of the characters and locations can change at ANYTIME. Especially after the pandemic.

Where to find Disney World characters at the parks?

Disney Characters at the Magic Kingdom Theme Park

  • Aladdin in Adventureland/Liberty Square
  • Ariel at Her Grotto in Fantasyland
  • Aurora in Princess Fairytale Hall in Fantasyland
  • Belle at Enchanted Tales with Belle in Fantasyland
  • Buzz Lightyear in Tommorrowland
  • Cinderella in Princess Fairytale Hall in Fantasyland
  • Country Bears in Frontierland
  • Daisy Duck in Fantasyland
  • Donald Duck in Fantasyland
  • Elena at Princess Fairytale Hall
  • Gaston near his tavern in Fantasyland
  • Goofy in Fantasyland
  • Jasmine in Adventureland and Liberty Square
  • Jessie and Woody in Frontierland
  • Mary Poppins in West Plaza Garden
  • Merida at Fairytale Garden in Fantasyland
  • Mickey Mouse in Town Square
  • Minnie Mouse in Town Square
  • Peter Pan near Neverland Map in Fantasyland
  • Pluto in Town Square
  • Princess Tiana in Princess Fairytale Hall in Fantasyland
  • Rapunzel in Princess Fairytale Hall in Fantasyland
  • Snow White in Town Square
  • Stitch in Tomorrowland
  • The Beast at Be Our Guest Restaurant in Fantasyland
  • Tigger near Winnie the Pooh attraction in Fantasyland
  • Tinker Bell in Town Square
  • Winnie the Pooh in Fantasyland

Disney Characters at Epcot

NikkyJ with Tinker Bell Fairy Friend at the Magic Kingdom Theme Park Therapy. Solo Travel Quotes Disney World Characters

Disney Characters in Hollywood Studios

  • Bolt at Center Stage Courtyard
  • Buzz Lightyear and Woody at Toy Story Land
  • Rey, Kylo Ren, Stormtroppers and Chewbacca at Star Wars TM Launch Bay and Galaxy’s Edge
  • Chip ‘n’ Dale near Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater at Commissary Lane
  • Daisy Duck near entrance inside Sid Cahuenga’s
  • Doc McStuffins at Animation Courtyard
  • Donald Duck near entrance inside Sid Cahuenga’s
  • Goofy at Center Stage Courtyard
  • Green Army Men at Toy Story Land
  • Jake the Never Land Pirate at Animation Courtyard
  • Mickey Mouse at Red Carpet Dreams
  • Minnie Mouse at Red Carpet Dreams
  • Olaf at Celebrity Spotlight
  • Pluto at Animation Courtyard
  • Sofia in the Animation Courtyard
  • Woody at Toy Story Land

Characters at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park

  • Baloo in Upcountry Landing
  • Chip and Dale in Conservation Station
  • Dug and Russell in Wilderness Explorers Club House
  • Flik in Discovery Island Trail
  • Goofy in Dinoland U.S.A.
  • King Louie in Upcountry Landing
  • Mickey Mouse in Adventurers Outpost
  • Minnie Mouse in Adventurers Outpost
  • Pocahontas at Character Landing
  • Rafiki in Conservation Station
  • Tarzan in Discovery Island near Island Mercantile

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Final Thoughts on Meeting Disney World Characters

This is just a small taste of everything that Disney World has to offer guests when it comes to spotting characters in the parks.

Magic Kingdom Halloween Mickey Mouse and Pluto in Costumes. Disney Characters at Disney World.

There are other sighting opportunities such as the welcome show at Magic Kingdom. Also, there are the cavalcades like the Disney Adventure Friends Cavalcade and the return of Festival of Fantasy parade.

Topolino’s Terrace at Disney’s Riviera Resort Minnie Mouse in black and white with red dress for character dining
Minnie Mouse at Topolino’s Terrace

Disney has announced a few more character experiences are coming back in a modified capacity. the best way to manage is to adapt and make the best of these changes. In the end you can still make wonderful memories with these beloved characters.

Where to find Disney World characters at the parks?
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As these experiences come back, this article will be updated to add them. I hope you have a magical time with these Disney friends on your next visit!

Which characters are your favorite to meet at the parks? Be sure to share with us and your photos in our Facebook Group!

Until next time, Happy Park Hopping Hipsters!

About the Author

Victoria Wade Disney Writer at ThemeParkHipster

About the Author

Victoria is a professional solo traveler here to make your solo trips as stress free AND enjoyable as possible for you.

She has over 5 years of Disney and Non-Disney travel experience and was featured by POPSUGAR as one of the Top 50 Black Disney Creators you should follow.

She is a Proud Native to Baltimore, Md but always will call Disney World home. You can find her at Disney Tea with V.

(Original Article Date: February 28, 2018/Updated May 10, 2022 by Editor)

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2 thoughts on “Disney World Characters: Where to Find Them ALL at Walt Disney World? ”

  1. When will normal traditional pre-pandemic Disney Character meet & greets return to Disneyland & all Disney Parks where all guests are interacting, hugging &/or high-fiving or hand-shaking, & taking pictures with all their favorite Disney Character friends up close in person again?

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