Check Out the Best Disney Meet-and-Greets

Coasters and other high-tech rides are all very well, but if you REALLY want to hit the highlights of Walt Disney World, you want to visit the many characters meet-and-greets that are sprinkled among the attractions.

Whether you have children or not – there’s simply no substitute for having a cuddle (and that all-important photo op!) with Mickey or a chance to meet that arch baddie Darth Vader.

These are the – mostly unscripted – moments when you can really connect with the whimsy and fantasy that our theme parks do better than anywhere else. And, whether it’s the Magic Kingdom or one of the other Disney parks, there’s definitely a character meeting for you that’s sure to set the seal on your holiday.

No children? No worries. If you ever thought you were “too old” for meeting Minnie or clowning around with Chip ’n’ Dale, think again! Absolutely no-one will bat an eyelid at two grown-ups on their own in the queue for Mickey or everyone’s favourite snowman, Olaf. But you also want to make sure you try the BEST meet-and-greets that the parks have to offer, so we’re here to point out the good, the better and the very best when it comes to cuddling a character.

Character Meet and Greets in Magic Kingdom

With four extensive theme parks, it stands to reason the House of Mouse will have ample opportunity to provide that all-important character moment or two, and it all starts, fittingly, at the Magic Kingdom, where there are no fewer than eight major set-piece opportunities and three roaming areas where you might find the characters. And, while you can’t go wrong with any of them, there are four that are guaranteed five-star experiences:

Meet Mickey: There’s simply no better place to get that key photo with the Head Mouse than this lovely set-piece venue inside the Town Square Theater (on the right as you enter the Magic Kingdom). Here, in Mickey’s “Rehearsal Room,” is the perfect setting for the occasion, along with a few magical touches.

Princess Fairytale Hall: This elaborate Fantasyland venue set the new standard for character meet-and-greets when it opened in 2013, providing a truly regal backdrop for visits with Cinderella and a “visiting Princess” (currently Elena of Avalor), plus two more of a rotating cast that includes Rapunzel and Tiana.

Ariel’s Grotto: Once you have ridden the ride, it’s pretty much essential to follow the Voyage of the Little Mermaid into the adjacent cave for a meeting with the undersea sensation herself, which is another exercise in nicely themed venues.

Enchanted Tales with Belle: This is probably the best of them all, a genuine walk-through attraction that evolves into a visit to the Beast’s Library where Belle greets guests with a retelling of her classic story, and children get to play a part in it! The trick with the Enchanted Mirror is worth coming in for on its own, too.

Character Meet and Greets in Epcot

You should head here for a brand-new opportunity for a real character fest, as well as some cool meeting spots in World Showcase. The essential threesome are as follows:

Mickey & Friends: Part of the five-year transformation of the park included the creation of new central area World Celebration, and its purpose-built venue, CommuniCore Hall, which is now home to Mickey & Friends. This colourful World Expo setting boasts three separate indoor areas and now hosts Mickey, Minnie and Goofy, but it does allow for other rotating characters to stop by in future.

Imagination Character Meets: Also in World Celebration and inside the ImageWorks exit to the Imagination ride is this chance to meet one of Epcot’s most iconic and beloved characters, Figment the friendly dragon, who epitomises the element of imagination. To us, this is another don’t-miss opportunity.

Royal Sommerhus: Head to Norway for this elaborate setting in which to meet Princesses Anna and Elsa, the stars of Frozen. The royal sisters hang out at this summer cabin venue usually from 9.15am to 6.30pm and offer another excellent indoor set-piece for a truly charming meet-and-greet.

While you’re in the pavilions of World Showcase you should also keep an eye out for outdoor meetings with each of Donald Duck (Mexico), Mulan (China), Snow White (Germany), Princess Jasmine (Morocco), Sleeping Beauty and Belle (France), and Alice in Wonderland and Winnie the Pooh (UK).

Character Meet and Greets in Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Disney’s film-themed park is full of genuine movie magic, and that includes its various set-piece character venues, which include another four must-see opportunities for that magical photo moment:

Celebrity Spotlight: Here’s a chance to meet that lovable snow creation, Olaf, in a special chilled-out setting in the Echo Lake section of the park. Arendelle’s coolest resident can be found in full summer fashion and still appreciates a warm hug.

Red Carpet Dreams: If you’ve ever wanted your own chance to walk the famous movie red carpet, here is the meet-and-greet for you! This indoor location in Commissary Lane features Mickey and Minnie at their glamorous best, including Mickey in his eye-catching Fantasia costume.

Star Wars Launch Bay: Head to Animation Courtyard for a true character-fest from a Galaxy far, far, away. This former shop-front is now the home of each of Darth Vader, Astromech droid BB-8 and Chewbacca, who each have their own unique meet-and-greet style in best Star Wars fashion.

The whole of the Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge land is also a great character opportunity as there will be roving characters throughout the day, including those two new Star Wars heroes The Mandalorian and Grogu, as well as a mix of Chewbacca, Rey, Resistance spy Vi Morada, Kylo Ren and some of those menacing Storm Troopers.

Character Meet and Greets in Animal Kingdom

The final member of Disney’s Florida quartet isn’t quite the same character-loaded experience as the others, but it still offers another three outstanding choices to get some face time with the likes of Mickey, Moana, Donald and others:

Adventurers Outpost: In the heart of the central Discovery Island hub, you’ll find this indoor hideaway for Mickey and Minnie. Dressed in best safari style, the classic duo is perfectly poised for memorable photos amid a treasure trove of collectibles from their worldwide expeditions.

Character Landing: Also in Discovery Island, a long-running stage for various characters is currently home for the star of the film Moana, the voyager of Motonui. The Tree of Life backdrop adds extra lustre to photos but be aware the character(s) can change seasonally.

Donald’s Dino Bash: This “prehistoric party” in the DinoLand USA area of the park is ideal for some great interactions with Donald and Daisy Duck, Chip ’n’ Dale and Goofy. It runs intermittently from 10am to 6pm and is also set outdoors, hence it can be a bit warm. You might also want to catch this experience sooner rather than later as it will be part of the big changeover to the new land of the Tropical Americas at some stage in the next year.

Oh, and be sure to look out for the captivating Divine roaming the walkways of the Oasis section. Disguised as a moving vine, this 10ft-tall character creation is actually performance artist Priscilla Bright concealed in a mass of plant-like foliage.

Finally: Can’t find the characters or looking for a specific one? Be sure to stop at the Guest Relations office at any of the parks (inside the City Hall building in Town Square at the Magic Kingdom) and they can provide chapter and verse on who you can meet, where and at what times.

Next time: The Best of Disney Character Dining

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