One of the most magical experiences at Walt Disney World is meeting some of our beloved Disney, Pixar, and Star Wars characters. When Walt Disney World reopened after the shutdown, the Parks looked and felt highly different without these experiences.
Slowly characters started to make their way back into the Parks, bringing joy to Guests everywhere. Although these initial experiences were different, they were still just as magical. Finally, traditional meet and greets and character interactions returned to the Parks in April 2022. It has been a long two years without hugs and autographs.
Because of how unique these interactions are to a Walt Disney World vacation, we wanted to share our favorite characters to meet throughout Walt Disney World. Add these experiences to your must-do list! You won’t be sorry.
Mickey Mouse
Our first one shouldn’t surprise anyone. Our number one character, meet and greet each vacation, is Mickey Mouse. It is excellent that Guests have the opportunity to meet Mickey Mouse in a variety of places throughout Walt Disney World. This makes it easy to find time for this experience to happen.
In each of the four Disney Parks, Guests can say hello to Mickey. At each Park, however, he is in a different outfit. Make sure you consider this when determining where you want to say hello.
Mickey can be seen at EPCOT at World Celebration in his traditional outfit. Wearing his adorable safari outfit, Mickey can be seen at both Tusker House and Adventurers Outpost. Sorcerer Mickey meets at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and right now, he is in his majestic 50th Anniversary outfit in Magic Kingdom at Tony’s Town Square Theatre.
There are also a few restaurants where Guests can see Mickey while they enjoy a meal. Chef Mickey’s, Topolino’s, and Ohana’s breakfasts are all places Mickey stops by.
It wouldn’t be a trip to Walt Disney World without a stop to say hello to Mickey Mouse.
Anastasia and Drizella
One of our favorite duos at Walt Disney World to meet is the evil stepsisters of Anastasia and Drizella. This combo is one of the best meet and greets that Guests can experience in the Disney Parks. They meet in the Enchanted Glade Gazebo in Liberty Square at Magic Kingdom. They are also sometimes spotted around Cinderella Castle.
This duo is so great because they are different from all the other characters. Guests will meet at Disney. These two sisters are constantly bickering, looking for any suitable male, and wanting to look the best. Their commentary is hilarious, and we love the fun.
Even if you don’t want to meet them, stop by and see them interact with other Guests.
Stitch
Experiment 626, aka Stitch, is another favorite character we enjoy meeting at Walt Disney World. Right now, the breakfast at Ohana is the only place where Guests can have one-on-one interaction with Stitch. They can enjoy breakfast while visiting with Stitch, Lilo, Mickey, and Pluto.
Guests are able to see Stitch in Magic Kingdom on the Rocket Tower Plaza stage in Tomorrowland. He shares the stage with Buzz Lightyear, so make sure to check the Times Guide for specific times.
Winnie the Pooh
Winnie the Pooh is one of the most adorable characters to meet in Walt Disney World. This cuddly old bear can be found in a few places at Walt Disney World. In EPCOT, Winnie the Pooh can enjoy the weather and stroll near the Imagination Pavilion. Even though it is still a distant experience, it is still highly adorable.
Guests can also find Winnie the Pooh in Fantasyland next to The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh ride. Here Guests can get an autograph and a big bear hug from Winnie the Pooh. Sometimes Tigger even joins Winnie the Pooh.
Chip and Dale
Don’t miss out on Chip and Dale while at Walt Disney World. These adorable chipmunks are having fun in Disney’s Hollywood Studios outside Hollywood Brown Derby. They are often seen having a fun picnic together.
These two are also found in Disney’s Animal Kingdom dressed as fun Dinosaurs in Dinoland, USA. This is part of Donald’s Dino-Bash. They are super cute and full of mischief.
They also host meals at Garden Grill in EPCOT. This is a family-style meal featuring fresh items from the gardens below.
It is fun to see the two characters interact with one another as they enjoy entertaining Guests.
Donald Duck
Our final pick for characters not to miss at Walt Disney World is Donald Duck. Take time to see Donald shake his tail feathers during your vacation.
There are a lot of places where Guests can meet Donald throughout both the Resorts and the Disney Parks. One of our favorite places to meet Donald is during breakfast at Chef Mickey’s and Topolino’s. There is something great about seeing Donald in his chef and sculpture outfits. Donald is always adorable and energetic, making for and sculpture outfits great interaction.
When planning your Disney trip, schedule time for meeting these top characters. When the Disney Parks reopened without the characters, a piece of magic was missing. We are so grateful that these excellent opportunities are back for Guests.
From meeting Mickey Mouse himself to enjoying some humor with the evil step-sister, character interactions are memorable and shouldn’t be skipped, no matter how old someone is. Bring out your inner child and get ready to enjoy these magical experiences.
