Disney World is not just a theme park—it's a world of enchantment and magic where dreams come true. One of the most exciting and cherished experiences for visitors of all ages is the opportunity to meet and greet their favorite Disney characters.
From classic icons like Mickey Mouse and Cinderella to the latest additions from Disney's animated and live-action films, character meet and greets offer a unique chance to interact with beloved personalities.
In this article, we'll delve into the enchanting world of Disney World character meet and greets and highlight some of the best ones based on the overall experience they offer.
In this article:
Disney World Character Meet and Greets
A character meet and greet at Disney World is a whimsical experience that brings beloved Disney characters to life, creating magical moments for visitors of all ages. These encounters typically take place in specially designed meet and greet areas scattered throughout the various parks, each intricately themed to reflect the character's universe.
Upon entering these enchanting spaces, guests are transported into the heart of Disney magic, surrounded by detailed scenery that mirrors the character's story. The highlight of the meet and greet, of course, is the chance to interact with the characters themselves. Guests have the opportunity to engage in conversations, pose for photos, and even collect autographs from their favorite Disney stars. These interactions create cherished memories, allowing guests to connect with the characters in a personal and magical way, making the entire experience an integral part of the enchanting tapestry that is Disney World.
Cinderella's Royal Table
Topping the list is the regal Cinderella's Royal Table character dining experience. This enchanting restaurant is located within Cinderella Castle in the Magic Kingdom, providing an intimate setting to meet Disney princesses while enjoying a delicious meal. From Cinderella herself to other iconic princesses like Ariel, Aurora, and Snow White, guests are treated to a royal feast surrounded by elegance and charm.
You can see our full Cinderella's Royal Table review for more details and what makes this a standout experience.
Meet Disney Stars at Red Carpet Dreams
No Disney experience is complete without meeting the iconic duo–Mickey and Minnie Mouse! You can find them at various locations across all four theme parks, and their meet and greets are a must for fans of all ages. The best location to visit these characters is Red Carpet Dreams, where you can see Mickey in his Sorcerer outfit and Minnie in her beautiful pink gown. The joy and excitement of meeting the beloved mouse couple make this experience unforgettable, and the photo opportunities are priceless.
Princess Fairytale Hall
Located in the heart of the Magic Kingdom, Princess Fairytale Hall is a majestic meet and greet venue where you can encounter Disney's most beloved princesses. The beautiful setting and the chance to meet two princesses at once make this experience stand out. With a rotation of characters like Cinderella, Elena of Avalor, Rapunzel, and Tiana, guests are sure to have a magical time. Sometimes a visiting princess visits the hall and surprises guests! Make sure to keep an eye out for who is meeting with guests when you visit.
Pete's Silly Sideshow
Located in the Magic Kingdom's Storybook Circus, Pete's Silly Sideshow is a whimsical meet and greet experience featuring classic Disney characters in circus attire. Visitors can meet characters like Minnie Mouse, Daisy Duck, Donald Duck, and Goofy, all dressed up as circus performers. The playful atmosphere and unique character outfits make this experience a standout. The opportunity to meet two iconic Disney characters after waiting in only one line adds to the experience of this meet and greet!
Royal Sommerhus
Step into the wintry kingdom of Arendelle by visiting Anna and Elsa at the Royal Sommerhus in Epcot. As characters from Disney's blockbuster film Frozen, these sisters have captured the hearts of many. The attention to detail in the meet and greet area, which is themed to Anna and Elsa's summer home, immerses guests in the Frozen universe, making it a must-visit for fans of the beloved animated movie. Both characters meet guests in their outfits from Frozen 2 and spend plenty of time with guests individually.
Galaxy's Edge Characters
The roaming characters at Galaxy's Edge in Disney World stand out as the best meet and greet experience for several compelling reasons. Unlike traditional character meet and greets, where guests queue up in designated areas, Galaxy's Edge offers an immersive and dynamic encounter with characters from the Star Wars universe.
As visitors explore the Black Spire Outpost on the planet Batuu, they may encounter iconic figures like Rey, Kylo Ren, Stormtroopers, or Chewbacca casually strolling through the bustling marketplace or hidden corners of the land. This roaming approach creates an element of surprise and delight, as guests never know when they might cross paths with their favorite Star Wars characters. Moreover, the lack of traditional queues means guests can enjoy these character interactions without the constraints of waiting in line, providing a more natural and enjoyable experience.
Anastasia and Drizella
Meeting Anastasia and Drizella, Cinderella's wicked stepsisters, at Walt Disney World is a uniquely entertaining and humorous experience. These dynamic characters, known for their mischief in Disney's classic film, bring a dose of lighthearted mischief to the encounter. Located behind the castle, next to the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, you can find witty banter, playful interactions, and hilarious photo opportunities.
Guests find themselves immersed in the comical rivalry between the stepsisters, making it an unforgettable and laughter-filled experience. The charismatic personalities of Anastasia and Drizella contribute to a one-of-a-kind meet and greet that stands out as a delightful and entertaining highlight of the magical world of Disney!
Jasmine and Aladdin
Head to Adventureland in Magic Kingdom to meet the enchanting duo of Jasmine and Aladdin. Jasmine is one of the only princesses you can meet with and without her prince at the Disney Parks, so it is interesting to see how her meet and greet changes with Aladdin there. The exotic and vibrant setting reflects the atmosphere of the classic story, providing a magical backdrop for this meet and greet. Guests can share in the romance and adventure of Agrabah with these beloved characters.
Mulan
Meeting Mulan at Disney World is an enchanting experience that allows guests to connect with the courageous and spirited heroine from Disney's animated film. Located in the China Pavilion at Epcot's World Showcase, Mulan's meet and greet provides a unique opportunity to interact with a character known for her bravery and determination.
Guests can engage in conversations with Mulan, pose for photos, and even receive her autograph, making the encounter both personal and memorable. Mulan's meet and greet stands out not only for its cultural authenticity but also for the character's inspiring qualities.
The Hundred Acre Woods Friends
The Crystal Palace in Disney World is not just a dining destination; it's also home to an extraordinary character meet and greet experience. Nestled in the heart of Magic Kingdom, this Victorian-themed restaurant transports guests to a whimsical world where they can interact with some of Disney's most beloved characters. The primary draw of the Crystal Palace is the opportunity to meet Winnie the Pooh and his friends from the Hundred Acre Wood. As diners enjoy a scrumptious buffet, they are visited by characters such as Pooh, Piglet, Eeyore, and Tigger. The characters meander through the dining area, stopping at each table for personal photo opportunities, autographs, and delightful interactions. The popular 1900 Park Fare is also getting ready to reopen at the Grand Floridian.
Disney World Regulars Try To Keep These 10 Disney World Spots Quiet, But They Are Worth Trying to Check Out
Disney World has a wealth of spots that are hidden gems not every visitor knows about. See some of the secret places Disney World regulars try to keep quiet that are relaxing places to enjoy around the theme parks and Disney World Resort hotels.
10 Forgotten Disneyland Attractions You'll Never Get to Ride
As the old makes way for the new, several attractions have been forever retired at Disneyland. In our list of forgotten Disneyland attractions, we’ll take you through 10 attractions that will never be experienced again by guests.
Worst Dates at Disney: Avoid Visiting Disney Parks At All Costs During These Times of the Year
Certain times of the year draw in huge crowds that can easily make your park experience frustrating. Make sure you're in-the-know about which Disney dates to avoid at all costs if you hate crowds!