One of the best things about Walt Disney World is meeting your favourite characters. Whether it’s Belle, Darth Vader or Baymax – everyone loves having their photo taken with the stars. Instead of leaving it to chance – this guide will help you plan where to see Disney World Characters so you can maximise your time in the park. If your child has a favourite – you really want to check this list.
Rey gives a wave at Hollywood Studios. Picture: Alison Godfrey
Walt Disney World is huge. The Disney characters are generally assigned to different parks depending on their nature.
Here’s the run down.
Magic Kingdom
Magic Kindom is home to most of your Disney Princesses. Here you can perform a play for Belle and dine with Cinderella. If you do plan to go – check the website and plan your trip well in advance. Some character dining experiences such as the Cinderella lunch sell out months in advance.
Gaston charms women outside his tavern in Magic Kingdom. Picture: Alison Godfrey
Families will find Gaston from Beauty and the Beast outside his tavern. He loves to flirt and to pose.
The Incredibles hang out around Space Mountain in Magic Kingdom. Mr and Mrs Incredible make daily appearances. Edna Mode is the newest addition – she will teach you how to pose.
Edna Mode at Walt Disney World. Picture: Alison Godfrey
Head to Adventure Land to see Disney World characters Aladdin and Jasmine. You will find them near the Magic Carpets of Aladdin Ride. Watch out for the giant camel. He does spit water. Although that can be nice on a hot day.
The Princess Fairytale Hall is where you will meet Rapunzel and Tiana as well as Cinderella and Elena. Ariel stays in her grotto because she is a mermaid. You’ll find Alice at the Mad Hatter’s tea party.
Everyone loves a bit of audience participation Picture: Alison Godfrey
Hollywood Studios
Hollywood Studios is full of lots of newer Disney World characters. Think fewer princesses, more Star Wars and Toy Story.
Star Wars characters can be found at Hollywood Studios. In 2019 this themepark will house Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and a new Star Wars hotel. Until then, families can catch all the Star Wars characters in the daily show. If you’re lucky, you can see them walk through the crowd to the meet-and-greets afterwards.
Star Wars characters can be found at Hollywood Studios. Picture: Alison Godfrey
If you have ever wanted to hug a wookie – book into the character meet-and-greet. Chewbacca is fun and playful and the Disney cast members will let you take photos with your own phone.
Prefer the Dark Side? You can meet Kylo Ren. He will be in character the whole time. Expect him to be terrifying.
Kylo Ren at the Disney character meet and greet. Picture: Alison Godfrey
Kids can actually battle Kylo Ren and Darth Vader at the Trials of the Temple. Sign up for your Jedi classes as soon as you enter the park. Unfortunately, adults are too old to participate.
Once you have battled the dark side turn around and ride Star Tours. This ride has been the basis of the design for most 4D experience rides in the world. As you line up, you can see C3PO and R2D2. Inside this ride has at least 99 different ride combinations. Even if you have travelled through the galaxy once before – this ride will most likely be different.
Toy Story fans will love Toy Story World and that’s where you are most likely to see Buzz, Woodie and Jessie.
Meet Jessie and Woody at Toy Story Land in Hollywood Studios. Picture: Alison Godfrey
Animal Kingdom
Animal Kingdom has loads of Disney World Characters. It’s home to Chip & Dale, Pocahontas and Dougie and Russ from Up. Make sure you check the times for the appearances on the website before you go. Pocahontas is particularly popular.
You can meet Dougie and Russ from Up! at Animal Kingdom. Picture: Alison Godfrey
In Pandora land near the entrance to Flight of Passage, you will find a scientist who can tell you all about this magical world.
This guy in Pandora is hilarious. Picture: Alison Godfrey
Epcot
Epcot is home to the world showcase and it’s a pure delight for Disney princess fans. Snow White can be found in Germany, Alice in Wonderland in England and Belle in France. But the biggest hit here is Anna and Elsa from Frozen. You’ll see them in Norway.
In 2021 Epcot will be home to the Guardians of the Galaxy. Until then – you can catch the Star-Lord in daily shows at Epcot.
Fans of Big Hero 6 can meet Baymax in Hero’s workshop.
A family meets Baymax at Epcot Walt Disney World. Picture: Alison Godfrey
Need more? Watch Family Travel’s Virgin Airlines episode on Walt Disney World below for a full rundown of each of the parks.
Why you should go to Disney World Orlando
Inside Disney’s brand new Toy Story Land (video)
Disney’s Flight of Passage is the best ride ever
Disney’s Magic Kingdom will cast a spell on you
Why Disney Cruises are awesome for families
Travel allows you to get outside your bubble. It makes you realise there are other ways to do things, and that’s OK. Plus, I am a huge fan of skiing and for the best powder – you need to head overseas.