Most Popular Character Meet and Greets at Walt Disney World

Meeting favorite Disney characters tops the to-do list for most kids on a Walt Disney World vacation.  But even if it’s been a few years or more since you were a kid, you likely still have a soft spot for at least one Disney character.  And there’s no shame in wanting to meet this character in person!  In fact, there are dozens of character meet and greets throughout the parks designed for the young and young at heart, and there are so many characters represented that every WDW guest is bound to find a favorite.  So where to start?  Here is a list of some of the character meet and greets in Walt Disney World that have proven to be a hit – but don’t limit yourself to these!  There is a world of Disney characters just waiting for you.

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9. Ariel’s Grotto

The beloved Little Mermaid herself delights fans at her Grotto near the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train in the Magic Kingdom.  She actually enjoys her own themed area, which fully immerses guests into their under-the-sea experience.  Because Ariel entertains friends all day, there are plenty of opportunities for any mermaids or mermen in your party to meet her – but if you don’t want to wait in line, there is a FastPass+ available.

8. Pocahontas: Character Landing

Pocahontas in completely at home in the forest, which is why she meets guests at the Character Landing, along the beautiful Discovery Island Trail in Walt Disney World’s Animal Kingdom.  You won’t find Pocahontas anywhere else on property, so understandably she’s pretty popular when she makes an appearance.

7. Safari Minnie and Mickey: Adventurer’s Outpost

Another popular character meet and greet in Animal Kingdom occurs at Adventurer’s Outpost, where you can meet Safari Mickey and Safari Minnie, all set for an expedition in their explorer costumes!  Guests can check out magical mementos from the pair’s travels around the world.  This is the only place on property where you’ll be able to meet Mickey and Minnie together.

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6. Enchanted Tales with Belle

One of the most popular Magic Kingdom meet and greets is Enchanted Tales with Belle.  Much more than the average meet and greet, this is a true attraction where guests will step into their own fairytale adventure, helping Belle to tell a story.  Unsurprisingly, lines can be quite long for this one, so we recommend using a FastPass+ if you can.  (Beauty and the Beast fans can also find Belle in the France pavilion at Epcot).

5. Gaston: Outside Gaston’s Tavern

After you’ve met Belle, you’ll definitely want to head over to Gaston’s Tavern to meet the hilariously entertaining Gaston.  This is probably our favorite meet and greet on property, because Gaston is always in fine form!  Whether he’s busy flexing his muscles, or insulting guests based on their book-reading habits, he’s a character everyone loves to hate!

4. Pandora Utility Suit: Pandora – The World of Avatar

Confession time: this one is not technically a specific character, nor is there one designated spot for a meet and greet.  But the Pandora Utility Suit is so cool – and so popular – it earns a spot on our list!  While you’re exploring Pandora – The World of Avatar in Walt Disney World’s Animal Kingdom, watch for the imposing 10-foot-tall mechanical suit (piloted by a Pandora Conservation Initiative scientist) as it interacts with guests, studies flora and fauna, and shares tidbits about Pandora.

3. Star Wars Launch Bay

Disney fans can be pretty passionate about Star Wars.  So it makes sense that Hollywood Studios’ Star Wars Launch Bay continues to attract crowds!  The good news is that each of the characters in the Launch Bay has his or her own meeting area, so you can see how long the lines are for each and choose accordingly.  Whether you want to brush up on your Shyriiwook by speaking with Chewbacca, meet the adorable BB8, or exchange barbs with Darth Vader, there’s a character for every Star Wars fan in your party.

2. Anna and Elsa: Royal Sommerhus

What would a list of popular character meet and greets be without the lovable royal sisters from Arendelle?  You can meet Anna and Elsa in the Norway pavilion at Epcot, at the Royal Sommerhus.  Because this is the one and only place in Walt Disney World where you can interact with the sisters, expect long lines whenever you visit.  There’s currently no FastPass+ offered, so your best bet is to get in line as soon as the park opens.

1. Toy Story Land Characters

Finally, Toy Story Land in Hollywood Studios, is home to some massively popular character meet and greets.  You  can interact with Woody and Jessie in front of Toy Story Mania, and Buzz meets guests in front of Slinky Dog Dash.  Fans can’t get enough of these meet and greets, so leave lots of time to wait in line.  While you’re waiting, keep your eyes peeled for Green Army Men, who march around interacting with guests while they wait, or as they wander around Toy Story.  It’s definitely worth the wait to meet these beloved Toy Story characters in their very own land!