The Disney Character Experience That Most Guests Don’t Know About

A Walt Disney World Resort visit is filled with magical encounters, especially when meeting beloved Disney characters.

Whether you actively seek out character meet-and-greets or prefer to catch a glimpse of your favorites from a distance, Disney makes it easy for Guests to interact with the most iconic figures from movies and television.

From parades to character dining and surprise appearances, there are endless ways to meet Mickey Mouse, Disney princesses, and even rare characters.

One experience that many guests may not be aware of is the Disney Character Caravan, which is a unique opportunity to meet characters at Disney Resort hotels!

Disney Character Experiences at Walt Disney World

Character Meet-and-Greets

For many guests, planning a Walt Disney World visit revolves around character interactions.

These guests arrive with autographed books and often dress in Disney-bounding outfits inspired by the characters they can’t wait to meet.

Popular meet-and-greet locations include:

• Princess Fairytale Hall in the Magic Kingdom for Cinderella, Tiana, and other Disney princesses.
• Mickey’s meet-and-greet at Town Square Theater.
• EPCOT’s World Showcase, where characters from their respective films greet guests.

Character Sightings in Parades and Cavalcades

If standing in line for a personal meet-and-greet isn’t for you, consider watching a parade or character cavalcade.

These allow you to interact with characters from a distance while still enjoying their presence.

Some of the best parades to watch include:

• Festival of Fantasy Parade in Magic Kingdom.
• Disney Adventure Friends Cavalcade featuring rare characters.
• Mickey’s Celebration Cavalcade, which often runs during anniversary celebrations.

Character Dining Experiences

For foodie Guests, nothing tops character dining experiences!

These meals combine delicious food with unforgettable character interactions.

Some of the most popular options include:

• Tusker House Restaurant at Disney’s Animal Kingdom (Donald’s Safari).
• Chef Mickey’s at Disney’s Contemporary Resort.
• Wish Makers Enchanted Dining featuring beloved Disney princesses.

Surprise Character Sightings

Not all character interactions require standing in line!

Disney characters often make surprise appearances at select locations, such as:

• Main Street, U.S.A. Train Station, where Mickey and friends wave to Guests.
• Winnie the Pooh chasing butterflies near EPCOT’s World Nature.

The Disney Character Caravan: A Magical Resort Experience

One lesser-known but exciting way to meet Disney characters is the Disney Character Caravan.

This experience brings famous Disney friends to select Disney Resort hotels on certain days, making it a fantastic opportunity for Guests who may not be visiting the parks that day.

What is the Character Caravan?

The Disney ‘Caravanning Round The World’ RV transports characters to different Disney Resorts, where they meet and interact with Guests in designated locations.

This is an excellent opportunity for:

• Guests are spending a rest day at their Resort.
• Families depart for the airport and want one last magical moment.
• Those staying at a Disney hotel but not visiting the theme parks.

Character Caravan Schedule: When & Where to See Disney Characters

The Character Caravan visits each Disney Resort hotel three times per week, following this schedule as of March 2025:

Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday

• Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort – 8:00-8:30 AM & 9:00-9:30 AM (Cinema Hall).
• Disney’s All-Star Music Resort – 7:50-8:20 AM & 8:50-9:20 AM (Melody Hall).
• Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort – 7:40-8:10 AM & 8:40-9:10 AM (Stadium Hall).
• Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge – 8:10-8:40 AM & 9:10-9:40 AM (Jambo House Lobby).
• Disney’s Contemporary Resort – 7:40-8:10 AM & 8:40-9:10 AM (Main Lobby, Ground Floor).
• Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa – 8:10-8:40 AM & 9:10-9:40 AM (Main Lobby).
• Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort – 8:00-8:30 AM & 9:00-9:30 AM (Grand Ceremonial House, 1st Floor).
• Disney’s Wilderness Lodge – 7:50-8:20 AM & 8:50-9:20 AM (Main Lobby).

Monday, Wednesday, and Friday

• Disney’s Beach Club Resort – 7:50-8:20 AM & 8:50-9:20 AM (Hotel Lobby).
• Disney’s BoardWalk Resort – 8:00-8:30 AM & 9:00-9:30 AM (Main Lobby).
• Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort – 8:10-8:40 AM & 9:10-9:40 AM (Centertown Market, Old Port Royale).
• Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort – 8:10-8:40 AM & 9:10-9:40 AM (Gran Destino Tower, Bus Stop).
• Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground – 7:45-8:15 AM & 8:45-9:15 AM (Trails End, Settlement Trading Post).
• Disney’s Old Key West Resort – 8:00-8:30 AM & 9:00-9:30 AM (Lobby near Olivia’s Cafe).
• Disney’s Port Orleans Resorts – 7:55-8:25 AM & 8:55-9:25 AM (French Quarter Lobby).
• Disney’s Yacht Club Resort – 7:40-8:10 AM & 8:40-9:10 AM (Hotel Lobby).

Additional Locations

• Walt Disney World Swan Resort – Fridays & Sundays, 7:30-10:00 AM.
• Walt Disney World Dolphin Resort – Saturdays & Mondays, 7:30-10:00 AM.

Check your hotel’s front desk for any last-minute changes to the Character Caravan schedule.

Which Characters Can You See at the Character Caravan?

The Disney characters featured in the Character Caravan change frequently.

Classic favorites often include:

• Mickey Mouse & Minnie Mouse.
• Donald Duck & Goofy.
• Pluto & Chip ‘N’ Dale.

In addition to these fan-favorites, rare characters have been spotted, such as:

• Honest John, Gideon, Geppetto, Jiminy Cricket, and Pinocchio.
• Captain Hook & Mr. Smee.
• Queen of Hearts, Tweedle Dee & Tweedle Dum, White Rabbit.
• Baloo from The Jungle Book.
• Timon & Rafiki from The Lion King.
• Genie from Aladdin.

Plan Your Magical Character Caravan Experience

Whether you’re hoping to snap a photo, collect an autograph, or enjoy a quick character interaction, the Disney Character Caravan is an excellent way to experience Disney magic without park crowds.

Check your Resort’s lobby for updated schedules, and don’t miss your chance to make magical memories with Disney friends before heading out on your next adventure!