New Character Meet and Greet Debuts at Walt Disney World

This year marks the 25th anniversary of Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Walt Disney World’s fourth gate debuted on Earth Day in 1998 and has remained an Orlando staple ever since. Walt Disney World introduced the Tree of Life cupcake, special anniversary merchandise, and a new character meet-and-greet as part of the festivities.

Credit: Disney

Fans of Disney’s 2016 animated film, Moana, will finally have the chance for photo ops, autographs, and new character interaction not previously available in the theme parks (aside from special events). Although Moana of Motunui has been featured in theme park parades, stage shows, and cameos at Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, the title character has never had a permanent home.

She will be taking up residency at Character Landing on Discovery Island (the former home of meet-and-greets featuring Pocahontas and Winnie the Pooh characters). The covered space is also decorated using Polynesian banners as depicted in the beginning of the film. Although Moana’s animal friends Pua and Hei Hei have yet to be slated to join in the fun, images of them can be found on the banners along with Maui’s hook.

A Moana-themed land has also been rumored to be in development where Dinoland U.S.A currently stands.

Credit: Disney

Concept art of this area has spawned optimistic theories of a Moana-themed flume ride similar to Splash Mountain (or Tiana’s Bayou Adventure) and an aerial carousel-style ride similar to Dumbo the Flying Elephant and The Magic Carpets of Aladdin (at Magic Kingdom) or Triceratop Spin (in Disney’s Animal Kingdom).

In addition to the new meet-and-greet, Moana will be receiving her own walkthrough attraction at EPCOT called Journey of Water and will be re-imagined in a live-action version of the popular film.

As an ambitious adventure-seeking young woman, Moana quickly became a role model for millions of young girls as the first Polynesian Disney Princess. Along with the other cast of characters, including Maui (voiced by Dwayne Johnson) she ventures out to save her island home and honor her family.

Moana character meet-and-greet begins today at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. pic.twitter.com/2OZZwVo8Zq

— Ashley Carter (@AshleyLCarter1) April 22, 2023

The new meet-and-greet just began on April 22, 2023, and is available starting at 9:15 a.m. daily.