NEWS: Huge Character News – List of Character Greeting Spots Reopening Soon at Disney World

While “normal” character greetings with hugs and autographs returned to Walt Disney World in mid-April 2022, many characters greeting spots continue to be unavailable for greetings. Thankfully, Disney has announced that many will be reopening in the next few weeks, and even more in the next few months. Catch all the details below.

Here are all the details from Disney Cast Member Joey McElroy:

One of the most rewarding parts of the steady return of live entertainment to Walt Disney World Resort has been watching guests create special moments with their Disney character friends once more. Whether it be a wave in a parade, a family photo or a warm embrace, these encounters bring even more magic to each visit. That’s why I can’t wait to share what’s next for new and returning characters as we continue The World’s Most Magical Celebration!

Magic Kingdom Park

Let’s kick things off with some exciting news for Magic Kingdom Park. We may not talk about Bruno, but we can definitely talk about Mirabel making her debut in the “Disney Adventure Friends Cavalcade” on June 26! The young hero from Walt Disney Animation Studios’ hit film “Encanto” will join Miguel from “Coco,” Nick and Judy from “Zootopia,” Max, Goof, Moana and more as this super-sized cavalcade winds through the park several times each day.

Looking ahead to July, the always iconic Minnie Mouse will join Mickey Mouse starting on July 6 in Town Square Theater at Magic Kingdom Park. Both will be ready for hugs and photos in their EARidescent fashions designed specifically for the Walt Disney World 50^th Anniversary celebration!

Then, on July 10, keep an eye out for familiar Fantasyland friends Peter Pan and Snow White as they greet guests at Magic Kingdom Park once again.

Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground

July 6 also marks the return of Chip ‘N Dale’s Campfire Sing-A-Long at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground, where you can join the nutty friends for a campfire celebration followed by a classic Disney movie under the stars.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Over at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Star Wars Launch Bay returns July 17! A celebration of the legendary space saga, Star Wars Launch Bay is your place for a warm embrace with Chewbacca, a face-to-droid encounter with BB-8 or a run-in with Darth Vader himself for those brave enough.

In the Coming Months!

And those are just the next few weeks! We have even more fun, hugs and memories on the horizon. In the coming months, a visit to Magic Kingdom Park will bring chances to meet Aladdin, Jasmine, Merida, Pooh, Tigger and Storybook Circus pals like The Great Goofini in Pete’s Silly Sideshow. Your favorite toys will be ready for playtime in Toy Story Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Donald Duck and friends will rejoin their prehistoric party at “Donald’s Dino-Bash!” in DinoLand U.S.A. at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park.

These exciting character encounters add to the many terrific offerings returning across Walt Disney World Resort, including Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue stomping into Pioneer Hall June 23, and Harmony Barber Shop creating magical memories on Main Street once again beginning July 31.

Details on additional return dates will be shared as they become available, but for now, who are you most excited to see?

RELATED ARTICLE: 10 Do’s & Don’ts for Meeting Disney Characters at Disney World

by Matt and Kim

Walt Disney World is full of all sorts of characters! And no – we aren’t talking about Uncle Ned and his unique Hawaiian shirt and high socks with sandals. We are talking about the real deal – Disney’s Characters! So, you finally have a chance to go shake hands, give a sweet squeeze, and snag an autograph and photo of your favorite character. Before you go barreling in, check out these do’s and don’ts that we have found helpful when meeting characters.

1 – DO Decide in Advance Who You Want to See

As with most things at Disney, you’ll learn quickly that a little prep time ahead of a Disney vacation can do wonders for your trip. Meeting Disney Characters are no different. Does your little Princess want to meet Anna and Elsa? Does your young Jedi want to meet Chewbacca? And do you just really want to go wrap your arms around Mickey Mouse? Chat with the family and decide which characters are on the must-do list.

2 – DON’T Forget to Check Where Characters Are Located

Even if you think you know where a character may be located, you might want to double-check just before your big trip. Some characters are moved around from one place to another, depending on refurbishments and even weather. Do a little research beforehand, so you don’t miss one of your favorites! The My Disney Experience App is the best place to get up-to-date information on where the characters are located.

3 – DO Check Schedules

Disney changes their character meet and greet schedules daily, simply depending on what is taking place for the day. So, just like above – don’t expect them to always be in a specific location at a specific time. We do, however, suggest checking the My Disney Experience App when arriving in the park so you’ll have the newest schedule available for characters and other events for the day.

4 – DON’T Ignore the Lightning Lane System

Some folks think Lightning Lane is for the attractions only. Guess what – several character meet and greets are also set up on the Genie+ system and have a dedicated Lightning Lane! We highly recommend Lightning Lane for the popular character meet and greets such as Mickey at Town Square Theater or Mickey and Minnie together at the Adventurer Outpost in Animal Kingdom (coming back soon). Who doesn’t love skipping the stand-by line and saving time!

5 – DO Look into Character Dining Options

Editor’s Note: Akershus Royal Banquet Hall is currently closed.

One of the best things you could do (especially as a first-timer to Disney) is to check out Character Dining options available at Disney World. This is a great way to meet several characters in one area. The characters even come to you while you dine! For example, Chef Mickey’s is the perfect place to meet some of the most popular Disney characters such as Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Donald, and Pluto. Or if you have a princess fan in your family, look into Akershus Royal Banquet Hall or even Cinderella’s Royal Table. A bunch of characters in one spot saves you from having to go from place to place to meet each one individually.

6 – DON’T Get Pushy

Sometimes we get so excited about seeing a favorite character that we tend to get a little too eager! We’ve been in lines when the folks behind us are literally pushing to get a glimpse of a character. Take a deep breath… it’s almost your turn… don’t get pushy and spoil the family’s experience in front of you.

7 –  DO Explore Memory Maker Options

Disney is fantastic at making sure they capture that perfect moment when your child sees a character for the first time! A PhotoPass Cast Member will be clicking away during a meet and greet. You can have ALL of these pictures (and all other pictures from your vacation) by purchasing Memory Maker. If you are trying to save on the budget; however, Cast Members are happy to take a photo with your camera or phone if you just ask them.

8 – DON’T Forget the Pen or Marker

Filling an autograph book with a bunch of awesome Disney Character autographs is a blast for both children and adults alike. Don’t forget to bring along a thick pen (can be purchased at Disney) or a marker (such as a Sharpie). A thick writing utensil makes it easier for the characters to sign – although they can sign with the average pen when needed.

9 – DO Keep It Short and Sweet

The other piece of etiquette advice is to keep your meet and greet short and sweet. A few words, hugs, some smiles, autographs, and a picture – then you can proceed to the exit. Some folks like to linger, and Cast Members then have to politely show them the way out. Enjoy your visit – but just keep in mind LOTS of people are trying to have a moment with that character too.

10 – DON’T Be Embarrassed

I can still remember the first time we wanted to go see Mickey as just two adults. For some reason, our thoughts were that to see characters we should have children in tow. Absolutely not! Whether you are visiting Disney solo, as a couple, or as a family – characters are for everyone and anyone. Don’t be embarrassed to stroll right up and give your favorite a hug with or without the kiddos.

What are some do’s and don’ts you’ve experienced while meeting Disney Characters? We’d love to hear from you!