The Best Places to Find Characters at Disney World

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Would your child love to meet their favorite Disney character? For many kids, seeing their favorite character in real life is the ultimate experience. So, what characters can you meet? Where can you find them? Here is a list of the best places to find characters at Disney World so you can find your kids’ favorites.  

Please note that not all characters are available for meet and greets. And some of them are only out during special events, such as the Halloween or Christmas parties. This list includes all the characters that are out during normal park hours.

Also, remember that Disney is always changing the lineup of characters who are out and their locations. So, this information is accurate as of this posting, but it is always subject to change. During the pandemic, Disney canceled all meet and greets, but are slowing beginning to bring them back. We will continue to update this post as more and more characters come back to the parks. (Updated November 11, 2021)

Mickey and Pals

Mickey and pals are some of the easiest characters to find in Disney World. They are not only in the parks, but they also make appearances at various character meals as well.

Mickey Mouse

• In the Magic Kingdom, find Mickey in his dressing room at the Town Square Theater.  
• At Chef Mickeys’ in the Contemporary Resort, he dressed as a chef.  
• At Animal Kingdom’s Tusker House, he is in his safari outfit.  
• He appears for lunch and dinner at Hollywood and Vine at Hollywood Studios.
• At Garden Grill in Epcot, he is dressed as a farmer.
• He appears as an artist in Topolino’s Terrace at the Riviera Resort.
• At Ravello’s in the Four Seasons Resort (on Disney World property), you can find him in his casual clothes.

Minnie Mouse

• At Hollywood Studios, she is on the red carpet on Commissary Lane.  
• She throws themed lunch and dinner parties at Hollywood and Vine in Hollywood Studios.  
• She is dressed as a chef at Chef Mickey’s at the Contemporary Resort.
• At Ravello’s at the Four Seasons, she is hanging out in her causal clothes.
• Head over to Topolino’s Terrace at the Riviera Resort to find her as an artist.

Donald Duck

• Donald appears at Tusker House in Animal Kingdom in his park ranger suit.  
• At Chef Mickey’s in the Contemporary Resort, you can see him in his chef’s costume.  
• You can find him in his artist outfit at Topolino’s Terrace at the Riviera Resort.  
• Find him during lunch and dinner at Hollywood and Vine in Hollywood Studios.

Daisy Duck

• Daisy appears in her artist outfit at Topolino’s Terrace at Riviera Resort.
• Find her at Tusker House in Animal Kingdom.
• During lunch and dinner, she is at Hollywood and Vine in Hollywood Studios.

Goofy

• Goofy appears at Ravello’s at the Four Seasons.
• He is at Tusker House in Animal Kingdom in his safari outfit.
• Meet him during breakfast, lunch and dinner at Hollywood and Vine in Hollywood Studios.  
• See him as a chef at Chef Mickey’s in the Contemporary Resort.

Pluto

• Pluto appears at Garden Grill in Epcot.
• He can be found at Chef Mickey’s in the Contemporary Resort.

Chip and Dale

• You can currently only see Chip and Dale at Garden Grill in Epcot.

Princesses

If princesses are on your list of characters to find at Disney World, you are in luck. They are pretty easy to find.

Cinderella

• Cinderella meets her royal subjects at Princess Fairytale Hall in the Magic Kingdom.  

Beast

• The only place to meet the Beast is after dinner at Be Our Guest restaurant in the Magic Kingdom. He is in his study.

Rapunzel

• Rapunzel can be found in Princess Fairytale Hall in Fantasyland at the Magic Kingdom.

Tiana

• Princess Tiana can be found in the Magic Kingdom at Princess Fairytale Hall in Fantasyland.

Disney Junior Friends

Doc McStuffins

• You can meet Doc in Animation Courtyard in Hollywood Studios.  
• She also appears during breakfast at Hollywood and Vine at Hollywood Studios.  

Elena of Avalor

• You can meet Elena in the Magic Kingdom in Princess Fairytale Hall in Fantasyland.

Fancy Nancy

• Find Fancy Nancy in the Animation Courtyard at Hollywood Studios.
• She is also at breakfast at Hollywood and Vine.

Vampirina

• Vampirina meets in Hollywood Studios’ Animation Courtyard.
• She is also at breakfast at Hollywood and Vine.

Conclusion

As you can see, many of the characters left Disney World during the pandemic. But, they are slowing beginning to return. Keep checking back to find out where to find your favorite characters at Disney World. They can add an extra element of fun to your trip.

For more on character dining, see my list of character meals at Disney and the best character meals for boys. To improve your character experiences, see my tips for meeting the characters at Disney World.

To book your vacation, head to Disney World’s website. For planning help, see my step by step guide, best resources for planning your trip, advice for first timers, and quick tips for Disney trips.

Happy travels!