Top 10 Lesser Known Character Meet and Greets at Disney World

Walt Disney World is bursting with characters around every corner! From Princesses to Pirates and everything in between, it’s easy to miss a character or two. But before you plan your meet and greets with the regulars like Mickey, Minnie, Cinderella, Belle, Woody, Buzz, Chewbacca and more – check out these ten lesser-known character meet and greets that are worth the visit!

10 – Merida

You won’t want to miss the fiercest Disney Princess, Merida, from the film, Brave. On the way to Cosmic Ray’s, Cheshire Café, and the Mad Tea Party attraction at Magic Kingdom, you’ll find Merida in Fairytale Garden. Her fiery red curls and playful personality makes for a fun character meet and greet! Plus, while you’re in line you’ll have a chance to give archery a try.

9 – Olaf

Need a warm hug? Who doesn’t?! Olaf from the popular Disney film, Frozen, eagerly awaits your arrival in Disney’s Hollywood Studios at Celebrity Spotlight. Just across the path from Backlot Express quick-service restaurant, you’ll spot the “Celebrity Spotlight” sign and find Olaf inside. We all know Olaf loves summer, so Florida is the perfect place for this snowman to find the heat he desires. With a sunny summer background and big smile, Olaf’s meet and greet always seems to capture a perfect photo.

8 – Edna Mode

After you’ve had fun in Toy Story Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, you’ll want to drop by Pixar Place at the exit of the land.  Be sure to check out Edna Mode’s meet and greet. Her short stature, big glasses, and black hair make us smile as we recall her “no capes!” personality.

7 – Ralph and Vanellope

This interesting best friend duo is ready to meet guests in Epcot’s Future World located in ImageWorks. If you’re having a hard time finding ImageWorks, just head to the exit area of the Journey into Imagination with Figment attraction. We first got to see Ralph and Vanellope’s friendship blossom in Disney’s Wreck-It Ralph movie which was followed up with a second film called Ralph Breaks the Internet. Now is your chance to see them interact with each other as you get to snap photos with them in this unique meet and greet.

6 – Lilo and Stitch

If the best buddies above aren’t enough – see what family is all about when having breakfast at ‘Ohana at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. Breakfast is a character dining experience that includes visits to your table from characters such as Mickey in his Hawaiian shirt and of course, Lilo and Stitch. Mickey is the star here, but Lilo and Stitch from the Disney film, Lilo & Stitch, are too cute to be forgotten! Each character comes to your table separately so don’t expect to get a photo with the two of them at the same time.

5 – Mulan

The China Pavilion around Epcot’s World Showcase is fascinating to explore! The food, the shopping, and the entertainment are some of the best in all of the World Showcase. But no visit here is complete without meeting Princess Mulan. This stunningly, beautiful Princess starring in the Disney film, Mulan, stands proudly at the entrance of the China Pavilion. Keep an eye on the Times Guide on your My Disney Experience App for meet and greet times with Mulan. This is a girl worth fighting for!

4 – Pocahontas

Another Princess to make our list is the lovely Pocahontas. The Native American Princess from the film Pocahontasis located at Discovery Island Trails located across from Flame Tree Barbecue at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Simply follow along the path as you go further into nature, where you’ll find Pocahontas awaiting your arrival. The line here is almost never long as it’s easy to pass by this character meet and greet without knowing it’s even there. Pocahontas’ gentle yet lively spirit comes through with her kind and genuine meet and greet. This is the only Disney Princess you’ll find at Disney’s Animal Kingdom so make the most of it!

3 – Fancy Nancy and Vampirina

If you have a Disney Junior Channel fan in the family, they will be surprised to find two new to the scene Disney Jr. favorites including Fancy Nancy and Vampirina. Both starring in their own shows, you’ll have opportunities to meet each of them in the Animation Courtyard near the Disney Junior Dance Party.  Fancy Nancy is her extraordinary self and of course is oh so fancy! The friendly Vampirina shows us that even purple vampires can call Disney home. Both of these girls can also be found over breakfast at the character dining experience at Hollywood and Vine.

2 – Special Events at Magic Kingdom

Some of the most unique and lesser-known characters you’ll find are available at Magic Kingdom’s special-ticketed events including Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party (MNSSHP) and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party (MVMCP). While these meet and greets will cost you the price of a special ticket, you can expect to experience characters that you can’t find in the parks very often – if at all! Some of our favorites include ALL Seven Dwarfs and Moana at MVMCP. At MNSSHP, you can meet rare but wonderfully Villainous characters such as Jack Skellington and Sally, Cruella de Vil, and the Cadaver Dans. So many unique characters that are well worth the price of admission!

1 – Goofy (and Pals) at Garden Grove

The Swan and Dolphin Hotels aren’t always on our radar since they aren’t official “Disney Resorts”. With that being said, the hotels are situated in a perfect location in Walt Disney World. We tend to think of resort character dining experiences such as Chef Mickey’s, Tusker House, 1900 Park Fare, Hollywood, and Vine, or Cape May Café. If you’re looking for an excellent character dining option that is lesser-known, check out Garden Grove located in the Swan Hotel. Dinner guests will have a chance to meet Goofy and a pal (typically Pluto but sometimes also Chip and Dale), plus dine on delicious food. You can also find them here for the Good Morning Character Breakfast events on Saturdays and Sundays. This quiet character dining experience is one to check out.

This may be a lesser-known cast of character meet and greets, but they are too incredible to pass up!