We love a good Disney character meet-and-greet, and we always try to fit at least a couple in whenever we go to the Walt Disney World theme parks. Not only do the photos and new additions to your autograph book make for the perfect souvenirs of your trip, but depending on the interaction, you might even walk away with an experience you’ll remember for years to come.
While things like foodie festivals, drinking around the world and enjoying the park’s excellent live entertainment offerings are often at the top of people’s to-do lists at Epcot, characters can also be a playful addition to your visit to this edu-taining Disney park. From regal meet-and-greets to a Disney character meal in a revolving restaurant overlooking Living with the Land, you’ll find an array of character experiences to suit your family’s schedule and interests.
So, grab your autograph book and get your camera ready as we go over everywhere you can see characters at Epcot in 2023. No time in your day for an Epcot character meet-and-greet or character meal? Not to worry! There are also several attractions at Epcot that are inspired by and feature appearances from Disney characters, too.
Where Can You Meet Walt Disney World Characters at Epcot?
Whether it’s your little one’s first time going to Walt Disney World or you’re a certified Disney adult, there’s something magical about meeting Disney characters. From the sweet—and sometimes hilarious—conversations to the perfect picture you take at the end (and don’t forget the hugs!), Disney character meet-and-greets have the potential to be one of the most memorable parts of your Disney World vacation.
While you can’t beat the Magic Kingdom when it comes to the sheer number of character-spotting opportunities, though Disney’s Hollywood Studios does come pretty close, one of our favorite places to see Disney characters at Walt Disney World is Epcot. Why? Because you get to see some of your favorite characters in their natural habitats.
There’s nothing more enchanting than seeing Snow White next to her wishing well in the Germany Pavilion, meeting Mulan in front of the China Pavilion’s Temple of Heaven or rubbing elbows with Princess Jasmine in the medina at the Morocco Pavilion. You can even dive into the big, blue world of Nemo and his fishy friends at Turtle Talk with Crush.
What is the best way to see Disney characters at Epcot?
It really depends on how much time you have in your day, which characters you’d like to see, what sort of experience you want and, for some interactions, how much wiggle room you have in your budget. If you’re looking for an up-close Disney character experience that’s included in the cost of your park ticket, you can’t beat a meet-and-greet.
Gone are the days of the Epcot Character Spot, where you could wait in one line and snag photos and autographs with three of Disney’s most iconic characters: Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and Goofy. Now, characters are spread throughout Epcot, meaning that depending on who you want to see, you may need to spend a lot of precious time waiting in line.
Alternatively, if you’re short on time but still want a close-up character experience, Disney character dining is a great, albeit somewhat spendy, option. Everyone has to eat. So, why not do a little multitasking and meet some Disney characters in between bites of breakfast, lunch or dinner? Although character meals don’t come cheap, they’re a simple, fun and delicious way to enjoy face-to-face interactions with several characters in a relatively short amount of time.
The easiest way to track down Disney characters at Epcot is with the My Disney Experience app. Not only can you see Epcot character meet-and-greet locations, as well as times for each character’s appearances, but you can also make an advance reservation for Disney character dining experiences.
For a list of Disney characters currently making an appearance at Epcot, as well as their appearance times and locations, hit the location icon at the bottom of the screen. Then, choose “Characters” from the drop-down menu located at the top. Want to make a character dining reservation? Pull up the drop-down menu, select “Dining” and tap “Character Dining” under the “Dining Experience” filter.
What time are characters out in Epcot?
Appearance times vary greatly from character to character. For example, while Anna and Elsa hold court all day long at Royal Sommerhus in the Norway Pavilion, Alice (in Wonderland) and Mary Poppins only greet guests near the United Kingdom Pavilion a few times each day.
With the exception of those Frozen sisters, who hold meet-and-greets continuously from 9:15 AM to 6:30 PM (they must be exhausted!), appearances for other characters typically begin in the morning and run on and off through the early-to-late afternoon. For an up-to-the-minute list of characters, locations and remaining appearance times for the day, refer to My Disney Experience.
Do Disney characters walk around Epcot?
Sadly, unlike at Disneyland, where characters often roam the park, don’t expect to see Duffy the Bear or other Disney characters casually wandering the streets of World Showcase. Except for Winnie the Pooh, who can be found searching for butterflies in the grass near the Imagination! Pavilion, characters at Epcot typically meet guests at designated locations around the park. In fact, even Pooh Bear is confined to frolicking in his specific spot.
Where can you see Mickey Mouse at Epcot?
While you could previously meet the big cheese at the Epcot Character Spot, Mickey Mouse currently greets guests at the Disney and Pixar Short Film Festival just inside the Imagination! Pavilion. Afterward, rest your feet for a while, soak up some A/C and stay for a showing of adorable, animated shorts.
Where to Find Disney Characters at Epcot Right Now
While there aren’t as many Disney characters in Epcot as there are at Magic Kingdom or Hollywood Studios, this traditionally more grown-up park is still home to its fair share, including some of the more unique character appearances at Walt Disney World. Featuring meet-and-greets with classic Disney friends like Mickey and Minnie, two different character meals and several character-inspired attractions, you’re sure to find an experience that works for you and your crew.
Certainly, when it comes to characters at Epcot, 2023 does not disappoint. Just keep in mind that all appearances are subject to change. Additionally, while character dining has returned post-pandemic to both locations inside Epcot, a few in the Epcot Resort Area are still on hiatus. For a comprehensive list of appearances that day, as well as restaurants currently serving character meals, refer to the My Disney Experience app. Here are all the ways to see Disney World characters at Epcot in 2023.
Epcot Character Meet-and-Greet Locations
World Celebration Meet-and-Greets & Sightings
What better way to kick off your day at Epcot than with a character sighting or two? Say “hello” to Goofy, as well as Mickey’s best friend, Pluto, or his main squeeze, Minnie Mouse, in front of the mural near the Epcot Main Entrance. (Don’t worry if you don’t see Minnie or Pluto as you enter the park—they’ve been known to swap appearances at World Showcase Plaza in the Friendship Ambassador Gazebo.)
Then, make your way toward the Imagination! Pavilion for another collection of characters. Keep your eyes open for Winnie the Pooh, who can be seen hunting for butterflies on the lawn just outside. Although you can’t meet him, you can wave at him and snap a selfie from afar.
No trip to Walt Disney World is complete without meeting Mickey Mouse. Say “hiya pal” to everyone’s favorite mouse, who is dressed in his classic black suit jacket and red pants, at the Disney and Pixar Short Film Festival inside the Imagination! Pavilion. Next door in ImageWorks, The “What If” Labs play host to two of Disney and Pixar’s newer stars: Joy from Inside Out and Vanellope von Schweetz from Wreck-It Ralph.
Before you leave the Imagination! Pavilion, look in your wallet. Do you have a Disney Visa card? Then the Disney Visa character experience is for you. Exclusively for cardmembers, this private meet-and-greet location next to the Disney and Pixar Short Film Festival features appearances by Disney pals like Mickey, Minnie, Pluto or Goofy.
World Nature Meet-and-Greets & Sightings
Currently, no formal Epcot meet-and-greets are offered in World Nature.
World Discovery Character Meet-and-Greets & Sightings
Currently, no formal Epcot meet-and-greets are offered in World Discovery.
World Showcase Meet-and-Greets & Sightings
Hoping to see some Disney Princesses? Or, perhaps you’d rather rub elbows (wings?) with Donald Duck. Then make your way to World Showcase. Here, Disney characters can be found in country pavilions that relate to their stories, such as the German fable of Snow White and the French fairy tale of Beauty and the Beast.
The Norway Pavilion, meanwhile, serves as a stand-in for the Scandinavian-inspired land of Arendelle of Frozen fame. You can even meet one of The Three Caballeros just outside the Mexico Pavilion. But, that’s not all. In addition to Minnie or Pluto at the Friendship Ambassador Gazebo in World Showcase Plaza, you can even spot Daisy Duck from time to time at International Gateway.
Epcot meet-and-greets at World Showcase country pavilions include:
- Mexico Pavilion – Donald Duck, Mexico Promenade to the right of the Mesoamerican pyramid
- Norway Pavilion – Anna and Elsa from Frozen, Royal Summerhus
- China Pavilion – Mulan, in the Chinese-style garden
- Germany Pavilion – Snow White from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, next to the wishing well to the left of the pavilion
- Morocco Pavilion – Princess Jasmine from Aladdin (and occasionally, Aladdin himself), inside Lamps of Wonder
- France Pavilion – Belle from Beauty and the Beast, France Promenade next to World Showcase Lagoon; Princess Aurora from Sleeping Beauty, France Promenade in the Fragrance Gardens Gazebo
- United Kingdom Pavilion – Alice from Alice in Wonderland, in the UK gardens across from the Yorkshire County Fish Shop; Mary Poppins, in the United Kingdom courtyard
Other Ways to See Disney Characters in Epcot
Meet-and-greets aren’t the only ways to see Disney characters in Epcot. Characters meals make for an especially tasty alternative, while character-inspired attractions are perfect for those looking for some in-your-face Disney magic but don’t have time for a separate character experience.
Disney Character Dining
Have some space in your food budget for your next Disney vacation? Consider Disney character dining instead of a typical restaurant meal. By doubling up mealtime and character time, you free up other parts of your day for more rides, shows or anything else you’re interested in. Best of all, since characters stop by your table to take photos, sign autographs and give hugs, you don’t have to sacrifice the one-on-one interactions that make meet-and-greets so special.
As you can imagine, character dining tends to be incredibly popular, with tables often filling up weeks in advance. So, if there is a character you know you want to see or a character meal you definitely want to try, be sure to make an advance dining reservation or risk being disappointed. Some restaurants also offer walk-up lists, so refer to My Disney Experience if you’d rather make a last-minute decision.
Akershus Royal Banquet Hall
When it comes to character dining, there’s no better place to see Disney Princesses than Akershus Royal Banquet Hall in the Norway Pavilion. Designed to look like a medieval castle, complete with vaulted archways and cathedral ceilings, Akershus cooks up a smorgasbord of family-style, Norwegian-inspired fare like meatballs and lefse, as well as a slew of royal appearances.
Characters: Ariel, Snow White, Ariel, Belle and Jasmine (subject to change)
Character Meals: Dinner
Garden Grill Restaurant
One of the more unique restaurants at Walt Disney World, Chip ‘n’ Dale’s Harvest Feast at Garden Grill Restaurant in The Land Pavilion features tableside character appearances by Chip ‘n’ Dale, Farmer Mickey and his pal, Pluto, as well as ever-changing views of the Living with the Land attraction below, thanks to the restaurant’s revolving design. In between hugs, tuck into a buffet of seasonal, locally grown flavors (many of the ingredients are cultivated right there in the pavilion’s greenhouses).
Characters: Chip ‘n’ Dale, Mickey Mouse and Pluto
Character Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Looking for an especially magical way to start your day? While not located directly inside the park, a few Epcot-area hotels offer worthwhile character breakfasts that are only a short walk or Disney Skyliner ride away. They include:
- Minnie’s Beach Bash Breakfast at Cape May Café at Disney’s Beach Club Resort – Breakfast; characters include Minnie Mouse, Goofy, Donald Duck and Daisy Duck in their best beachwear
- Bon Voyage Breakfast at Trattoria al Forno Disney’s BoardWalk – Breakfast; characters include Ariel & Prince Eric and Rapunzel and Flynn Rider
- Breakfast à la Art at Topolino’s Terrace – Flavors of the Riviera at Disney’s Riviera Resort – Breakfast; characters include Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck and Daisy Duck in artsy apparel
Epcot Attractions Starring Disney Characters
Looking for even more Disney character fun? You’ve come to the right place! Along with Epcot character meet-and-greets and Disney character meals, the park also touts several attractions that are inspired by beloved Disney characters, from audio-animatronic appearances to an interactive meet-and-greet powered by technology Disney magic.
Turtle Talk with Crush
For a Disney character-meet-and-greet unlike any other at Epcot, don’t miss Turtle Talk with Crush at The Seas with Nemo & Friends. Here, guests can interact with the rad sea turtle from Finding Nemo and ask him all their pressing questions about life in the big, blue world.
Happy to substitute an audio-animatronic character appearance for an actual meet-and-greet? These next Epcot attractions are filled with character. Disney characters, that is!
World Celebration
- Disney and Pixar Short Film Festival – Enjoy popular Disney and Pixar short films in an all-new 4D format
- Journey Into Imagination With Figment – See everyone’s favorite purple dragon on a fanciful tour through the Imagination Institute
World Discovery
- Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind – Hurtle through space alongside Star-Lord, Gamora, Rocket and Groot during this 360-degree roller coaster ride
World Nature
- The Seas with Nemo & Friends – Climb aboard a “clamobile” and set out in search of Nemo on this slow-moving dark ride through coral reefs and schools of fish
World Showcase
- Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along – Sing aloud to some of your favorite songs from Beauty and the Beast during this 15-minute film
- Disney’s DuckTales World Showcase Adventure – Solve clues and search for priceless artifacts during this scavenger hunt around World Showcase
- Frozen Ever After – Set sail on an ancient Norwegian ship bound for Arendelle past Elsa’s ice palace, packs of trolls and more
- Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros – Cruise past picturesque scenes from Mexico and the adorable antics of Donald Duck and his feathered friends during this slow-moving boat ride
- Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure – Shrink to the size of a mouse during this culinary caper through Gusteau’s Parisian restaurant
Well, ya’ll, that concludes our round-up of everywhere you can find characters at Epcot. Which Disney characters do you like meeting at Epcot? Let us know in the comments! Then, learn how to stretch your travel budget with our Disney World discount tickets.
