Meeting Disney characters can be a ton of fun no matter what age you are, and the ideal addition to your next trip to The Most Magical Place on Earth. If you’re hoping to hobnob with some of your favorites, there’s no better Walt Disney World theme park than the Magic Kingdom.
Characters at Magic Kingdom Park make appearances all day and into the night, with everyone from Mickey and Minnie to Cinderella and her evil stepsisters, Anastasia and Drizella, stopping by to say ‘hello.’ And, whether up-close-and-personal character meet-and-greets, from-a-distance sightings during parades or shows, or at a Disney character meal, there’s a character experience that’s perfect for your family’s schedule.
Keep reading for our handy-dandy guide on where to see characters at Magic Kingdom. No time for a Disney character-meet-and-greet, character breakfast, or to wait around for the parade to roll past? No worries! We’ve got a list of all the Magic Kingdom rides starring Disney characters, too! Updated January 27, 2023
Due to the pandemic, some Magic Kingdom character experiences may be temporarily unavailable. Refer to the My Disney Experience app for the most up-to-date information.
Where in Magic Kingdom Can You Meet Characters at Disney World?
At Walt Disney World, Magic Kingdom is a mecca for those looking for their favorite Disney characters. But, with so many different characters to see and ways to see them, it can be a bit overwhelming.
Fortunately, we’re here to demystify things a bit. If you’re hoping to see characters at Disney World’s Magic Kingdom, here are a few things to keep in mind when planning your visit.
What is the best way to see Disney World characters at Magic Kingdom?
It really depends on who you want to see, how much time you have to spend, the kind of interaction you want to have and, in some cases, your budget. Whether you’re at Magic Kingdom or any of the other theme parks, the best way to see characters at Disney World without spending anything extra – beyond your park ticket, of course – is at a meet-and-greet.
Offering up-close interactions, plenty of time to take pictures and, if you come with an autograph book, a fun souvenir, all at no additional cost, Disney character meet-and-greets can be a magical addition to your Walt Disney World vacation. That said, depending on who you want to meet, wait times to see your favorites can often be long – a tricky proposition for those already trying to cram a ton of attractions into their day.
To save time, consider doing some Disney character dining. Everyone’s gotta eat. So, what better way to spend breakfast or dinner (and skip the long lines in the parks) than by snapping pics with Winnie the Pooh or Snow White between bites? Of course, keep in mind that having breakfast with Mickey Mouse doesn’t come cheap.
If you don’t have time for a meet-and-greet or room in the budget for a character meal, the simplest way to see a whole bunch of Disney characters without taking too much time out of an already busy day is with a parade, cavalcade or stage show. Just remember that you’ll miss out on that personalized experience offered with a character meet-and-greet or meal.
What time do Disney characters come out at Magic Kingdom?
Typically, Magic Kingdom characters will start doing meet-and-greets starting at or a little bit after park opening. For example, if Magic Kingdom opens at 9:00 AM that day, then characters with permanent locations and continual meet-and-greets from open to close, such as Mickey and Minnie at Town Square Theater or the Disney Princesses at Princess Fairytale Hall, will start greeting guests right away at 9:00 AM.
Other characters who meet guests close-up on and off throughout the day or occasionally appear from a distance for what Disney calls “sightings,” like Merida and Stitch, respectively, will start making appearances anywhere from 15 minutes to close to two hours after the park opens.
To see which characters are scheduled to stop by and when, use My Disney Experience. This convenient app is the key to things like character meet-and-greet locations, parade and show times, which restaurants offer character dining, and so much more. If you’re not sure where a meet-and-greet location or restaurant is, you can even use the app’s navigational function to get directions.
For current characters, meet-and-greet locations and appearance times, tap the location icon at the bottom of the screen. Next, select “Characters” from the drop-down menu and the top. Hoping to get in some Disney character dining instead? Choose “Dining” from the drop-down menu, then filter for “Character Dining” under “Dining Experience.”
Do Disney characters walk around Magic Kingdom?
For the most part, Magic Kingdom characters tend to greet guests at specific locations, like Captain Jack Sparrow on the Adventureland Stage or Belle in Maurice’s Cottage in Fantasyland. Having said that, while there aren’t as many characters casually traipsing around the Magic Kingdom as there are at Disneyland, you will still see a few Disney characters hanging out in a more natural way in various spots throughout the park.
Known as character “sightings,” these at-a-distance appearances are great for snapping a quick, socially distanced selfie or having a chuckle at their playful antics. Still, even these more impersonal interactions typically take place in one spot for the duration of the character’s appearance rather than roaming about.
Where can you see Mickey Mouse at Magic Kingdom?
When visiting The Most Magical Place on Earth, one character you absolutely cannot miss is Mickey Mouse. Disney World offers several places to see the big cheese, from meet-and-greets in the theme parks to character dining. At Magic Kingdom, Mickey Mouse and his lady love, Minnie Mouse, meet guests all day long at Town Square Theater in Main Street, U.S.A., right next to the park’s main entrance.
Where to Find Disney World Characters at Magic Kingdom Right Now
When it comes to meeting Disney World characters, Magic Kingdom can’t be beat. Featuring meet-and-greets by a huge cast of characters throughout the day, as well as character dining, parades, cavalcades, stage shows and character-inspired attractions, there’s no shortage of Disney characters in Magic Kingdom.
Here are all the ways to meet Magic Kingdom characters in 2023. Just don’t forget that all character appearances are subject to change, and refer to the My Disney Experience app for the most up-to-date character availability and meet-and-greet information.
Additionally, while this list is quite comprehensive, it isn’t exhaustive, as it isn’t unheard of for other characters to pop up at random times and places. What’s more, these surprise appearances typically aren’t announced on My Disney Experience. So, don’t be surprised if you happen across someone unexpectedly.
Disney Character Meet-and-Greet Locations
Main Street, U.S.A. Character Meet-and-Greets
There’s no better Disney character to welcome guests to the Magic Kingdom than the big cheese himself. Say “hiya pal” to Mickey Mouse and his main gal Minnie Mouse at Town Square Theater from park open to park close. With magical props and EARidescent outfits, this enchanting meet-and-greet location is a fun spot for a photo.
Meeting Mickey Mouse at Magic Kingdom can be incredibly popular (i.e., busy), especially in the morning with folks flowing into the park for the day. Luckily, this is one of the few Disney character experiences at Magic Kingdom that offers a Lightning Lane. So, keep this in mind if you opt to upgrade to Disney Genie+.
You can also see another classic Disney icon right outside Town Square Theater: Snow White. The original Disney Princess usually welcomes guests at the Town Square Theater Porch from a little after park opening through mid-afternoon.
Adventureland Character Meet-and-Greets
Characters currently greeting guests in Adventureland are Captain Jack Sparrow, the roguish star of the Pirates of the Caribbean films, and one of folks’ favorite Disney couples, Aladdin and Princess Jasmine. The lovebirds usually hang out together in Agrabah, across from The Magic Carpets of Aladdin and Aloha Isle near the walkway to Frontierland, from a little after opening to mid-to-late afternoon.
Meanwhile, Captain Jack Sparrow typically greets guests and aspiring swashbucklers at the Adventureland Stage across from Pirates of the Caribbean. Appearances tend to start about 30 minutes after opening and continue on and off until mid-afternoon.
Frontierland Character Meet-and-Greets
Frontierland doesn’t have any traditional meet-and-greets with Disney characters. That said, you can still enjoy some character fun when walking through this rustic corner of Magic Kingdom with sightings of the stars of the Country Bear Jamboree. Bears like Big Al, Liverlips, Shaker and Wendell entertain guests from the Country Bear Jamboree Balcony beginning shortly after park open and continuing into the late afternoon.
Liberty Square Character Meet-and-Greets
Sadly, no characters currently greet guests or appear for sightings in Liberty Square.
Fantasyland Character Meet-and-Greets
Fantasyland is home to the most Magic Kingdom characters. Here you’ll find a mix of Disney Princesses, along with some loveable animal friends. At Princess Fairytale Hall, Cinderella and Tiana hold court along with two additional “visiting” princesses.
These usually include the likes of Elena of Avalor and Rapunzel, though Mulan isn’t unheard of. Meet-and-greets constantly run from park open to park close. Due to their popularity, Lightning Lanes are also available.
Three other Magic Kingdom princesses also greeting guests include Belle from Beauty and the Beast, Ariel from The Little Mermaid and Merida from Brave. Currently, in lieu of Enchanted Tales with Belle, this bookworm of a princess sees visitors at Maurice’s Cottage starting roughly an hour after opening on and off until late afternoon. However, starting February 19, 2023, she’ll be back reenacting a tale as old as time alongside Lumiere and select guests.
Also in New Fantasyland, everyone’s favorite mermaid Ariel welcomes her land-based friends to her grotto not too far from Under the Sea – Journey of the Little Mermaid from shortly after park open through the evening. On the other side of Fantasyland, Merida shows off her archery skills and hangs out with guests at the Fairytale Garden next to Cinderella Castle from park open on and off until late afternoon. So, be sure to stop by and say “hello.”
Looking for some furry friends instead? Chip ‘n’ Dale greet guests at Storybook Circus from an hour after park open until the late afternoon, while Winnie the Pooh and Tigger give warm, fuzzy hugs on and off throughout the day and into the night, from around two hours after opening until a couple of hours before closing, at Thotful Spot next to The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh.
Tomorrowland Character Meet-and-Greets
Currently, you’ll only find two Disney characters in Tomorrowland, and both are from a distance. Character sightings of Buzz Lightyear and Stitch are offered at the Rocket Tower Plaza Stage from around park opening until late afternoon.
Other Ways to See Disney Characters in Magic Kingdom
But, those aren’t the only way to see Disney characters at Magic Kingdom. Other opportunities to see your favorites include parades, stage shows, cavalcades, character dining and even attractions.
Parades, Stage Shows & Disney Character Cavalcades
Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade
At Magic Kingdom, the Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade is an entertaining way to see a bunch of characters in a relatively short period of time. This incredible procession takes its inspiration (and style cues) from the characters of and stories of Fantasyland, including massive, intricate floats and whimsical costumes.
Characters: Belle, Cinderella, Tiana, Elsa, Rapunzel, Flynn Rider, Ariel, Peter Pan, Captain Hook, Tinker Bell, Wendy, Maleficent (in steampunk dragon form), Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Alice, the Mad Hatter, Pinocchio, Pluto, Mickey, Minnie, Daisy, Goofy, and Chip ‘n’ Dale (subject to change)
Showtimes: 12:00 PM and 3:00 PM
Mickey’s Magical Friendship Faire
We love a good stage show, especially one starring an enchanting mishmash of Disney characters. In Mickey’s Magical Friendship Faire (held on the Cinderella Castle Stage), Mickey and his pals host friends from such beloved Disney films as The Princess and the Frog, Tangled and Frozen.
Characters: Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Daisy, Goofy, Tiana, Prince Naveen, Rapunzel, Flynn Rider, Anna, Elsa, and Olaf
Showtimes: 10:10 AM, 11:25 AM, 12:50 PM, 2:05 PM, 4:00 PM (subject to change)
Mickey’s Celebration Cavalcade
Cavalcades provide amazing character spotting opportunities in a very short period of time, making for an easy way to sneak in some Disney characters in between attractions or on your way to dinner. Mickey’s Celebration Cavalcade stars the “EARidescent 8” in their glittery best.
Characters: Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Daisy, Goofy, Pluto and Chip ‘n’ Dale
Showtimes: 10:45 AM, 1:40 PM, 4:25 PM, 5:40 PM (subject to change)
Disney Adventure Friends Cavalcade
For the most Disney characters in the shortest amount of time, you can’t miss the Disney Adventure Friends Cavalcade. Featuring a dazzling lineup of close to 30 Disney and Pixar characters in a pint-sized parade at a mere two minutes and 30 seconds long, it’s the biggest character cavalcade at Disney World.
Characters: Favorites from Encanto, Coco, Zootopia, The Incredibles, Toy Story, The Jungle Book, Mulan, Moana, The Lion King, Tarzan, Pocahontas, Brave, Aladdin, Lilo and Stitch, The Aristocats, The Three Caballeros, and Mary Poppins (subject to change)
Showtimes: 5:10 PM, 6:25 PM (subject to change)
Disney Character Dining
Have a little space in your travel budget? Turn mealtime into character time with Disney character dining. With a little preparation, these up-close-and-personal interactions can be a memorable (and time-saving) addition to your day in Magic Kingdom.
Due to their popularity, character meals can be extremely popular. In other words, restaurants may book up quite quickly. Make an advance dining reservation if you know there is someone you absolutely have to meet so you aren’t disappointed.
Be Our Guest Restaurant
While not technically a character dining location, The Beast from Beauty and the Beast usually makes appearances throughout mealtime at Be Our Guest Restaurant in Fantasyland. However, he doesn’t stop by individual tables. Add in the eatery’s immersive theming, and it’s sure to be a meal you won’t soon forget.
Characters: The Beast (subject to change)
Character Meals: Lunch, Dinner
The Crystal Palace
Mingle with the inhabitants of the Hundred-Acre Wood at The Crystal Palace on Main Street, U.S.A. Here, diners tuck into a tasty buffet of comfort food favorites like Country Fried Chicken and Prime Rib in between visits from friends from the Winnie the Pooh stories.
Characters: Winnie the Pooh, Tigger, Eeyore, Piglet (subject to change)
Character Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Cinderella’s Royal Table
What could be grander than meeting the Disney Princesses inside Cinderella Castle over a decadent meal? Cinderella’s Royal Table offers signature dining in a regal setting and, typically, appearances from some of your favorite princesses. Sadly, at the time of writing, Cinderella is only making an appearance
Characters: Cinderella, as well as four to five of her friends, such as Snow White, Aurora, Jasmine and Ariel (subject to change)
Character Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Don’t mind heading outside the park to see your favorite Disney characters? There are also a few different character meals at hotels in the Magic Kingdom Resort Area. These include:
- Chef Mickey’s at Disney’s Contemporary Resort – Breakfast and Dinner; characters include Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Goofy and Pluto
- Story Book Dining at Artist Point with Snow White at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge – Dinner; characters include Snow White, the Evil Queen, Grumpy and Dopey
- ‘Ohana Best Friends Breakfast at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort – Breakfast; characters include Lilo and Stitch (and possibly Mickey and Pluto)
- 1900 Park Fare at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa – Breakfast and Dinner; characters include Alice, the Mad Hatter, Mary Poppins, Winnie the Pooh, Tigger and Piglet at breakfast or Cinderella, Prince Charming, Lady Tremaine, Anastasia, Drizella and the Fairy Godmother at dinner
Attractions Starring Disney Characters
Still not enough Disney character magic? Well, you’re in luck. You’ll find several attractions that feature appearances by some classic Disney characters, whether in real life or as an audio-animatronic or other attraction prop.
Enchanted Tales with Belle
Reenact the story of Beauty and the Beast alongside Belle herself – with you as the star of the show. This charming attraction uses interactive storytelling and audience participation for a unique character interaction you’re sure to remember.
Willing to settle for an audio-animatronic version of Ariel or ride vehicles shaped like Dumbo? You might not actually be able to meet Disney characters at these Magic Kingdom rides, but they still bring the character-inspired fun.
Adventureland
- Pirates of the Caribbean – Set sail through pirate territory on a slow-moving boat ride
- The Magic Carpets of Aladdin – Soar above Adventureland on a magic carpet just like Aladdin and Jasmine
Frontierland
- Country Bear Jamboree – Tap your toes to twangy tunes sung by audio-animatronic bears in this knee-slapping country-western style stage show
Fantasyland
- Dumbo the Flying Elephant – Fly over Fantasyland from the back of that adorable flying pachyderm
- Mickey’s PhilharMagic – Sing along to some of your favorite Disney songs in this cute 4D movie celebrating some beloved films
- Peter Pan’s Flight – Set a course for adventure in a magical flying pirate ship bound for Neverland
- Seven Dwarfs Mine Train – Cruise past the seven dwarfs’ house and their diamond mines on this family-friendly coaster
- The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh – Hop in a Hunny Pot for a whimsical trip through the Hundred Acre Wood
- Under the Sea – Journey of the Little Mermaid – Dive deep into the story of The Little Mermaid on this musical voyage below the waves
Tomorrowland
- Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin – Save the universe from Zurg in this shooting gallery-style ride
Well, folks, that’s everywhere you can find characters at Magic Kingdom. Which Disney World characters do you like to meet? Let us know in the comments! Then, find out how to save some cash with our discount Disney World tickets.
