The experience of seeing and meeting Disney characters adds to the magic of any Disney vacation. In order to support social distancing during the phased reopening, traditional character meet and greets, as well as parades, will not be available for guests to enjoy. But don’t worry, Disney characters will appear in new and unique ways throughout the Walt Disney World theme parks. Earlier this week at the Cast Member preview of Magic Kingdom, we caught a glimpse of how we will interact with characters moving forward. Disney stated that “Characters will cavalcade along the traditional parade route throughout the day”, as well as make special appearances in unexpected places. Here are some of the Character experiences we can expect throughout the theme parks:
Magic Kingdom Park- reopens July 11, 2020
- “Mickey and Friends Cavalcade” – Mickey, Minnie and pals appear throughout the day, waving to guests along the parade route and inviting everyone to “Get Their Ears On”.
- “The Royal Princess Processional” – Your favorite Princesses come out several times daily. Merida leads the processional on her gallant horse Angus. A gazebo float and crystal castle follow with Rapunzel, Tiana, Cinderella, Belle, Snow White, Ariel, Jasmine, Fairy Godmother and Elena.
- “Fantasyland Friends Cavalcade” – Features Gaston on horseback, Peter Pan, Pooh Bear, Mary Poppins, Aladdin and Alice.
- “Goofy Cavalcade” – Appearing atop the Main Street Railroad Station and featuring Goofy, Max, Clarabelle Cow, Panchito Pistoles, and Jose Cariocas.
- “Tinker Bell & The Lost Treasure” – Perched on a treasure chest float, Tinker Bell travels down the parade route sprinkling pixie dust as she goes.
- “Friends of Pooh Bear” – Piglet, Eeyore and Rabbit bring smiles to guests as they pass by on a horse drawn trolley.
- “Cinderella’s Evil Stepsisters” – Anastasia and Drizella appear on the balcony of Cinderella Castle and interact with guests below.
- “Jack Sparrow in Adventureland” – Don’t be surprised to see Captain Jack holding court outside Pirates of the Caribbean attraction.
- The Country Bears made appearances in Frontierland and Stitch was spotted in Tomorrowland.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park- reopens July 11, 2020
- “Donald’s Dino Boat Bash!” – Donald, Daisy and more wave to guests from their boat on Discovery River.
- “Discovery River Character Cruise” – Several times daily, watch for Pocahontas & Meeko or Timon & Pumba to set sail on the park waterways.
- “Discovery Island Drummers” – Guests will be entertained on shore by the energy of the percussionists on Discovery River.
EPCOT- reopens July 15, 2020
- “Frozen Promenade” – Plan to see Queen Elsa and Anna venture into the unknown on a journey through World Showcase, greeting guests along the way.
- “Mickey and Friends World Tour” – You may come upon Mickey, Minnie, Pluto and Goofy on their own World Tour around World Showcase. Be sure to say hi!
Disney’s Hollywood Studios- reopens July 15, 2020
- “Pixar Pals Motorcade” – Pixar Animation Studios characters will be waving to guests along Hollywwod Boulevard.
- “Disney Junior Stars Motorcade” – Fancy Nancy, Doc McStuffins and Vampirina will be cruising down Hollywood Boulevard in their custom convertibles.
- Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge – First Order Stormtroopers will be patrolling the landing platform at Docking Bay 9, while members of the Resistance may be spotted in Black Spire Station surveying activity from above.
This was a quick peek into what awaits guests as the parks begin to reopen. The random appearance of characters throughout the day prevents the build up of guests that occurs during traditional parades and meet n’ greets. Disney has done a great job of providing character interactions without lines or crowds, while maintaining proper physical distancing. While we will miss the one on one with characters or full parades, Disney has succeeded in adjusting to the current situation and keeping up character presence in the parks.