Meeting Disney characters can be a fun part of any Disney vacation but with so many changes lately it’s become difficult to keep track of them all! Below is a roundup of some new and recent character changes at the theme parks.
Jiminy Cricket – Limited Time at Animal Kingdom!
Pinocchio’s conscience will be making a special appearance at Rafiki’s Planet Watch in Animal Kingdom again this year in celebration of Earth Week from April 17th until April 23rd. Hop onboard the Wildlife Express Train in Africa for a meet and greet opportunity with this rare Disney character.
Joy and Sadness – Now Appearing in Epcot!
Joy and Sadness from the Inside Out movie are currently available for meet and greets and autograph signings in Epcot at Epcot’s Character Spot. They are located across the walkway from Mickey, Minnie and Goofy and adjacent to the recently opened Baymax meet and greet. There is currently only a stand-by option at the moment where guests can journey through Riley’s long term memory and catch a glimpse of her Islands of Personality on your way to Headquarters.
Anna and Elsa – Coming and Going Soon!
It looks as though Anna and Elsa will officially be leaving their space at Princess Fairytale Hall at Magic Kingdom once the new Royal Sommerhus in Epcot opens this summer. Guests will soon be able to find them at the Norway Pavilion next to the new Frozen Ever After attraction, which also plans to open summer 2016.
Olaf – Coming Soon to Hollywood Studios!
The lovable snowman from Frozen will begin making appearances at the new Celebrity Spotlight in Disney’s Hollywood Studios in April. According to the Disney website, it looks like he will be available for pictures, autographs and hugs beginning this month. There is a reference to “catch Olaf before he melts!”, which makes me wonder if Olaf will only be visiting temporarily.
Mickey & Minnie Starring in Red Carpet Dreams – Coming Soon!
See the star-studded debut of this heartwarming Character Greeting featuring Mickey and Minnie as they head to Disney’s Hollywood Studios with little more than a wish for silver screen fame and a pocket full of dreams.
Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde – Now Appearing in Magic Kingdom!
The Zootopia characters have joined the Move It! Shake It! Dance & Play It! Street Party at Magic Kingdom. Performance times are 11:00am, 12:30pm and 5:40pm but be sure to check the Times Guide for the daily schedule as showtimes are subject to change.
Stitch – Now Appearing in Magic Kingdom!
Stitch can now be found daily at Town Square near the entrance to Magic Kingdom. Catch him between 10:30am – 12:00pm and 1:10pm – 2:30pm but be sure to check the Times Guide for confirmation.
Aurora – Now Appearing in Magic Kingdom!
Princess Aurora is now meeting guests at the Town Square Courtyard area in Magic Kingdom. This is the spot where Mr. & Mrs. Easter Bunny usually appear during the Easter season. It should be interesting to see if Aurora will make her way over to the vacated spot at Princess Fairytale Hall in Fantasyland once Anna and Else relocate to Epcot this summer.
Kylo Ren and Chewbacca – Now Appearing at Hollywood Studios!
Both characters are available to meet at Star Wars Launch Bay in Hollywood Studios but neither sign autographs. Chewie is a fuzzy gentle giant whereas Kylo Ren can be quite intimidating!
Captain Phasma and Stormtroopers – Now Appearing!
A procession of First Order stormtroopers is led by the menacing Captain Phasma multiple times each day. They march in formation from Star Wars Launch Bay in Hollywood Studios to Center Stage before the Star Wars: A Galaxy Far, Far Away performance.
Star Wars: A Galaxy Far, Far Away – Now Showing!
This new stage show in Hollywood Studios features some of your favorite Star Wars characters including C-3PO, R2D2, Chewbacca, Darth Vader, Darth Maul, Kylo Ren, Boba Fett and BB-8. Watch as iconic moments from the Star Wars saga are recreated on stage right in front of your very own eyes!
Mike and Sulley – Closed!
The Monsters, Inc. Meet & Greet with Mike and Sulley unfortunately closed on April 3rd, along with the rest of Streets of America at Hollywood Studios.
Marie – Closed!
Marie from Aristocats is no longer making appearances at Magic Kingdom. Her typical spot in Town Square has been taken over my Stitch
Streetmosphere – Cut Back!
Several members of the Citizens of Hollywood Streetmosphere crew were cut on April 9, 2016, including the entire cast of the Hollywood Public Works group.
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