For many, a trip to a Disney park is never complete without a visit to see your favourite character. Whether it’s to say “Thank you” to the main mouse himself or to practice your best twirl with the princess, the Disney parks offer endless opportunities to interact with some very familiar faces.
Within the Disney parks, there are some characters who have remained a constant throughout the years, such as the fab five (Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Donald and Pluto) who are always ready and waiting to pose for a photo and sign an autograph book or two.
However, some character appearances have been much more fleeting, only stopping by to greet guests for a select period of time over the years, never to be seen again once their time is up.
So today, let’s take a look at five Disney character meet and greets from times gone by, that you may have even forgotten ever existed!
1. Nemo – Finding Nemo
Anyone remember when Nemo was a “walk-around” character?
Roll-around?
Swim-around?! pic.twitter.com/10pmXJfjtZ— orlANDREW (@AProductions09) March 20, 2023
Fish are friends, not food! Years back, the brave little clownfish Nemo could be found swimming around EPCOT.
As you can imagine, there are some potential complications that come with meeting and greeting a fish out of water, however, Disney’s approach to bringing Nemo to the parks made for a particularly unique experience for parkgoers.
2. Barbie and Ken
Between 1994 and 1995, guests visiting EPCOT could meet the iconic Barbie doll in person. The blonde bombshell could be found with her boyfriend, Ken as they met with guests around the World Showcase, accompanied by Barbie’s sister, Skipper.
The trio were fairly easy to spot thanks to Barbie’s fabulous method of transport, a bright pink limo!
3. Ace Ventura: Pet Detective
Alrighty then! For a brief run in 1995, one of Jim Carrey’s more instantly recognisable characters, Ace Ventura: Pet Detective starred in his very own show at Disney’s Hollywood Studios that would then offer guests the chance to meet with him afterwards.
The show served as promotion of the film Ace Venture: When Nature Calls, therefore it only ran for a few months in the park. No doubt any guests who visited the park during this time were treated to some hilarious encounters with Carrey’s iconic character.
4. The Tomorrowland Space Couple
Those who don’t remember this duo can certainly be forgiven, as they first appeared in Disneyland in 1955 and continued meeting with guests for about a decade. The Tomorrowland Space Couple would wander around Tomorrowland, engaging with guests and sharing tales of their galactic adventures.
In a sweet call-back to one of Disney’s original meet and greets, guests recently attending Disneyland’s Throwback Nite got the chance to meet these nostalgically wonderful characters once again!
5. Prince Caspian – Narnia
Another of Disney’s more timely meet and greets, Prince Caspian made the voyage over to the Disney parks to celebrate the release of The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian in 2008.
The meet and greet ran for about a year and a half and accompanied the Journey into Narnia: Prince Caspian walk-through attraction that could be found in Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Which of these meet and greets would you most like to meet? Are there any other meet and greets that you feel are long forgotten?
