Character meet and greets are a big part of what makes a trip to Walt Disney World so special, and in recent months Disney has taken it upon themselves to make a number of improvements and changes to each park’s character line-up, including bringing back character meet and greets that had been suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and making adjustments to existing character meet and greets to make sure that as many guests as possible can experience them and see their favorite characters.
This month, a long-awaited character dining restaurant finally reopens, characters return to Toy Story Land, DVC members get access to a special event with limited-time characters, plus rumors swirl about potentially removed character meet and greets around the resort.
1. Akershus Royal Banquet Hall to reopen next month with princesses and higher prices
One of the most curious reopenings that has long been delayed since Walt Disney World first reopened in 2020 was Akershus Royal Banquet Hall, the Norway pavilion’s signature restaurant which has traditionally been the home for Princess character dining in EPCOT. However, this week it was announced that after over two years, this location will finally be welcoming guests once again, and yes, princesses like Belle, Ariel and more will be back.
The restaurant will officially reopen on November 4, with reservations available starting October 24. Prices might be a little higher than you remember, with breakfast costing $53.00 for adults and $34.00 for kids. Lunch and dinner will also be more expensive as well, costing $63.00 for adults and $41.00 for kids.
Once it reopens, the Akershus Royal Banquet Hall will serve family-style platters that include field greens salad with lingonberry vinaigrette, traditional kjØttkake (Norwegian meatballs) and grilled salmon. A two-plate dessert platter will also be served.
2. Buffet-style dining returns to Tusker House
And speaking of character dining, it has been confirmed that buffet dining will once again return to Tusker House at Disney’s Animal Kingdom on November 1. This character dining location, which features Donald Duck and other pals, will serve breakfast, which includes pastries like the Zebra Coffee Cake, Simba Waffles and Mickey Waffles, and a variety of breakfast meats, as well as lunch and dinner, which will include house specialties like the Spit-roasted Tandoori Chicken and Green Curry Shrimp, plant-based Cauliflower Bunny Chow, and various salads.
According to Disney’s official website, the price for this dining experience will remain the same at $35 to $59.99 per adult. Reservations are available now on the restaurant’s website for this returning experience.
3. Green Army Men return to Toy Story Land
Disney confirmed earlier this year via the their official attraction website that the Green Army Drum Corps characters would soon be coming back to Toy Story Land, and now it looks like we have a date for this much-anticipated return. Beginning in just a few weeks on November 8, guests will once again be able to see these characters marching through Toy Story Land during their set times, which are currently listed as: 10:30 AM, 11:30 AM, 12:30 PM, 2:30 PM, 3:30 PM and 4:30 PM. This experience will be available every day in this part of Disney’s Hollywood Studios for the forseeable future.
4. Several character meet and greets reportedly cut due to staffing issues
Though it is nice to see characters returning to Toy Story Land and the Norway Pavilion at EPCOT, it looks like some experiences could be cut, reportedly due to a shortage of available entertainment performers.
According to WDWMagic, as of this weekend, several character meet and greets are being discontinued, including Minnie Mouse at Town Square Theater, Minnie Mouse at EPCOT International Gateway, and Donald, Daisy, and Max at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Though these are probably not permanent character removals, with a potential lull in guests between now and the holiday season, Disney may be looking to cut where they can while the labor shortage is ongoing.
5. Santa to meet guests at Walt Disney World beginning next month
Beginning next month guests will be able to meet with Santa Claus to celebrate the holiday season both at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at the Magic Kingdom as well as at the following other locations around Walt Disney World:
- Cruising down Hollywood Boulevard in his candy-apple red convertible at Disney’s Hollywood Studios during the Santa Claus Merry Motorcade.
- Voyaging across the Discovery River as part of a festive flotilla at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park.
- Joining storytellers from around the world as a part of the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays.
- Inside a dedicated meet and greet area wil at Disney Springs, where guests will have individual time to take photos and discuss their Christmas wishes with Santa.
6. Olaf joins For the First Time In Forever show for the holidays
And speaking of the holiday season, it has been confirmed that Olaf will once again be joining the finale of For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration as part of the special holiday edition of this show beginning in just a few weeks. Once the holiday season is over, both Olaf and the larger show will be going away for awhile as Disney currently has a long refurbishment scheduled for this entertainment option that will be kicking off early next year.
7. Disney Vacation Club Members can meet Oogie Boogie and other characters as part of limited-time event
Disney Vacation Club Members can now meet spooky Disney Characters as part of special Halloween Meet & Treat events being held this month. Though several have already passed, Disney Vacation Club Members can still attend events on October 28, and 29. During this free event at Disney’s BoardWalk, members can meet Oogie Boogie from the Nightmare Before Christmas, as well as the Hag from Snow White and a spooky Vampire version of Goofy. The event is for eligible Disney Vacation Club members with a qualifying Disney Resort hotel reservation, and advance registration is not required. Free popcorn is also given out at this special event as well.
