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. While not all of these changes are always popular with guests, Disney is constantly making adjustments to try and make character offerings as diverse as possible while still keeping things running efficiently around the parks.
This month, a limited time Toy Story character dining experience is announced for Disney’s Contemporary Resort, two new characters are set to come to Disney’s Hollywood Studios, plus a Disney Junior favorite is set to make her exit in just a few days.
1. New Toy Story character dining experience coming for one weekend only to the Contemporary Resort
Image: Disney
For a limited time this summer during Independence Day weekend (from July 4-6), Disney’s Contemporary Resort will be hosting a special Toy Story character dining experience for one weekend only. Woody’s Roundup BBQ will take place from 6:15 PM to 9:15 PM at the Fantasia Ballroom, which will be specially decorated to look like a western-themed playset inspired by the Toy Story films. Once inside, guests can meet Woody, Jessie, Bullseye and Buzz Lightyear as well as play games, make crafts and of course enjoy a special barbecue-themed all-you-can-eat buffet. There will also be a live DJ providing musical entertainment and a balloon artist on hand as well creating amazing animals and shapes for young guests.
Prices for this dining event are $149 for adults (ages 10 and up) and $99 for children (ages 3 to 9). In addition to dinner and entertainment, guests attending Woody’s Roundup BBQ will also be able to enjoy dessert and a reserved outdoor viewing area of the special Fourth of July fireworks spectacular from Disney’s Contemporary Resort.
2. Bo Peep meet and greet coming to Toy Story Land this summer
Image: Disney
And speaking of Toy Story, just in time for the summer opening of Toy Story 4, a new character will be coming to meet guests this summer: Bo Peep! This new character will be appearing in Toy Story Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios alongside characters Woody, Buzz and Jessie. No specific start date has been confirmed yet, but we will likely learn more about this upcoming character experience in just a few weeks as we get closer to the release of the upcoming Toy Story movie.
3. Sofia the First character meet and greet ending next week
Image: Disney
Sofia the First, who has met with guests at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in the Animation Courtyard for the past five years, will be having her very last day at the park this Sunday on April 14th, before going back to Enchancia. She also no longer meets young guests at the Disney Junior Play n’ Dine character dining experience at the Hollywood & Dine restaurant, making this one character we probably won’t be seeing again for a long time (if ever again).
4. Fancy Nancy coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios in May
Image: Disney
Once Sofia the First leaves Disney’s Hollywood Studios the spot this character formerly occupied in the Animation Courtyard will be refurbished and then reopen in time for the 30th anniversary of Disney’s Hollywood Studios on May 1, with an all-new backyard-inspired backdrop just for the all-new Fancy Nancy character greeting. In addition to meeting guests in the Animation Courtyard, Fancy Nancy has also been confirmed to be joining the aforementioned Disney Junior Play ‘n Dine lineup at Hollywood & Vine, along with other popular Disney Junior characters like Vampirina, Doc McStuffins and Roadster Racer Goofy.
5. Timon and Rafiki likely returning to meeting guests this summer at Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Though Rafiki’s Panet Watch has been closed since last year, Disney surprised fans when they said they were reopening this area of Disney’s Animal Kingdom this summer with some Lion King enhancements to celebrate the 25th anniversary of this movie. And though it hasn’t been 100% confirmed yet, thanks to information about an upcoming upcharge event, it looks like meet and greets with both Rafiki and Timon will be available for guests who visit this attraction this summer!
