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, Several characters return to the Magic Kingdom, Peter Pan moves back into his permanent spot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios gets several fan-favorite characters back, plus character dining continues to make a comeback across the resort!
1. Merida meet and greet returns to the Magic Kingdom
Character meet and greets have been coming back to Walt Disney World in a big way in 2022 and this past week Merida, the star of Brave returned to the Magic Kingdom after being gone since 2020. This princess is now meeting guests in her former location near Cinderella Castle at 9:45 am, 11 am, 12:15 pm, 2:15 pm, 3:15 pm and 4:30 pm. As always, times are subject to change, especially as we head into the Halloween season, so make sure to check the times guide for more on when you can once again meet Merida.
2. Main street characters return to Town Square Theater
And speaking of characters returning to the Magic Kingdom, last month saw the return of iconic princess Snow White to the Town Square Theater Porch for daily meet and greets with guests. In addition, Minnie Mouse has officially re-joined Mickey inside the Town Square Theater meet and greet area in her 50th-anniversary outfit for guests wanting to meet both of these characters.
Snow White as well as Mickey and Minnie meet and greets are available daily, with more information available in the times guide inside the My Disney Experience app.
3. Peter Pan moves back to his permanent spot in Fantasyland
Though Peter Pan has been sighted roaming about and interacting with guests in Adventureland over the past few months, it looks like this character has been moved back to his former meet and greet area in front of the mural near Peter Pan’s Flight in Magic Kingdom. Peter Pan will now be meeting guests at this location throughout the day, which is great news for those who missed being able to say hello, grab an autograph and snap a photo with this iconic character in his usual spot.
4. Jasmine and Aladdin return to the Magic Kingdom
One of Disney’s most famous couples is now once again meeting guests at the Magic Kingdom. As of several weeks ago, Aladdin and Jasmine have once again begun meeting guests together at the Agrabah Bazaar in the Adventureland area of the park. Times vary throughout the day, and these characters may not be available if there is inclement weather.
5. Classic Star Wars characters now meeting guests at Star Wars: Launch Bay
After being closed for over two years, last month Walt Disney World finally reopened the Star Wars Launch Bay attraction, and now guests who venture forth into this Star Wars-themed space can once again meet favorite characters from the franchise including Chewbacca, droid BB-8, and Darth Vader. These meet and greets are all available all day inside this attraction.
Guests who purchase the Genie+ $15 service will be able to skip the line to get into this newly-reopened attraction as well as for individual meet and greets for Darth Vader and Chewbacca inside.
6. Character dining returns to several locations this fall
It has been a slow return for many of Walt Disney World’s character dining experiences, but it looks like this fall guests can check out several returning experiences across the resort, that will bring characters like Winnie the Pooh, Stitch, and more back to several restaurants around the resort including the following:
- September 20: The Crystal Palace: This Magic Kingdom restaurant will see the return of Winnie the Pooh and Friends this fall. Lunch and dinner character dining will be available with menu items such as Carved Prime Rib, Seasonal Ravioli, and Peel & Eat Shrimp on offer.
- September 27:,‘Ohana Best Friends Breakfast Lilo and Stitch are returning to Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort where guests can enjoy Pineapple Coconut Breakfast Bread, Mickey Waffles as well as the iconic Lilikoi Juice and Moana Smoothie.
- October 4: Cape May Café Minnie’s Beach Bash Breakfast Minnie and friends will once again join guests at Disney’s Beach Club Resort’s character dining experience as they enjoy Salted Caramel “Beach Buns” and the famous Mickey and Minnie Waffles.
As these character dining options will likely be very popular when they return, reservations are strongly recommended and are available now on the official Walt Disney World website.
7. Full cast returns to Beauty and the Beast: Live on Stage
Ever since it returned to Disney’s Hollywood Studios, the Beauty and the Beast: Live on Stage show has been performed with a limited cast, with several background performers missing. However, as of this week, the full cast has returned to this show, which has been officially restored to its pre-pandemic version. Times for this show vary, but guests wanting to check it out can get an updated list of available showtimes inside the My Disney Experience app. Guests who purchase the Genie+ $15 service will be able to skip the line to get into this show without queueing outside.
8. Green Army Drum Corps returns to Toy Story Land soon
Disney has confirmed via the official attraction website that the Green Army Drum Corps characters will soon be returning to Toy Story Land. Previously these drummers could be seen during the Pixar motorcade, but it looks like these high-energy characters will be heading back to their usual base at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in the near future. No specific date for the return of these characters has been provided.
