Finding Disney’s most popular characters is easy. In fact, you can even set up a FastPass to reach Mickey or a popular princess ahead of the crowd. Not all characters have a swanky spot complete with a wait time and velvet-roped queue, though.
If you know where to look, you’ll find character meet and greets all over Walt Disney World. Many of these have little to no wait so you can fill your autograph book in record time. Check out these easily overlooked highlights.
1. Aladdin and Jasmine – Adventureland, Magic Kingdom
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Aladdin and Jasmine have a meet and greet spot beside Aladdin’s Magic Carpets in Adventureland. The area blends right in to the surrounding gift shops when the characters aren’t out, but you’ll find a designated area just for this duo. Genie appears here from time to time as well. If you’re in the park early and head right to Adventureland, you may even spot this couple taking an early morning spin on the carpets.
2. Princess Tiana – Liberty Square, Magic Kingdom
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Princess Tiana’s meet and greet area is so secluded you could pass by without ever noticing it if you’re not careful. There’s a wooded gazebo behind the Christmas store in Liberty Square where Tiana regularly comes out to meet her fans. While Liberty Square may seem like an odd spot for the princess, consider that she’s the one iconic Disney princess that’s truly American. Liberty Square is about as American as you can get.
3. The Fairy Godmother – Fantasyland, Magic Kingdom
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Near the entrance to the Magic Kingdom’s Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, in the castle courtyard, you’ll often find the Fairy Godmother. This sweet motherly character is a unique find around the Disney parks, and this is another meet and greet you can easily miss if you don’t pass close to the castle. Stop by for an autograph, picture, and some fairy wisdom.
4. Princess Merida – Fairytale Garden, Magic Kingdom
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Near Cinderella Castle and just to the right, you’ll find a secluded garden known as Fairytale Garden. This spot has featured many characters over the years, but today it plays home to Princess Merida. The area sports many props that make it a great place for Brave fans to get some unforgettable pictures. While it’s obvious what this area is once you glimpse it, the location isn’t central enough for everyone to see it if they’re not looking.
5. Belle and Beast – France, Epcot
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Belle shows up around the France pavilion in Epcot in her classic blue dress. This is a refreshing change if you want to see this princess in something other than her yellow gown. Though beast isn’t always on hand, he does accompany her from time to time, making for a fantastic photo opportunity if you can get it. These two are usually found along the waterfront.
6. Snow White – Germany, Epcot
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Snow White’s story takes place in the Enchanted Forest, but this area most closely resembles Germany, so that’s where you’ll find Snow White in Epcot. There’s a charming wishing well set back from the road a bit where you can meet this princess and get a great photo op. If you’re lucky, Dopey may accompany her as well.
7. Baloo and King Louie – Upcountry Landing, Animal Kingdom
Upcountry Landing is a little pavilion in Asia. This is one of the park’s best character spots because you can meet the otherwise elusive Baloo and King Louie from The Jungle Book. The duo almost always appear together, making the meet and greet even more special.
8. Pluto and Goofy – Dinoland, Animal Kingdom
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As you’re skirting the gaudy Dinorama area in Dinoland, you may notice an oversized postcard off to the side. This is a fantastic character spot where you can catch Goofy and Pluto together. The duo are usually dressed up in campy attire, though you may find them in festive Christmas outfits here during the holidays.
Walt Disney World has characters all over its parks when you know where to look. If the lines for the bigger meet and greets require an hours-long wait, keep your eyes open on the streets instead. You can get in to see most of these characters in a surprisingly short time.
