Walt Disney World’s parks have lots of opportunities for character interaction — from dining with Cinderella at her own castle to waiting in line for a chance to talk with Ariel in a clamshell — and most visitors have likely posed with the main mouse in charge at least once. But there are many more characters besides the usual princesses, mice, ducks and dogs that are deserving of time spent waiting in line (and away from the rides) to see them. Here are five character experiences that are not to be missed.
1. Goofing around with Gaston
There’s probably not another Disney character who’s more in love — with himself — than this ham from “Beauty and the Beast.” He also loves to show off for his adoring fans at the tavern named after himself in the Magic Kingdom’s Fantasyland. He will compare muscles with you, take endless selfies with you (because after all, how can just one photo contain all of that beauty?), trade pick-up lines with you and probably ask you to sing a song all about him. He might take his time to show up at his tavern, but a meet and greet with Gaston is definitely worth the wait.
2. Cutting up with Chip n Dale
These comical chipmunks hang out by the Rivers of America at the Magic Kingdom’s Liberty Square, and hile they can’t talk like Gaston, their antics will make most anyone smile. They’ve been known to steal guests’ hats, look through backpacks for snacks and fight over autograph pens. But this dynamic duo have a sweet side too, and they’ll give you a tandem kiss (with one chipmunk on each side) if you ask very nicely.
3. Vamping with Cinderella’s Stepmother and Stepsisters
Not every character at the Magic Kingdom is so sweet. Cinderella’s stepmother, Lady Tremaine, and her daughters Drizella and Anastasia are downright vile — and as such very worthy of a meeting. The trio appear behind Cinderella’s Castle and play their roles to the hilt. Try asking Anastasia and Drizella which one of them is the oldest — or the most beautiful. Try giving one of them a ring pop with a marriage proposal and watch a fight break out. And see what happens when you ask them to sing. Lady Tremaine will also have sassy answers to the questions of how much hairspray it took to hold her hair up like that and which stepdaughter is her favorite. Even if you’re not usually a fan of Disney’s princesses, you’ll probably still like spending a little bit of time with these three ladies.
4. Meeting Mary Poppins
Everyone’s favorite British nanny flies into the United Kingdom pavilion at Epcot each day and would be pleased to meet you. You can pose for a very proper photo under her ever-present umbrella, and if you miss her at Epcot, you can also find Mary at the expanded hub at the Magic Kingdom. She also appears on occasion at the Supercalifragilistic Breakfast in the 1900 Park Fare Restaurant at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort. (You can also dine with Alice in Wonderland, The Mad Hatter, Winnie the Pooh and Tigger there too.) If you ask nicely, she might sing the lullaby song “Stay Awake” with you, or help you wrangle some unruly children in your party.
5. Matching Maleficent’s Looks
The “Mistress of All Evil” does not make regular appearances, so when Maleficent does show up in the parks, it’s a special occasion indeed. You never know when she could just suddenly appear behind you. If you do ever get the chance to make her acquaintance, be sure to tell her that you’re planning a party that she’d also be more than welcome to pop into and promise to help look for that pesky Sleeping Beauty for her. Maleficent doesn’t smile for photos, but if you ask nicely you may just get a selfie with her wicked sneer.
Character times and locations can vary, so it’s important to get a current Times Guide when you enter Disney parks. Times are also updated on the official Disney app. And there are plenty of other characters who will offer memorable experiences both inside and outside of the parks, at special character meet and greet sites, restaurants and even pop-up locations. Try not to get your heart set on meeting one specific character or having one certain interaction at a given time. If you miss a character on your trip, think of it as a sign that you’ll just have to revisit the parks in the future, and go ahead and have some fun with the characters that you do meet. So next time you spot one, whether it’s Cinderella, Lots-o’-Huggin’ Bear or anyone listed above, grab a spot in their line and get ready to feel like a kid again!
