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, Disney goes all-in on Frozen 2 at Epcot’s Norway pavilion, some special character appearances are confirmed for the opening of Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, plus a new character experience is coming to Epcot next year!
Frozen 2 comes to the Norway Pavilion
In an effort to keep the Frozen attractions in the Norway pavilion as relevant as possible now that Frozen 2 is almost in theaters, Disney has announced that starting on November 22, 2019, guests can visit with royal sisters Anna and Elsa in their new outfits from Frozen 2.
In addition guests who stop by Epcot on on November 22 (the film’s opening day) can also check out some fun one-day only character surprises as well!
Star Wars characters to be a part of Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance opening on December 5th
With only a few weeks to go before the opening of Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, plans are currently underway for a grand opening like none other. And in addition to some high-flying special entertainment, recent casting calls have shown up that indicate this grand opening event will feature a special one-time-only show with iconic characters like Rey, Kylo Ren, and Vi Moradi stopping by for the celebrations.
3. Timon and Rafiki now meeting guests at Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Though the limited time “Hakuna Matata Time Dance Party” ended several weeks ago at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, guests can still meet two characters from The Lion King, as Timon and Rafiki are now meeting guests daily in the Character Landing area of the park (which formerly housed a Pocahontas meet and greet).
4. Mickey Mouse Imagination meet and greet coming to Epcot next year
Image: Disney
Because of Epcot’s central spine redesign, many of the character meet and greets in this park have had to move to new locations. However, soon guests will be able to meet Mickey Mouse in a new permanent meet and greet area in the Imagination Pavilion as part of the Disney & Pixar Short Film Festival. Mickey Mouse will be moving in to a new area of the indoor queue space for this attraction and have a special film strip background that will showcase this beloved characters’ history.