After over a decade of fun in the Fairytale Gardens, July 8 2023 was officially the last day for the Merida meet and greet in this location in the Magic Kingdom. From now on, Merida can be seen greeting guests intermittently in Liberty Square at the Enchanted Glades Gazebo.

This long-running experience in the Fairytale Gardens has officially closed to make way for a new Encanto-themed attraction where guests will be able to enter the film's magical Casita and meet the character Mirabel later this year. 

It is unknown how long this area will be under refurbishment while the Fairytale Gardens are being transformed to their new theme. However, it is expected that the new meet and greet will open sometime this fall, perhaps in time for Halloween.

For now, Encanto fans can see Mirabel as part of the Adventure Friends Cavalcade, which happens daily at the Magic Kingdom and includes several other characters including The Incredibles, Miguel from Coco, and Woody from Toy Story. 

Brave fans can still see Merida at the Magic Kingdom daily during the Festival of Fantasy parade, and as well as intermittently in Liberty Square at the Enchanted Glades Gazebo, she may pop up elsewhere at Walt Disney World in the future. Though it may be sad to see Merida leave her longtime spot, Encanto fans will surely be happy to see Mirabel finally get a permanent spot at the Magic Kingdom.

Are you pleased Mirabel is replacing Merida at the Fairytale Gardens? Let us know your thoughts by leaving us a comment below or on our Facebook page.