Epcot has long been the place to mix a little world exploration with fun (and well-themed) character meets.
But now that character meet and greets aren’t happening, Disney has had to get a bit more innovative with how they bring the magic to guests, and nowhere is that more apparent than at Epcot.
Here’s everything you need to know about the characters and cavalcades in Epcot.
In this article
Looking for info on the other parks?
Check out our other posts for character information across Walt Disney World:
- Cavalcades and Characters in Magic Kingdom
- Cavalcades and Characters in Hollywood Studios
- Cavalcades and Characters in Animal Kingdom
Cavalcades & Other Character Interactions
Epcot Cavalcades (No Longer Running)
Over the past several months, Epcot had several unique experiences to see characters in fun cavalcades (which are basically just mini-parades with just 1 or 2 floats and a few others on foot or horseback).
All of these experiences have transitioned from cavalcades to designated character spotting locations. Read can read more about those below.
Character “Sightings”
While traditional character meet and greets haven’t returned to the parks just yet, there are “sightings” for guests to enjoy.
You can actually have 1-on-1 time with select characters, but you must keep your distance. There is no hugging and autographs aren’t allowed.
Most of these experiences don’t have PhotoPass photographers, so you’ll need to take photos/selfies with your own camera and/or mobile device.
You should be able to check wait times for the sightings in the My Disney Experience app. They usually run from park open to about 30 minutes prior to park closing.
Mickey At Disney And Pixar Short Film Festival
Characters: Mickey Mouse (PhotoPass Photographer available)
Where: At the Disney and Pixar Short Film Festival next to the Imagination! Pavilion
Joy at ImageWorks
Characters: Joy from Inside Out (PhotoPass Photographer available)
Location: ImageWorks in the Imagination! Pavilion
Vanellope at ImageWorks
Characters: Vanellope from Wreck-It-Ralph (PhotoPass Photographer available)
Location: ImageWorks in the Imagination! Pavilion
Anna and Elsa at Royal Summerhus
Characters: Anna and Elsa from Frozen
Location: Royal Summerhus in the Norway Pavilion
Other Character Opportunities
Even though the cavalcades no longer circle the World Showcase, Epcot has several other spots where characters can be spotted.
Minnie Mouse
Characters: Minnie Mouse
Location: In the gazebo in World Showcase Plaza near the Mexico pavilion
Daisy
Characters: Daisy
Location: Near Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind in World Discovery
Pluto And Goofy
Characters: Pluto and Goofy
Location: Epcot entrance plaza
Donald Duck
Characters: Donald
Location: Mexico pavilion (outdoor location to the right of the pyramid)
Winnie The Pooh
Characters: Winnie the Pooh
Location: Imagination! Lawn
Mary Poppins
Characters: Mary Poppins
Location: while she used to meet in the gazebo, you can now find Mary in the garden outside The Tea Caddy shop in the United Kingdom pavilion
Alice In Wonderland
Characters: Alice
Location: In the garden outside The Tea Caddy shop in the United Kingdom pavilion
Aurora
Characters: Aurora
Location: Along the water adjacent to Chefs de France in the France pavilion (alternates with Belle)
Belle
Characters: Belle
Location: Along the water adjacent to Chefs de France in the France pavilion (alternates with Aurora)
Jasmine
Characters: Jasmine
Location: On the stage in the Morocco pavilion
Snow White
Characters: Snow White
Location: By the wishing well in the Germany pavilion
Mulan
Characters: Mulan
Location: On the bridge in the China Pavilion
Epcot Character Dining
Epcot is currently home to one of the few character meals you can find on property right now – Garden Grill, in the Land Pavilion.
We visited Garden Grill right after it opened, and we are happy to report that our longtime favorite is still a great option. In fact, now with the changes we might love it even more.
Check out our Garden Grill review for more details.
Seasonal Character Experiences
You’re able to say hello to Santa Claus through Dec. 24, 2021 and take socially-distanced photos (PhotoPass photographer is available) in the American Adventure pavilion during the 2021 Epcot International Festival of the Holidays.
You can check wait times to meet Santa in the My Disney Experience app, which are currently set at: 11:45 a.m., 1:45 p.m., 3:45 p.m, and 5:45 p.m.
Joy and Winnie the Pooh are also in the holiday spirit around the Imagination! Lawn wearing holiday garland and twirling ribbons and sporting a Santa Hat and ringing jingle bells, respectively.