Hollywood Studios hasn’t had a regular parade in many years. But now that Disney has to mix things up again to allow for physically-distanced character interactions, we are happy to say a mini-version (in the style of cavalcades) are back!
These dashes of character magic are a fantastic replacement and a great way for guests to see their favorites, while staying safe.
Here’s everything you need to know:
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 Epcot
- Cavalcades and Characters in Magic Kingdom
- Cavalcades and Characters in Animal Kingdom
What is a Cavalcade?
Cavalcades are basically like a parade, but a much smaller and shorter version. You can find them along Hollywood Boulevard at Hollywood Studios.
While we love parades, we also enjoy cavalcades — a lot!
Not only do they allow you to see characters quickly and multiple times a day, but you also don’t have to camp out for hours for a good seat (or in that hot Orlando summer sun), unlike a parade.
Cavalcades really are a lot of fun and provide opportunities to wave to characters without feeling tied down to a parade schedule.
You can even easily catch one as you’re on your way to hop in line for an attraction or grab a bite to eat.
Cavalcades Are Magical
Cavalcades really do feel more magical. Why? Allow us to explain.
- Cavalcades are smaller, providing a more intimate experience. You won’t be stuck in the 2nd or 3 row of a crowd – you’ll be front row with lots of opportunities to wave – and for the characters to wave back.
- They are quick – no standing in the hot sun for an hour. You get a dash of magic and then you move along to your next adventure of the day.
- Cavalcades bring these magical character sightings into parts of parks we haven’t seen before like seeing Buzz Lightyear sitting in a car waving to guests.
How Do You Know One Is Coming?
Just like with a parade, music is your cue (at least for most of the cavalcades).
Before you’ll be able to see a cavalcade you’ll likely be able to hear it.
You can also check the My Disney Experience app for cavalcade schedules. They usually run about every 15 minutes or so.
Cavalcades & Other Character Interactions
Hollywood Studios Cavalcades
At least for the time being, guests will find that parades and traditional character meet and greet opportunities are temporarily suspended at Walt Disney World.
But even with those favorites currently on hiatus, Disney has found ways to bring a little bit of that character magic back – with cavalcades (which are basically just mini-parades with just 1 or 2 floats and a few others on foot or horseback).
Reminiscent of the old “Stars and Motor Cars” parade, Hollywood Studios uses adorable automobiles for their caval, err, we mean, motorcades.
These motorcades happen most of the day, but start and end times may vary, so be sure to check the My Disney Experience app for the latest schedule.
Disney Junior Motorcade (No Longer Running)
TIP: You can catch Disney Junior characters at the Disney Junior Play and Dance! show in the Animation Courtyard. You can also check out the Disney Junior “sightings” in the same area or book a breakfast reservation at Hollywood & Vine with Disney Junior characters.
Mickey And Friends Motorcade (no longer running)
Characters: Mickey and Minnie in separate cars, Pluto, and Chip ‘n’ Dale walking, and sometimes Goofy
Where: From the front of the park down Hollywood Boulevard
Pixar Pals Motorcade
Characters: Green Army Men (drum corps) walking, Woody & Jessie walking, Mr. and Mrs. Incredible walking, Sulley walking, Buzz in a themed car, Edna Mode in a themed car
Where: From the front of the park down Hollywood Boulevard
Other Character Opportunities
Star Wars Favorites
Characters: Rey, Chewbacca, Storm Troopers, Kylo Ren, Vi Moradi
Where: elevated stages near ships as well as in other secured/fenced/blocked off areas around Batuu (characters no longer “roam” like they did prior)
Chip & Dale And Donald & Daisy
Characters: Chip & Dale and Donald & Daisy
Where: In the small fenced off garden near the Hollywood Brown Derby restaurant
Mickey & Minnie And Donald & Daisy
Characters: Mickey & Minnie and Donald & Daisy
Where: At the Hollywood Studios entrance on the balcony above the restrooms next to Oscar’s Super Service
Goofy
Character: Goofy
Where: On the balcony of Tower of Terror (near the back as you enter the hotel while in line)
Goofy & Max
Character: Goofy and Max
Where: Along Echo Lake near Dockside Diner
Genie
Character: Genie
Where: The beloved Aladdin character has been spotted in a roped off area next to the Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular
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 can check wait times for the following in the My Disney Experience app. They run from park open to about 30 minutes prior to park closing.
Minnie Starring In Red Carpet Dreams (Available with Genie+ Starting March 11
Characters: Minnie
Where: Commissary Lane across from Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant
Sorcerer Mickey Starring in Red Carpet Dreams (Available with Genie+ Starting March 11
Characters: Mickey
Where: Commissary Lane across from Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant
Disney Junior Pals In The Animation Courtyard
Characters: Vampirina, Doc McStuffins, Fancy Nancy
Where: In the Animation Courtyard
Disney Junior Come & Meet Pluto
Characters: Pluto (PhotoPass Photographer available)
Where: In the Animation Courtyard
Celebrity Spotlight
(Available with Genie+)
Characters: Olaf
Where: In Echo Lake around the corner from Vacation Fun
Live Entertainment
While live entertainment at the Disney Parks isn’t back in full force just yet, there are several opportunities to see characters and enjoy a show all at the time time.
You can always check the My Disney Experience app for the daily live entertainment schedule.
Fantasmic! (returning in 2022)
Characters: Mickey, Minnie, Disney Princesses, Pinocchio, Pocahontas, and more (when the show returns there will be a new sequence featuring characters that haven’t been part of the show before)
Where: Fantasmic! theater at the end of Sunset Boulevard
For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration
Characters: Anna, Elsa, Kristoff (Olaf will make a limited-time appearance during the holidays)
Where: Hyperion Theater in Echo Lake
Hollywood Studios Character Dining
Hollywood Studios is currently home to a couple of the character meals you can find on property right now – Disney Junior Play n’ Dine and Minnie’s Seasonal Dine, both at Hollywood and Vine.
These popular meals are now offered family style instead of as a buffet. Disney Junior Play n’ Dine is available for breakfast only, while Minnie’s Seasonal Dine is offered at both lunch and dinner.
The seasonal theme meal 2021-2022 schedule for Minnie’s Seasonal Dine is as follows:
- Halloween Dine – spooktacular Halloween feast from August 10th to November 3rd
- Minnie’s Holiday Dine – dazzling holiday dinner party from November 4th to January 3rd
- Silver Screen Dine – glitz and glamour of Hollywood starting January 4th (usually through March)
- Springtime Dine – bright and beautiful delights of spring (usually from March to June)
- Summertime Dine – beach-inspired bash (usally from June to September)
Check out our latest Hollywood and Vine review for more details on the Minnie’s Seasonal Dine experience.
Seasonal Holiday Motorcades
During the holiday season, you can expect to see some Christmas spirit added to the existing character motorcades.
But you will also be able to see a very special guest cruising around in his special themed motorcar… Santa Claus!
Be on the lookout for Santa, becuase he most likely has to go back to the North Pole on December 24th.
