Interested in seeing some characters on your next visit to Magic Kingdom?
Walt Disney World safety policies mean that the traditional way to see and meet characters isn’t currently available — but you can still catch some of your favorites in action.
Here’s where you can find characters in Magic Kingdom right now.
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 Hollywood Studios
- Cavalcades and Characters in Animal Kingdom
What is a Cavalcade?
Cavalcades are kind of like a mini parade. They typically have 1 float and some characters or Cast Members on foot or horseback.
And we love them.
Parades are great – don’t get us wrong – but if you’ve stood around and waited for the 3 p.m. parade in July you know why they are not ideal.
For a majority of the year 3 p.m. is hot and humid. And for the most part, the spots to watch the parade have limited to no shade.
It is the perfect storm for epic meltdowns to happen (and we mean with the kids too, not just the adults).
When you spend all that money for a ticket it is natural to want to see and do as much as you can while you’re in the parks – something we absolutely understand. And lots and lots of people just love the parades.
But we think there’s a good chance you’ll love the cavalcades as much – if not more.
Cavalcades are magical
Cavalcades just feel more magical. Yes that sounds cheesy but we think it is true, and here’s why:
- 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 Moana and Aladdin move down Main Street, U.S.A. or characters in boats on the water.
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
Magic Kingdom Cavalcades
Magic Kingdom has a lot of cavalcades and many opportunities to see a range of characters.
From Mickey, to Minnie, to the rest of the Sensational Six, to the Disney Princesses, to Clarabelle Cow, to Stitch, to Gaston, the variety of characters walking through the park are endless.
Here are all of the cavalcades you can expect to watch at Magic Kingdom!
Tinker Bell & The Lost Treasure (No Longer Running)
Characters: Tinker Bell
Where: starts at the back of the park near Splash Mountain in Frontierland and moves towards the front, exiting next to the Main Street Fire Station (this is the standard parade route in Magic Kingdom)
A Royal Princess Processional (No Longer Running)
Characters: Aurora, Ariel, Jasmine, Belle, Princess Elena, Snow White, Cinderella, Mulan, and The Fairy Godmother (on the mirror float), Princess Merida (on her horse Angus), Rapunzel and Tiana (on the gazebo float); sometimes the princesses will walk instead of riding on the float
Where: starts at the back of the park near Splash Mountain in Frontierland and moves towards the front, exiting next to the Main Street Fire Station (this is the standard parade route in Magic Kingdom)
Merida looking quite Brave on Angus.
Magic Kingdom Cavalcade (No Longer Running)
Characters: Moana, Alice, Peter Pan, Aladdin, and Mary Poppins all on a float resembling a stack of wrapped gifts (it’s from the Move it! Shake it! Mousekedance it! Parade), Gaston on horseback
Where: starts at the back of the park near Splash Mountain in Frontierland and moves towards the front, exiting next to the Main Street Fire Station (this is the standard parade route in Magic Kingdom)
Disney Friends Cavalcade (No Longer Running)
Characters: Max, Clarabelle Cow, Panchito, José Carioca, and Stitch on a float resembling a stack of gifts (it’s from the Move it! Shake it! Mousekedance it! Parade), and a crew of dancers
Where: starts at the back of the park near Splash Mountain in Frontierland and moves towards the front, exiting next to the Main Street Fire Station (this is the standard parade route in Magic Kingdom)
Mickey & Friends Cavalcade (Currently Unavailable)
Characters: Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Daisy, and Pluto on a tiered float (it’s from the Move it! Shake it! Mousekedance it! Parade) and a crew of dancers
Where: starts at the back of the park near Splash Mountain in Frontierland and moves towards the front, exiting next to the Main Street Fire Station (this is the standard parade route in Magic Kingdom)
Mickey Celebration Cavalcade (For The 50th Anniversary)
Characters: Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Daisy, Pluto, Goofy, and Chip ‘n’ Dale on two tiered floats (it’s from the Move it! Shake it! Mousekedance it! Parade) and a crew of dancers accompanied by the special 50th anniversary anthem, “Magic Is Calling”
Where: starts at the back of the park near Splash Mountain in Frontierland and moves towards the front, exiting next to the Main Street Fire Station (this is the standard parade route in Magic Kingdom)
Disney Adventure Friends Cavalcade
Characters: Nearly 30 characters, including Miguel from Coco, Nick and Judy from Zootopia, Baloo and King Louie from The Jungle Book, Miguel from Coco, José Carioca and Panchito from The Three Caballeros, Merida, Moana, The Incredibles, and more (features “the most characters of any cavalcade to date”)
Where: starts at the back of the park near Splash Mountain in Frontierland and moves towards the front, exiting next to the Main Street Fire Station (this is the standard parade route in Magic Kingdom)
Parades
While parades continue to be temporarily suspended across Walt Disney World, the Festival of Fantasy Parade will soon return to the Magic Kingdom come next year.
And the good news is the parade will run alongside the cavalcades, meaning yet another opportunity to see characters during your visit.
Once Festival of Fantasy does come back, you’ll be able to check the My Disney Experience app for that day’s parade time.
Festival of Fantasy (Available with Genie+ Starting March 11)
Characters: Mickey, Minnie, Rapunzel, Merida, Anna, Elsa, Belle, the Beast, fire-breathing dragon Maleficent, and more
Where: starts at the back of the park near Splash Mountain in Frontierland and moves towards the front, exiting next to the Main Street Fire Station (this is the standard parade route in Magic Kingdom)
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.
Mickey Mouse At Town Square Theater
(Available with Genie+)
Characters: Mickey Mouse in his 50th EARidescent outfit
Where: On the righthand side of Town Square next to Tony’s Town Square Restaurant
Disney Princesses At Princess Fairytale Hall
(Available with Genie+)
Characters: Tiana, Rapunzel, Elena, and Cinderella
Where: In Fantasyland across from Prince Charming Regal Carrousel and near The Friar’s Nook
Other Character Opportunities
Besides the cavalcades there are other opportunities to see some of your favorite characters around the park. And like the cavalcades, these aren’t scheduled, either (unless otherwise noted).
Pooh Friends On The Main Street Trolley
Characters: Pooh, Tigger, Rabbit, Piglet, and Eeyore
Where: On Main Street U.S.A. from the front of the park to the castle
Pooh Friends In Front Of Crystal Palace
You can also sometimes catch the gang on the porch outside of their old hangout, The Crystal Palace restaurant.
Fantasyland Favorites At The Main Street Train Station
Characters: Max, Clarabelle Cow, Panchito, José Carioca and a crew of dancers
Where: on the balcony of the Main Street train station
Mickey & Friends In EARidescent 50th Costumes At The Main Street Train Station
Characters: Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Daisy, Pluto, Chip ‘n’ Dale, and a crew of dancers
Where: on the balcony of the Main Street train station
Let The Magic Begin Welcome Show (Begins 5 Minutes Prior To Official Park Opening)
Characters: Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Daisy, Pluto, Chip ‘n’ Dale, and a crew of dancers
Where: on the stage in front of Cinderella Castle
Country Bears
Characters: Country Bears
Where: on the balcony above The Country Bear Jamboree
Tomorrowland Favorites
Characters: Stitch and Buzz Lightyear (alternates between the 2)
Where: on the Tomorrowland stage
Captain Jack
Characters: Jack Sparrow
Where: on the Adventureland stage across from the entrance of Pirates of the Caribbean
Belle
Characters: Belle
Where: outside of Enchanted Tales With Belle in Fantasyland
Main Street Philharmonic
Characters: The Main Street Philharmonic band
Where: starts at the back of the park near Splash Mountain in Frontierland and moves towards the front, exiting next to the Main Street Fire Station (this is the standard parade route in Magic Kingdom); sometimes they’ll play on the stage in front of Cinderella Castle
Step Sisters
Characters: Anastasia and Drizella
Where: You can find them behind the castle near the Cinderella fountain
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.
Mickey’s Magical Friendship Faire (debuts February 25, 2022)
Characters: Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Daisy, Goofy, Tiana, Prince Naveen and Louis from The Princess and the Frog, Rapunzel and Flynn Rider from Tangled, Elsa, Anna and Olaf from Frozen (this is a special 50th edition with EARidescent costumes and an all-new original song called “Where the Magic Feels Like Home”)
Where: Cinderella Castle Forecourt Stage
Magic Kingdom Character Dining
Magic Kingdom is currently home to 2 of the character meals you can find on property right now – Be Our Guest and Cinderella’s Royal Table.
Unlike other meals where multiple characters are present, Be Our Guest and Cinderella’s Royal Table each only have 1: The Beast and Cinderella, respectively.
Check out our latest Cinderella’s Royal Table and Be Our Guest reviews for more details on each experience.
Seasonal Character Experiences
As we’ve said, one of our favorite things at the parks is the parades. And this was especially true of the seasonal parades offered during Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party.
While the full parties continue to be unavailable at Magic Kingdom, you have an opportunity to see pieces of the popular Boo to You Parade at Disney Boo Bash After Hours and also the return of Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmas Time Parade at Disney Very Merriest After Hours!
Halloween Cavalcades 2021
The following spook-tacular cavalcades were only available during the Boo Bash After Hours event.
Jack’s Nightmare Cavalcade
Characters: Jack Skellington, Sally, and Oogie Boogie atop a Nightmare Before Christmas themed float
Where: starts at the back of the park near Splash Mountain in Frontierland and moves towards the front, exiting next to the Main Street Fire Station (this is the standard parade route in Magic Kingdom)
Mickey’s Happy Halloween Cavalcade
Characters: Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Daisy, and Pluto in costume on a tiered float (it’s from the Move it! Shake it! Mousekedance it! Parade) and a crew of dancers
Where: starts at the back of the park near Splash Mountain in Frontierland and moves towards the front, exiting next to the Main Street Fire Station (this is the standard parade route in Magic Kingdom)
Disney Villains Halloween Cavalcade
Characters: Jafar, Evil Queen, Dr. Facilier, Queen of Hearts, and the Bowler Hat Guy on a villains themed float
Where: starts at the back of the park near Splash Mountain in Frontierland and moves towards the front, exiting next to the Main Street Fire Station (this is the standard parade route in Magic Kingdom)
Maleficent
Characters: The fire-breathing dragon float from the Festival of Fantasy parade
Where: starts at the back of the park near Splash Mountain in Frontierland and moves towards the front, exiting next to the Main Street Fire Station (this is the standard parade route in Magic Kingdom)
Read more about other Halloween character opportunities available during Boo Bash 2021.
Mickey’s Once Upon A Christmastime Parade
This holiday parade typically runs during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, but Disney also made it a feature of the first Very Merriest After Hours event in 2021.
This also marked the official return of parades at Disney World since the resort reopened in July 2020.
Sometimes Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade even runs during regular park hours around the last two weeks of December.
Characters: A range of characters wearing holiday attire on festive floats, including Mickey, Minnie, Olaf, Toy Soldiers, Reindeer, and more (yes, even Santa Claus!)
Where: starts at the back of the park near Splash Mountain in Frontierland and moves towards the front, exiting next to the Main Street Fire Station (this is the standard parade route in Magic Kingdom)
Read more about character opportunities available during Very Merriest 2021.
Santa Claus Daytime Sighting
In addition to modified meet and greets at Very Merriest, Santa Claus is also making appearances during the day at the Liberty Square Gazebo in Magic Kingdom. You can find appearance times in the My Disney Experience app.
