An iconic part of any visit to the Disneyland Resort in Southern California is meeting beloved Disney Characters so let’s talk about where to meet characters at Disneyland. No matter your age, who doesn’t enjoy a high-five, a hug and a photo with your favorite Disney princess or pal? One of the unique things about Disneyland is the organic nature of many of the character meet and greets. If you’re in the right place at the right time you never know who may show up!
Planners never fear! You can always meet a wide range of beloved Disney Characters on a regular, scheduled basis. Many characters appear at certain places or even during certain special events throughout the year. Availability can, of course, vary depending on many park schedules, ongoing events, time of year or even refurbishments.
What should you expect? Well, grab your camera, grab your autograph book and put your Mickey Ears on as we dive into some of my personal favorite opportunities,
Disney Character Meet-and-Greet Venues
Throughout Disneyland and Disney California Adventure, there are designated areas where you can meet specific Disney Characters. These venues areas are usually well marked on the park maps and park signage.
Toontown
You’ll typically find Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse along with all of their classic friends in Toontown at Disneyland Park. Mickey is always available after you tour his house and Minnie often can be found in her garden after you tour hers. Many other friends such as Goofy, Donald, Daisy, Pluto, Pete and Clarabelle will rotate throughout the land. Have your autographs and your camera ready!
Royal Hall
Looking for Disney Princesses? Well, look no further than the Royal Hall in Disneyland. Princess Aurora, Rapunzel, Snow White and Ariel are among the many Disney Princesses who routinely call on guests in this enchanted setting. This is a queued setting and you’re able to meet several Disney Princesses at once!
Pixie Hollow
Are Disney Fairies more your style? You’ll find them at Pixie Hollow set between the Matterhorn and the entrance to Tomorrowland. Tinker Bell, Vidia, Terrence, Fawn, Rosetta, Silvermist, Iridessa, and Periwinkle all routinely are here to spread Pixie Dust and magic on visitors.
Avenger’s Campus
Avengers assemble! Throughout Avenger’s Campus at Disney California Adventure you’ll find Marvel favorites such as Spider-Man, Iron Man, Black Widow, Dr. Strange and Black Panther. You’ll be hooked on a feeling after meeting some of the Guardians of the Galaxy crew. They are all there to help you to save the universe.
- Dr. Strange in Avengers Campus
You’ve got a friend in me! Pixar Pier is the best place to find many of your favorite Pixar pals! Buzz, Woody, Jesse and Bo Peep are regulars but be on the lookout for other favorites! You might catch Carl and Russel from Up, Joy and Sadness from Inside Out or Bob and Helen Parr (aka Mr. and Mrs. Incredible)!
Disney Character Dining Experiences
Let’s eat and meet! Disneyland has ample opportunities to have breakfast, brunch or dinner with your favorite Disney friends.
The Plaza Inn
Want to start your day with Breakfast in the Park? Then let’s hurry over to the Plaza Inn in Disneyland hosted by the first lady of land, Minnie Mouse. This is the only park-based character dining venue at the Disneyland Resort. While Minnie Mouse is always here, you may also get to meet fan favorites such as Perla, Max, Tigger, Pluto and even Chip and Dale!
Storyteller’s Cafe
Looking for an adventure? Let’s go to Storyteller’s Café at Disney’s Grand Californian Resort and Spa. Here, Mickey’s Tales of Adventure Buffet is hosted by everyone’s pal, Mickey Mouse. This is the one and only character dining venue to meet him! Minnie, Chip and Dale and Pluto are also typically here to mingle while you enjoy a hearty breakfast from the buffet.
Goofy’s Kitchen
Equally fun and lively is Goofy’s Kitchen at the Disneyland Hotel. Here, you’ll fine Goofy hosting an all you care to eat extravaganza. Breakfast, brunch or dinner is dished up with your host Chef Goofy and our pals Mickey, Minnie and Pluto. Most recently, this venue has offered special overlays for certain events. Halloweentime might offer our friends in their favorite Halloween costumes while during the Spring season we might catch everyone in their springtime garden best!
Napa Rose
Fairytales do come true at the Disney Princess Breakfast Adventure. Taking place at Disney’s Grand Californian’s Napa Rose venue this is a three course slow-paced one of a kind experience. Cinderella, Ariel, Rapunzel, Pocahontas, Tiana, Belle, Princess Aurora and/or Mulan are typically rotate gathering in this regal setting. Here, princes and princesses are treated like royalty in a more intimate character meet and greet setting.
Holidays
With the change in seasons we see our Disney friends’ costumes change correspondingly!
When the crypt doors creek and the tombstones quake, many of the classic Disney Characters slip into something a bit more on the Halloween side! You just might catch Mickey and the gang dressed like vampires, witches, bats and spiders. Prepare to be spellbound!
Deck the halls with bows of holly…and Christmas outfits! It’s all Currier and Ives when Christmas comes to Disneyland. Our Disney friends are ready to ring in the holiday season wrapped in red, green and gold. No tacky sweaters allowed! Well, maybe!
During Halloweentime and the Christmas season, you’ll find these character meet and greets happening somewhat organically in Town Square on Main Street U.S.A. Just ask a Cast Member who is coming out and what time they’re scheduled to appear! Often characters will roam through Town Square as well prior to or just after their scheduled appearances. They love to mingle with guests at Disneyland!
Disney After Dark and Special Ticketed Events
Sweetheart’s Nite
Romance is in the air during the Valentine’s Day season! This swoon-worthy event is designed just for couples and part of the fun is meeting Disney couples such as Snow White and Prince Charming, Princess Tiana and Naveen, Jasmine and Aladdin, Belle and the Beast and so many more!
Disney Channel Nite
All the Disney Channel stars come to life at this After Hours event. Nostalgia and all the feels when you meet characters such as Kim Possible, Ron Stoppable, Darkwing Duck, Lauchpad McQuack along with Goofy and Max!
Star Wars Nite
All the classic Star Wars Characters such as Luke, Leia, R2-D2, C3PO are here to say May the Force Be With You. Favorite villains such as Darth Vader and Darth Maul will lure you to the Dark Side. And don’t forget the Jawas and the Ewoks!
Pride Nite
You’ll find classic Disney friends dressed in the colors of the rainbow as they celebrate inclusivity. Many of your diva villain favorites such as Cruella, Maleficent and the Evil Queen stroll through Main And don’t miss the Muses from Hercules. Bless my soul they are on a role and are the the sleeper hit of the evening!
Oogie Boogie Bash
It’s all about the villains at this extremely popular spooky soirée! Meet favorites such as Mother Gothel, Ernesto Cruz, Judge Doom and Sid. Save time for the most anticipated meet of the night: Minnie, Daisy and Clarabelle dressed as the Sanderson Sisters from Disney’s Hocus Pocus!
Let’s go! I’m always ready to visit with the Disney Characters at the OG and the GOAT (in my humble opinion). There is no better time than now.
The vacation planners at The Magic For Less Travel can help you make your Disneyland Resort dreams come true. Meanwhile, the Disney Characters await for you to be their guest!
