Changing Character Experiences at Disney Theme Parks • Mouse Travel Matters

Last Updated on August 25, 2021

How Disney World is Changing Character Experiences

Walt Disney World Resort has shared more information about how they will be changing character experiences as the theme parks prepare for a new normal after reopening in mid-July.

We already knew that fireworks and parades would not take place, and character meet and greets would not be available in the traditional way. But now we have more details about the ways we will be able to see our favourite characters in Disney Parks.

The most recent update regarding the presence of characters in the Disney World theme parks states that special cavalcades will take place in the Magic Kingdom on the parade route, and other friends will be seen sailing the waters of Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Disney shared that processions will take place throughout the World Showcase at EPCOT, and characters will also be seen riding in motor vehicles at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

This announcement assures Guests that they will be able to see their favourite characters in the theme parks, even if they can’t hug them.

To accommodate physical distancing, some experiences will be temporarily paused when the parks initially reopen, including:

Parades and nighttime spectaculars
Character Greetings
Playgrounds

Our Characters will still be in the parks to entertain and delight our Guests. Additionally, you’ll be able to experience many favorite attractions and dozens of entertainment offerings.

From special cavalcades down the Magic Kingdom park parade route and friends sailing the waterways of Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park to processions along World Showcase promenade at EPCOT and motorcades on Hollywood Boulevard at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, each area will come to life throughout the day. You never know when a party of your pals may come by, so be prepared for plenty of surprises!

Note: Some experiences may be modified, limited in capacity and subject to availability or closure.

Disney also shared more information about how Guests will see characters in a Disney Parks Blog post:

If you’re hoping to see some familiar friends or take in the tunes of treasured performers, you’re in luck! Just as you may have seen recently at Disney Springs, our characters will appear in new and different ways that bring a smile to your face while also being mindful of physical distancing. From special cavalcades down the Magic Kingdom Park parade route and friends sailing the waterways of Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, to processions along the World Showcase promenade at EPCOT and motorcades on Disney’s Hollywood Studios’ Hollywood Boulevard, each area will come to life throughout the day. You never know when a party of your pals may come by, so be prepared for plenty of surprises!

For example, after rocketing through space in Tomorrowland you might see that famous Space Ranger, Buzz Lightyear; or discover a captive Captain Jack Sparrow as you traverse the Castillo del Morro on your way to Pirates of the Caribbean. You could cross paths with Queen Anna and Elsa as they venture “into the unknown” on a journey around World Showcase at EPCOT or spy members of the Resistance hiding out from the First Order throughout Black Spire Outpost on the planet Batuu.

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