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Parks & Travel

The Ultimate Guide to Character Experiences at Disney Parks

Updated
Disney Character Encounter Guide

Kids of all ages can’t resist the magic of seeing their favorite Characters at the Disney Parks. From heroes to loveable sidekicks, we’ve made it easier than ever for you to find some of your favorite friends. Remember, as a Disney Visa® Cardmember, you have access to exclusive Character Experiences at our private Cardmember locations.1 2 This handy collection of maps will help you find these locations throughout the Parks. Talk about getting even closer to the magic!

And remember, the Disneyland Mobile App (Apple and Android) and the My Disney Experience App (Apple and Android) have up-to-date information on any possible changes, so be sure to consult these during your visit!3 On Twitter? Use @WDWToday and @DisneylandToday to ask questions to Cast and get real-time answers!

Disneyland® Park

Let this Disneyland® Park guide lead you to some great Disney Character Experiences! Disney Visa Cardmembers take note: in addition to Character Experiences with classic Characters like Mickey and Minnie, there is an exclusive Character Experience location just for you!2 Prepare for a face-to-face with the infamous member of the Star Wars™ dark side, Darth Vader.

DLR Map
Here are some must-knows from our guide:
  • Who to meet: Chip, Dale, Aladdin, Darth Vader, and more!
  • Where to meet them: Town Square, Aladdin’s Oasis, Star Wars Launch Bay

Cardmember Tip: After working up an appetite resisting the Force of Darth Vader, head to French Market Restaurant where you can get 10% off your dining experience.5

Disney California Adventure® Park

This celebration of the Golden State has some golden Character Experience opportunities. Even the stars of Frozen come out to enjoy the California sun! Disney California Adventure® Park is where you’ll also find some of your favorite Disney·Pixar Characters. And Hollywood Land is calling all Disney Visa Cardmembers for an exclusive Character Experience location.2

Disney California Adventure Map

Here are some must-knows from our guide:

  • Who to meet: Anna & Elsa, Mickey & Minnie and more!
  • Where to meet them: Hollywood Land, Buena Vista Street

Cardmember Tip: After you’ve greeted all the Characters, get a reservation at the Wine Country Trattoria for dinner where you can receive 10% off your dining experience!5

Magic Kingdom® Park

From Mickey’s pals to fairy tale princesses, master this map for multiple moments to make some magic! Take a walk through Town Square and you’re likely to run into classic favorites like Mickey Mouse and Pluto. Or take a bow as you stroll into Princess Fairytale Hall where you could meet princesses a’plenty like Aurora, Rapunzel, Tiana and Cinderella. No matter where you are in Magic Kingdom® Park, you’re sure to encounter some very magical Characters!

Map Magic Kingdom Park

Here are some must-knows from our guide:

  • Who to meet: Ariel, Tinker Bell, Peter Pan and more!
  • Where to meet them: Fantasyland, Town Square, Never Land Map

Cardmember Tip: Grab a Disney FastPass+ to improve your chances of meeting as many princesses as possible, but first, stop by a gift shop like Castle Couture or The Emporium to pick out a princess outfit!8 Cardmembers receive 10% off select merchandise purchases of $50 or more at select locations throughout the Parks.9

Epcot®

Step into Epcot® and take a tour around the world. Share a curtsy with your favorite princesses like Elsa, Snow White and Belle or snap a photo with cuddly Characters like Baymax and Donald Duck. Disney Visa Cardmembers can take part in an exclusive Character Experience when they head to the Disney Visa Photo Spot.2

Epcot Map

Here are some must-knows from our guide:

  • Who to meet: Mulan, Alice, Aladdin and more!
  • Where to meet them: China Formal Gardens, United Kingdom, Morocco

Cardmember Tip: After spending time with a beloved Character, venture into Future World for lunch at Coral Reef Restaurant, where you can save 10% off lunch as you get up close and personal with sharks and tropical fish!5

Disney’s Hollywood Studios®

The glitz and glam of Hollywood’s Golden Age awaits with classic Character Experiences with Daisy Duck, Donald Duck and Pluto. Disney Visa Cardmembers can take it a step further and go behind the scenes and into the Star Wars galaxy for an exclusive Cardmember Character Experience location with Kylo Ren!2

Disney's Hollywood Studios Map

Here are some must-knows from our guide:

  • Who to meet: Kylo Ren, Chewbacca, Doc McStuffins and more!
  • Where to meet them: Star Wars Launch Bay, Animation Courtyard

Cardmember Tip: After you visit the exclusive Star Wars Character Experience location, move from the dark side over to light fare at The Hollywood Brown Derby Restaurant where you’ll enjoy 10% off your dining experience most days!5

Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park

For some up-close meetings with some of your favorite Disney Characters, take a walk on the wild side at Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park! Use this guide to prepare your whole family—and your camera—for some very exciting encounters!

Disney Animal Kingdom Map
  • Who to meet: Baloo, Pocahontas, Rafiki
  • Where to meet them: Upcountry Landing, Character Landing, Conservation Station

Cardmember Tip: Cardmembers save 10% on select merchandise purchases of $50 or more at select locations in Walt Disney World® Resort.9 Plus, there’s an added magic touch to souvenirs at Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Park: some of the merch you can save on is made from recycled materials! By showing your green side, you’ll be close to all of Earth’s animals after getting up close to your favorite Disney critters!

We hope these maps help you make the most of your Character Experiences. Disney Visa Cardholders remember: you don’t have to use the Force to stand toe-to-toe with Kylo Ren or Darth Vader in a private, one-on-one Character Experience location—you just have to use your Disney Visa Card!2

Related Posts

NEW + EXCLUSIVE

For New Disney® Inspire Visa® Cardmembers

$600 OFFER

A $300 Disney Gift Card eGift upon approval + earn a $300 statement credit after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.12

Learn more
NEW + EXCLUSIVE

For New Disney® Inspire Visa® Cardmembers

$600 OFFER

A $300 Disney Gift Card eGift upon approval + earn a $300 statement credit after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.12

Learn more
NEW + EXCLUSIVE

For New Disney® Inspire Visa® Cardmembers

$600 OFFER

A $300 Disney Gift Card eGift upon approval + earn a $300 statement credit after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.12

Learn more

1Disney Theme Park & Resort Perks

Offers and offer elements including, but not limited to, participating locations and eligible items, are subject to availability and additional restrictions and exclusions, and may change or be canceled without notice. Must use a valid Disney Visa Card and/or Disney Rewards Redemption Card to receive special offers. Merchandise discount may not be available for certain items and at certain locations including Disneyland® Resort and Walt Disney World® Resort Operating Participant locations and any other locations or kiosks that are not owned or operated by the owners of the Disneyland® Resort or Walt Disney World® Resort. To receive a merchandise discount, you must mention the specific offer. For entry into the Disney Character Experience or Star Wars Character Experience Photo Opportunities, must present your valid Disney Visa Card. Not valid in combination with other offers, discounts, promotions or with any previous purchase. Minimum purchase and/or separate admission may be required. Offers are for personal use only and may not be transferred or resold. Chase is not responsible or liable for fulfillment of these Disney Theme Park and Resort perks.

2Character Experience

The Disneyland® Resort Character Experience Photo Opportunities are offered daily during set hours–the Disney Character Experience is at Disney California Adventure®Park and the Star Wars Character Experience is at Disneyland® Park. The Walt Disney World® Resort Character Experience Photo Opportunities are offered daily during set hours–the Disney Character Experience is at Epcot® and the Star Wars Character Experience is at Disney's Hollywood Studios®. Separate Theme Park admission required for each Character Experience Opportunity. Must present a valid Disney Visa Card for entry for up to 6 people per cardmember account (each cardmember account may be used for entry only one time per day). Operating times, days of the week, locations and appearance of Characters may vary and are subject to restrictions and change or cancellation without notice. Offer includes complimentary downloads of your Disney PhotoPass® photos taken at the Disney Visa Character Experience location that are associated to your Disney account. To access complimentary downloads of your Disney PhotoPass® photos taken at the Disney Visa Character Experience location at the Disneyland® Resort, go to Disneyland.com/photopass or at the location at Walt Disney World® Resort, go to MyDisneyPhotoPass.com or DisneyWorld.com/photopass, and then log-in using your existing account or create an account. MagicBands or other medium scanned by the photographer at the time of capture must be linked to your My Disney Experience Profile at Walt Disney World® Resort or linked to your Disneyland® Resort account, or you may claim Disney PhotoPass® cards provided to you by the photographer by entering the Disney PhotoPass® ID number found on the back of your Disney PhotoPass® card. One photo session per valid cardmember account per day. Offer not valid for photos taken at other Disney PhotoPass® locations or attractions photos. Photos will expire pursuant to the expiration policy at Disneyland.disney.go.com/photopass-expiration-policy, MyDisneyPhotoPass.disney.go.com/help-and-support/policies or DisneyWorld.disney.go.com/photopass-expiration-policy, as applicable. Not responsible for missing, lost or damaged photos. Not valid in combination with other offers, discounts or promotions. Offer is for personal use only and may not be transferred or resold. Please visit DisneyRewards.com/ParkPerks for additional information.

3Mobile App Available for iPhone® and smartphones for Android™.

Message, data and roaming rates may apply. Availability subject to handset limitations and features may vary by handset or service provider. Coverage and app stores not available everywhere. If you're under 18, get your parents' permission first. Apple, the Apple logo and iPhone are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. App StoreSM is a service mark of Apple Inc. Android and Google Play™ are trademarks of Google Inc.

4Dining Savings at Disney Parks & Resorts

Offer and offer elements including, but not limited to, participating locations and eligible food and beverages, are subject to availability and additional restrictions and exclusions, and may change or be canceled without notice. Offer excludes alcoholic beverages, select new food and beverage offerings, merchandise, tobacco, room service, holiday buffets, tax and gratuity. Must use your valid Disney Visa Card and/or Disney Rewards Redemption Card at time of purchase. Discount valid at the following restaurant locations: Walt Disney World® Resort–Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge & Villas: Boma – Flavors of Africa, Jiko – The Cooking Place (see restrictions), and Sanaa; Disney's BoardWalk Inn & Villas: ESPN Sports Club and Flying Fish (see restrictions); Disney's Contemporary Resort: The Wave…of American Flavors; Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground: Trail's End Restaurant; Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa: Citricos (see restrictions), Grand Floridian Cafe, and Narcoossee's; Disney's Old Key West Resort: Olivia's Cafe; Disney's Polynesian Village Resort: Kona Cafe; Disney's Port Orleans Resort: Boatwrights Dining Hall; Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa: The Turf Club Bar and Grill; Disney's Wilderness Lodge: Artist Point (see restrictions) and Whispering Canyon Cafe; Disney's Yacht Club Resort: Ale & Compass Restaurant and Cape May Cafe; Disney's Animal Kingdom® Theme Park: Tiffins; Disney's Hollywood Studios®: The Hollywood Brown Derby (see restrictions) and Hollywood & Vine (see restrictions); Epcot®: Biergarten Restaurant (see restrictions), Coral Reef Restaurant (lunch only), Le Cellier Steakhouse (lunch only), and Rose & Crown Dining Room (lunch only); Magic Kingdom® Park: Jungle Navigation Co. Ltd. Skipper Canteen; and ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex: ESPN Wide World of Sports Grill. For locations where it is noted to see restrictions, the discount does not apply to the following dates: 11/22/18, 12/24/18, 12/25/18, 12/31/18, 1/1/19, 2/14/19, 4/21/19, 5/12/19, and 7/4/19. The Disneyland® Resort–Disneyland® Park: French Market and River Belle Terrace; Disney California Adventure®Park: Cocina Cucamonga Mexican Grill, Wine Country Trattoria, and Paradise Garden Grill; Disneyland® Resort Hotels: Steakhouse 55, Disney's PCH Grill and Storytellers Café. Disney's Vero Beach Resort: Wind & Waves Grill. Subject to restaurant operating hours and closures. Not valid in combination with other offers, discounts or promotions. Separate admission may be required. Discount is for personal use only and may not be transferred or resold.

5Disney Fastpass+

Valid Theme Park admission and online registration required. Disney FastPass+ attractions and entertainment experiences, the number of selections you can make and available arrival windows are limited.

6Merchandise Savings at Disney Theme Parks & Resorts

Offer and offer elements including, but not limited to, participating locations and eligible items, are subject to availability and additional restrictions and exclusions, and may change or be canceled without notice. A $50 minimum pre-tax single transaction merchandise purchase is required to receive discount. Must use your valid Disney Visa Card and/or Disney Rewards Redemption Card as payment form and mention this offer. Discount is not valid on previous purchases or on purchases of the following: ticket media, Disney Gift Cards, Park Admission, Arcades, tobacco, alcohol, Outdoor Vending (e.g., in-Park balloon vendors, glow vendors), Add-a-Dollar (Wildlife Conservation Fund), postage stamps, rentals (e.g., strollers, ECVs), personalization, Disney PhotoPass® purchases (e.g., purchases through any application, website or onsite sales location), Disney PhotoPass+, Disney MaxPass, Memory Maker, and Memory Maker One Day, select print packages, framed Disney Dollars, Artist Sketch Program, original or consignment art, select limited editions, select specialty items, purchase-with-purchase offers, newspapers/periodicals, books, videos, DVDs, CDs, sundries, pantry/prepared foods, digital/video/disposable cameras, film, consumer electronics, National branded fragrances, treatments and cosmetics, Lladró®, Swarovski® Crystal, select collectibles, Tiffany & Co.® Jewelry, handmade items, special orders, live auction artwork, select product launches, select premium branded items, Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique and Pirates League packages (at Walt Disney World® Resort), phone, email or mail order purchases, shipping or taxes or Authentic Hawaiian Collectibles. Discount does not apply at the following locations at the Disneyland® Resort: Games, Fairytale Arts, Silhouette Studio, Portrait Artists, Parasol Cart, Crystal Shops (Crystal Arts and Cristal d'Orleans), face painting locations, or at any Downtown Disney® District location other than World of Disney® Store, Disney Home, WonderGround Gallery, Marceline's Confectionery, Disney's Pin Traders, and The Disney Dress Shop. Discount is not available at Cast Connection, Disney's Character Premiere, Disney's Character Warehouse or Walt Disney World® Resort Operating Participant locations and any other locations or kiosks that are not owned or operated by the owners of the Walt Disney World® Resort, except for Basin®, Basin White®, Chapel Hats (store and kiosk), Filthy Rich, Good Fortune Gifts and House of Good Fortune, House of Blues® Gear Shop, Joffrey's coffee/tea kiosks and Tea Traders Café by Joffrey's, kidsHeritage, Levi's®, Luxury of Time, Marrakesh Emporium Arts & Crafts, Sperry, Sugarboo & Co., and Volcom. Not valid in combination with other offers, discounts or promotions. Separate admission may be required. Discount is for personal use only and may not be transferred or used to purchase merchandise with the intent to resell the merchandise.

7$300 Disney Gift Card eGift with the Disney Inspire Visa Card

This product is not available to either (i) current cardmembers of this credit card, or (ii) previous cardmembers of this credit card who received a new cardmember bonus for this credit card within the last 24 months. Upon approval of your Disney Inspire Visa Card application, you will be sent your Disney Gift Card eGift via email within hours to any valid email address. The Disney Gift Card eGift can be used at select participating locations at Walt Disney World® Resort, Disneyland® Resort, Disney Cruise Line, Disney Store locations in the U.S., DisneyStore.com, and Adventures by Disney®. Disney Gift Card eGifts are redeemable for goods and services at participating Disney locations. Disney Gift Card eGifts are not refundable or redeemable for cash unless required by law. Disney Gift Card eGifts are not for resale. Disney Gift Card eGifts are issued by, and represents a legal obligation solely of, Disney Gift Card Services, Inc. Lost, damaged or stolen Disney Gift Card eGifts may be replaced only if original email and complete card number are provided. For Disney Gift Card eGift balance inquiries, call 1-877-650-4327 or visit DisneyGiftCard.com. For complete terms and conditions (including arbitration agreement), visit DisneyGiftCard.com. The value of this offer or program may result in miscellaneous income received from Chase and we may be required to send you, and file with the IRS, a Form 1099-MISC (Miscellaneous Information) or Form 1042-S (Foreign Person's U.S. Source Income Subject to Withholding) for the year in which you participate and are awarded the benefits of the offer/program. You are responsible for any tax liability related to participating in the offer/program. Please consult your own tax advisor if you have any questions about how this could affect your taxes. Chase is not responsible for the provision of, or failure to provide, the stated benefits and services. All trademarks are property of their respective owners. If your account is not open for at least 6 months, Chase and Disney reserve the right to cancel the Disney Gift Card eGift.

8$300 Statement Credit with the Disney Inspire Visa Card

This product is not available to either (i) current cardmembers of this credit card, or (ii) previous cardmembers of this credit card who received a new cardmember bonus for this credit card within the last 24 months. Offers may vary and may not be available through all application methods when applying for the Disney Visa Credit Cards. In some instances, an application may require additional time to process. To qualify and receive your $300 statement credit, you must make Purchases totaling $1,000 or more during the first 3 months from account opening. ("Purchases" do not include balance transfers, cash advances, travelers checks, foreign currency, money orders, wire transfers or similar cash-like transactions, lottery tickets, casino gaming chips, race track wagers or similar betting transactions, any checks that access your account, interest, unauthorized or fraudulent charges, and fees of any kind, including an annual fee, if applicable.) To be eligible for this bonus offer, account must be open and not in default at the time of fulfillment. After qualifying, please allow up to 8 weeks for your credit to appear in your statement.

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