Hey Disney World fans! Disney just announced a slew of new characters that will be coming to WDW this year. From everyone’s favorite ocean voyager to a purple dragon filled with the spirit of Imagination, there are some seriously exciting character meet and greets at Disney World in 2023.
Moana, Mirabel, and Figment will all debut dedicated meet and greets, each located at a different theme park. In addition, Mickey and Minnie will be getting a new location for their EPCOT meet and greet.
Where can you find all these beloved characters? And when will these meet and greets start? Read on to find out.
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ToggleMoana meet and greet sets sail for Animal Kingdom on April 22
Moana will finally make her Disney World meet and greet debut at Animal Kingdom on April 22nd. This is just in time for Animal Kingdom’s 25th Anniversary.
Guests won’t have to journey to return the Heart of Te Fiti to meet with her. Moana will be found on Discovery Island, which is the main hub of Animal Kingdom.
No word on whether Heihei will be tagging along, but we can dream, right?
Why is Moana meeting in Animal Kingdom rather than EPCOT, which will debut a Moana walkthrough attraction later this year? At D23 2022, Disney announced that a Moana land will be coming to Animal Kingdom, located where Dinoland USA is currently situated. Based on the concept art released, it looked as if the Moana land was decently far into development, so Disney World could be trying to get guests to connect Moana with Animal Kingdom through this meet and greet.
Figment sparks imagination at EPCOT with a meet and greet this summer
Later this summer, you’ll get the chance to unleash your imagination and come face to face with everyone’s favorite purple dragon, Figment.
The Figment meet and greet will be located at the Imagination! pavilion in EPCOT.
So prepare for one little spark of inspiration as you meet this lovable fellow in World Celebration.
Mickey and friends will have a new home at EPCOT at Mickey & Friends
Mickey Mouse is going to have a new central location for their meet and greets at EPCOT. As part of the transformation of the center of the park, EPCOT will debut a new festival center called CommuniCore Hall.
In newly released concept art, CommuniCore Hall will also be the home of Mickey & Friends, the meet and greet location for Mickey, Minnie, and all their pals.
So you’ll be able to meet with the leader of the band that’s made for you and me in the middle of World Celebration in EPCOT, right behind Spaceship Earth.
Mirabel makes a magical debut at the Magic Kingdom in fall 2023
As the leaves start to fall this autumn, guests will be able to meet with Mirabel from the hit film Encanto at Magic Kingdom.
The Mirabel meet and greet will be located at Fairytale Garden at Magic Kingdom, which is where the Merida meet and greet is currently located. This is just to the right of the castle, as you make your way to Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe and Mad Tea Party.
This area will be transformed with decor inspired by the wonderous and whimsical Casa Madrigal.
Why Magic Kingdom? Besides the fact that Mirabel comes from an enchanted and magical family, Disney World also announced at D23 2022 that an Encanto land/attraction is being developed for a Magic Kingdom expansion. The Encanto ride would be located beyond Big Thunder Mountain.
Where to find characters at Disney World
Whether you know every word to “How Far I’ll Go” by heart, you’re a Figment devotee who’s been waiting for the chance to give him a hug, or you’re enchanted by Mirabel’s magical world, there’s something for everyone at Disney World.
These additions continue a trend of Disney World upping the ante on character excitement in 2023. Recent character debuts include Grogu and his sidekick the Mandalorian, the groovy Powerline Max, and Chip and Dale in their iconic Rescue Rangers outfits.
If you’re looking for where to find other favorite characters at Disney World, check out these articles:
- Magic Kingdom Character Guide
- EPCOT Character Guide
- Hollywood Studios Character Guide
- Animal Kingdom Character Guide
- Character Dining at Disney World Guide
- Tips on How to Meet Disney World Characters Without a Wait
Let us know in the comments: Which meet and greet are you most excited to come to Disney World in 2023: Moana, Mirabel, Mickey, or Figment?
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James Grosch
James is a lifelong Disney Parks fan. While at the parks, he loves finding new details, learning more about Disney World history, and taking pictures. His favorite WDW attractions include Rise of the Resistance, Spaceship Earth, and Tower of Terror.
James is a filmmaker and writer based in Atlanta, GA.