Disney Characters are an essential part of the Disney parks for many. While physical distancing is being practiced, traditional meet & greet experiences are out. However, Characters are still very much a part of Disney. One creative option Disney has implemented are Cavalcades.
In fact, all four Disney World parks offer various Character Cavalcades. These are essentially mini parades, and are not scheduled. Look for your favorite Characters passing through, al though you will most likely hear the Cavalcade before you see it!
Below is how to see Disney Characters in 2021 and what this now looks like through photos.
Animal Kingdom
At Disney’s Animal Kingdom there are various “character cruises” taking place throughout the day. These include: Discovery River Character Cruise, Discovery Island Drummers (picture above) and more.
- Discovery River Character Cruise – Throughout the day, guests can see Timon and Rafiki or Pocahontas with Meeko, who will set sail on the park’s waterways.
- Discovery Island Drummers – The group of percussionists cruise along Discovery River, entertaining guests on the shore with an energetic beat.
- Donald’s Dino Boat Bash! – Donald Duck, Daisy Duck and Launchpad McQuack wave to guests from their party boat as “Donald’s Dino Bash!” moves from Dinoland U.S.A. to Discovery River.
- Mickey & Friends Flotilla
- Goofy & Pals Set Sail
Hollywood Studios
Hollywood Studios has 2 motorcades for guests and Star Wars character sighting in Black Spire Outpost.
- Disney Junior Stars Motorcade – Throughout the day, Disney Junior stars including Fancy Nancy, Doc McStuffins and Vampirina will cruise down Hollywood Boulevard waving to fans from colorful custom convertibles.
- Pixar Pals Motorcade – Some of the biggest stars from Pixar Animation Studios’ films arrive on Hollywood Boulevard, from “The Incredibles” to “Toy Story” pals and more. They’ll wave to their fans as they head down the avenue accompanied by a celebratory musical score.
- Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge – While living their own adventures in a galaxy far, far away, guests are likely to come across some familiar faces as they explore Black Spire Outpost on the planet Batuu.
EPCOT
EPCOT currently has 3 Cavalcades for guests, as well as sighting throughout the park (keep reading to learn more on that). EPCOT seems to be a hotspot for Character sightings!
- Frozen Promenade – Queen Anna and Elsa venture into the unknown around World Showcase, journeying from country to country and waving hello to guests along the way.
- Princess Promenade
- Mickey & Friends World Tour – As guests travel around World Showcase, they may come upon Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Pluto and Goofy all out sightseeing and waving to their friends.
Additionally, you may spot Winnie the Pooh catching butterflies (here he was spotted near The Imagination Pavilion).
Joy has also been known to be in this area of EPCOT (near Imagination Pavilion).
Guests can also look to select countries around the World Showcase for seeing characters from a distance. Queen Anna and Elsa have been spotted in Norway and Mary Poppins in England.
Magic Kingdom
Head to Magic Kingdom for a handful of Character Cavalcades running throughout the day. Plus, Characters spotted elsewhere.
- The Royal Princess Processional – Princess Merida leads the way on her steed Angus, followed closely by a gazebo float and crystal castle carrying Cinderella, Tiana, Belle, Jasmine, Snow White, Rapunzel and more.
- Mickey & Friends Cavalcade – Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and their pals pop up throughout the day, inviting everyone to “Get Their Ears On” as they wave to guests along the park’s parade route.
- Fantasyland Friends Cavalcade
- A Goofy Cavalcade
- Tinker Bell & the Lost Treasure
Princess Fairytale Hall has provided the perfect spot for seeing Disney Princesses and the Stepsisters from a distance.
Look who was spotted near Enchanted Tales with Belle in Magic Kingdom!
One recent guest was even able to take a selfie with Stitch, who was on stage, in Tomorrowland!
Character Meals
Guests can enjoy a modified character dining experience at: Garden Grill Restaurant, Hollywood & Vine, Topolino’s Terrace – Flavors of the Riviera and Chef Mickey’s and more. Characters will be seen from a distance. See the list of Character Meal options now open.
- Be Our Guest at Magic Kingdom
- Chef Mickey’s at Disney’s Contemporary Resort
- Cinderella’s Royal Table at Magic Kingdom
- Garden Grill at EPCOT
- Hollywood & Vine at Hollywood Studios
- Topolino’s at Disney’s Riviera Resort
Learn more about the Walt Disney World Parks including attractions, secrets, tips and more. Plus my friends at Destinations in Florida can help you plan your perfect Walt Disney World vacation.