Where to Find the Characters While Touring Epcot

I often hear people say that they don't think they'll take their kids to Epcot on a family trip to Walt Disney World because the kids would be "bored" since there's "nothing for kids" at Epcot.

I think it's safe to say we all know this isn't the case. From great attractions such as Soarin', Test Track, and of course The Seas with Nemo and Friends, to the Kidcot Fun Stops in each pavilion in World Showcase - there is definitely a lot for kids to do.

Stitch at Legacy Plaza West

I've also heard people mention that their kids don't like Epcot because they won't have a chance to see any characters like they do at the other three parks. And that's what we're going to talk about today - where to find the characters at Epcot. They are everywhere!

A few years ago we happened upon Stitch just as we were headed to Spaceship Earth - he was hanging out just past the Leave a Legacy area on the right side of the sidewalk - in an area known as Legacy Plaza West. We don't always see him there but you can usually find Daisy Duck or Pluto hanging out for photos and autographs in the same location.

Marie Kitty formerly in France

The Epcot Character Spot is located in Future World across from Innoventions West. Normally you'll find Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, and Pluto inside the Character Spot. Outside the Character Spot (behind the building, in sight of the Land Pavilion) you'll often find Chip and Dale posing for pictures.

As you head toward World Showcase, if you go left toward the Mexico Pavilion you'll find the meet and greet location for Duffy the Disney Bear near Showcase Plaza. Duffy and his handlers are "in and out" throughout the day at this meet-and-greet location. If he's not there when you walk up, hang around and he'll be back in a few minutes.

Duffy Meet and Greet Location

And now we've made it to World Showcase where you are bound to meet a bevy of magical characters. In Mexico you'll run into Donald Duck outside the pyramid. Keep walking toward the China Pavilion and you'll find Mulan standing near the entrance to the pavilion. (Once, our girls had a chance to walk with Mulan from the back of the pavilion up to the meet-and-greet area - talk about magical!).

You'll find Snow White by the wishing well in Germany - just look for the line of guests waiting to meet her. And over in Morocco you'll happen upon Jasmine and Aladdin (and sometimes Genie) near the water. There's usually a big line for them too.

Snow White at Akershus

As you make your way to the France Pavilion you'll find Belle and Beast near the water posing for photos. Princess Aurora can be found holding court on the far side of the pavilion - the last time we were there she was under her very own gazebo, which was a lovely new addition.

As you cross the bridge to the United Kingdom Pavilion, look to your left and you might see Merida waiting to meet her adoring public. As you head down the path to the right toward the UK, you'll find Mary Poppins and Alice from Alice in Wonderland. And, if you head into The Toy Soldier shop, you'll find Pooh, Tigger, and Piglet waiting near the back of the store (near the Kidcot Stop).

Belle in France

But let's not forget the character dining experiences at Epcot. During breakfast, lunch, and dinner at Akershus in Norway guests will have a chance to meet Belle as they enter the restaurant. During the meal a parade of princesses make their way around the dining room, including Cinderella (that's right, you don't need to eat at Cinderella's Royal Table to meet her!), Ariel (without her mermaid tail), Snow White, and Princess Aurora. Your princesses-in-training can even join in a short parade around the dining room.

And over in the Land Pavilion guests dining at The Garden Grill will have a chance to meet Mickey Mouse, Pluto, and Chip and Dale as they dine on a family style meal featuring fresh vegetables grown in Living with the Land's gardens.

Pluto at the Garden Grill

Thanks so much to Traci C. for this fantastic post and use of her images. I think it's worth saying, that you don't have to have kids along to enjoy these fantastic character meet ups either. Kids of all ages love to meet the Characters all over Epcot! So if you want your picture taken with your fave - just go get it! Who is your favorite character to meet when you're at Epcot? Leave us a comment and let us know!