Hey, howdy, hey, Desha! Thanks for moseying on over to planDisney with your question.
Desha, interacting with some favorite characters like those lifesize toys who live in Andy's backyard is one of my favorite parts of visiting the Walt Disney World Resort. Now, I'm over the moon to share that you'll find lots of great character opportunities around all four parks and some
select dining locations at a variety of Disney Resorts Collection hotels. On my last family trip, we were able to hug characters, pose for photos and get autographs.
Currently, at Disney's Hollywood Studios,
the following characters are available wandering through the park OR to meet at various times throughout the day:
- Green Army Drum Corps
- Disney Junior Pals
- Mickey and Minnie
- Olaf
- Sulley
- Toys from Toy Story
Desha, since you have your sights set on Disney's Hollywood Studios, I would recommend checking out the following character dining options as well:
-
Hollywood & Vine (located inside the park with breakfast, lunch and dinner options; if you have a little Mouseketeer who loves Disney Junior, this is the only meal with those characters)
-
Cape May Cafe (located only a Skyliner ride away at Disney's Beach Club Resort) while characters are NOT available at dinner, this is a popular way to start your day with Minnie and friends.
-
Topolino's Terrace – Flavors of the Riviera (again, located only a Skyliner ride away at Disney's Riviera Resort) characters at breakfast are in the cutest art-inspired costumes. There are no characters at dinner.
I highly recommend making advanced dining reservations for character meals as they are quite popular. If you don't see availability for your dates initially, keep checking the site. Guests' plans often change and you never know when that perfect reservation will pop up. I have had great luck in securing some dining times in the few days leading up to my trip.
Desha, before I wish you all the best, I want to encourage you to make sure you have downloaded the latest version of the
My Disney Experience Mobile App where you'll be able to confirm that the characters I listed above are available on the date of your visit and view what times they'll be saying hello to guests during the day.
Whether your quest leads you to collect autographs, smiles, or just enjoy the ambiance of characters while you eat, I'll be wishing on a star that you have a Magical trip. Please come on back with any additional questions and remember... as my pal Woody would say, "reach for the sky!"
Lauren