Disney 100 Characters; mother, father, daughters; Donald Duck, Pluto, goofy
  • On Aug 16, 2026
    Eduardo Asked Please note that experiences, policies, pricing and other offerings are subject to change and may have changed since the date of this answer.

    Hello, I’m looking to know the hours of when I can meet the characters. I was in the app but I don’t really understand where and when I can see the characters. Also I would like to know the difference between entertainment and character in the app

    Hiya, Eduardo, and welcome to planDisney!

    Your visit to Walt Disney World is just around the corner, and all your favorite characters will be so excited to greet you. Meeting characters in The Most Magical Place on Earth is always such a thrill, whether I'm watching my kids meet their heroes or I'm getting a warm hug of my own!

    Now, I know how important it is to catch up with your pals at Disney World, so let's talk about how to track them down in your My Disney Experience app. First, open your app and tap the locator icon on the bottom of your screen (hint: it's shaped like an upside-down teardrop!). This will open up the park map.

    Now, use the "Locations" drop-down menu at the top of the screen to select a theme park. Then, look for the icons at the very top of the screen. At first, you'll see options for Wait Times, Dining, Attractions, and Entertainment. But if you swipe left along the menu, you'll also find options for other useful information, like Transportation, Restrooms, and most importantly, Characters! 

    When you click on the Characters icon, you'll see a bunch of Mickey Mouse-shaped icons pop up around the map. Click each one to see which characters are at that location, then click again for more information about the times they appear. For reference, this is different from the Entertainment tab, which will provide information on shows, live music, parades, and nighttime spectaculars.

    Eduardo, I love using the My Disney Experience app to track down my favorite characters. My kids and I like to treat it like a big, magical treasure hunt! But truthfully, my family's favorite way to meet characters is at a character dining experience. This way, we skip the lines and get a good meal all at once!

    I know your visit is only a few days away, but I just checked the app, and I'm happy to share that some of my favorite character dining restaurants still have availability during your stay. If this interests you, I suggest snagging an Advance Dining Reservation at The Crystal Palace (where you'll meet Winnie the Pooh and friends), Garden Grill Restaurant (where you'll meet Mickey Mouse and his pals), or even Cinderella's Royal Table, where you'll feast with the Disney Princesses themselves!

    However you meet the characters, don't forget your camera, autograph book, and a jumbo-sized pen, since these are easier for some characters to hold. I hope this helps, Eduardo! If you have any other questions as you gear up for your big adventure, feel free to write me directly right here at planDisney.

    Warm hugs,

    Allison
thumbnail image for Allison

Meet the Panelist: Allison, New Jersey

Hello, I'm Allison. I'm a wife, mom, and writer with a lifelong love of Disney magic! Like Belle, I’m a book-loving dreamer who’s always ready for the next adventure...especially if it involves castles, pixie dust, and Mickey-shaped treats! To me, every Walt Disney World vacation is a story waiting to be told, and I can’t wait to help you write your most magical chapter yet! Learn More About Allison

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