Epcot Character Palooza: Take Your Chances in Meeting Disney Characters. What do Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and Epcot have in common, besides they are both at Walt Disney World in Florida? The short answer is Disney Characters. Especially at this time of year. MNSSHP starts in just under 2 months from today, and for the next few weeks, guests heading to Epcot have a chance to run into some rare characters. Especially the Villiounus kind!
Epcot, and sometimes Hollywood Studios, is the home of new Disney Cast Members testing out characters. Furthermore, Disney uses Epcot as a place to see how the characters are performing prior to Halloween at Disney World. This time of year you have an opportunity to run into villains like Maleficent, Capt. Hook, and in past years we have even seen Jack & Sally from Tim Burton’s ‘Nightmare Before Xmas’.
The fun doesn’t stop at just villains! In just 2 days at Epcot, we ran into a slew of amazing characters. Spending a total of under an hour meeting Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, Goofy, Eeyore, Capt. Hook, Smee, Big Al, Stitch, Wendell, Rafiki, King Louie, Mary Poppins Penguin, and we were super excited to meet and greet Maleficent!
This is a special event that happens randomly, and does not interfere with the regular character meet and greets you can find around Epcot.
What is Character Palooza?
Character Palooza is a delightful surprise for visitors, as it isn’t listed on the official park schedule. This impromptu event typically features a mix of popular and rare Disney characters, giving fans a chance to meet their favorites without the long lines typically associated with character greetings.
When and Where?
Character Palooza usually takes place in the late morning and early afternoon, but the exact timing and location can vary. Guests have found the event occurring near the World Showcase, often at the International Gateway or in the American Adventure pavilion. However, Disney keeps the specifics under wraps to manage crowd sizes and maintain an element of surprise.
Why You Shouldn’t Miss It
- Unique Characters: Unlike scheduled meet-and-greets, Character Palooza often includes characters that are rarely seen elsewhere in the park.
- Shorter Wait Times: Due to its unannounced nature, the event tends to have shorter lines, making for a more relaxed and enjoyable experience.
- Memorable Interactions: The spontaneity of Character Palooza often leads to more personal and memorable interactions with the characters.
For Disney enthusiasts and casual visitors alike, Epcot’s Character Palooza is a magical highlight, offering an unexpected sprinkle of Disney magic in an already enchanting park. Keep your eyes peeled and your camera ready – you never know who you might meet!
