More Walt Disney World Resort Stories

4 Ways to Find Characters at Walt Disney World Resort Hotels 

Victoria Zicari

by , Communications Specialist at Walt Disney World Public Affairs

One of the best parts of a Walt Disney World vacation is seeing your favorite Disney characters. Guests of all ages are filled with wonder and joy when they first meet Mickey Mouse, hug Pluto or encounter a larger-than-life statue of Ariel. And these character interactions don’t just happen inside our theme parks, there are also awesome ways to play along with some of your favorite characters at our Disney Resort hotels, making it a great reason to stay in the magic!

Dine with Popular Pals  

A Disney Parks classic, our Character Dining experiences across several Disney Resort hotels are great fun for the whole family. And best of all – Disney Resort hotel guests who purchase vacation packages with arrivals on or after Jan. 9, 2024 have the option to add our fan-favorite Disney Dining Plan!

  • At Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, visit Story Book Dining at Artist Point with Snow White … and even visit The Queen, if you dare.
  • Dive into a bountiful buffet while meeting Mickey Mouse and his best pals at Chef Mickey’s inside Disney’s Contemporary Resort. 
  • Start the day off right with breakfast at Cape May Cafe at Disney’s Beach Club Resort to see Minnie Mouse and her friends.  
  • At Disney’s Riviera Resort, enjoy Breakfast à la Art with Mickey & Friends when you dine at Topolino’s Terrace – Flavors of the Riviera.
Enjoy a Surprise Moment with your Favorite Friends  

I can’t describe the joy I feel when I am walking around a Disney Resort hotel and suddenly see a Disney Character rounding the corner to say hi. I’m instantly reminded that I’m staying in the magic at The Most Magical Place on Earth. While enjoying your stay, be on the lookout for surprise appearances from Disney pals out on an adventure. Have your camera and autograph books ready – you never know when you might run into a special friend! 

Snap a Photo with Disney Character Clicks 

Disney Character Clicks powered by AT&T 5G is a fun and complimentary new digital Disney PhotoPass experience available for a limited time in the lobbies of Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort and Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort. Mickey Mouse & Friends, dressed in their best D100 outfits to celebrate the 100th anniversary of The Walt Disney Company, are ready to virtually pose and snap a photo with you! Use a MagicBand, Disney MagicMobile Pass or Key to the World card to unlock the experience and link your photos to your Disney account. Then, on the screen, choose your favorite characters to take a photo with, strike a pose and watch as your selected characters pose next to you – it’s like they’re really there! Afterwards, enjoy the complimentary photo downloads from your session available via the My Disney Experience app or on DisneyWorld.com/PhotoPass

Discover Larger-Than-Life Characters 

When taking a stroll through Disney Resort hotels, iconic characters can’t be missed! Sometimes they’re hidden in the detailed upholstery, or in artwork like the portraits of favorite horses from Disney and Pixar films that can be found at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa. 

And at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, Disney’s Pop Century Resort and Disney’s All-Star Resorts, you’ll feel as if you have stepped into a whole new world with colorful themed areas. The larger-than-life characters seen all around these three resorts will delight everyone – and make great backdrops for the perfect vacation photo!  

Little girl laughing with "Finding Nemo" characters in background

These experiences are just a snapshot of all the ways you can see Disney characters at the more than 25 themed resorts in the Disney Resorts Collection. There’s truly something for everyone with immersive experiences, relaxing environments and special perks – early theme park entry and complimentary on-site transportation, to name a few. Excited to book your next vacation? Check out DisneyWorld.com/Offers for ways to save when staying in the magic.