Your favorite characters are ready for adventure at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park! Since we’re always looking for ways to add extra magic to your park days at planDisney, I recently set out on a mission to track down all the character greeting spots in the park.
After spending a day exploring the park, I’m happy to report… I have insider tips for how to find rare characters and experiences exclusive to Animal Kingdom! Here’s what I discovered and where you can find them, too:
How to Find Characters in the My Disney Experience App
Before you set off on your own adventure, every explorer needs the right tools. Characters are easy to locate with the My Disney Experience app!
Just Follow These Simple Steps:
- Click on the map pin at the bottom of the screen.
- Swipe left at the top of the screen and choose Characters.
- Click on Locations to select the desired theme park.
- Find characters on the map or choose Show List at the bottom right.
- By clicking on a character, you can view the location and times the selected character will appear throughout the day.
Disney Character Experiences Exclusive to Animal Kingdom Theme Park
The Lion King Characters are Ready to Greet You at the Oasis
You might run into a wise mandrill or a certain meerkat who loves to hula. Rafiki is ready to show you the way, and when he takes a break for his meditations, Timon steps in to keep the fun going. You might even be able to convince him to do a dance with you! Both characters begin greeting guests about an hour after park opening most days and rotate every 30 minutes.
Pocahontas is Just Around the Riverbend in the Oasis
For one the most unique character greetings at Walt Disney World Resort, head to the right as you enter the Oasis. Just before the bridge to Discovery Island, you’ll find Pocahontas in a beautiful, natural setting that feels perfect for her adventurous spirit.
Zootopia Characters are on Duty on Discovery Island
Officers Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde are on the case! Hop on over to The Gathering Spot near the Tree of Life just outside Zootopia: Better Zoogether!
It turns out Zootopia’s busiest crime-fighting duo are also some of the most popular characters at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. You’ll want to make sure you plan ahead for a visit with them. Since this is a popular meet and greet, allow some extra time.
Up Characters are Out for Adventure on Discovery Island
While you’re out on an adventure on the Discovery Trails, you might find Russell exploring the trails. His surprise visits don’t always appear in the My Disney Experience app, which means you’ll have to be a true Wilderness Explorer to find him.
This is one of the hidden gems, so be on the lookout! For the best chance, enter the Discovery Trails to the left of the Tree of Life just before the bridge to Africa. You also never know when you might see Kevin or Dug roaming around Discovery Island. Kevin’s vibrant colors are hard to miss and be sure to ask Dug if he’s seen any squirrels. With his special voice box, he just might talk to you.
Ready, Set, Play! Join Bluey and Bingo at Animal Kingdom
While this isn’t a traditional character greeting, it is a one-of-a-kind play experience with Bluey and Bingo at Conservation Station. Hop on the Wildlife Express at Harambe Station near the exit to Kilimanjaro Safaris. Then get ready to dance with Bluey and Bingo and play games like Magic Asparagus, Keepy Uppy, and the Octopus Game.
Disney Characters with Unique Animal Kingdom Outfits
Animal Kingdom is the only place you’ll be able to see Mickey Mouse and his pals dressed for adventure. Start your day with Donald Duck and Daisy Duck who are dressed for a safari on the Oasis.
After you enter the park, head to the right toward Garden Gate Gifts to find them. Then be sure to stop by and say hello to Mickey and Minnie who are also donning khakis and their safari hats. You’ll find them at Adventurers Outpost near the bridge to Asia.
As you make your way further into the park, turn right after you enter Asia and be on the lookout for Goofy and Pluto. If you love character photos, you won’t want to miss these unique safari outfits starring Mickey and all of his adventurous pals.
planDisney Tip
- If little ones are apprehensive about meeting characters, give them a few minutes to watch other guests interact with the characters so they can feel more comfortable. Remind them that just a high five or quick hello is perfectly okay. The characters are wonderful about recognizing a child’s comfort level and making them feel welcome.
For more tips about character greetings and other Disney vacation planning, visit planDisney.com to submit a question and receive a personalized response from a panelist.
