Where to Meet Disney Junior Characters at Walt Disney World
If you visit Disney’s Hollywood Studios, you’ll have an opportunity to meet several favorite Disney Junior characters. They are some of the best meet-and-greets for younger children at Walt Disney World. Those with children who fall into this age group are probably familiar with these characters, including Fancy Nancy, Vampirina, Doc McStuffins, and Pluto!
While popular, these meet-and-greets are relatively easy to see. They are all next to each other in Animation Courtyard. Below, we’ll provide details for seeing these characters and photos of their individual locations.
In addition to these traditional meet-and-greets, Disney Junior characters meet with guests at Hollywood and Vine each morning for a character breakfast. However, this experience will require an advanced dining reservation and an extra expense. You can learn more about it in our Disney World Character Dining Guide.
You can also see Disney Junior characters at the Disney Junior Play and Dance Party. That location is at the end of the Animation Courtyard near Star Wars Launch Bay, close to the traditional meet-and-greets we’re about to discuss.
Animation Courtyard is immediately to the right of the Chinese Theater at Hollywood Studios (Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway). If facing the theater, take a right, walk under the Hollywood Studios signage, and you are in Animation Courtyard. The meet-and-greets are on the right side of the courtyard; you can’t miss them!
Below is a picture of the overall character meet area. These character meet-and-greets are typically available between 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. However, on the day of your visit, you’ll want to check the My Disney Experience app for their exact times.
How to Locate Characters in the My Disney Experience App
- Open the My Disney Experience app and select the pin drop at the bottom of the home screen.
- Scroll (left to right) through the icons at the top of the screen and select “Characters.”
- After selecting characters, use the locations drop down to select the park of your choice.
- Then, on the bottom right of the screen, select “Show List.”
- Scroll through the list of characters with their times and locations.
- As an alternative, you can use the map view to locate characters.
*As the day passes, you might notice that characters disappear from the app. When their last scheduled time passes, the meet-and-greet automatically disappears. A new schedule won’t be loaded until the following day. It is essential to check the app for meet-and-greets on the day of your visit.
Learn More: Complete Screenshot Tutorial for Locating Characters at Disney World
Times and appearances can change from day to day. However, these specific characters are pretty consistent. From my experience, the lines for these characters are usually busier earlier in the day than in the afternoon. However, that can vary a good deal based on what time of year you’re visiting.
On the day I took photos for this review, I met all four Disney Junior characters in about 40 minutes. That was on a late Friday afternoon during warmer weather. Overall, the wait was extremely reasonable. It didn’t seem like anyone had to wait too long to meet a specific character.
What Disney Junior Characters Meet at Walt Disney World?
Below is the list of Disney Junior characters meeting at Hollywood Studios. Keep in mind as new shows become popular, characters can change. But these characters have been present for a long time. It’s been surprising that they haven’t introduced anyone new in years.
- Fancy Nancy
- Vampirina
- Doc McStuffins
- Pluto
First, we have Fancy Nancy, who is meeting at the far end of the Animation Courtyard.
She is the first character in the line-up of Disney Junior characters.
Fancy Nancy is in front of a cute house with a picket fence. Her line is in a shaded area to the right of her location. She signs autographs, so make sure to have a pen and paper handy. Some children like to have autograph books, but any paper or small notebook would work. Here’s a look at her autograph. Most of the characters have unique signatures. So, an autograph book makes for a fun souvenir.
Vampirina is the next Disney Junior character at Animation Courtyard. She is probably the most energetic and hip of the characters meeting in the area.
It was cute how her hair flapped like bat wings when she jumped up and down.
Vampirina signs her autograph.
It took her a minute to write it out, but it was worth it. She dots her i’s with bat wings!
Down the line, you will bump into Doc McStuffins. She is toward the end, next to the entrance of the Play and Dance.
Here is a look at her autograph. She added a band-aid with a heart.
Her setup is like a child-friendly doctor’s office.
When you first meet the characters, they like to greet you, sign autographs, and take pictures with you and your family. PhotoPass photographers are usually available at each of these meet-and-greets. However, they aren’t guaranteed.
It’s important to note that these characters’ meet-and-greets are partially outside. Therefore, in rain or storms, they cease to meet. They also take breaks due to the heat. So, if you are in line for a character and see them exit, do not fret. They will be back in about three to five minutes. You will likely see this happen if you plan to meet all of the characters in this area.
Last but not least, we have everyone’s favorite dog pal, Pluto! Oh, Pluto! He is sure to make you laugh. Hollywood Studios is one of the easier places at Walt Disney World to meet him. He also has a character meet at Epcot. (Learn More>>Meet Pluto at Epcot’s Entrance)
Pluto signs autographs as well. He’s so silly. He signed one on top of his nose for me. Who says an old dog can’t learn new tricks?
Final Thoughts
We hope you enjoyed learning about this meet-and-greet opportunity. We enjoy meeting characters and think the Disney Junior characters are perfect for younger fans! I noticed during this visit that many of the children were ecstatic while waiting in line to meet their favorite characters. If your children watch these popular shows, this is a must-do character meet for them while on vacation.
Animation Courtyard is also home to a popular Disney Junior retail store called In Character. This shop is an excellent place to pick up an age-appropriate souvenir. (Unfortunately, this shop has been closed for several years as of this update.)
For more information about meeting characters at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, you might enjoy:
- Meet Edna Mode at Hollywood Studios
- Meet Olaf at Celebrity Spotlight
- Meet Mrs. Incredible (Elastigirl)
- Meet Woody and Jessie in Toy Story Land
- Meet Star Wars Characters at Disney World
Or preview our entire list of character meet-and-greets at Disney World.
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In the Comments
Does anyone in your family have a favorite Disney Junior character they’d like to meet? Leave a comment below and let us know. We love to hear from our readers!
