If you’re anything like me, watching your little ones light up when they see their favorite characters is pure magic! And when it comes to Disney royalty, there’s no crew more iconic than the Fab 5: Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Goofy, and Pluto (plus Daisy, because she deserves a spotlight too!). Whether you’re planning your first family trip or you’re a seasoned Disney-goer, here’s your go-to guide on where to find these beloved characters across the parks, resorts, and beyond!
Let’s start with the main mouse himself — Mickey Mouse! You can find Mickey greeting guests in all four parks.
One of my favorite ways to meet Mickey, especially with toddlers, is at a character meal. Topolino’s Terrace at the Riviera and Garden Grill in EPCOT are our favorite character meals with Mickey.
And of course, you’ll catch him in multiple shows and parades, like the Festival of Fantasy Parade and Fantasmic!, and he’s featured in attractions like Mickey’s PhilharMagic and Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway. He’s also the star of Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and Very Merry Christmas Party.
Next up is Minnie Mouse — a fashion icon and total sweetheart! You’ll find her alongside Mickey at several meet-and-greets and meals. I love seeing her at Cape May Café in Beach Club Resort and Red Carpet Dreams in Hollywood Studios, mainly because her outfit choices are the best! Her appearances in shows and parades mirror Mickey’s, and she’s also part of the same attractions and events — she’s usually everywhere her man is and always adorable.
Donald Duck, the sassiest of the bunch, has unique meet-and-greet spots, such as the Mexico Promenade in EPCOT and DinoLand USA. One not-to-miss moment for Donald fans? The Gran Fiesta Tour ride at EPCOT, where he stars alongside his fellow Caballeros. This is a fun ride inside the Mexico Pavilion, and a great way to get out of the Florida heat.
Daisy Duck brings the glam and sass! You’ll find her striking a pose at Dreamers Point in EPCOT. Don’t forget to catch her in the parades and dancing around on Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway! This is our favorite part of the ride, as you will get whisked away on the dance floor with Daisy calling the steps.
Goofy is always a hit with my girls — silly, playful, and energetic. You can meet him in all four parks and spot him while riding The Barnstormer at Magic Kingdom or dancing it up during Typhoon Lagoon’s H2O Glow After Hours! Goofy is always fun to meet with and truly lives up to his name. His silly demeanor and personality make it easy to love this interaction.
Last but never least, Pluto! He has a soft spot in my heart! You can find him at meet-and-greets in Storybook Circus and Animation Courtyard.
Final Tips from a Disney Mama:
If your toddlers are character-obsessed like mine, dining experiences are the way to go. They involve less waiting, more cuddles, delicious food, and guaranteed interaction. Early morning shows like Let the Magic Begin are pure pixie dust magic and a great way to start your park day. Be sure to catch the parade or a nighttime show where they can watch all their favorites at once.
Remember to use the My Disney Experience app to track character times and locations—it’s a game-changer for real-time planning! If you want to see a specific character, just type their name into the search bar in the app, or go to the map of the theme park you’re in, select ‘Characters and List’, and you can see all available locations, times, and characters.
My last and favorite tip is to stay on property if you can! There’s nothing like the pure joy of walking through a Disney Resort and spotting a character turning the corner to say hi — it’s that magical little reminder that you’re truly in the magic. While you’re soaking up all the fun, watch for signs at your resort with days and times for these experiences! Trust me — moments like these make the memories extra special, so have those autograph books and cameras ready!
Hope this helps you plan the most magical character moments for your family! If you are ready to make these magical moments and already have a Smart Moms Travel agent, reach out to them to help you plan the trip of your dreams. If you aren’t currently working with a Smart Moms Travel agent, I’d love to help you create the perfect Disney itinerary for your family. You can enlist my help for free here.
