Hollywood Studios Character Meet & Greets (2025 Update After Launch Bay Closure)
- Practically Perfect Pixie Dust
- Jun 23, 2023
- 13 min read
Updated: Oct 12
Updated October 11, 2025
Looking to meet your favorite Disney characters at Hollywood Studios? You’re in luck—this park is packed with some of the most iconic and beloved characters from Star Wars, Pixar, and classic Disney films. But to make the most of your day, it helps to know where to find character meet and greets at Hollywood Studios—and when to fit them into your schedule.
🧚♀️ Pixie Dust Pro Tip: Some characters are out all day, while others pop in for limited appearances. Knowing their locations ahead of time can save you time and help you avoid long waits.
Note: With the closing of Star Wars Launch Bay and most of Animation Courtyard, some meet & greets—like BB-8 and the Disney Jr. characters—are currently unavailable. Others, including Darth Vader and Chewbacca, have relocated to new spots around Hollywood Studios.
Disney is reimagining the area into the Walt Disney Studios Lot, with the Magic of Disney Animation returning in 2026 complete with new character experiences, drawing elements, and more. Want to get a sneak peek at what’s coming? Check out our full breakdown here: The Magic of Disney Animation Returns in 2026.
Click here for downloadable maps and cheat sheets showing every current character meet and greet location in the park.
Types of Character Meet and Greets at Hollywood Studios
Main Characters:
A number of iconic Disney characters appear throughout the day at designated, permanent meet-and-greet locations. These often include detailed backdrops, indoor queues, and PhotoPass photographers. You’ll find their current wait times listed in the My Disney Experience app under Attractions or Entertainment.
Intermittent Characters:
These characters appear at set locations, but their schedule may vary. Some pop up regularly, while others are used to enhance entertainment during busy times. Availability can change day-to-day, so check the My Disney Experience app for real-time updates on which characters are meeting and when.
Pop-up Character Sightings:
These spontaneous character appearances don’t follow a strict schedule and usually happen in open areas around the park. While these characters won’t stop for autographs or posed photos, they often wave, interact from a distance, or engage with guests in creative ways. They're a fun surprise as you explore!.
Character Dinning:
Table service restaurants like Cinderella’s Royal Table or The Crystal Palace offer character dining experiences where beloved Disney characters visit each table. They pause to chat, sign autographs, and pose for photos—making it a more relaxed and air-conditioned way to meet characters. Keep in mind, these meals tend to be pricey and Advance Dining Reservations (ADRs) are strongly recommended.
🧚♀️ Pixie Dust Pro Tip: Character dining can be a game-changer for young kids—or guests with sensory sensitivities—who may not feel comfortable in long lines or crowded settings.
Tips for meeting the characters:
Character meet and greets tend to be very popular. For characters that have set meeting times, we recommend getting in line to meet them at least 15 minutes before they are scheduled to appear. Since these characters are only out for a set period of time, the line gets cut off once a specified number of guests has been reached.
Many meet and greets have photopass photographers on hand to capture the moment. We are big proponents of getting memory maker (more on that here) but if you don’t have it you can also ask the photographer to take a photo with your camera.
We recommend becoming familiar with your My Disney Experience (MDE) App, where you will be able to find available characters and times, under Characters, for when you are in the park.
Almost all the characters who do actual meet and greets are happy to sign their autograph, which can be a fun souvenir and memento from your trip. Some like Buzz Lightyear have stamp instead of signing by hand. You can buy autograph books around the park, make your own, or get creative and have characters sign an object. We’ve seen people carry around the matte from a photo frame, and then they can frame their Disney photo with the autographs, or a jacket that they ask characters to sign the back of. If you do a little thinking outside the box you can have a unique and fun souvenir to bring home.
✨ Keep the Character Magic Rolling! ✨
Sprinkle a little extra 🧚pixie dust on your planning with our reader‑favorite guides:
Character Dining 🍽️ – Peek at menus, prices, and the exact pals who pop by each meal (because nothing’s worse than expecting Mickey and getting Stitch… unless you love Stitch!).
Pro Tips for Character Meet‑and‑Greets 📸 – Quick hacks for smoother queues, better photos, and autograph moments that feel like pure Disney magic.
55 Fun Questions to Ask Disney Characters 🎤 – From “What’s your favorite ride after hours?” to “How do you keep your glass slippers so shiny?”—guaranteed to spark giggles, surprises, and unforgettable interactions.
Meet Your Favorite Characters at Hollywood Studios: Who You’ll Find and Where
🎬 Main Characters at Hollywood Studios
⭐ Sorcerer Mickey & Glam Minnie (Red Carpet Dreams)
Over on Commissary Lane, you’ll find a fan-favorite photo op: Red Carpet Dreams, where Mickey Mouse appears in his classic Sorcerer’s Apprentice robe and Minnie Mouse is dressed in her red-carpet Hollywood glam best.
These two iconic characters share the same indoor queue, so you’ll meet both Mickey and Minnie back-to-back—a great time-saver if you’re trying to check off core characters in one stop!
⏱️ Wait Time: Usually 30–45 minutes
❄️ Indoor queue: Yes (yay for air conditioning!)
🧚♀️ Pixie Dust Pro Tip: This is one of the best character meet-and-greets in the park for classic Disney fans—and since it's all indoors, it’s a great mid-afternoon break on a hot day.
🧜♀️ Ariel (Live-Action) – Walt Disney Presents
Want to meet the live-action Ariel from The Little Mermaid (2023)? Head over to Walt Disney Presents in Animation Courtyard, where she greets guests inside a cozy, themed spot. This meet and greet is standby only—and the line tends to get long by midday.
⏱️ Best Time to Visit: Early in the day for shorter waits
🧞♂️ Lightning Lane: Not available
📍 Location: Walt Disney Presents
🧚♀️ Pixie Dust Pro Tip: This is one of the few places at Disney World where you can meet a live-action version of a character—great for fans of the newer film!
👓 Edna Mode – The Edna Mode Experience
No capes, darling—but definitely a photo op! You can meet Edna Mode from The Incredibles at Pixar Place, located just before you reach Toy Story Land. She’s part of the Edna Mode Experience, which also includes fun displays of “super suit” design.
⏱️ Hours: Typically from park opening through early evening
📱 Tip: Check the My Disney Experience app for real-time schedules
📍 Location: Pixar Place
🧚♀️ Pixie Dust Pro Tip: Since this area is a little tucked away, lines tend to stay short—especially in the morning.
⛄ Olaf – Celebrity Spotlight, Echo Lake
If you love warm hugs, make your way to Celebrity Spotlight in Echo Lake to meet everyone’s favorite snowman, Olaf! This indoor meet and greet is charming, low-key, and perfect for younger guests.
⏱️ Wait Time: Often 15–30 minutes
❄️ Air-Conditioned? Yes!
📍 Location: Celebrity Spotlight, Echo Lake
🧚♀️ Pixie Dust Pro Tip: Olaf’s meet and greet is usually a smooth experience—great to squeeze in between shows or while waiting for a Lightning Lane return time nearby.
Intermittent Characters at Hollywood Studios
🎥 Pixar Character – Pixar Place
Pixar Place is the spot to find some of your favorite heroes—and one very fluffy monster—from The Incredibles and Monsters, Inc. These meet and greets are tucked between Toy Story Land and Walt Disney Presents, in the refreshed area now labeled Pixar Place at Gate East and Gate West.
🐾 Sulley (Pixar Place – Gate East)
Ready for a big, furry hug? You can meet Sulley (or “Kitty,” if your name is Boo) in Gate East, near the Edna Mode Experience and the colorful Pixar wall backdrop.
⏱️ Best Times: Typically available throughout the day
📍 Location: Gate East, Pixar Place
🧞♂️ Lightning Lane: Not available
🧚♀️ Pixie Dust Pro Tip: This is a great meet-and-greet for younger kids—Sulley is gentle, playful, and the photo backdrop is adorable!
🦸♂️ Mrs. Incredible (Pixar Place – Gate West)
Mrs. Incredible meets fans in Gate West at Pixar Place—and her line can grow quickly. You’ll want to check the My Disney Experience app for daily times and get in line a bit early if they're on your must-do list.
⏱️ Best Times: Typically late morning through mid-afternoon
📍 Location: Gate West, Pixar Place
📱 Tip: Times are limited and vary—always check MDE
❄️ Frozone (Pixar Plaza)
You’ll also find Frozone from The Incredibles meeting guests around Pixar Plaza throughout the day. His appearances are usually more spontaneous, so keep an eye on your app for live updates.
📍 Location: General area near Edna Mode and the Pixar marquee
📱 Tip: Search “Frozone” under Characters in the MDE app for the day’s schedule
🧚♀️ Pixie Dust Pro Tip: Frozone is a great option if your crew is into superhero-style posing—and since his line moves fast, he’s easy to fit in between other Pixar pals.
Joy – Pixar Plaza
Joy sometimes pops up to greet guests in Pixar Plaza, right near Edna Mode’s Super-Suit Gallery. Like Frozone, her appearances are spontaneous and not guaranteed every day—she’s more of a surprise meet & greet than a scheduled one.
🧚♀️ Pixie Dust Pro Tip: If Joy is high on your must-meet list, keep an eye on the My Disney Experience app during your visit. That’s the best way to know if she’ll be spreading happiness in the plaza that day.
🤠 Toy Story Characters – Toy Story Land
Step into Andy’s backyard and say howdy to your favorite Toy Story pals! Toy Story Land at Hollywood Studios is home to some of the most popular—and photogenic—character meet-and-greets in the park.
🚀 Buzz Lightyear
As you enter Toy Story Land from the main entrance, you’ll spot Buzz Lightyear greeting guests just to the right of the walkway. His meet and greet is outdoors and easy to miss if you're not paying attention—especially in the morning when his line can get confused with the Slinky Dog Dash queue.
⏱️ Best Time: Early or late in the day
📍 Location: Right of main Toy Story Land entrance
📱 Check MDE: Appearance times vary day to day
🧚♀️ Pixie Dust Pro Tip: Look for the Pixar Playset backdrop—if the line stretches toward the big red Slinky Dog umbrella, you’re in the wrong queue!
🧢 Jessie & Woody
Just past the entrance to Toy Story Mania!, you’ll find Jessie and Woody meeting together in a shady corner of the land. This is a super popular photo op for kids and adults alike, so be prepared for a bit of a wait—especially during peak hours.
⏱️ Best Time: Before 11:00 AM or after 4:00 PM
📍 Location: Across from Toy Story Mania!
🧍 Queue: Standby only, outdoors
🧚♀️ Pixie Dust Pro Tip: These two love to play and pose—if you’re wearing Toy Story gear, be ready for some fun reactions!
🌰 Chip & Dale – Hollywood Blvd. near the Brown Derby [New Location]
At the end of Hollywood Boulevard, just past the turn to Sunset Boulevard, you can find mischievous duo Chip and Dale greeting guests together outside of the Brown Derby Restaurant. This is a great spot to snag a fun photo with both chipmunks at once—no extra waiting required!
⏱️ Best Time: Late morning to mid-afternoon
📍 Location: Outside of the Brown Derby
🧍 Queue: Standby only, outdoors
🧚♀️ Pixie Dust Pro Tip: Chip and Dale love to goof around—especially if you're wearing anything snack-themed. They’re one of the most playful meet and greets in the park, and you’ll usually get a few laughs along with your photos!
🦆 Donald & Daisy Duck – Echo Lake
You can meet Donald Duck and Daisy Duck together along the edge of Echo Lake, near Dinosaur Gertie. They’re dressed in their classic outfits and often ready with big smiles (and a little sass from Daisy).
⏱️ Typical Wait: 15–30 minutes
📍 Location: Echo Lake promenade
🧍 Queue: Standby, shared meet and greet
🧚♀️ Pixie Dust Pro Tip: These two love a little flair—wearing Disney-themed accessories or bright colors can earn you extra attention (and fun reactions!) during your meet.
Darth Vader – Near Star Tours
You can now come face-to-face with the Dark Lord himself in a dramatic new setting! Darth Vader’s meet & greet has moved to the outdoor queue area near Star Tours – The Adventures Continue in the Echo Lake section of Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Wait times often climb to 30 minutes or more on busy days (just like they did back at Star Wars Launch Bay), and we expect him to continue drawing a steady crowd in this new spot.
Rumor has it this may be a temporary location, so stay tuned—we’ll update as soon as Disney confirms anything more permanent.
🧚♀️ Pixie Dust Pro Tip: Always double-check the My Disney Experience app on the day of your visit for the latest meet & greet times before heading over!
🎶 Goofy & Max – Grand Avenue
Calling all A Goofy Movie fans! Head to Grand Avenue to meet Goofy and Max—two Disney icons rarely seen together in the parks. This meet and greet is on the right-hand side of the walkway as you head toward Galaxy’s Edge.
While they share the same line, you'll meet Goofy and Max separately, giving you time to interact with both without re-queuing.
⏱️ Best Times: Early afternoon or early evening
📍 Location: Grand Avenue, just before Galaxy’s Edge
📱 Check MDE: They may rotate or take breaks
🧚♀️ Pixie Dust Pro Tip: Max is one of the more unique characters to meet—especially in his Powerline-era outfit! It’s a must for 90s Disney kids and fans of rare character sightings.
Chewbacca – Millennium Falcon in Galaxy’s Edge
With the closing of Star Wars Launch Bay, Chewie has a new “home base” for his fixed meet & greet. You’ll now find him in a shaded alcove to the right of the Millennium Falcon in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.
His posted meet times usually fall between 11:50 AM and 6:50 PM, though not every slot is guaranteed. True to form, he also makes surprise pop-up appearances throughout Galaxy’s Edge, so keep your eyes (and ears!) open as you explore the land.
🧚♀️ Pixie Dust Pro Tip: Chewbacca’s line can grow quickly in the afternoons. If meeting him is a must-do, swing by earlier in his schedule and confirm times in the My Disney Experience app.
****We’ll update this section as soon as Disney releases more details.
🎺 Pop-Up Character Sightings at Hollywood Studios
Not all characters at Hollywood Studios stick to a set schedule—some just pop in when you least expect them! These spontaneous appearances add a little surprise magic to your day.
🩺 Disney Jr Characters
Since the closing of Disney Jr. Dance and Play, beloved Disney Jr. characters Vampirina, Fancy Nancy, and Doc McStuffins have been popping up periodically around Echo Lake - especially on very busy days. We will keep an eye out and see if they show up in the MDE on a more regular schedule.
⏱️ Timing: Random pop-ups throughout the day
📍 Location: Echo Lake
🪖 Green Army Drum Corps – Toy Story Land
Keep your ears open in Toy Story Land—you might hear the Green Army Drum Corps before you see them! This energetic squad of toy soldiers doesn’t have a formal meet and greet, but they frequently march through the land with playful drumline performances and fun interactions with guests.
⏱️ Timing: Random pop-ups throughout the day
📍 Location: Toy Story Land pathways
📸 Photos: They sometimes pause for quick selfies or character candids
🧚♀️ Pixie Dust Pro Tip: If you want a great interaction, stay near the barrel of monkeys or Alien Swirling Saucers—they often stop in that area for playful guest engagement (and they’re surprisingly funny!).
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge
In Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge (also known as Batuu), you won’t find traditional character meet and greets—but you willfind some of the most immersive and cinematic character moments in all of Walt Disney World.
You may spot Kylo Ren, Rey, Chewbacca, The Mandalorian (sometimes with Grogu!), Vi Moradi, and First Order Stormtroopers roaming the land, interacting with guests in real time. These characters don’t pose for formal photos or sign autographs—but that’s all part of the experience. They’re meant to blend into the story of Batuu, making you feel like you're inside a Star Wars film.
📍 Where: Throughout Galaxy’s Edge
📸 Photos: Quick selfies or candid shots only—no formal queues
✍️ Autographs: Not available
⏱️ Timing: Appearances vary, but you’ll often see activity mid-morning to late afternoon
🧚♀️ Pixie Dust Pro Tip: Want a good chance of spotting characters? Hang out near the Millennium Falcon, the First Order Cargo area, or the Resistance base near Rise of the Resistance—they’re frequent character hot spots!
🍽️ Character Dining at Hollywood Studios
Looking for a chance to meet characters without standing in line? Hollywood & Vine is the only character dining location at Disney’s Hollywood Studios—and it offers two distinct experiences depending on the time of day.
☀️ Disney Junior Play n’ Dine (Breakfast Only) - Closed as of October 11, 2025
🎉 Minnie’s Seasonal Dine - Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Hollywood & Vine has been transforms into Minnie’s Seasonal Dine, where guests enjoy themed décor, seasonal costumes, and visits from:
Minnie Mouse
Mickey Mouse
Plus rotating pals like Goofy, Daisy, Donald, and Pluto
Each season brings a brand-new look and vibe to the meal—perfect for repeat visitors or photo collectors!
📅 Seasonal Themes:
🎬 Silver Screen Dine: January – February
🌸 Springtime Dine: March – May
🌞 Summertime Dine: May – mid-August
🎃 Halloween Dine: Mid-August – early November
🎄 Minnie’s Holiday Dine: November – early January
🧚♀️ Pixie Dust Pro Tip: These seasonal costumes change throughout the year—making this one of the best places to get unique holiday-themed photos with Minnie and friends!
👉 Want to explore more magical meals? Click here for our guide and cheat sheet to Character Dining across Walt Disney World.
🗺️ Hollywood Studios Character Meet & Greet Map
Looking for an easy way to plan your day? Download our Hollywood Studios Character Meet & Greet Locations Map in JPG or PDF format below:
***Updated October 11, 2025
🎬 Final Thoughts on Meeting Characters at Hollywood Studios
Whether you’re hugging Olaf, posing with Buzz Lightyear, or trading power poses with Edna Mode, Hollywood Studios is packed with unforgettable character moments. From traditional meet-and-greets to immersive roaming encounters in Galaxy’s Edge, there’s truly something for every type of Disney fan.
Planning ahead can make all the difference—so be sure to use our Character Map, check the My Disney Experience app for current schedules, and sprinkle in some Pixie Dust spontaneity along the way!
🧚♀️ Pixie Dust Pro Tip: Characters often rotate and locations can shift, especially during seasonal events or park updates—so bookmark this page or save the map for your next trip!
Pixie Dust Hugs,
Bren, Lyn, and Kim
