LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- A 2-year-old girl peers through the crowd watching the 3 o’clock parade in the Magic Kingdom. “Pooh!” she squeals, reaching out as her favorite honey-loving Disney character approaches her with open arms.

The young and young at heart adore the Disney characters, from Mickey Mouse to Mulan. Hundreds of guests carry cameras and autograph books in anticipation of meeting their favorite characters at Walt Disney World Resort.

And it has never been easier. The Magic Kingdom, for instance, has Mickey’s Toontown Fair, a playful “land” dedicated to bringing kids and characters together.

While you never know when a Disney character might pop up, here are a few tips to improve your chances of seeing your favorites.

Follow the Glove to Track Favorite Characters
All Walt Disney World Resort theme park guest guidemaps now feature the easily recognizable Mickey’s glove icon in every park area where characters can be found. It’s the best way to find your Disney friends!

See Mickey Mouse and Pals at the Magic Kingdom
If you want to fulfill your life-long dream of meeting Mickey Mouse, Mickey’s Toontown Fair is the place to be. In a cool, air-conditioned setting, guests have a chance to visit his house and meet the Mouse himself in the Judge’s Tent directly behind his house. Minnie Mouse, Goofy, Donald Duck and other pals of Mickey Mouse also stop by Mickey’s Toontown Fair throughout the day to meet with fans of all ages. They are eager to pose for photos and give autographs in the Hall of Fame located inside the County Bounty.

Fantasyland is another popular area where Disney characters make special appearances, especially at Fantasyland Character Festival. Up to five characters from famous Disney films are available for hugs, kisses and autographs. Guests in Fantasyland also can meet Ariel from “The Little Mermaid” after splashing around in her “under-the-sea” play area in “Ariel’s Grotto,” a popular meet-and-greet location.

At Epcot, Characters are on Holiday
Epcot is another hot spot to meet Disney characters. Guests of Epcot can find their favorite Disney friends traveling on a double-decker bus throughout World Showcase Plaza. The characters pose for photographs and sign autographs along the way.

Disney-MGM Studios Home of More Disney Characters
Disney characters never miss the chance to be “in the movies” at Disney-MGM Studios. The studios is often the first place characters from the latest Disney animated film will appear -- in stage shows, attractions or parades. Animation Courtyard is a prime meeting place for Mickey Mouse.

The latest characters to ride onto the set are those famous toys from “Toy Story 2.” Buzz Lightyear and Woody appear several times daily at Al’s Toy Barn on Mickey Avenue with new pals Jessie and Bullseye. Guests also can rub elbows with other famous character stars on Mickey Avenue.

A Special Character Land at Disney’s Animal Kingdom
At Camp Minnie-Mickey, character-loving guests are in heaven. In a shady grove of brooks, nooks and cedar trees reminiscent of an Adirondack summer camp, Disney characters are on hand to greet guests, sign autographs and pose for photos.

Guests will find Mickey Mouse and his good friend, Minnie Mouse, soaking up the campground fun, along with Goofy, Pluto, Winnie the Pooh and his Hundred Acre Wood pals, Chip 'n' Dale can be spotted moseying along the woodland trails.

Camp Minnie-Mickey is home to two theater shows: “Festival of the Lion King,” where Simba and his friends celebrate the music from the classic Disney film, and “Pocahontas and Her Forest Friends,” with Pocahontas and her favorite live woodland animals telling the story of their forest world.

Feeling Hungry? Try a Character Dining Experience
Don’t forget to call 407/WDW-DINE to make reservations at one of the many Character Dining locations. The Walt Disney World Resort offers many different Character Dining experiences from breakfast to dinner. It offers a fun and unique way to meet some of your Disney friends.

So grab the cameras and the autograph books! And get ready to meet some real characters.

OTHER TIPS FOR VISITING DISNEY WORLD INCLUDE:

Consider purchasing a Park Hopper Pass if you want to visit more than one park or for visit for several days.

Plan a visit for a few days - there is so much to do and see.

Take advantage of shuttles offered by your hotel. It saves on parking and having to find your own way around.

Take advantage of the Fast Pass - go to Walt Disney World® Resort Fastpass for more information.

Click here for information Walt Disney World® Resort Theme Parks.

Click here for information on Walt Disney World® Resort Hotels.

For Hotels and Resorts located near Walt Disney World go to Florida Hotels and Resorts

Pictures and Information courtesy of Walt Disney World® Resort.

For more travel news about Walt Disney World Resort Click Below:

Disney Fun For All Ages at Walt Disney World® Resort, Orlando, Florida

Walt Disney World® Theme Parks

Walt Disney World® Resort Hotels

Walt Disney World® Resort Fastpass

Walt Disney World for Teens, Orlando, Florida

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