Meeting favorite characters can be some guests’ favorite part of their Disney vacation.
We’ve got a list of where to find ALL the character meet and greets in Disney World, but sometimes characters surprise us and say hello in unexpected areas. While we were walking around EPCOT today, we noticed that a very popular yet rare princess was greeting guests near the International Gateway!
Before we get to the rare meet and greet — do you have our free DFB checklist for EPCOT? The list covers everything you’ll want to do in this park so that you don’t miss a thing on your upcoming visit. Just enter your email and we’ll send the list straight to your inbox.
The International Gateway is the back entrance of EPCOT — where guests get off the Skyliner (or walk over from EPCOT-area hotels) and enter the park in World Showcase instead of coming in the main entrance to World Celebration. When we hopped off the Skyliner today, we spotted Princess Tiana greeting guests!
Tiana doesn’t usually greet guests in EPCOT (except at Akershus for the character breakfast, of course!), so this was a surprise! Now this isn’t the first exciting character encounter we’ve had in this area recently. In fact, it’s looking like this International Gateway spot is fast becoming a popular spot for surprise meet and greets. We’ve spotted Daisy here recently…
…we’ve found Minnie a few times too…
…and we’ve found Chip and Dale close by as well in the past!
If you walk to the middle of World Showcase and stop by the American Adventure Pavilion, you might also get a chance to meet some rare characters, like Pinocchio, Gideon, and so many more! We’ve frequently seen several rare characters greeting guests in this pavilion, but their visits aren’t scheduled in advance, so you’ll have to check when you visit to see if anyone will be out.
Here at DFB, not only will we tell you about all the latest meet and greets, but also how to reduce your time in line and make the most of your day, so stay tuned to our blog!
See our full list of ALL the character meet and greets in Disney World.
Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe!
WE KNOW DISNEY.
YOU CAN, TOO.

Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation.
Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever!
What rare character do you want to meet? Tell us in the comments!
TRENDING NOW
A NEW entertainment offering is coming to Disney Springs soon!
Disney adults -- you have to see these items on sale on Amazon!
Fans of the Disney Dining Plan will want to sit down for this EPCOT news...
Disney World's Lightning Lane system needs a CHANGE!
Check out this brand-new Bluey collection at H&M!
A favorite Disney World perk is returning to Disney's Animal Kingdom soon and we're bringing...
We're HUGE fans of these MagicBand upgrades!
These perks make staying at a Disney Hotel extra worth it.
We're taking a look at ALL of the stateroom options onboard the Disney Fantasy cruise...
Disney and Starbucks have once again joined forces to launch new mugs to their Discovery...
A new Disney Loungefly collection inspired by Sleeping Beauty just debuted online, and you're NOT gonna...
The third version of the attraction is on... track to debut later this year.
If you've been eying a new Loungefly bag, this sale is perfect for you!
Next week marks an important event that could help shape the future of Disney+!
Let's find out why this Disney World hotel is suddenly WAY cheaper!
Check out these new Disney World Disney Dining plans that were just announced!
We've got to talk about a couple of things that the Disney World bathrooms desperately...
Should Walt Disney World have ALREADY added a fifth park?
These Disney traditions are disappearing.
Some of the popular styles of up to 1/2 OFF!