Some characters start meeting before the party begins. This is something we definitely recommend you do if your goal is to meet some of the most popular characters. Just make sure you get your party wristband before you hop in line:
Jack and Sally: begin meeting between 4 and 4:30 (can line up as early as 4:00)
Pooh & Friends: begin meeting around 6:30 (we suggest you line up by 5:30)
Seven Dwarfs: begin meeting between 6:15 and 7 (start lining up around 5:00)
If you’re at the very front of the line for Jack and Sally, once you’re done, try immediately heading over to get a good spot in line for Seven Dwarfs. This way, you can (hopefully) knock out two major character meet and greets before the party officially starts — or at least least be done right when it begins.
If you didn’t meet Jack and Sally before the party begins, keep in mind that it isn’t unusual for them to close the lines around 11 p.m., so don’t wait too long to visit them.
For most other characters, the later the time, the shorter the lines.
Most characters will sign autographs, but a few (like Jack & Sally, Stitch, and Pooh and friends) do not. For them, you’re handed pre-signed cards, instead.
During the 2nd parade is a great time to meet the characters.
Some character meetings are close enough together that it is easily possible for 1 member of your party to wait in 1 line, while the remaining members of your party wait in the other.
Important: This only works if you have at least 1 person who isn’t interested in meeting/taking pictures with the characters AND if you are respectful of the people behind you and keep it to 1 meet and greet. Don’t have your group of 6 join you in line and then split up into 6 different meet and greets. That’s really frustrating to the people behind you.
So, for example, let’s say 2 characters meet right next to each other (like Alice and The White Rabbit do next to the Tweedles) — and have 2 separate lines. Have the placeholder person jump in the longest of the 2 lines, and the other group can join them after they finish meeting the character with the shorter line.
Some character meet and greets have their times posted outside of their line. You can also check the My Disney Experience app for select meet and greet times.
PhotoPass photographers are available at all the meet and greets. They will take a picture with your camera, but a 1-day Memory Maker purchase (if you don’t already have the full, multi-day one) will give you double the chances to snag the perfect picture.
The map Disney hands out at the party marks character locations, but it doesn’t tell you who is located where.
So, to make it easier for you, we’ve added character names to the map below.
Important Note on Wait Times: The wait times noted below are just averages and are more typical for the beginning of the party. Wait times will drop during the parades, fireworks, and at the end of the evening.
Main Street, U.S.A.
Mickey Mouse
Meeting Location: Town Square Theater – Main Street U.S.A. – Magic Kingdom
Type of character experience: Meet & Greet
Costume: Christmas attire
Exclusive to MVMCP: Just the costume is exclusive. You can meet Mickey at this same location in his regular attire during the day.
Average Wait: 30-60 minutes (wait times available in the My Disney Experience app)
Tip: Avoid jumping in the line immediately after the parade, as that is when it is typically the longest. He doesn’t start meeting until right at 7 p.m.
Photopass Available? Yes
Autographs: Yes
Jack Skellington as Sandy Claws and Sally
Meeting Location: Town Square Theater – Main Street U.S.A. – Magic Kingdom
Type of character experience: Meet & Greet
Costume: Jack in his Santa suit and Sally in her regular outfit
Exclusive to MVMCP: Yes; you can meet them at Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, too, but for that party, Jack is in his regular outfit.
Average Wait: More than 1.5 hours (wait times available in the My Disney Experience app)
Tip: Line up as close to 3 p.m. to enter the tapstiles, as the line opens at 4 p.m. and the characters start meeting between 4 and 4:30 OR join the line around 11 p.m. (at the end of the night). If lining up early, make sure you get your wristband first!
Meeting Location: Town Square Theater Porch – Main Street U.S.A. – Magic Kingdom
Type of character experience: Meet & Greet
Costume: Regular outfit
Exclusive to MVMCP: No (she meets in this same outfit in the U.K. pavilion at Epcot)
Average Wait: 30-40 minutes (meet and greet times available in the My Disney Experience app)
Photopass Available? Yes
Autographs: Yes
The Toy Soldiers (NEW in 2023)
Meeting Location: Market Street Bypass – Main Street U.S.A. – Magic Kingdom
Type of character experience: Meet & Greet
Costume: Regular outfit
Exclusive to MVMCP: Yes (you usually only get to see them during Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade)
Average Wait: Varies (the line can build as this is the way guests come who enter at the front of the park)
Tip: They only meet in the Market Street bypass at the beginning of the party. You need to have your wristband first to walk through this area. This is usually only open from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Exclusive to MVMCP: This combo of characters is exclusive to specially ticketed events like MVMCP
Average Wait: 30-40 mins (meet and greet times available in the My Disney Experience app)
Tip: This pair of characters swaps sets with Jasmine and Genie. This line usually opens at 7 p.m. You’ll be allowed to enter the queue around 6:45 p.m. or so.
Exclusive to MVMCP: This combo of characters is exclusive to specially ticketed events like MVMCP
Average Wait: 30-40 mins (meet and greet times available in the My Disney Experience app)
Tip: This pair of characters swaps sets with Aladdin and Abu. This line usually opens at 7 p.m. You’ll be allowed to enter the queue around 6:45 p.m. or so.
Photopass Available? Yes
Autographs: Yes
Frontierland
Country Bears
Meeting Location: Country Bear Jamboree – Frontierland – Magic Kingdom
Type of character experience: Sighting (roam near Country Bear Jamboree)
Costume: Holiday outfits
Exclusive to MVMCP: No, but you can’t see them in holiday attire outside of the party
Average Wait: No wait; the characters are roaming around Frontierland
Photopass Available? No
Autographs: No
Liberty Square
Santa Claus
Meeting Location: Gazebo behind Ye Olde Christmas Shoppe – Liberty Square- Magic Kingdom
Type of character experience: Meet & Greet
Costume: Santa suit
Exclusive to MVMCP: No, you can also meet Santa Claus in other areas at Disney World, including Epcot and Disney Springs.
Average Wait: 45 mins (meet and greet times available in the My Disney Experience app)
Tip: Doesn’t meet during the parades. The line opens at 6:30 p.m. and starts meeting at 7 p.m. As it gets closer to Christmas, Santa will also meet during the day. He won’t meet if weather is bad.
Exclusive to MVMCP: This combo of characters is exclusive to specially ticketed events like MVMCP
Average Wait: More than 1.5 hours (meet and greet times available in the My Disney Experience app)
Tip: Line up around 5 p.m.; doors open at 6:15 p.m. with “guaranteed” meeting time of at least 7 p.m. (they may meet earlier, like between 6:15 and 7 p.m.) OR try meeting them during the second parade for a shorter wait
Exclusive to MVMCP: This combo in their holiday outfits is exclusive to MVMCP
Average Wait: 30-60 minutes (meet and greet times available in the My Disney Experience app)
Tip: If priority, line up as close to 6 p.m. as you can. The line opens at 6:30 p.m. and start meeting around 7 p.m. The line grows quickly. This is definitely a popular character spot. If lining up early, make sure you get your wristband first.
Exclusive to MVMCP: This combo in their holiday outfits is exclusive to MVMCP
Average Wait: 30-60 minutes (meet and greet times available in the My Disney Experience app)
Tip: If priority, line up as close to 6 p.m. as you can. The line opens at 6:30 p.m. and start meeting around 7 p.m. The line grows quickly. This is definitely a popular character spot. If lining up early, make sure you get your wristband first.
Exclusive to MVMCP: No, you can also meet Santa Goofy at Minnie’s Holiday Dine at Hollywood & Vine in Hollywood Studios
Average Wait: 30-40 minutes (meet and greet times available in the My Disney Experience app)
Tip: Begins meeting at 7 p.m.
Photopass Available? Yes
Autographs: Yes
Belle
Meeting Location: Maurice’s Cottage at Enchanted Tales with Belle – Fantasyland – Magic Kingdom
Type of character experience: Meet & Greet
Costume: Red holiday dress
Exclusive to MVMCP: No, but you can’t meet Belle in her holiday dress outside of the party (you can only see Belle in her gold gown at Enchanted Tales with Belle during daytime hours)
Average Wait: 30-60 minutes (meet and greet times available in the My Disney Experience app)
Photopass Available? Yes
Autographs: Yes
Ariel and Prince Eric
Meeting Location: Near Journey of the Little Mermaid – Fantasyland – Magic Kingdom
Type of character experience: Meet & Greet
Costume: Regular outfits (Ariel is with her feet; in her dress)
Exclusive to MVMCP: This combo of characters is exclusive to specially ticketed events like MVMCP
Average Wait: 20-40 minutes
Tip: If it is raining, you can often find them meeting at Prince Eric’s Market across from Ariel’s Grotto.
Photopass Available? Yes
Autographs: Yes
Cinderella and Prince Charming
Meeting Location: Near Pinocchio Village Haus restrooms – Fantasyland – Magic Kingdom
Type of character experience: Meet & Greet
Costume: Regular outfits
Exclusive to MVMCP: No, you can also meet Santa Goofy at Minnie’s Holiday Dine at Hollywood & Vine in Hollywood Studios
Average Wait: 30-60 minutes (meet and greet times available in the My Disney Experience app)
Tip: Start meeting around 7:30 and meet at the same time right next to Rapunzel and Flynn Rider. If you’re a princess fan, line up around 6:30 to meet Aurora and Phillip and Snow and The Prince and then jump in line to meet Cinderella and Charming and Rapunzel and Flynn since the couples rotate and meet in the same area.
Photopass Available? Yes
Autographs: Yes
Rapunzel and Flynn Rider
Meeting Location: Near Pinocchio Village Haus restrooms – Fantasyland – Magic Kingdom
Type of character experience: Meet & Greet
Costume: Regular outfits
Exclusive to MVMCP: This combo of characters is exclusive to specially ticketed events like MVMCP
Average Wait: 30-60 minutes (meet and greet times available in the My Disney Experience app)
Tip: Start meeting at 7:30 and meet at the same time right next to Cinderella and Prince Charming. If you’re a princess fan, line up around 6:30 to meet Aurora and Phillip and Snow and The Prince and then jump in line to meet Cinderella and Charming and Rapunzel and Flynn since the couples rotate and meet in the same area.
Photopass Available? Yes
Autographs: Yes
Snow White and The Prince
Meeting Location: Near Pinocchio Village Haus restrooms – Fantasyland – Magic Kingdom
Type of character experience: Meet & Greet
Costume: Regular outfits
Exclusive to MVMCP: This combo of characters is exclusive to specially ticketed events like MVMCP
Average Wait: 30-60 minutes (meet and greet times available in the My Disney Experience app)
Tip: Starting meeting around 7:00 and meet at the same time right next to Princess Aurora and Prince Phillip. If you’re a princess fan, line up around 6:30 to meet Aurora and Phillip and Snow and The Prince and then jump in line to meet Cinderella and Charming and Rapunzel and Flynn since the couples rotate and meet in the same area.
Photopass Available? Yes
Autographs: Yes
Princess Aurora and Prince Phillip
Meeting Location: Near Pinocchio Village Haus restrooms – Fantasyland – Magic Kingdom
Type of character experience: Meet & Greet
Costume: Regular outfits
Exclusive to MVMCP: This combo of characters is exclusive to specially ticketed events like MVMCP
Average Wait: 30-60 minutes (meet and greet times available in the My Disney Experience app)
Tip: Start meeting around 7:00 and meet at the same time right next to Snow White and The Prince. If you’re a princess fan, line up around 6:30 to meet Aurora and Phillip and Snow and The Prince and then jump in line to meet Cinderella and Charming and Rapunzel and Flynn since the couples rotate and meet in the same area.
Photopass Available? Yes
Autographs: Yes
Pooh, Tigger, Eeyore, and Piglet
Meeting Location: The Thotful Spot – Fantasyland – Magic Kingdom
Type of character experience: Meet & Greet
Costume: Holiday attire
Exclusive to MVMCP: This combo of characters and costumes are exclusive to specially ticketed events like MVMCP
Average Wait: 30-60 minutes (meet and greet times available in the My Disney Experience app)
Tip: Line up as close to 5:30 p.m. as you can (they begin meeting around 6:30 p.m.) and the line grows quickly. This is definitely a popular character spot. If lining up early, make sure you get your wristband first.
Photopass Available? Yes
Autographs: No, but an autograph card will be provided
Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum
Meeting Location: Near Mad Tea Party – Fantasyland – Magic Kingdom
Type of character experience: Meet & Greet
Costume: Holiday attire
Exclusive to MVMCP: This combo of characters and costumes are exclusive to specially ticketed events like MVMCP
Average Wait: 30-45 minutes (meet and greet times available in the My Disney Experience app)
Tip: They usually meet by Cheshire Café when it’s raining
Photopass Available? Yes
Autographs: Yes
Alice and The White Rabbit (NEW in 2023)
Meeting Location: Near Cheshire Café – Fantasyland – Magic Kingdom
Type of character experience: Meet & Greet
Costume: Holiday attire for Alice, but White Rabbit is in his regular outfit
Exclusive to MVMCP: This combo of characters and costumes are exclusive to specially ticketed events like MVMCP
Average Wait: 30-45 minutes (meet and greet times available in the My Disney Experience app)
Tip: They usually meet under the cover by Cheshire Café when it’s raining
Exclusive to MVMCP: No, you can meet her during the day at Magic Kingdom
Average Wait: 40-60 minutes (meet and greet times available in the My Disney Experience app)
Tip: She begins meeting at 6 p.m.; if you want to be first or second to meet her, get in line around 5:30 p.m.
Photopass Available? Yes
Autographs: Yes
Characters at Dance Parties
In addition to being able to meet lots of characters, there are others that you’ll be able to catch at one of several dance parties throughout the park.
You won’t be able to get autographs or take pics with these characters, but you will be able to dance and boogie to your favorite tunes.
All the dance parties happen throughout the event, so they are perfect to pop into when visiting nearby characters.
Character Dance Party at Club Tinsel (NEW location in 2023)
Location: Rockettower Plaza Stage – Tomorrowland – Magic Kingdom
Type of character experience: Dance Party
Costumes: Holiday attire
Performers include: Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde from Zootopia, and Chip and Dale
Performers include: Disney Junior characters, including Vampirina, Timon, Fancy Nancy, and Doc McStuffins (sometimes Santa Goofy if it’s raining)
Tip(s): There are generally two characters in the dance party at a time so will need to visit multiple times or stay for awhile to see everyone.
Character Checklist
Keep this MVMCP character checklist handy when traveling around the party!
Characters in Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade
One last place you can spot characters is in the extremely popular and festive Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade.
Shown twice nightly (usually at 8:30 p.m. and 11 p.m.), the parade is loaded with all your favorites.
The parade is divided into separate sections or “units”.
You can see the holiday parade after the final MVMCP of the year. Actually, you can typically see all of these events daily (without a party ticket):
Mickey’s Once Upon A Christmastime parade
Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration
The Reindeer Wranglers
Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks
In addition, the attractions with special overlays (Tomorrowland Speedway, Space Mountain, Mad Tea Party, and Monster’s Inc. Laugh Floor) are also usually available.
As for the holiday parade, here’s who you can see:
Location: Standard parade route – Magic Kingdom
Type of character experience: Parade
Costumes: Holiday
Characters include: Pluto, Peter Pan, Wendy, Donald, Daisy, Pinocchio, Geppetto, Tigger, Winnie the Pooh, Alice, Mad Hatter, Mary Poppins, Bert, Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Olaf, Anna, Kristofff, Elsa, Vanellope, Chip, Dale, Clarice, Clarabelle, Goofy, Seven Dwarfs, Snow White, The Prince, Cinderella, Prince Charming, Ariel, Eric, Tiana, Naveen, Rapunzel, Flynn Rider, Belle, Beast, Jasmine, Aladdin, Aurora, Prince Phillip, Fairy Godmother, Jessie, Bo Peep, Woody, Bullseye, Santa Claus
Pre-Parade
The Jingle Crew opens the parade
Opening
Pluto, Peter Pan, Wendy, Donald, Daisy, Pinocchio, Geppetto, Tigger, Pooh, Alice, Mad Hatter, Mary Poppins, Bert — all walking
Mickey and Minnie on float with Christmas tree
Frozen Section
Skiers
Olaf on float
Anna and Kristoff walking with ice harvesters
Elsa on Wandering Oaken’s Trading Post float
Baking and Gingerbread Section
Vanellope driving a gingerbread car
Chip and Dale in baking outfits walking with gingerbread men and bakers
Clarice on gingerbread house float (NEW in 2023; she replaced Wreck-It-Ralph)
Clarabelle on gingerbread float
Candy cane dancers
Goofy bicycling on a gumball machine float
Princess Section
Seven dwarfs walking
Snow White and The Prince on gazebo float
Cinderella and Prince Charming in her coach
Ariel and Eric, Tiana and Naveen, Rapunzel and Flynn Rider, Belle and the Beast, Jasmine and Aladdin, and Aurora and Prince Phillip, and Fairy Godmother on princess float
Royal dancers
Santa’s Workshop and Toy Story Section
Elf on toy horse
Elves and bears walking with wooden letter blocks and other props
Green Army men in jeep and walking
Elves walking with Pixar luxo balls
Float with Jessie, Bo Peep, Woody, and Bullseye
Toy soliders marching
Finale
Reindeer prancing
Santa in his sleigh
Are the Seven Dwarfs meeting at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party?
Yes! Just like they did for the 2023 Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, the Seven Dwarfs are returning for the 2023 Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party.
These are the characters that aren’t returning in 2023:
