Walt Disney World Anniversary: 50 Favorite Character Sightings

In honor of the upcoming 50th anniversary of Walt Disney World, which opened on October 1, 1971, we are highlighting the top 50 of some of our favorite things about the most magical place on earth! This week, we take a look at some of the best character sightings throughout WDW.

During “normal times”, there are lots of opportunities to spot your favorite characters throughout the parks and resorts, including character meet & greets, character dining, stage shows, and parades. These days, the characters appear more through daily cavalcades, socially-distanced photo opps, and some of the returning stage shows. Check Disney’s website for the most up-to-date information.

Below we break down (in no particular order) some of the best characters that have appeared in recent years. Hopefully, you will have a chance to see some of them during your next trip!

Make sure to check out our Instagram for even more photos of our favorite characters at WDW!

1. Mickey – the one who started it all!
2. Minnie – a style icon, whether rocking the dots, evening wear, or safari gear
3. Donald – often seen causing some trouble, but always in good fun
4. Goofy – may leave you saying “gawrsh”
5. Pluto – a mouse’s best friend
6. Chip & Dale – can you name a more classic Disney duo?
7. Snow White – Disney’s first princess is still a favorite of many
8. Dwarfs – these guys are elusive; usually only spotted during character dining or Christmastime
9. Cinderella – arguably the most classic princess of all time
10. Aurora – also known as Sleeping Beauty, appearing in pink, not blue
11. Ariel – you may spot her on dry land in either mermaid or human form
12. Belle – can be seen in her equally-classic yellow ball gown or blue day dress
13. Beast – he may look intimidating, but he’s really a big softy
14. Gaston – no one meets like Gaston, no one greets like Gaston, no one goes tromping around down Main Street like Gaston
15. Aladdin – it’s like stepping into a whole new world when you spot this street rat with a heart of gold
16. Jasmine – seeing her is pretty special, but remember: she’s not a prize to be won
17. Pocahontas – try saying “wingapo” to greet her
18. Mulan – after saving China, anything else is just a walk in the (theme) park
19. Tiana – you don’t have to make it down to New Orleans to see this hardworking princess
20. Rapunzel – a modern favorite sporting her famous (and magical) hair in its signature braid
21. Merida – she’ll blow you away with her wild hair and impressive archery skills
22. Anna & Elsa – always appearing together, these two are the epitome of sisterly love
23. Winnie the Pooh – this silly old bear really is stuffed with fluff, not honey
24. Tigger – the most wonderful thing about Tiggers is that they are a lot of fun to meet!
25. Piglet – may be timid at first, but he’ll warm up in the end (just like a lot of kids when they first see the characters)
26. Eeyore – he’s just glad you noticed him
27. Stitch – Experiment 626 may be acting mischievous but he’s also very loyal
28. Peter Pan – the boy who refused to grow up will enjoy seeing the young and young-at-heart
29. Tinker Bell – with a sprinkle of pixie dust she may inspire you to visit Neverland
30. Jack Sparrow – this is the day you will always remember as the day you saw Captain Jack Sparrow
31. Jack Skellington – a traditional Halloween time staple from Halloween Town
32. Maleficent – pretty frightening in both human and dragon form
33. Mary Poppins – it’s always a jolly holiday with Mary
34. Alice – you don’t have to fall down a rabbit hole to catch a glimpse of Alice
35. Mad Hatter – he may be a little mad, but aren’t we all after a day at the parks?
36. Joy – she’s always happy to see you, and will make you happy too!
37. Baymax – world’s cutest, albeit slowest, health care companion
38. Woody – you’ve certainly got a friend in Woody
39. Buzz Lightyear – seeing Buzz will make you feel like you’ve gone to infinity and beyond
40. Jessie – you’ll always have a rootin’ tootin’ good time with her
41. Chewbacca – he may be a sore loser, but a generally friendly Wookie
42. BB-8 – for a good and loyal sidekick, this is the droid you’re looking for
43. Darth Vader – definitely scary for some kids, so proceed with caution
44. Doc McStuffins – one of several Disney Jr. favorites you may spot
45. The Incredibles – saving the world and visiting Disney are both family affairs
46. Olaf – although he likes warm hugs, you’ll have to settle for waving right now
47. Sulley – there’s no need to fear this world’s greatest scarer
48. Rafiki – this wise old baboon will (unfortunately) not hold up your baby “Circle of Life” style
49. Timon – always up for a laugh or an adventure
50. Russel & Dug – these two love seeing guests almost as much as they love exploring the wilderness

Whether it is up close, from a distance, on a float, or on stage, it is always fun to see some of our all-time favorite characters come to life! With new movies regularly being released, we know there will continue to be a good balance of classic and new characters throughout Walt Disney World for years to come!

Who are your favorite characters to see at the parks? Let us know in the comments!