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!








Our handy (and portable!) ebook guides make sure you get the best deals and can plan a vacation of a lifetime.

TRENDING NOW
We just experienced the Drawn to Wonderland playground in Hollywood Studios!
This is why we're booking our Disney World trip for 2027!
Disney Visa Cardmembers can save BIG on 2027 Disney World trips!
The popular Disney World perk returns on September 16th.
Disney just broke our hearts in the most unexpected way!
Night owls, you NEED to go to Disney World on these dates!
Residents of Canada can save on Disney World trips in 2027!
Everything revealed about Monstropolis in Disney World!
These items are worth the splurge for Disney World!
This new workout set is great for traveling, theme park days, or even a workout!
Choosing a favorite EPCOT festival can be like choosing a favorite child — at least...
Disney has released the DATES for the 2027 EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival!
These are 8 items every Disney World expert has in the parks!
Candlelight dinner packages got cheaper at 2 restaurants!
A new store is coming to Hollywood Studios.
We found a TON of hidden details inside the newly opened Magic of Disney Animation...
This new Cars Land bathroom might be the best in DCA!
However, recent events indicate we can never say never when it comes to Disney.
You can save 25% off your next Disney World hotel!
We love Seven Dwarfs Mine Train as much as the next person, but we REALLY...