
If you take a moment to think of a Disney Parks experience, odds are that it includes either a ride or character interaction. We replay our cherished photos in our minds, snapshots of joyous moments we have been lucky enough to capture in the parks. While attractions and rides might hold the most fun, some of my best memories are of my children meeting their favorite characters, and I, as a youngster, did the same many years ago. Unfortunately, many of those interactions have changed, some for the better and some less so.
Character meet & greets were once limited to the moment of chance when your favorite Disney face strolled past, stopping for occasional photos with fans. Now, meetings are much more intentional. Disney Princesses are now at home in a royal setting where guests can reliably find them throughout the day, albeit with a longer wait than the good old spontaneous walk-by. However, not all the characters that we used to enjoy are still part of our Parks experience.
When writing an article earlier in the week, Five Things To Make Time for on Your Next Visit to Disneyland, I was reminded of a character that is now distinctly missing from Fantasyland in Disneyland Park. Merlin, the most powerful wizard in Disney’s Sword in the Stone story, was once the centerpiece of Fantasyland, hosting a traditional Disney ceremony in which a guest would have the opportunity to pull King Arthur’s sword from the stone. While the sword still exists, with the opportunity for guests to try their luck, its friendly host, Merlin, is no longer there.
I’ve always loved this classic Disney story, and perhaps that makes me a little biased in asking this question, though I can’t help but wonder if it might be time for Merlin to make a Fantasyland comeback tour! While we are at it, can we also add a little bit of sass from Madam Mim?
Feature Image: Disney D23