Character Spot has a new location in Epcot‘s Future World, and I stopped by earlier this week to get a feel for what the new meet and greet experience is like. With the closing of the part of the Innoventions West building that previously housed Character Spot, the meet and greet location has now moved across the way and around the corner.
As you walk through the new Character Spot entrance and into the building, you’ll find Mickey Mouse, Goofy, and Minnie Mouse together in an area just to the left, across from where The Great Piggy Bank Adventure used to be. Over the years, this area has been used for a variety of things, such as Annual Passholder festival gift distribution. As guests approach Character Spot, they are directed to wait in a switchback line, and to have autograph books open and ready for the characters to sign.
Each of the three characters stand in front of unique postcard backdrops, and they are situated side by side along the back wall of the space. Mickey Mouse is featured in front of a Future World themed backdrop.
Goofy meets guests in front of a World Showcase themed postcard backdrop, and, as usual, was his fun and lovable self.
Minnie Mouse is set against a backdrop that appeared to be themed to the Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival, and she was more than happy to strike several adorable poses.
I felt that the new Character Spot, while lacking the themed permanent set pieces of the old location, provides a good guest experience. The bright colors and fresh backdrops were nice to see. Disney has also used lighting effects and music to help create a happy and fun environment, and guests around me were singing along. One thing that the new space lacks, though, is the element of surprise. There’s no guessing as to who’s around the corner as the three characters are easily seen by all and are lined up against a wall.
If meeting Mickey, Minnie, and Goofy is on your Walt Disney World must-do list, stop on by the new Character Spot, and be sure to share your experience below.
Deni loves all things Disney, and, in 2013, moved to the Magic from Maryland. Walt Disney World is her happy place, and she loves getting to share it with others. Deni and her husband of almost 26 years have 2 grown children. Her favorite WDW snack? A Mickey Bar, of course. Is there any other?!
