Because Character Palooza at Hollywood Studios operates seasonally based on Fantasmic schedules, Character Palooza will not be offered from November 4 through March 9. I have heard of some surprise meeting occurring lately including Gov. Ratcliffe appearing in Animal Kingdom, Rabbit appearing with Winnie in Epcot and Lilo appearing with Stitch at Hollywood Studios. Let’s hope these are a sign that other pop-ups may occur in coming weeks.
Christmas character news: The Animal Kingdom characters in Camp Minnie Mickey will begin meeting in their annual Christmas attire beginning Friday. Jingle Jungle Parade will also begin on Friday. Santa Goofy will begin meeting in Animal Kingdom AND Hollywood Studios beginning Friday. His meet area will be at the end of the streets of America where the manger scene used to be set up yearly. It’s basically on the back side of Monster’s Inc meet. The Osborne Family spectacle of dancing lights will begin Friday at dusk with some new features.
The Cinderella Castle Dream lighting ceremony will begin on TUESDAY and runs every night. The lighting show takes place nightly at 6:15pm. As I announced a while back, Belle will no longer meet with Beast at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, which has been meet with much vitriol. Many people are unhappy that WDW has made this decision and no great new characters are said to be added. Many have sent emails and received phone calls from Disney. Disney has even offered refunds to many who pre-purchased party tickets. New Fantasyland will be open during the parties which means they will offer Enchanted Tales with Belle, Ariel will meet with fins and Gaston will meet near his Tavern during the parties.
Rumor has it that the Cinderella group will move to the new fantasyland wall. Mary Poppins appears in her winter Nanny gear on cooler days. The Epcot Santas do not begin meeting until after Thanksgiving at the same time the Candlelight Processional begins. I’ve chosen to postpone my next trip to WDW until some time after Thanksgiving, but I will be making my MVMCP map this week to help you plan.
Thanks for the update!
OK, so if they are offering refunds to those who purchased tix to sold out nights – like Nov 9 – could they possibly open back up ticket sales? I really wanted to go that night while I’m in town for a conference. Just need them to open one little spot
Hi Kenny. Any news as to what characters will show up for the Christmas Party?
Basically the same stuff, but no Belle and Beast meet and they are supposed to bring back Scrooge
KtP
Scrooge? That’s awesome. Wish I could’ve been there for that.
Scrooge is coming back for MVMCP this year
KtP
getting to see Rabbitwould=1 Happy Girl
I mean rare characters, like maybe Scrooge?
Ughhh I have a DD who was looking forward to characterpalooza, as was I. Very upsetting indeed. Oh well. I can’t wait your Christmas party update as we are hoping to go end of Nov. Does the parties ever sell out then? I’m hoping to go Nov 27, but not planning on purchasing my tickets until Nov 24/25 when I know my dates. Thanx!
I would say that party usually doesn’t sell out, but there’s never any guarantee, so buy as soon as you know for sure you’re going.
The first night is already sold out. Nov. 9th.
After January 26, will they have Character Palooza every day? We’ll be at WDW January 27 – February 1 and would love to attend at least once.
Yes, they should
KtP
Cheers! Looking forward to it!
I was so looking forward to Character Palooza.
I’m really hoping the kids will get to meet Lilo & Stitch together. It just seems like a natural fit. We haven’t been in three years, but last time they were together so my fingers are crossed! Guess I might need a regular Goofy page and a Santa Goofy page in the autograph books I’m making the kids! Thanks for all the info!
They meet together during the two weeks of Christmas at the Poly and you can see them at Ohana for breakfast