Everyone who comes to Walt Disney World wants to catch a glimpse of the main man himself: Mickey Mouse! In fact, we want more than a glimpse. We want to say hello, take a pic, maybe even get a HUG. With the news out of Disneyland Paris that traditional character meetings are back on, we hope to see this happening stateside soon. In preparation for that glorious day, let’s dive into the top 5 places to meet Mickey Mouse at WDW!
But first….
MousekeCocktail:
What better way to celebrate a hug with Mickey Mouse than with the Mickey Mouse Cocktail, or as we like to call it, a Mickey MousekeCocktail.
It’s basically a cookies and cream milkshake with vodka, but it’s how you prepare it that makes the difference. First, add 5 Oreo cookies to a jar or cup, and muddle with 3 ounces of Vodka. Let sit so the vodka infuses into the cookies. Then add 1 1/2 oz of the vodka, 3/4 oz white chocolate liqueur, and vanilla ice cream. Blend till smooth and add some of those vodka infused cookie bits. Pour into a martini glass and garnish with 2 Oreos and a cherry.
Meet Mickey
#5 - Tusker House at Animal Kingdom
So this character dining spot technically belongs to Donald Duck ‘and friends,’ but you can always count on this is as one of the top 5 places to meet Mickey Mouse. Here he and Donald (and usually Daisy and Goofy) are dressed in their safari clothes ready for an adventure.
We find Animal Kingdom to be a more relaxing park these days, and afternoons here get HOT. So, we love to schedule a late lunch to cool off and relax with some of our favorite Disney friends. But, if breakfast is more your speed, Tusker house does take reservations for breakfast times before the park opens, so you can get an early start and beat the crowds.
#4 - Mickey's 50th Cavalcade
While we are excited that the Festival of Fantasy Parade is back at Magic Kingdom, we are glad this doesn’t mean the end of cavalcades just yet. Continuing throughout the 18-month 50th Anniversary Celebration, Mickey’s 50th cavalcade will delight guests in Magic Kingdom. The cavalcades, though scheduled throughout the day, feel spontaneous. There’s no staking out a spot hours ahead of time. Chances are, if you’re visiting Magic Kingdom, you will catch at least a glimpse of a cavalcade. Be sure to stop and check out this one where Mickey is decked out in his EARidescent party duds.
#3 - Red Carper Dreams Starring Mickey and Minnie at Hollywood Studios
This hidden gem meet and greet has finally returned to Hollywood Studios. First, you get to meet Minnie in her finest Hollywood couture, but the real prize is meeting the one and only Sorcerer Mickey….perhaps the MousekeMoms’ most favorite Mickey of all.
#2 - Toppolinos Terrace
Our favorite character dining experience is located at the top of the Riviera Resort for breakfast. First the food is absolutely amazing… some of our favorite morning cocktails as well. Plus Mickey is dressed an a french painter. Of course you get to meet his friends as well, each dressed as an artist – watch out for Donald’s dancing!
#1 Town Square Theater
Town Square Theater is THE most iconic of the top 5 places to meet Mickey Mouse at WDW. Located right as you enter Magic Kingdom, it feels like Mickey is greeting you and inviting you into his home. Meeting Mickey here is the perfect way to begin your magical vacation.
If you’re concerned about social distancing getting in the way of your fun, know that the character interaction here still makes lasting memories. Mickey even spent several minutes playing hide-and-seek with Lori’s preschooler. And what’s more? He does it all while decked out in his 50th Anniversary finest that we love so much.
MousekeTip
While we love to meet our favorite characters, we totally appreciate not wanting to stand in line to meet the mouse himself. We suggest, then, booking that character dining reservation. You can enjoy a delicious meal, AND get your character fix at the same time. WIN-WIN.
What do YOU think? What is one of your top 5 places to meet Mickey Mouse? Do you have a favorite version/outfit? Tell us all about it in the comments. And for more of our thoughts, check out this week’s podcast episode.