For a stress-free Disney or Universal Studios vacation, let the FREE expert planners at Royal Carriage Vacations take care of every detail including dining reservations, applying discounts, and onboard cruise credit.
(Updated 2/8/16)
I’ve had a number of blog visitors ask about training spots in Epcot. Epcot offers more training meets than the other parks by far. There are a large variety of locations that I’ve personally witnessed character training including behind Innoventions near Journey in Imagination, the Fountain of Nations stage area and the International Gateway. But the two most commonly used training areas are the World Showplace gates between Canada and the United Kingdom pavilions and the American Adventure gates to the immediate left of the attraction. The best times to see rare characters are times near marathons, when the Disney College Program begins its new sessions, and the week before Halloween and Christmas parties begin.
At various training locations, My kids and I have seen Ariel, Belle, Big Al, Chip n Dale, Donald, Eeyore, Foulfellow, Gepetto, Goofy, Jiminy Cricket, Mary Poppins, Mickey, Minnie, Mr. Penguin, Mr. Smee, Pinocchio, Pluto, Queen Grimhilde, Rafiki and Rosetta.
Some characters that we didn’t have a chance to meet in Epcot, but have appeared there for random or training include: Captain Jack, Cruella, Dr. Facilier, Gaston, Jane, Mad Hatter, Max, Megara, Merida, Rapunzel and Flynn, Shang, Tarzan, Tremaine Family and Wendy. I’m sure there are many more, but I can’t think of them all.
A Cast Member friend of mine thought it might be helpful if I shared which characters might appear at the World Showplace or American Adventure meets on a semi-regular basis. While the list may not be exhaustive, it gives you an idea of where you might find the characters below and how often on a 1 to 5 scale you might see them.
World Showplace: | American Adventure: | ||
Baloo | 2 | Baloo | 3 |
Big Al | 3 | Big Al | 3 |
Brer Bear | 3 | Brer Bear | 3 |
Brer Fox | 3 | Brer Fox | 3 |
Captain Hook | 3 | Chip n Dale | 5 |
Chip n Dale | 5 | Donald | 5 |
Donald | 5 | Foulfellow | 2 |
Foulfellow | 3 | Gideon | 3 |
Geppetto | 3 | Goofy | 5 |
Gideon | 4 | King Louie | 2 |
Goofy | 5 | Liverlips | 4 |
King Louie | 3 | Mickey | 5 |
Launchpad McQuack (extremely rare) | 1 | Minnie | 5 |
Liverlips | 3 | Mr. Penguin | 3 |
Mickey | 5 | Mr. Smee | 4 |
Minnie | 5 | Perla | 1 |
Mr. Penguin | 3 | Pluto | 5 |
Mr. Smee | 4 | Rafiki | 4 |
Perla | 2 | Shaker | 4 |
Pluto | 5 | Suzy | 1 |
Rafiki | 3 | Terk | 1 |
Shaker | 3 | Wendell | 4 |
Suzy | 2 | ||
Terk | 2 | ||
Wendell | 3 |
Here’s some additions that another CM friend sent me. The person said the ranking best applies to times when College Program cast are training.
Dopey – 3
Daisy – 1
Bolt – 3
Max – 4
Stitch – 4
Genie – 2
Tigger – 4
Pooh – 4
Eeyore – 2
Jafar – 1
Meeko – 3
Cait
Friday 2nd of September 2022
Hi, Kenny! Are they still doing these and the character palooza? I wasn’t sure with all the changes because of Covid. Thanks!
kennythepirate
Friday 2nd of September 2022
EPCOT training is on www.characterlocator.com Character palooza doesn't currently exist
Tracy
Wednesday 13th of June 2018
We were in Epcot during the Flower and Garden Festival at the end of March and got to see Mickey and Goofy next to American Adventure!
Melanie
Monday 5th of September 2016
I wasn't even aware of the character training, but we were in the right place at the right time while my 2 year old was napping. In Epcot, Canada area, Sept. 4 at 3pm, suddenly the doors open and out walk Eeyore, Chip n Dale, Donald, Pluto, Mickey, Baloo, and King Louie! I couldn't believe it, we (and my daughter) were thrilled!
Anonymus
Friday 5th of August 2016
Kenny, there have been sightings of the same characters that appear at the training at the hotels. Baloo, Big Al, Mickey, Goofy, Gideon, Foulfellow etc. have appeard at port orleans and animal kingdom lodge at mid-day when everyone is at the park.
kennythepirate
Friday 5th of August 2016
Sounds great!
Catherine
Monday 6th of June 2016
Is the Character training have a schedule? Can I find it in your character locator app?
kennythepirate
Monday 6th of June 2016
Schedules vary daily at Epcot Training locations. Could be training or none at all.