New Characters Meet and Greet at Magic Kingdom

New characters are out at the Magic Kingdom, and one, for the very first time, is greeting guests. Get the full character list and locations.

Disney “Cool Kid Summer”

Disney finally listened to us and is bringing us the Disney magic that we’ve been missing out on for the past five years. Beginning May 27 through September 1, 2025, Disney will host “Cool Kid Summer”.

This will include special limited edition badges for Disney’s Animal Kingdom’s Wilderness Explorer program, fun crafts, and special entertainment throughout the Walt Disney World Resort. Check out the full lineup HERE.

Disney promises that special characters will greet guests during Early Entry for Walt Disney World Resort guests. In preparation for this, guests at Magic Kingdom are spotting many surprise characters.

Surprise Characters at Magic Kingdom

Many times, special characters such as Flynn Rider and Rapunzel can only be seen on Valentine’s Day and for special ticketed events such as Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. Over the past several days, Magic Kingdom guests have spotted the couple roaming throughout Fantasyland near the Tangled restrooms.

Guests have also spotted Captain Hook and Mr. Smee roaming throughout Fantasyland. It is important to note that roaming characters such as Rapunzel & Flynn Rider and Captain Hook & Mr. Smee do not have a PhotoPass photographer. They also may be unable to sign autographs while roaming.

Princess Tiana and Prince Naveen are also out and greeting guests at the Enchanted Glade Gazebo located behind the Ye Olde Christmas Shoppe in Liberty Square. The couple will occasionally leave to check on Tiana’s famous gumbo. While away, Pocahontas has been seen greeting guests. Guests share that this location does offer a PhotoPass Photographer.

Raya Meet and Greet

For the first time, guests can now meet Raya at the Magic Kingdom. Previously, Magic Kingdom Guests could spot Raya along with a cast of great characters during the Disney Adventure Friends Cavalcade.

Many great surprise characters now greet guests at the Magic Kingdom, leading into “Cool Kid Summer”.

Raya has been spotted greeting guests across from Jungle Navigation Co., Ltd., Skipper Canteen in Adventureland. These characters are not currently listed on the My Disney Experience app, and their showtimes may vary. We hope, as we approach the beginning of “Cool Kid Summer” later this month, that official showtimes will be available.

What other characters do you think will show up for “Cool Kid Summer”? Share your thoughts with us and share this news with your Disney pals.