Character Shakeup at Disney's Hollywood Studios

Meeting your favorite characters at Disney's Hollywood Studios is about to become a bit more complicated.

Hollywood Studios Character Changes

Star Wars Virtual Queue Returns at Disney World — Credit: Donna

One thing that sets Disney apart from any other theme park is the great character interactions. We love meeting classic characters like Mickey Mouse and the Fab 5.

But then we also love meeting the characters that are a bit rarer. Disney's Hollywood Studios has seen many character changes. When "Magic of Disney Animation" opened last month, new character interactions delighted Guests at "Off the Page".

It is also now easier to meet both the Mandalorian and Grogu at Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge.

Ariel Meet and Greet Changing

Walt Disney Presents is located at Disney's Hollywood Studios in Animation Courtyard. Walt Disney Presents sees many changes and new additions throughout the year. Disney recently added an up-close look at a model of Disney's Lakeshore Lodge.

Now another change has occurred inside "Walt Disney Presents," affecting the meet and greet location for the live-action Little Mermaid.

Starting around October 28, 2026, the live-action Ariel meet-and-greet will relocate to Echo Lake near 50's Prime Time Cafe. When Guests visually spot characters, the line can grow quite long to meet them. Many Guests pass by Walt Disney Presents unaware that the live-action meet-and-greet is located inside.

Reason for this Change

This follows a similar change to last year at Disney's Hollywood Studios. This space was transformed so that guests can meet Santa Claus during normal operating hours, and Jollywood Nights guests can meet Santa Duffy.

This early closure would allow this space to receive a fun holiday overlay. Previously, guests could meet Santa Claus at "It's a Wonderful Shop" located in Muppets Courtyard.

Live-action Ariel will relocate to Echo Lake starting around October 28, 2026.

As a reminder, Disney has confirmed that the special Holiday Exhibit will return this year at Walt Disney Presents. Check out last year's exhibit HERE.

What do you think of the holiday overlay coming to Walt Disney Presents? Share your thoughts with us and share this news with your Disney pals.

Donna Farmer

Donna has always loved Disney even at an early age. When she was younger her family would joke that she lived in "Donna Land". Even now as an adult, she loves to plan and make magical vacations come to life as she and her family travel "Home" to Walt DisneyWorld. Join her as she brings a little faith, trust, and a little bit of pixie dust to Disney planning.