Walt Disney World’s reopening has been ushered in with modified experiences, a ton of plexiglass and its fair share of controversy. Amidst the health regulations and concerns, there has still been some of that familiar Disney magic. Specifically, the new character interactions at Epcot have been a real highlight.
Disney has been trying to keep characters in front of guests while also maintaining social distancing. That has led to some fun cavalcades, characters hanging out in unique places and the ability for characters to get creative. That creativity has been on full display over at Epcot.
Check out Winnie the Pooh trying to catch butterflies … and accidentally knocking over a landscape light.
So cute! Winnie the Pooh was in the grass by the Imagination pavilion with a net, trying to catch butterflies, when he accidentally knocked a spotlight over. pic.twitter.com/1AFYH9jM8c
— Attractions Magazine (@Attractions) July 13, 2020
Silly old bear!
Guests could also see Joy skipping and waving around a grassy area.
Joy is at Epcot just frolicking in the grass! ???? pic.twitter.com/dQDDO05ymL
— AllEars.Net (@AllEarsNet) July 13, 2020
She definitely looks happier here than inside the Character Spot.
Over at World Showcase, Elsa could be seen walking around followed closely by Anna in a horse-drawn carriage.
Queen Anna in her horse-drawn carriage at Epcot. pic.twitter.com/GxmT1gAoO9
— Attractions Magazine (@Attractions) July 13, 2020
This is perfect! These new character encounters are arguably better than any we have seen at Walt Disney World in quite some time. Everything here feels more real and more authentic. You could almost believe that the characters really live here and call the park home. You won’t get that same feeling waiting in a long line to see a character in a designated spot.
Here’s hoping this new type of character experience lives on after the parks begin returning to normal.