Are you heading to Orlando soon and wondering where to find Merida at Disney World? You are in luck! She has returned to her traditional character meet and greet spot in Magic Kingdom Park. Merida’s Meet and Greet is one of our favorites. This red-haired heroine from the Scottish Highlands is a favorite princess in our house. Be sure to keep reading to find out where to meet her!
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Where can you meet Merida at Disney World?
Merida, one of the best Disney princesses, meets in the Fairy Tale Garden in Fantasyland, Magic Kingdom. You will find great Scottish accents in the Merida meet and greet area, like her archery targets and tartan patterns.
The Magic Kingdom’s Fairytale Garden is the right of the castle, if you are looking down Main Street USA towards Cinderella Castle. If you have trouble finding her, your best bet is to ask a cast member or check your My Disney Experience app.
The theme park map within the app helps you navigate through all of the parks. This is currently the only Merida character location to have a traditional meet-and-greet experience with the Scottish princess. Check the Magic Kingdom Times guide for the most updated Merida meet-and-greet times schedule.
Edited to add: As of 2023, Merida’s meet and greet area in the Magic Kingdom is being reimagined for Mirabel from Encanto. You can now find her in Liberty Square, at the gazebo near the Ye Olde Christmas Shoppe. Check the My Disney Experience app for the latest info.
Can you meet Merida in Epcot?
You can sometimes have some Brave fun in Epcot too! On our last trip, we spotted the daughter of Queen Elinor and King Fergus with her Scottish accent wandering around the World Showcase, near the France Pavilion. At one time, she also appeared in the Brave – Highland Games Tournament. Ask a cast member to see if this is still happening during your stay.
Is Merida in a parade at Disney World?
Merida does appear in the Festival of Fantasy parade in Magic Kingdom. Be sure to check the app for the exact time or ask a cast member for the parade times. Line the parade route early, as people begin forming crowds early.
Can you find Merida at any character dining at Disney World?
Unfortunately, Merida does not appear at character dining at Disney World currently. If you are looking for an opportunity to meet the princesses during dining, check out Cinderella’s Royal Table in Cinderella Castle within the Magic Kingdom. Crystal Palace also offers character dining, with interactions with characters from Winnie the Pooh.
Where can I meet other princesses in Magic Kingdom?
While visiting Magic Kingdom, be sure to meet all of the Disney princesses. You can find Cinderella, Elena of Avalor, Tiana, and Rapunzel in Princess Fairytale Hall. Princess Jasmine is often near the Magic Carpets ride with Aladdin in Adventureland. Ariel can be found in her grotto near the Little Mermaid ride in Fantasyland. Snow White, Mary Poppins, the evil stepsisters, Peter Pan… so many can found in the parks! Who knows who you will find wandering around the Magic Kingdom?!
Is Merida in Disneyland?
If you are visiting Disneyland in California, be sure to look for Merida there too! You can find her near the Small World attraction in her traditional green dress and red curls.
Can you find Merida in Hong Kong Disneyland?
You can also find Merida in Hong Kong Disneyland during special appearances. She even likes to show off her archery skills in Asia!
What should I bring with me to meet Merida?
If you are visiting a princess for the first time in a long time, be sure to pack autograph books. You may want to bring a couple, because between Magic Kingdom, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and Epcot, you can meet plenty of characters. Also, pack a retractable Sharpie to make it easy for each character to sign. Your little one may enjoy a great Merida costume too!
What should I ask Merida?
If it has been a long time since you or your children have met characters in the various Disney parks, you may want to prep a bit before you get into line for a playful meet and greet. It always helps to prepare your kids to ask a few questions to spur on the conversation. Some great conversation starters with Merida might be:
Can you tell me about your horse Angus?
Can you show me some tips for archery skills?
Who gave you archery lessons?
Any tips for curly hair?
What is the best time to visit Scotland?
How do you feel about your brothers now?
Can you tell me about your favorite adventure?
What do you love about the Highlands in Scotland?
What do you and your mom like to do together?
How long did it take your mom to sew the tapestry?
What is your favorite food?
How do you feel about Prince Charming?
What is your favorite animal?
What movie does Merida appear in on Disney+?
Merida appears in the movie, Brave. Brave is a movie about the daughter of Queen Elinor and King Fergus. Her mother wants to secure her future through a good marriage, however, Merida wants to make her own choices. She is a skilled archer and sword fighter. Along with her good horse, Angus, she travels throughout the Highlands of Scotland chasing her adventures. Her triplet brothers, Harmis, Hubert, and Harris also make an appearance in the movie. In the end, she reunites with her mother, with both of them understanding each other more fully.
Is there anything else I need to know before visiting Disney World?
The biggest piece of advice I give my travel clients is to make sure you have park pass reservations for each day of your visit (park pass reservations will not be needed for most ticket-based guests by early 2024.) If you are staying on property at a Walt Disney World resort, be sure to take advantage of early morning park hours. Staying at a deluxe resort? Consider taking advantage of extended hours in parks for deluxe resort guests.
If this is your first time in the parks, the best touring strategy is to “rope drop” the parks early. That means arriving before the Disney parks even open and get through the security lines. You can knock out some of the best rides early with shorter lines. Book a dining reservation for lunch or consider a mobile order to save time in line.
If you travel with little ones, consider taking a mid-day break for afternoon naps or even just a swim break. A little down time will do everyone well, especially if you plan to return to the parks for the evening fireworks. Also, if you are visiting Disney World for multiple days, plan a rest day in the middle to rest those feet and catch up on some sleep. Disney World is amazing, but it can be tiring, so come prepared!
What resort is best to stay in if I want to visit the Magic Kingdom?
If your trip focuses on the Magic Kingdom park, consider staying close to the park for minimal transportation time. My favorite near the Magic Kingdom is the beautiful Wilderness Lodge. The northwestern United States theming is absolutely beautiful and the dining can’t be beat. Consider a character meal at Story Book Dining with Snow White…it’s one of my favorites!
Another great resort near the Magic Kingdom is the Contemporary. This fantastic resort is on the monorail line. The monorail is runs through the hotel! This makes it a favorite with my kids. You can also reserve a character meal at Chef Mickey’s or an adults only date at California Grill or Steakhouse 71.
Always consider using a travel agent specializing in Disney World when you book your travel. We can help you navigate the resorts, park passes, ticket choices, and dining. So many options. Our price is included in your tickets and pricing, so depend on our expertise to help you out!
Sign up for my free packing list for Disney World to get prepared for your next trip. And, keep reading for more great Disney travel tips!
Where to Meet Princess Elena of Avalor
Disney World’s Magic Band and MagicBan
Where to Meet Pocahontas at Disney World
Best Tips for Disney World with Toddlers and Young Children
Best Airplane Snacks for Toddlers and Kids
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