I’m a 30-something woman who still adores the Disney princesses. There, I said it. Whatever you think about some of the storylines, the outfits and how it all may conflict with modern-day feminism, these twinkle-toed gals provide sweet nostalgia for me. Besides, some of the more recent princesses are fiercely independent females who aren’t waiting around for a Prince Charming to sweep them off their feet. (Looking at you, Mulan, Elsa and Merida.)
RELATED: 5 great Disney experiences — outside the parks
But Jiminy Crickets! It can be tough to land an appointment with these gals when visiting the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World. Unless you schedule your appointment months in advance of your Orlando vacation, locking in your visit for the Princess Fairytale Hall or any of the other popular “meet-and-greet” attractions at the Magic Kingdom – which you can do via My Disney Experience app once you purchase your tickets – the lines can be a Bibbidi-Bobbidi-bummer. That’s what happened to me on a recent visit to Disney World’s Magic Kingdom: The line to meet thegals at Princess Fairytale Hall was nearly two hours long.
Epcot Center| Flickr CC: Anthony Quintano
But I discovered another way to get some 1:1 time with the princesses. It involved heading to Epcot Center, one of the other theme parks under the Disney World umbrella. The World Showcase at Epcot, which is where 11 countries are represented, has scheduled meet-and-greets with Disney Princesses that hail from a handful of its represented nations.
It’s first come, first served. Which means if you learn the start times and queue up at least 15 minutes in advance, it’ll save you the torture of having to endure one- or two-hour waits at Magic Kingdom.
Below is who you’ll find and where. All times noted are subject to change, so be sure to download the My Disney Experience app the morning of your visit for the latest information. (Seriously, having this technology, literally, at your fingertips makes navigating the Disney parks leaps and bounds easier than circa 1985, when my parents were ferrying around wide-eyed me from princess to princess without a guide updating in real-time.)
ALSO: Feel like a princess, or prince, or with Orbitz Rewards’ VIP perks!
With some strategic planning, you could meet all eight princesses featured at Epcot Center.
Mulan | Flickr CC: Ashley
Mulan: China
This courageous female warrior greets guests in China’s formal gardens, beside the temple.
1:00 p.m. – 1:40 p.m.
2:00 p.m. – 2:40 p.m.
3:50 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
4:50 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Snow White and Dopey | Flickr CC: Ashley
Snow White: Germany
The “fairest of them all” greets her guests in front of the magic wishing well.
12:30 p.m. – 1:05 p.m.
1:30 p.m. – 2:10 p.m.
2:30 p.m. – 3:10 p.m.
3:30 p.m. – 4:10 p.m.
5:20 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
6:20 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Jasmine | Flickr CC: Jasmine
Princess Jasmine: Morocco
Jasmine and Aladin greet guests in the Morocco pavilion in a small room on the right side
called the “Lamps of Wonder.”
12”45 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.
1:45 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
2:45 p.m.– 3:25 p.m.
4:35 p.m. – 5:20 p.m.
5:35 p.m. – 6:20 p.m.
Belle | Flickr CC: Ashley
Belle from “Beauty and the Beast”: France
Belle greets guests on the France promenade, near the water, dressed in her classic blue smock.
1:00 p.m. – 1:40 p.m.
2:50 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
3:50 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
4:50 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Photo courtesy of Erica Bray
Alice of “Alice in Wonderland”: United Kingdom
The curious girl who followed a White Rabbit all the way to Wonderland (and became an “honorary” princess by doing so) greets guests at the Tea Caddy Gardens.
12:30 p.m. – 1:10 p.m.
1:30 p.m. – 2:10 p.m.
2:30 p.m. – 3:10 p.m.
4:20 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
5:20 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Mary Poppins | Flickr CC: JeffChristiansen
Mary Poppins: United Kingdom
We dare you to sing “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious” with this iconic Disney female who greets guests along the United Kingdom promenade. Although not technically a princess, her massive white bonnet and umbrella give the air of royalty.
1 p.m. – 1:40 p.m.
2:00 p.m. – 2:40 p.m.
Guests can meet Princess Anna & Queen Elsa from “Frozen” inside Royal Sommerhus | Photo courtesy of Disney World and Ryan Wendler, photographer
Queen Elsa and Princess Anna of “Frozen”: Norway
These are the “It” girls of the Disney right now. This year they’ve found a new home at Epcot in Norway’sRoyal Sommerhus, a restaurant where reservations are strongly encouraged as soon as you make your park plans. You can book up to 180 days in advance—which is a wise idea considering how in-demand these gals are. (Cinderella and Ariel also make cameos at this Storybook Dining experience.)
Featured image courtesy of Monica Pedraja
