Disney has always had a way of keeping magic alive in the most unexpected corners of its parks—and right now, EPCOT is hiding a little secret that fans of the classics will absolutely love.
If you’re a Walt Disney World Annual Passholder, you’ve probably gotten used to the usual perks: merchandise discounts, exclusive lounge access, and early previews of new experiences. But every now and then, Disney rolls out something that feels genuinely special. This summer, that something is a rare solo character meet-and-greet with one of the most beloved dwarfs of all time—Dopey.
Yes, that Dopey. The bashful, wide-eyed, sweetheart from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937) is making personal appearances tucked away inside the Germany Pavilion at EPCOT. Specifically, he’s greeting guests at Der Teddybar between 10:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. daily—but there’s a catch. This experience is only for Annual Passholders, and it’s not being loudly promoted across the parks. It’s a hidden gem—one you’d only know about if you were plugged into the Passholder community.
And for fans of character experiences, this one is particularly meaningful. While Dopey does appear on rare occasions alongside the other six dwarfs during events like Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, it’s extremely rare to see him on his own. Getting face time with Dopey solo—and snapping a professionally captured photo thanks to Disney’s PhotoPass service—isn’t something you can typically plan on. That alone makes this experience something truly magical.
There’s also a time limit on this bit of magic: Dopey will only be appearing through July 31. After that, this delightful summer surprise is expected to vanish, just like Cinderella’s coach at midnight. So, if you’ve got a day at EPCOT on the horizon and you’re a Passholder, this is your sign to go.
It’s also worth noting that you’ll need to either have a park reservation for EPCOT or enter after 2:00 p.m. (unless it’s a Good-to-Go Day, when reservations are not required). As usual, bring your valid Annual Pass to be eligible for this experience.
It’s little moments like these—surprises that feel like they’re just for you—that make being a Disney Passholder feel extra magical. Between exclusive lounges, deeper discounts, and unadvertised character greetings like this, the perks have definitely taken on a more personal and meaningful vibe this summer.
Whether you’re a lifelong Dopey fan or someone who just wants to snap a rare photo with a legacy character, this EPCOT experience is well worth the detour. But don’t wait too long—Dopey won’t be hanging around for long.
