Merida from 'Brave' coming to WDW

[Melanie]

From Disney Parks Blog -

In the upcoming Disney•Pixar movie “Brave,” Merida is a headstrong teenager with a vibrant spirit and a softness of heart, struggling to take control of her own destiny. You’ll be able to discover Merida’s story when “Brave” opens in theaters June 22 and, beginning in mid-May, Merida will be coming to Disney Parks in an all-new character greeting experience.

At Magic Kingdom Park, Merida will appear in Fairytale Garden in a setting inspired by her Scottish Highlands home, where young guests will be invited to engage in archery lessons and other activities until it’s their turn to meet her. Joining Merida will be the three bear cubs from the film, who will no doubt be up to plenty of mischief.

To prepare for Merida’s arrival, Rapunzel will be moving from Fairytale Garden April 15, to a new spot at the outskirts of Adventureland where she will continue to greet her loyal fans and subjects.

According to Creative Director Reed Jones, “These new play and greet experiences at both parks will immerse our guests in ‘Brave,’ giving them the opportunity to be a part of Merida’s Scottish clan. And we’re all excited to have the bear cubs join Merida with their silly antics, creating a whole new way to bring our beloved Disney Characters to life.”

“Regardless of where they find Merida,” said Reed, “Guests are really going to fall in love with her and the bears.”

[DizneyFreak2002]

Merida has been doing test Meet and Greets in Epcot the last two days...

[Fangorn]

beginning in mid-May, Merida will be coming to Disney Parks in an all-new character greeting experience.

This will begin as soon as 5/9 but definitely will happen on 5/11. My source has their last overnight rehearsal (the bear cubs are puppets) on Tuesday 5/8 and their first scheduled show day is 5/11. It could start earlier with other performers, but definitely on Friday 5/11.

Steve

[Fangorn]

The opening of the Brave meet & greet did not open today as planned. Apparently, the construction of the area is not complete. No word on a new date for this.

Steve

[i'm grumpy]

This was great. We only waited in line about 20 minutes or so. I would make the coloring sheets a to go only item. LOL. Be sure and watch the bears.

[Melanie]

I met her yesterday and the meet area was awesome! Like grumpy, I only waited a few minutes. The cubs - adorable!!!!

On a side note, while waiting in line, Peter Pan came running up and was playing around, peeking in on Merida and yelling things at her, then just ran back away. Too funny! He was in rare form yesterday, as I'd seen him earlier in the morning running through the Castle with Alice and telling the CMs at Cinderella's Royal Table he had to see Cinderella and they went running in. I love stuff like that!

[PixiedustMagicEU]

Wow.. great to see photos of Merida in WDW!
Looks like a great character addition in the park!
Hope we'll get to see her in Paris as well.

[sonamae80]

I just showed DD these pictures and she is so excited to meet Merida! Thanks for sharing!

[jpH/keD]

Thanks so much for sharing the pix! I love Merida! Wish I could go meet her!

[Bethanymouse]

She is there! We saw the meet and greet area all set up near the castle. It looks pretty neat.