Hard to Find Characters

[txdisneyfanatic]

We've heard that some of the more unusual characters are often in training at Epcot in the World Showcase on various days. Have any of you spotted these guys...are there certain times, and who were they? Thanks!

[rjmdds]

We were lucky enough to catch a training session in Epcot last August. They still occur regularly however there is no set schedule to it. If you ask a CM they will deny knowledge of it although sometimes you may get lucky and get one to drop a hint as we did. There are certain spots that it will typically take place. Send me a PM and I can send you a link for the best info on it.

I had done a lot of reading about it in terms of when it was most likely but it could be very frustrating due to the unpredictability of it. The characters you will find there can really run the spectrum in terms of rarity. The training sessions seem to pick up prior to the Halloween and Christmas parties as well as when the new college interns start. We saw Rafiki, Baloo, King Louie, Classic Mickey, Classic Donald, Goofy, Gideon, Max, & Chip & Dale.

Here's the story...We were visiting Donald in Mexico around 2pm when I casually asked the CM if she was aware of any training sessions today. She told me they already had one and that there was a good chance of another one occurring soon. With that my son and I bolted to the area between UK & Canada. It was late August so it was hot. We asked the CMs working the two kiosks and they knew nothing. We decided to just hang out and have a water to cool off for a few minutes. We thought we missed it. Next thing you know a CM comes out with Rafiki and asks my son if he would help Rafiki. So Rafiki took his hand and walked him over to the the two giant doors. Rafiki had my son Cooper knock on the door. Suddenly, the doors slowly opened and all of those characters were just standing there right in front of Cooper. It was pure magic. No one was around. We had plenty of time with each one. They were only staying out for a total of 20 minutes we were told. It was probably the best Disney moment we had ever experienced. I captured it all on camera so we wouldn't forget it.

[Disney4us2]

I saw Tarzan yesterday at Animal Kingdom. He was on one of the Discovery Island trails. No line, just a few people. He was hilarious and acted the part very well. Very ape like.

[Greenlawler]

I saw Tarzan yesterday at Animal Kingdom. He was on one of the Discovery Island trails. No line, just a few people. He was hilarious and acted the part very well. Very ape like.

I am guessing he is training for MNSSHP.

[joanna71985]

I am guessing he is training for MNSSHP.

Tarzan is a regular now

[Greenlawler]

Tarzan is a regular now

Really? when did that happen? wow

[Melanie]

Really? when did that happen? wow

After a trial earlier in the year, he's been back out about a month now.

I wish I'd remembered to go search for him when I was there a few weeks ago. My friends met him during the trial period, and said it was truly one of the most bizarre characters meetings they'd ever had. I guess he was really in character. LOL!