Times for Character Bus at Epcot?

[TheInventor'sDaughter]

I have looked around Intercot and can't seem to find this. I know the times probably change somewhat. But when does the Character Bus at Epcot usually show up? And where? Early morning? Late evening? My daughter wants to meet Daisy Duck desperately, and I want to make sure we plan our park hopping with the bus in mind.

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1972, Orlando Campground; 1988-94, Orlando-area resident (frequent visits); 1992, PO; 1993, Dolphin; 1996, WL; 1996, D.Inst.; 1997, BW Inn; April 2001, Wild. Home; Nov. 2001, BWV & OKW

[beth]

I don't have an exact time, but if memory serves me, the bus is usually around the entrance to WS when it opens around 11 AM.

Is this still the case?

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beth
[email protected]
Intercot Staff Member

"Love and Mercy that's what you need tonight. So Love and Mercy to you and your friends tonight."

For more fun on all things Disney, check out our sister site, www.webdisney.com

For fun and info on the land that started it all check out our sister site: www.intercotwest.com

[duggan]

Can someone please tell me...What is the "character bus?"

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[Tickytwo]

The schedule for Disney Characters on Holiday bus, at the present time, is as follows:

Showcase Plaza at 9:45 and l0:50AM and 4:00 and 5:05PM.

China at ll:55AM
Italy at 1:45PM
Japan at 2:50PM

It is a red double-decker bus that travels around World Showcase, with the Disney Characters, to the above areas. The Characters depart the bus for a time to sign autographs and pose for pictures with guests.

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WDW Cast Member (Epcot)

[drosenbe]

I'm glad that the bus is back..the last time we went, it wasn't being run.

For any autograph hounds...the first or second session at the WS plaza is your best bet. When we went (at the end of the summer..still pretty crowded) there were very few guests, so our kids got a great deal of time with each of the characters. Even Mickey and Minnie were at one point, just standing there waiting for someone to approach them. The other characters also have a chance to actually 'act', since they can move around instead of just standing for a line.

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[duggan]

I assume (but we know what happens when we do that), that a bus pulls up at the locations listed loaded with characters. They then unload for pictures, autographs...

Am I close?

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[beth]

Duggan, you are right on the money.

The bus pulls up with music playing and the characters are "dancing" around. They have human assistants who escort them to different "areas" where guest can line up and meet and greet. After about 10-15 minutes, the assistants get them back on the bus and away they go!

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beth
[email protected]
Intercot Staff Member

"Love and Mercy that's what you need tonight. So Love and Mercy to you and your friends tonight."

For more fun on all things Disney, check out our sister site, www.webdisney.com

For fun and info on the land that started it all check out our sister site: www.intercotwest.com

[PrinceVincent]

Yep! What happens is the bus will pull out from a certain location within WSC, and then travel in the direction of their sightseeing destination country (or Showcase Plaza). The Characters dance around and wave from the bus and then pull into the country they will be visiting in a "Freeze Frame" position. You'll hear the music build and then the Characters break out into a choreographed routine from the bus. They will then get off the bus and go to meet and greet locations throughout the country they are visiting. After 20 minutes, the music coming from the bus will change and you'll hear announcement that says "Hey gang, check your time pieces, blah blah blah.." This announcement means that the Characters have time for ONE (1)more autograph and picture and then they will start walking to the bus. They HAVE to leave at this point.
IF it gets very hot, however, the Character department will go on "Weather", which means that the DCOH Characters will NOT perform the routine on the bus, and the meet and greet will be lowered from 20 minutes to 15 minutes. The minimum meet and greet that is allowed is 15 minutes. So if it's very hot, the Characters will come out, visit for 15, and then load the bus and ride out. Keep in mind that the Characters are VERY hot and getting back on the bus doesn't help this. Adding in the ride times, in and out, the Characters are on stage and on set for about 25 minutes (at least). We've had some people comment that the Characters are only out for 15 minutes, so they can't get too hot, but they seem to not realize that they are loading back onto a double decker bus in the blazing sun, with a BLACK rubber floor. THe bus is entirely made of metal, which is extremely hot in the sun, and as the weather gets hotter and hotter, we've been having more Characters pass out. We had 6 pass out in one day last week...on one set. We hate the bus. A lot. We miss World Showcase sets. A lot. If any of you see DCOH, and decide you liked the old country locations better, PLEASE, by all means, TELL a Character Greeter or Manager who is with the bus. PLEASE! We have a whole log JUST for Guest comments like that. Guest Relations has a whole stack of letters and complaints about it..... But if some people don't say what they're thinking, nothing will change.... We're actually LOOKING for more Guest Comments about it.....so tell people what you think....

But anyways, yes, the earliest sets in Showcase Plaza are the best to go to. Lately, the bus has been going on Weather by the second or third set, which means the routine is cut for the rest of the day. Also, the earliest sets in Showcase Plaza are the most uncrowded. So if you want to get the full show, AND you want to meet the most Characters and have time to play, I'd suggest the first two sets, by Showcase Plaza. The first one is on the bridge between Future World and Showcase Plaza, under the Monorail track, and the second one is IN Showcase Plaza.
See you all there!

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Tommy
°o°

WDW Cast Member
Epcot Entertainment
College Recruiting

[beth]

I'd imagine all that fur would be hot in the summer. Mickey and friends need a vacation somewhere cooler!

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beth
[email protected]
Intercot Staff Member

"Love and Mercy that's what you need tonight. So Love and Mercy to you and your friends tonight."

For more fun on all things Disney, check out our sister site, www.webdisney.com

For fun and info on the land that started it all check out our sister site: www.intercotwest.com

[PrinceVincent]

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by beth:
I'd imagine all that fur would be hot in the summer. Mickey and friends need a vacation somewhere cooler!

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

LOL!!!
You're telling me!
By the way...are you gonna be here next week? I'll be working with the bus a few times, so maybe we'll get to meet....
If anyone is interested, let me know and I'll see what I can figure out with my work schedule... I have a feeling Goofy might be willing to give some Intercotees a little extra attention next week!!!!!

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Tommy
°o°

WDW Cast Member
Epcot Entertainment
College Recruiting

[Narcoossee'sFan]

I'll be there with my 2 year old on Tuesday, June 12. Any extra attention would be appreciated!

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Valerie a.k.a. Narcoossee's Fan
Next Trip June 11-15; Following Trip September 13-16!

[JCO]

I'll be there next week with my wife and two kids (ages 6 and 9). Hope we see you!

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