Headed to Disney World? Want to see your favorite duck? If you’re looking for places to find Donald Duck at Walt Disney World, here’s your list!
Donald Duck, that quick-tempered, yet lovable creature, is one of Disney’s Fab Five. Donald and his girlfriend Daisy are friends with Mickey, Minnie, and the gang. “Born” in 1934, Donald marks his 85th birthday on June 9 this year. Fans of Donald can find him throughout the parks, dressed in his iconic blue sailor suit with canary yellow trim and a bright red bow or in various other outfits. Donald is popular with fans of all ages, and even today’s little ones are familiar with Donald through his appearances on The Disney Channel’s Mickey Mouse Clubhouse program.
Whether you’d like to view Donald from afar or come close and give him a hug, the perfect places to find everyone’s favorite duck are listed below. So, without further ado, where can you find Donald Duck at Walt Disney World?
In the parks
Magic Kingdom
Donald appears in several places throughout the day at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom. You can see him in parades and shows, view him in films, or have your photo taken with him in Fantasyland.
FantasyLand
If you want to interact with Donald, head to the back of the Magic Kingdom to Storybook Circus. There, you’ll find Donald in Pete’s Silly Sideshow. He won’t be dressed in his usual blue outfit. Here, Donald is dressed as mysterious snake charmer. You’ll get a chance to meet Goofy right before Donald–the queue is the same for both of them. Keep in mind that PhotoPass photographers are available to snap your photo with both characters, either with your own camera or with theirs.
Parades
Festival of Fantasy Parade
If you are only interested in admiring Donald from afar, don’t miss the daily Festival of Fantasy parade. Donald shares a float with his long-time girlfriend, Daisy. The parade is fun for all ages, full of music, dancing, and familiar characters. If you don’t want to wait for a great spot to watch, try booking the Festival of Fantasy Parade Dining Package at Tony’s Town Square Restaurant.
Shows
Move It! Shake It! MousekeDance It! Street Party
This short, fun parade is presented several times each day. Donald rides high on a float with dancers and singers (some on stilts) alongside. The parade starts by the Harmony Barber Shop and travels up to Cinderella Castle and back. The whole procession takes about 35 minutes. Check your Times Guide for more information.
Mickey’s Royal Friendship Faire
This stage show takes place in front of Cinderella Castle. Mickey and friends (some royal, some not) perform at various times during the day. Donald and Daisy will be on stage in their jewel-toned royal garb. Be prepared for music, dancing, and a small burst of fireworks.
Happily Ever After Fireworks
Watch for Donald’s image on the castle projections on this musical extravaganza complete with dazzling displays of fireworks. Don’t want to save a seat for the perfect castle view? Consider booking the Happily Ever After Fireworks Dessert Party at Tomorrowland Terrance Restaurant.
Attractions
Mickey’s PhilharMagic
Located in Fantasyland, this 3-D adventure stars everyone’s favorite Donald Duck. The show lasts twelve minutes, and fastpasses are rarely necessary for this attraction, as large groups are admitted at a time.
Epcot
Mexico Meet & Greet
Donald Duck greets guests outside the Mexico Pavilion in the World Showcase wearing a colorful sombrero and poncho. PhotoPass photographers are normally nearby to capture those special moments.
Attractions
Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros
Inside the Mexico Pavilion, guests can board this slow-moving boat ride. Donald Duck has disappeared somewhere south of the border, and it’s up to his friends Jose and Ponchito to find him. I guarantee this story has a happy ending along with beautiful Mexican scenery.
Other
Make sure to look for the Donald Duck topiary during Epcot’s Flower and Garden show each spring!
Hollywood Studios
Front Entrance
Donald Duck regularly appears near the front entrance of Hollywood Studios on Sid’s Porch at the beginning of Hollywood Boulevard. If you want a photo with Donald in his traditional blue clothing, this is where to get one. Check your Times Guide for more information, and be prepared for a line.
Hollywood & Vine
Minnie’s Seasonal Dining at Hollywood & Vine is where we found Donald dressed as astronaut this past fall. You never know which characters will be present, but there’s a good chance Donald will be one of them. Our little Ady had a great time dancing with Donald at this restaurant. You can make reservations for Hollywood & Vine 180 days in advance here or by calling 1-407-WDW-DINE.
Fantasmic!
Another place to view Donald from afar is the nightly Fantasmic! show. Good battles evil in this night-time show filled with music, lasers, dancing water, and fireworks. If you’re visiting at busy time of year, consider a dining package that includes tickets to the show. If you decide that’s not for you, plan on showing up early to secure a seat.
Animal Kingdom
Donald’s Dino-Bash
New meet and greets abound at DinoLand USA in Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park. Here, you can meet Donald, Daisy, Uncle Scrooge, and more in dinosaur-inspired costumes. For more information, click here. We met a few of Donald’s relatives here, but decided not to visit with Donald himself since we knew we’d be seeing him at dinner that evening.
Tusker House
Located in the Harambe Village in the Africa section of the park, check out Tusker House restaurant. Here you can visit with Donald, Daisy, and a few other characters during breakfast, lunch, or dinner. The buffet features breakfast favorites in the morning, and African-inspired dishes and hand-carved meats along with typical American fare in the afternoon and evenings. Here, Donald played peek-a-boo with baby Josh. If you want to meet Donald dressed in his safari garb, Tusker House is the place to be.
At the resorts
Contemporary
Chef Mickey’s on the main concourse of the Contemporary Resort is the place to dine with the Fab Five. Here you’ll find Donald dressed in his chef’s hat and jacket, wearing a red and white checkered apron. He’s usually joined by his pals Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, and Pluto.
Beach Club Resort
Want to interact with Donald when he’s in his beach clothes? Cape May Cafe’s breakfast is for you! Donald usually appears here each morning with his friends Minnie, Daisy, and Goofy. However, keep in mind that the characters only appear at breakfast–they are long gone by noon. Reservations are necessary.
Saratoga Springs Resort
It’s not a walking, talking Donald, but there is a Donald Duck statue at the Saratoga Springs Resort’s splash pad. If you are staying there, be sure to check it out.
All-Star Movies Resort
Check out the Fantasia 2000 section of the All-Star Movies Resort for statues of Donald and Daisy that are perfect for family photos.
Not heading to the World anytime soon? Check out these fun Donald Duck items from Amazon!
Disclaimer: These links are presented for your entertainment. If you decide to purchase something, we will receive a small compensation. There is no cost or obligation to you. For more information, click on the individual photo.
Conclusion
If you’re a Donald fan, you should be able to easily catch a glimpse of him at any of the four theme parks. Meeting him in person will take a little more time and effort, but is well worth it. Most importantly, if you do get to speak to him, remember to ask him where Mickey is and what happened to his pants. His reaction will be priceless. Happy hunting!
To read our other Disney World posts, click here.
Great tips! I remember when I was young, you’d just have to be lucky enough to run into characters. It’s great that now there are so many ways to plan and make sure you see everyone you want!
Saving this for the future! All of these social distancing walks to the duck pond have my son obsessed with Donald! So nice to know what outfits he might be wearing and where! ❤️
Donald duck really needs to make a comeback!
This is really cool. Now people know where to find Donald Duck. Yay!
Disney world is favorites place for families with children and adults too. I had been to Magic Kingdom and we met Donald duck. We did saw the Parade but we were like going crazy. There was so much to do and just can’t think of how much we missed not doing some of that. Saving this for planning my next trip to Disney.
This is such a comprehensive list. I love the dino bash!
Oh I LOVE Disney World! I’m taking my nephew next summer. This is great information. Great post!
Love it! Donald is one of my favs so this will be very helpful when I finally make it to DW!
This is so much fun! I love knowing that you can find him at any of the parks, and in character to the area he is found! My kids are begging to go to Disney…we are hoping we will have been by next November:)
This is a great list. Will be sure to hunt him down. He has always been my favourite. Followed close by Goofy.
My kids were the ones that called my attention to Donald Duck the last time we went to Disney. It was a pleasant experience
I would definitely needed to do the Fireworks Dessert Party! Ha! When I went to Disney as a kid, the parades were my favorite part!
Never been to a Disney Park! I loved this idea of finding your favourite characters in Disney Park ! Loved all the pictures . Very nice post
Impressive list! Have you seen Donald at all of these places?
There’s a few I haven’t been to yet. Chef Mickey’s and Cape May Buffet are on my list of places to eat next fall.
I have only been to Disnleyland in Paris once a long time ago, but it just seems like such an exciting place. I cannot wait to go with kids of my own! x
I want to take a trip to Disney as an adult because it’s a whole different experience! I cannot wait to try to find Donald Duck!
Oh my Goodness the Gran Fiesta Tour sounds like a blast! I want to know how the story ends.
Great ideas on where to find Donald. Knew he could be found in several places, but had no idea how many. Can’t wait to ask him about Mickey.
Love Donald Duck! I’m such a nerd in that I love pics with characters like this, so this article is perfect for me. Thank you so much for posting!
Donald Duck was always my favourite. Didn’t like Mickey at all, even as a kid – he seemed so supercilious. Now, Donald… ever since, I’ve had a soft spot for underdogs. Or should that be underducks?
These are useful tips for a Donald fan visiting disney world. Is the ‘real’ Donald Duck as grouchy as the cartoon?!
He’s definitely got character!
Thanks for this list! Finding characters throughout the park definitely takes a plan to make sure you find them all!
Donald Duck is very lovable. I would definitely be on the lookout for him during a Disney visit, so I’m glad I know where to look for him now!
This post is so random I love it! Haha never thought to search for Donald duck while at Disney world. I figured if I run into him then I run into him.
Donald has always seemed to be one of the more elusive characters to meet. I remember the old meet and greet character spots in Epcot (I think they used to be near Innovations) and I do remember seeing him recently in Mexico. Thanks for all the tips. I’ll be sure to hunt him down next time. 🙂
Big fan of Donald Duck! Him and Scrouge McDuck as well, actually! I would’ve definitely needed to have my picture with Donald as well! That topiary is pretty awesome looking too!
You can find Scrooge McDuck at Donald’s Dino-Bash in the Animal Kingdom. Check it out here: https://clelandclan.com/travel/donalds-dino-bash/.
it has been a long while since i’ve visited any disney park but now i’m itching for a trip there! can’t help but remember my good ol’ childhood days with my family 🙂
These posts always remind me of my childhood trips to Disney! One vacation my brother & I got an autograph book for all the characters we met…Donald was one of them 🙂
-Madi xo | http://www.everydaywithmadirae.com
Vow!!! Such a good article. We will meet Donald the next time.
I love this post! I must consider myself a Donald Duck fan 🙂 my daughter is Minnie’s fan for sure, but this is a great list to find him and take pics, love the one with the sombrero 🙂
You’re the best! Thank you for the info. Despite having visited many times, we haven’t met Donald yet. I’m gonna save this for the next time we go!:)