Getting To Know Disney World’s Lesser-Known Characters

When you visit Disney World you should expect to see some of your favorite Disney characters. Popular and classic characters like Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Donald, Daisy, and Pluto are seen throughout the parks as well as others like Winnie the Pooh, Mirabel, Elsa, Snow White, and so many more. But have you ever come across characters at Disney World that you don’t recognize? Some first-time guests don’t realize that Disney World is also home to characters that are unique to the Disney parks. Let’s get to know them!

Figment

One of Disney’s most popular park mascots is Figment. This lovable purple dragon represents imagination and child-like wonder. Figment made his debut with the attraction Journey Into Imagination, in which Figment was the star alongside Dreamfinder. It was during this attraction that Figment sang the now-iconic song “One Little Spark”. This attraction exists today as Journey Into Imagination with Figment and still stars the iconic dragon. Guests fell in love with Figment’s whimsy and he remains a beloved icon of EPCOT to this day. Guests can find Figment during meet and greets at the exit of his attraction, and they will also see him representing EPCOT on merchandise throughout the park. Figment is often found on festival-exclusive merch as well.

Orange Bird

While spending time at Adventureland in Magic Kingdom you might come across Orange Bird. Orange Bird is a character that dates all the way to Magic Kingdom’s opening. Orange Bird was created to represent the Florida Citrus Commission, as they were the original sponsors of the Enchanted Tiki Room attraction. Guests fell in love with this cute character as he made walked around Adventureland greeting guests in the early days of Magic Kingdom. The character eventually left Adventureland when the sponsorship ended, but made a return in 2012 when he was once again perched atop Sunshine Tree Terrace. Orange Bird can be found throughout the parks today on various merchandise. He typically represents Adventureland but he also has a mural at Disney Springs as well.

Duffy

Guests might find Duffy the Disney Bear during their travels to Disney parks, especially if they are going to Tokyo Disneyland or Tokyo DisneySea. Duffy was originally created as a mascot to represent Tokyo DisneySea and quickly became a popular character. This loveable stuffed bear is Mickey’s teddy bear that was given to him by Minnie in order to keep him company during his travels. Duffy is extremely popular in Japan’s Disney parks, but he also made a few appearances at Disney World in Florida and Disneyland in California. While he isn’t heavily featured in the American parks anymore, he still appears occasionally on merchandise, and in Disney Parks videos.

Sonny Eclipse

Magic Kingdom’s Tomorrowland is home to Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe, a quick-service restaurant serving American-style food like burgers and chicken strips. This restaurant is also home to Sonny Eclipse, a popular face of Tomorrowland. Sonny Eclipse is a singing audio-animatronic space alien that entertains guests as they dine at Cosmic Ray’s. Sonny performs 8 songs with his entire show lasting around 25 minutes before it loops again continuously. Guests have fallen in love with Sonny Eclipse over the years and many consider him to be a Tomorrowland mascot.

Which lesser-known character is your favorite? Let us know in the comments below!

Featured Photo: Emily Murray.