Winnie the Pooh’s friends Eeyore and Tigger have journeyed from the Hundred Acre Wood and made surprise appearances at EPCOT this morning in place of Pooh bear himself.
Eeyore Says Hello
On the official My Disney Experience app, only Winnie was publicly slated to greet visitors, so it was quite the unique surprise when guests had a different encounter.
We spotted Eeyore at about 11:30 a.m. in the field next to the Imagination! Pavilion with Pooh’s butterfly net, bashfully greeting onlookers.
Though these character appearances take place behind a fence, they will come close to guests and pose for photos.
Tigger Arrives for the Butterflies
Tigger came out at noon, doing a bit more frolicking through the field than his gloomy friend.
He was also catching butterflies with a bit more determination.
Winnie the Pooh Appearance
After that, Winnie the Pooh was back out, returning to say hello to guests.
Winnie the Pooh first began appearing in the area when the parks reopened in July 2020, following the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Traditional character meet and greets were suspended at the time, so characters only appeared at a distance.
Though traditional meet and greets have returned, Winnie the Pooh continues to appear in the field next to the Imagination! Pavilion at regular intervals throughout the day — though Eeyore and Tigger’s surprise appearances could mean they will continue to rotate with Pooh.
They may also be practicing for appearances at this year’s Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. Winnie the Pooh and friends dress up for the holiday parties and appear at The Thotful Spot, next to The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh in Magic Kingdom. Winnie the Pooh and Tigger appear at The Thotful Spot year-round.
Winnie the Pooh and friends had a dedicated meet and greet area in the U.K. Pavilion after the EPCOT Character Spot closed in 2019, though they have not appeared in the UK since 2020.
Have you ever spotted some of Christopher Robin’s friends around Walt Disney World? Let us know in the comments.
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