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Video: Merida from Disney/Pixar’s “Brave” meets and greets with first guests in Epcot at Walt Disney World

in Entertainment, The Walt Disney Company, Walt Disney World

Posted on by Ricky Brigante 19 Comments
Merida greets guests at Epcot with her signature fiery red curls, a bright smile, light makeup, and her iconic green dress.

Though the official meet-and-greet spot for Disney’s newest princess Merida, from Pixar’s upcoming film “Brave,” won’t debut at the Magic Kingdom for another couple weeks, Walt Disney World has already brought out the expressive redhead for a few “test” greetings with fans.

Armed with a noticeable, but entirely understandable Scottish accent, Merida began making unscheduled appearances at Epcot to begin getting acquainted with daily guest encounters before making her grand debut later this month. Guests lucky enough to happen across her at a variety of locations throughout the park have learned a bit about her heritage, family, archery skills, and connection to the mystical world around her.

UPDATE (5/12/12): Merida has made her Magic Kingdom debut along with three animated bear cubs from “Brave”:

We have more about the permanent Magic Kingdom meet-and-greet here.

Jeff Lange of JeffLangeDVD.com and Denise Preskitt of MouseSteps.com chatted with Merida this morning and posted a video showing just how animated this real-life character is in the parks.

Video: Merida from Disney/Pixar’s “Brave” meets and greets with guests

(Video by Jeff Lange and Denise Preskitt)

Merida in-person appears to be just as emotion-rich as she has been seen in the many trailers and clips that have been released for “Brave,” due out in U.S. theaters on June 22, 2012.

She encourages guests to strike a bow-and-arrow pose with her…

Guests bring the magic to Epcot as one channels Merida from Disney Pixar’s Brave in a blue dress and curly red hair, both striking playful archer poses for an unforgettable park day photo.

Merida, the beloved Pixar princess, stands in a lush forest scene at Epcot, drawing her bow and arrow with her signature wild red curls and iconic dark green dress and cape.

…is often wide-eyed and excited…

Merida from Disney’s Brave beams with a wide smile, her iconic wild red curls shining as she stands outdoors near a green awning and sign—channeling the spirited energy guests expect right outside Epcot at Walt Disney World.

Merida stands in a dark, mist-shrouded forest at a Disney park, her signature long, curly red hair glowing as she gazes at a magical blue wisp floating before her.

…seems to be a bit sly…

Merida from Brave poses near lush bushes at Epcot, her long, curly red hair flowing and subtle makeup completing her look as she smiles for the camera.

Merida from Disney’s Brave, with her signature curly red hair and blue eyes, stands ready with her bow in hand and a determined expression—capturing the adventurous spirit seen at Disneyland or Walt Disney World.

…treats the world around her with a spirit of wonder…

Merida with her signature long, curly red hair gazes upward outside near lush greenery and the entrance of a pavilion at Epcot in Walt Disney World.

…and always is ready with a big smile.

Merida from Disney-Pixar’s Brave greets guests at Epcot, her signature long, curly red hair and blue dress standing out against a lush backdrop of trees and greenery.

Merida is Pixar’s first “face character” for Disney’s theme parks, though she recently made her first meet-and-greet appearance at CinemaCon in Las Vegas.

Her permanent Magic Kingdom meet-and-greet home in Fairytale Garden is scheduled to open later this month. Until then, she may be seen here and there around Epcot.

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