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

in Disney, Entertainment, Walt Disney World

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…

…is often wide-eyed and excited…



…seems to be a bit sly…

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

…and always is ready with a big smile.

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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