Credit: DisneyThere’s an excitement that ripples through Disney character meet-and-greet communities when rare characters debut in Disney parks. These characters transition from animated films into physical walk-around figures that guests can hug, photograph, and interact with, creating unforgettable memories.
Despite a vast array of characters from classic films, Pixar, Marvel, and more, some beloved characters have remained absent from parks, like Humphrey the Bear. He has been part of Disney’s animated universe since the 1950s, but never had a meet-and-greet presence until now.
For Disney California Adventure’s 25th anniversary, Humphrey made his first appearance at Storytellers Cafe, alongside Donald’s Tales of Adventure buffet at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel. This offers fans a unique chance to meet a classic character who previously existed only in animation.
Humphrey’s Debut at Donald’s Tales of Adventure
Humphrey the Bear has made his first Disney Parks appearance at Storytellers Cafe as part of Disney California Adventure’s 25th anniversary offerings. He joins the characters of Donald’s Tales of Adventure dinner buffet, apparently replacing Goofy during the character dining experience.
This mischievous, snack-loving grizzly bear of Brownstone National Park is featured in several Disney animated shorts, including two of his own as the leading star. Humphrey’s humorous antics in Goofy and Donald Duck cartoons and beyond even inspired Humphrey’s Service & Supplies shop at Disney California Adventure, creating a thematic connection between the character and the park’s existing retail locations.
Character Dining Location
Humphrey is meeting guests as part of Donald’s Tales of Adventure Dinner Buffet at Storytellers Cafe in Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel. Advanced reservations are highly recommended and can be booked up to 60 days in advance on the Disneyland website or through the Disneyland app.
The character dining experience allows guests to enjoy a buffet-style meal while characters visit tables for photos and brief interactions, creating opportunities for Humphrey meet-and-greets without requiring separate character greeting queues or designated photo spots within the theme parks themselves.
Disney California Adventure 25th Anniversary Context
Humphrey’s debut is part of broader Disney California Adventure 25th anniversary celebrations. The park opened February 8, 2001 to widespread criticism for feeling cheap and uninspired, initially intended to celebrate California landmarks but falling short of Disney magic guests expected.
Over years following the troubled opening, Disney invested billions reimagining the park through attractions like Cars Land, Buena Vista Street, and Avengers Campus, transforming Disney California Adventure into beloved destination that bears little resemblance to its original 2001 configuration.
Soarin’ Over California Returns to Disney Park
The fan-favorite Soarin’ Over California returns for a limited run from February 6 through July 1, 2026. The original attraction takes guests on a virtual tour of California landmarks, including the Golden Gate Bridge, Yosemite National Park, Palm Springs, and downtown Los Angeles, set to a serene and dramatic musical score.
Soarin’ Over California holds special significance as one of the few opening-day attractions that genuinely impressed guests during the park’s early troubled years. The attraction was replaced by Soarin’ Around the World in 2016, but fans have consistently requested the original California-focused version’s return.
On July 2, 2026, the all-new Soarin’ Across America will debut celebrating America’s 250th anniversary, providing yet another variation on the successful attraction format.
Mickey and Minnie Anniversary Outfits
Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse debut new outfits on Buena Vista Street beginning February 6 for a limited time. The costumes feature sun motifs and vibrant color palettes nodding to when the park first welcomed guests with themes of golden possibility.
The special outfits provide photo opportunities for guests wanting to commemorate the anniversary while creating a visual distinction from the characters’ regular appearances during non-anniversary periods.
Anniversary Food and Merchandise
Schmoozies serves decadent cake shakes from February 6-15, 2026. The confetti shake includes strawberry icing, sprinkles, whipped topping, and a cake slice, creating an indulgent anniversary treat.
The Pixar Pal-A-Round Bucket represents the anniversary’s signature novelty item. Modeled after the iconic Ferris wheel, the bucket features embedded “Magic Inside” technology that reacts to select locations in both theme parks, changing color and lighting patterns. The lighting effects enhance storytelling in some lands and attractions while amplifying select nighttime spectaculars.
The Disney California Adventure 25th Anniversary Collection merchandise features apparel and three collectible pins available beginning February 6 at Elias & Co., Gone Hollywood, and Seaside Souvenirs. The elevated artwork features stylized illustrations of park icons, including the Carthay Circle tower, Pixar Pal-A-Round, and Grizzly Peak.
Commemorative Disney Map
On February 8, 2026, guests entering California Adventure with valid park tickets may receive complimentary commemorative maps while supplies last.
Grand Californian Hotel Celebrations
Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa also celebrates its 25th anniversary, having welcomed its first guests on January 2, 2001, and officially opening on February 8, 2001. The hotel was the first Disney property located inside a theme park with direct access to California Adventure.
A limited edition pin paying tribute to the hotel’s 25th anniversary is available at Acorns Gifts & Goods. Chip ‘n’ Dale are depicted in front of the hotel’s Craftsman-style facade on the pin presented on backer card inspired by the hotel’s signature architectural elements.
Downtown Disney Anniversary
Downtown Disney District opened January 12, 2001, introducing dining, shopping, and entertainment venues. For limited time, special anniversary tote and pin featuring the district’s new logo are available at World of Disney.
Select Downtown Disney restaurants serve specialty menu items honoring the Disneyland Resort 70th Celebration, including Bananas Foster beignets at Beignets Expressed, French “70” cocktail at Jazz Kitchen Coastal Grill & Patio, macaron croissants at Kayla’s Cake, and Incredi-Bitz at Wetzel’s Pretzels.
Why Humphrey Matters
Humphrey the Bear’s first Disney Parks appearance marks a significant moment for fans of classic Disney animation who have long wanted to meet this character. His inclusion in Donald’s Tales of Adventure dinner buffet creates an accessible meet-and-greet opportunity while celebrating Disney California Adventure’s 25th anniversary through a character who embodies California wilderness theming that has always been part of the park’s identity.
For Disney character enthusiasts, Humphrey’s debut demonstrates Disney’s willingness to draw on its deep catalog of animated characters to create special experiences during milestone celebrations, rather than relying exclusively on the most commercially prominent contemporary characters.