Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937) is the first full-length animated film ever produced, paving the way for not only the future of animation but for filmmaking in general and several other forms of artistic expression and storytelling, including those found at Disney parks.
It might not be the first film that comes to mind when we think of IPs at Walt Disney World, but this story has some notable features in three of the four theme parks and one of the best character dining experiences at the resort.
First, rewatch the classic on Disney+ (I hear a new 4K remastering is coming soon, too!) then add these stops to your next Disney trip to experience the film at the parks….
Magic Kingdom
The most popular place to experience the classic animated film at the Magic Kingdom is, of course, at Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, the E-Ticket attraction located in New Fantasyland. (Do we still call it “New Fantasyland?” It’s not new anymore, but it’s not part of the “original” Fantasyland either. Hmm….)
Seven Dwarfs Mine Train opened in 2014, but even with the opening of TRON Lightcycle / Run earlier this year, the attraction continues to drive up high wait times of its own, prompting many guests to simply purchase an Individual Lightning Lane for the ride.
This attraction is unique as a family roller coaster that doubles as a dark ride. Themed to the mine where the seven dwarfs work, the coaster immerses guests into the vault during perhaps the film’s most iconic musical number, “Heigh Ho.”
The slow-moving dark ride portion of the ride is bookended with mild drops and turns made even more unique due to the swinging motion of the mine cart vehicles. While most of the attraction is focused on the mine, the final scene also showcases Snow White herself dancing with the dwarfs inside the cottage along with the Evil Queen as the Witch.
It’s easily the best attraction featuring Snow White at Walt Disney World, and while I personally would not wait in an hour+ line for it, you can (somewhat) easily avoid this by rope dropping it, hopping in line right before park close, or purchasing that Individual Lightning Lane.
Snow White’s Magic Kingdom character meet and greet is sort of sporadic, so you’ll want to check the My Disney Experience app to see if there’s there during your visit. If so, you’ll find her on Main Street, U.S.A. by the Town Square Theater Porch.
If you happen to be visiting during Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, the seven dwarfs returned this year for their meet and greet. You can find them by Pete’s Silly Sideshow, and this meet and greet is super unique because it’s the only time you can meet all seven dwarfs at once. The Evil Queen is featured in Mickey’s Boo-To-You Parade, as well, and she has appeared at character meet and greets as the Witch in years past, so it’s always worth checking the printed guide map or the My Disney Experience app to see what this year’s event is like.
In terms of character dining, Snow White is (subject to change) typically included in the lineup of princesses guests can meet during a meal inside the castle at Cinderella’s Royal Table.
Looking to see Snow White and the Prince together? This one is a little trickier to come by, but during previous holiday seasons, the couple could be spotted during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, so it never hurts to check if your next trip falls in November or December.
Without the character meet and greets, your best bet on seeing characters from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs in the Magic Kingdom will be to keep an eye out for them during the regular afternoon parade, Disney’s Festival of Fantasy Parade.
EPCOT
As you probably expect, Snow White does not have a major presence in EPCOT, but this park is the easiest place to meet the title princess. You can find her most days by the wishing well at the end of the Germany pavilion in World Showcase.
It’s not a permanent meet and greet location (though unless there is some kind of unforeseen circumstance she is basically there for set times every day.) Either way, you can find greeting times during your visit in the My Disney Experience app.
The character can also be found at Akershus Royal Banquet Hall, a Norwegian-American restaurant offering guests the chance to dine with the princesses. As always, the character lineup is subject to change, so be sure to confirm directly with Disney as you plan your trip.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Snow White is featured briefly in Fantasmic! (along with the Prince) at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, but this park actually has another interesting connection to the film.
On Sunset Boulevard, you’ll want to check out Once Upon a Time, a gift shop located on the right side of the street, as you head toward the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror and the Theatre of the Stars (where Beauty and the Beast Live on Stage is performed).
Inside, Once Upon a Time is a typical Disney park gift shop offering apparel, accessories, and a selection of plush, jewelry, pins, and the occasional decor. The outside of the building, however, is where the reference to Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs comes in.
While it has undergone several major updates in recent years, there is plenty of “Old Hollywood” to still be found at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. In addition to the replica of Grauman’s Chinese Theater (which previously housed the Great Movie Ride but now is home to Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway), and the Hollywood Brown Derby, Sunset Boulevard has its own Carthay Circle Theatre.
The original Carthay Circle Theatre opened on San Vicente Boulevard in Los Angeles in 1926. The theatre hosted the premieres of many beloved films from Hollywood’s golden age, including Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs in 1937.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios is also home to Walt Disney Presents, an exhibition walkthrough covering the history of the Walt Disney Company. Inside, one of the exhibit cases features a multiplane camera, which was invented for the production of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.
Disney Resorts
The last place Snow White fans need to check out at Walt Disney World is actually located outside the theme parks. Just a quick bus or boat ride from the Magic Kingdom, Disney’s Wilderness Lodge is home to Story Book Dining at Artist Point with Snow White.
Artist Point currently features a prix-fixe menu with something for everyone, alongside character greetings with Snow White, Dopey and Grumpy, and the Evil Queen. As far as character dining goes, this restaurant tops the list for many Disney fans simply because two of the dwarfs and the Evil Queen are not easy meet and greets to come by outside of this experience.
Want to keep reading about Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs? Check out…
- Josh’s Review of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937)
- Who Voiced Snow White? Caselotti and Her Disney Legacy
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