DISNEYLAND PARIS POP UP SURPRISE

THE COMPLETE GUIDE FOR DISNEYLAND PASS HOLDERS

Disneyland Pass Pop Up Surprise

Disneyland Paris Pop Up Surprise Guide

Updated 9th June 2026

Imagine stepping into a hidden corner of Disneyland Paris, where rare Disney characters await, ready for an exclusive meet-and-greet. Welcome to the Disneyland Paris Pop-Up Surprise, a must-know character meet and greet experience exclusively for Disneyland Pass holders and the biggest question we are asked is, when is the next pop-up happening and unfortunatley the next Pop-Up Surprise date is currently not known!

In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about this exciting, ever-changing event:

What the Pop-Up Surprise is all about,
Who can attend (hint: it’s for Disneyland Pass holders!),
How to book your spot easily,
Which characters have appeared in previous seasons,
And when you can expect the next magical Pop-Up Surprise to take place.

Since its debut in 2023, the Pop-Up Surprise has been delighting Disney fans with rare character encounters (mostly!), and it’s not slowing down anytime soon as we’ve already seen two seasons in 2025. Whether you’re already a Disneyland Pass holder or you’re thinking of getting one, this guide will help you decide if these magical meet-and-greets are worth the trip.

(And of course, we’ll sprinkle in a few tips to make your experience even more magical!)

When is the next Disneyland Paris Pop-Up Surprise for Annual Passholders

If you’ve been wondering when the next Pop Up Surprise for Annual Pass holders is happening, the next date is currently not known. We’ll be sharing full details as soon as they are announced in our newsletter, so it’s the best way to stay up to date and avoid missing out when new sessions are released. When Pop Up Surprises do return, they typically run as limited seasonal releases with short booking windows. Previous releases have included themed character appearances, such as Pixar favourites like Inside Out and Up, but character line-ups and formats are always subject to change. Bookings usually open a few weeks in advance and tend to fill quickly once they go live. Keeping an eye on official updates is essential, as availability can disappear within a short time of release. If you want the earliest possible notice when reservations open, signing up to our newsletter is the most reliable way to stay informed and avoid missing booking windows.

Quick Overview: What You Need to Know

The Next Disneyland Paris Pop Up Surprise We’ll be sharing full details as soon as they are announced in our newsletter, so it’s the best way to stay up to date and avoid missing out when new sessions are released.

Here’s a snapshot of the Disneyland Paris Pop-Up Surprise, so you can get straight to the important details:

What is the Pop Up Surprise?
A magical, exclusive meet-and-greet event for Disneyland Pass holders, offering rare character encounters in a unique, private setting.

Who can attend?
Only Disneyland Pass holders can participate. You’ll need to book a time slot through the Annual Pass Portal, and up to three guests can join you (as long as they also have a valid Disneyland Pass and park reservation).

How do you book?
Head to the Annual Pass Portal, sign in, choose your date and time, and confirm your booking. Simple as that!

Where does it take place?
The Pop-Up Surprise is held in a special venue opposite the Royal Castle Stage, at the location of the former Annual Pass office between Discoveryland and Fantasyland.

What characters have appeared before?
Past seasons have featured fan favourites like Tinker Bell, Oswald, Ortensia, Queen Anna, Queen Elsa, Marie, Berlioz, Toulouse, Clarice, Max, Terk, Robin Hood, Prince John, Mirabel Madrigal, Miguel, Captain Mickey Mouse, Captain Minnie Mouse, and Captain Jack Sparrow.

When is the next Pop-Up Surprise?
Pop-Up Surprises happen regularly throughout the year. The current pop-up surprise ends on the 18th of May, 2025. Sign up to our newsletter to stay up to date with the upcoming pop ups.

What is the Pop-Up Surprise?

The Disneyland Paris Pop-Up Surprise is an exclusive, seasonal event for Disneyland Pass holders, offering rare character meet-and-greets in a private venue.

Ah, the Disneyland Paris Pop-Up Surprise, one of the newer benefits of the Disneyland Pass that adds a little extra pixie dust to the passholder experience.

First launched in 2023 alongside the introduction of the Disneyland Pass at Disneyland Paris, the Pop-Up Surprise quickly became one of the more talked-about perks for passholders. The concept is simple, exclusive character meet and greets with rare Disney characters that you would not normally encounter during a standard park visit.

These experiences take place in a dedicated, often discreet indoor location, creating a more relaxed and intimate setting compared to regular walkabout or standard meet and greet locations.

Here is how it typically works:

Two characters per visit
Each session usually includes two separate sets, with one character per set, meaning you get to meet two characters during a single experience.
Character rotation within sets
In some seasons, a set may include multiple possible characters rather than a fixed one. When this happens, the characters rotate, so you will only meet one of them. For example, in a recent Pop-Up Surprise, guests could meet either Captain Mickey Mouse or Captain Minnie Mouse within the same set, depending on the rotation.
Exclusive passholder experience
This is a benefit reserved exclusively for Disneyland Pass holders at Disneyland Paris, making it a more personal and sought-after alternative to standard character meet and greets.

Whether you are a regular passholder or considering joining, the Pop-Up Surprise adds an extra layer of variety and spontaneity to visits, especially for those who enjoy collecting character encounters beyond the usual park offerings.

Where does the Pop-Up Surprise take place?

The Disneyland Paris Pop-Up Surprise has traditionally taken place in a private indoor venue located in the former Annual Pass office, just opposite the Royal Castle Stage in Disneyland Paris.

This space works well because it offers an indoor, controlled environment away from the main park crowds. It creates a more relaxed feel compared to standard outdoor meet and greet locations, giving passholders a quieter moment to enjoy their character encounters without the usual hustle and bustle.

It also allows Disney to design two distinct sets for each session, with themed backdrops that change depending on the characters appearing that season. These details often make the experience feel more immersive, especially for photos, as each set is styled to match the characters being featured.

At the moment, that original location is not in use due to refurbishment work in the surrounding area, so sessions have been temporarily relocated or adapted depending on operational needs.

The question many passholders are now asking is: if another Pop-Up Surprise is announced, where would it take place?

One possibility could be another indoor guest experience space within Disneyland Paris, such as the Animation Celebration or a similar venue that can accommodate controlled meet and greet setups. However, nothing has been confirmed, and Disney has not officially indicated whether the experience will return to its original location or move elsewhere.

Until new dates are released, the exact venue remains part of the surprise, which adds to the anticipation each time a new season is announced.

How to Book the Pop-Up Surprise

Follow these steps to book your spot at the Disneyland Paris Pop-Up Surprise.

Visit the Annual Pass Portal
Head to the official Annual Pass Portal to begin the booking process.
Sign into your account
Use your Disneyland Pass details to sign in.
Click on ‘Benefits’
Once logged in, navigate to the ‘Benefits’ section to find the Pop-Up Surprise.
Select a date
Pick the date you want to attend.
Choose a time slot
Select your preferred time slot. These can fill up fast, so be quick!
Confirm your booking
Double-check your details and confirm your booking.

Important Booking Notes:
Limited availability, these exclusive spots fill up quickly, so it’s best to book as early as possible.

You can bring up to three guests with you, but they must also have valid Disneyland Passes and park reservations to enter Disneyland Park and join you at the event.

Current Disneyland Paris Pop-Up Surprises

Get ready for something extra magical this season: the Pop-Up Surprise is returning, bringing exclusive meet-and-greets with special characters in a unique setting. Whether you’re a dedicated character hunter or just love unexpected Disney moments, this event is one you’ll want to keep an eye on.

Previous Disneyland Paris Pop-Up Surprises

Since their debut in 2023, Pop Up Surprise events have become one of the more noticeable perks for Disneyland Pass holders at Disneyland Paris. Each season has brought something slightly different, with changes to character line-ups, themes, and availability depending on operational planning.

Looking back across the different releases gives a clearer idea of how the experience has evolved, from early sessions that helped define the format to later seasons that introduced more variation and occasional surprises in both characters and set design.

Here is a look back at previous Pop Up Surprise seasons and what passholders experienced.

Season 7: November 7 – November 30, 2025

Set 1: Joy or Sadness (Inside Out)
Set 2: Carl or Russel (Up)

Get ready to step into a whirlwind of emotions and adventure with this season’s Pop-Up Surprise at Disneyland Paris. Set 1 brings the heartwarming duo from Inside Out, where you’ll have the chance to meet either Joy or Sadness, perfect for fans who love Pixar’s emotional side.

Over in Set 2, you’ll find yourself soaring high with Carl or Russell from Up, bringing a dose of exploration and charm to the experience.

What do you think of this character line-up? We personally feel the Pop-Up Surprise could use a bit more sparkle with rarer characters , ones we don’t already see in the parks or at every Annual Pass Party. It’s still a fun mix, but here’s hoping future editions bring back that element of surprise that made earlier seasons feel truly special.

Season 6: April 25 – May 18, 2025

Set 1: Captain Mickey Mouse or Captain Minnie Mouse
Set 2: Captain Jack Sparrow

Ahoy, mateys! With the Disney Cruise Line theme, Captain Mickey, Captain Minnie, and Captain Jack Sparrow made sure the Pop-Up Surprise sailed smoothly into new territory. These stylish outfits and the unique nautical vibe made it one of the most photogenic seasons yet. A fitting celebration for fans dreaming of Disney adventures both on land and sea.

Season 5: February 7 – March 2, 2025

Set 1: Mirabel Madrigal (Encanto)
Set 2: Miguel (Coco)

Talk about star power! Mirabel and Miguel brought so much colour, energy, and heart to the pop-up experience. Passholders were thrilled to finally meet two newer Disney icons in such a personal setting. This season was a real crowd-pleaser and showed Disneyland Paris was really listening to fan feedback after many guests complained they were unable to meet Miguel during the Halloween season.

Season 4: July 19 – August 11, 2024

Set 1: Terk (Tarzan)
Set 2: Robin Hood or Prince John (Sherwood Forest)

Now this was a comeback! Not only did we get to meet rarities like Terk and the mischievous Sherwood duo, but Disneyland Paris also lifted Bronze Pass blockout days, a small miracle that made it easier for more fans to join in the fun.

Season 3: April 26 – May 19, 2024

Set 1: Clarice (Rainbow Pride outfit)
Set 2: Max (Goofy’s son)

Here’s where things got a little… controversial. While Clarice looked fabulous in her vibrant Pride outfit and Max is always a bundle of energy, some passholders felt this season was missing the ‘rare character’ wow factor. Not every season can be a smash hit, but the vibes were still fun!

Season 2: January 12 – February 4, 2024

Set 1: Queen Anna or Queen Elsa (Frozen 2 outfits)
Set 2: Marie, Berlioz, or Toulouse (The Aristocats)

Winter magic was in full swing with this season! Frozen fans especially were living their best Arendelle dreams, meeting Anna and Elsa in their royal gowns from Frozen 2. Throw in the adorable kittens from The Aristocats, and you had an absolutely purr-fect line-up.

Season 1: September 1 – September 24, 2023

Set 1: Tinker Bell
Set 2: Oswald or Ortensia

The first-ever Pop-Up Surprise really hit the ground running. Meeting the iconic Tinker Bell or the rare duo Oswald and Ortensia had fans buzzing with excitement. It set high expectations for what was to come, and honestly, what a magical start it was!

Tips for Attending a Disneyland Paris Pop-Up Surprise

Top Tip: Special snacks often sell out, especially at Victoria’s, so if you’ve got your heart set on a particular treat, aim for an earlier visit rather than waiting until the evening.

Want to make the most out of your Pop-Up Surprise experience? Here are a few tried-and-tested tips from those of us who have been there, smiled awkwardly in excitement, and walked away with the best Disney memories!

1. Arrive Early
While you’ll have a booked time slot, it’s still a good idea to get there a few minutes early. It gives you time to find the venue (opposite the Royal Castle Stage) without rushing, and you’ll feel way more relaxed stepping into the magic.

2. Be Prepared for Surprise Characters
Remember, if a set has multiple characters listed, you’ll only meet one of them, chosen at random. No swapping, no choosing. just pure Disney luck! It adds to the excitement, but it’s good to set expectations ahead of time, especially if you have a favourite you’re hoping to meet.

3. Bring Your Own Camera or Phone
There are no Disney PhotoPass photographers inside the venue, so it’s up to you (or your guest) to snap those magical moments. Make sure your device is charged and ready. Trust me, you don’t want to be that person frantically deleting apps to make space!

4. Coordinate Your Outfit
This might sound extra, but trust me, a little outfit planning goes a long way! Wearing something themed (think nautical for Captain Mickey or floral for Mirabel) makes your photos pop and adds a bit of Disney flair to your memories. We know many of you love a Disney bound!

5. Have Your Documents Ready
You’ll need your Disneyland Pass and a valid park reservation for entry. If you’re bringing guests (up to three), they’ll need the same. Save yourself the panic at the door by double-checking everyone has their Annual Pass ready (either physical card or digital version on the DLP App).

6. Stay Flexible and Enjoy the Moment
Half the fun of a Pop-Up Surprise is not knowing exactly who you’ll meet. As many sets are the home to multiple characters, unfortunately, you need to remember you will only meet one. Even if you don’t get your top choice, every character encounter is special, and honestly, sometimes the unexpected ones make for the best experiences!

Disneyland Paris Pop-Up Surprise: FAQ

What is the Disneyland Paris Pop Up Surprise?

The Disneyland Paris Pop Up Surprise is an exclusive character meet and greet experience available only to Disneyland Pass holders at Disneyland Paris. It offers the chance to meet rare Disney characters in a more private indoor setting, away from the standard walk up meet and greet queues.

Who can attend the Pop Up Surprise?

Only Disneyland Pass holders with a valid park reservation can attend. Each booking usually allows the passholder to bring up to three additional Disneyland Pass holders, provided they also have valid park reservations. Availability is limited, so it is important that everyone is correctly booked in advance.

Where does the Pop Up Surprise take place?

The Pop Up Surprise has traditionally taken place in the former Annual Pass office inside Disneyland Paris, located opposite the Royal Castle Stage in Disneyland Park.

In recent seasons, this space has occasionally been unavailable due to refurbishment work in the surrounding area, so the exact location can vary depending on operational changes within the park.

How do I book a Pop Up Surprise?

Bookings are made through the official Disneyland Pass portal, not the main Disneyland Paris website.

To book, you typically need to:

Log into the Disneyland Pass portal
Go to the Benefits section
Select an available date and time
Confirm your booking once slots are released

In practice, availability is extremely limited and sessions often fill very quickly once they go live, so timing is key.

How many characters do I meet during a Pop Up Surprise?

You usually meet two characters per session, with one appearing in each set.

In some cases, a set may include multiple possible characters rather than a fixed one. When this happens, the character you meet is selected at random, meaning you will only meet one of the listed options.

Are Disney PhotoPass photographers available during the Pop Up Surprise?

No. There are no PhotoPass photographers inside the venue. Guests are responsible for taking their own photos, so it is worth ensuring your phone or camera is charged and has enough storage before your session.

Is the Pop Up Surprise worth it?

For many Disneyland Pass holders, the appeal comes from the more intimate nature of the experience and the chance to meet characters that are not always available in regular park locations. It is best suited to guests who enjoy character interactions and are comfortable with the unpredictability of rotating line-ups.

When does the current Pop Up Surprise run?

Pop Up Surprise seasons are released in limited runs rather than operating continuously, and dates vary each time they are announced. At present, upcoming dates are not fixed and are shared when new seasons are confirmed.

Will there be more Pop Up Surprises in the future?

Yes. While each season is announced separately, Pop Up Surprises have become a recurring benefit of the Disneyland Pass. New releases are typically announced in advance, with details shared closer to booking openings.

Ready to Experience the Magic?

If reading about all these incredible character meet-and-greets has you picturing yourself high-fiving Terk or posing proudly with Captain Minnie, it might just be time to consider a Disneyland Pass!

Not sure if it’s right for you? No worries, we’ve put together a Disneyland Paris Annual Pass guide to help you decide if an Annual Pass is worth it for your Disney adventures.

Already a passholder or just love staying in the know? Make sure you sign up to our newsletter to get the latest updates on Pop-Up Surprises, special events, and all the Disneyland Paris magic, straight to your inbox.