Mickey. Goofy. Stitch. Elsa. Belle. Aladdin.
Listen, we love these characters as much as the next Disney fan! And we think they deserve all of the love they receive. But isn’t there enough love to go around? There are a lot of great Disney characters that don’t have attractions or even a role in the Castle show! It’s about time they got the respect they deserve.
Here are six of our favorite underrated characters that we’d like to see get more respect.
1. Hercules
When the movie first premiered, Hercules had his own parade but now…now, he’s vanished! Sure, he pops up at a special event every now and again, but he’s a Greek God! He should be more than just a seasonal character at runDisney events.
Hercules is a pretty underrated movie in general, and we’d love to see the hero out and about again on a regular basis. Maybe they add a Greece Pavilion at Epcot (which would be awesome for so many reasons), and they could have a character meal with Herc, Meg, Hades, and Pain & Panic. He could at least be in a parade — he can go from Zero (presence in the park) to Hero!
2. Thomas O’ Malley
This smooth-talking, rogue tomcat from The Aristocats deserves some respect! He’s funny, he’s suave, and honestly, he’s good looking for a cat. He could meet guests in the France Pavilion with Marie! I know I’d get in line.
3. Bernard & Bianca
You know what deserves respect? Saving a child from their captor. You know what REALLY deserves respect? Doing it twice.
That’s what Bernard and Bianca do in The Rescuers and The Rescuers Down Under. And do they have a presence in any of the U.S. Disney parks? No, they do not.
How fun would an attraction be where you fly on Orville or Wilbur’s back? Or at least bring Bianca out so she can give me fashion advice.
4. Dodger
It’s a dog voiced by Billy Joel — maybe you’ve heard of him? (Of course you have. Which is why he deserves our respect!)
Not only did the Piano Man voice the character, but he sings one of the most underrated Disney songs ever, “Why Should I Worry?” And frankly, we’re WORRIED that Dodger isn’t present anywhere in Disney World.
P.S. Bette Midler voices a spoiled poodle named Georgette in this same film. Honestly, we just need more Oliver & Company.
5. Mulan
Mulan does have the most presence in the parks on our list, but still, it’s not enough. I mean she saved China! Doesn’t Mulan deserve more than a simple meet & greet?
It would be fun to incorporate Mulan (not to mention Mushu and Shang) into a meal at Nine Dragons! A dumpling with a side of meeting my favorite warrior princess? YES, PLEASE!
6. Every Character in The Emperor’s New Groove
The Emperor’s New Groove may be the most underrated Disney movie of all time. It’s super funny, especially for adults, and it has incredible characters voiced by incredible actors. But for some reason, it doesn’t get very much love!
We’d love to see Kuzco, Kronk, Pacha, and Yzma around the parks. Honestly, I’m not even picky as to how, but if I were to really dream… it would be a roller coaster like the one Yzma and Kronk take to her secret lair.
What do you think — who are the most underrated characters that deserve some respect? Let us know in the comments!
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Totally agree, but Herc is getting some a bit of love these days. Check out the Hercules Travel Mug on Shop Disney.
Omg, you are so right. Mulan meal would be AMAZING. How about Tiana at Boatwrights? Emperors New Groove is one of my favorites! Some new character presence would be an easy way to add some fun! Remember the characterpalooza? So so fun.
Couldn’t agree more especially Hercules and Emperor’s New Groove, both criminally underrated. Would like to see more Tarzan around the parks – was so bummed when Tarzan Rocks closed. And while I know it takes all kinds, there are so many characters and attractions in the parks that I just don’t get.
Couldn’t agree more especially about Hercules and Emperor’s New Groove, both criminally underrated. And while I respect that everyone likes different things, there are so many characters and attractions in the park that I Personally don’t love and they don’t feel “Disney” to me.
For me, it’s gotta be Wall-E. The film itself won an Oscar for best animated feature, the story was so touching, and the character himself was the epitome of Disney anthropomorphism. Granted, this might be a tough one to pull off as a costumed park character — though not impossible, if you remember “Push” the trash can — but the film really deserves some presence in the park. (Suggestion for imagineers trolling this site: replace the Stitch ride with a Wall-E themed attraction in Tomorrowland!)
Characters from hunch back of notre dame. They had musical at MGM Studios but nothing now.
Most of the Sword in the Stone characters have been lost in time. Merlin appears now and then, but don’t think I’ve ever seen Mad Madam Mim or Wart.