Besides the hard ticketed events (
MNSSHP and
MVMCP), the only other times we have seen rare characters is when they are doing characters in training at the different parks. Which BTW this is where we have had the best character interactions, they all really get into character and have fun with the guests . We have had so much fun with those characters that whenever we happen to come across characters in training, we most definitely stop...no matter if we are running to get to use a FP or get to an ADR. If you are wondering where the characters in training are, we have seen them at the American Pavilion in Epcot, and also a spot in the WS that they open up for special events like F&W festival and F&G (sorry, not sure which countries it is near, hopefully ROBO can let you know for sure), right in front of the Chinese Theater in DHS, and near the front entrance of AK. As for MK, we really haven't come across them there but we are still looking

. I do want to note that for characters in training, you are not guaranteed to see "rare characters", we have also seen characters that roam the parks normally (Goofy, Pooh, and Donald Duck), however the interactions with these characters are still the best and ones that you shouldn't miss if you can help it.