Move over Cinderella and Snow White, there’s a new Disney ® princess in town! Walt Disney World ® is proud to introduce Merida, from Pixar’s upcoming film “Brave” to the Orlando theme park’s princess lineup. And while Merida isn’t expected at the Magic Kingdom ® for another couple of weeks, the redheaded princess has tested out a few rehearsal meet-and-greets at Epcot ®.

To get used to meeting her fans at Magic Kingdom ® later this month, Merida began making appearances at Epcot ® and the result was magical! With a slight Scottish accent, firey red hair, and her expressive nature, Merida met lucky guests at various locations throughout the park, offering up some more information about herself including her heritage, family, archery skills, and connection to the mystical world around her.

Just like her animated character, Merida, who has been described as “headstrong teenager with a vibrant spirit and a softness of heart” was wide-eyed and excited, a bit mysterious and explored her surroundings with a spirit of wonder and of course a giant smile. The fun-loving princess even encouraged guests to strike a bow-and-arrow pose with her for pictures.

Merida is Pixar’s first “face character” for Disney’s ® theme parks. You can expect to find Merida at her permanent home in Magic Kingdom ® when Fairytale Garden is turned into her home the Scottish Highlands later this month. During the meet-and-greet experience guests will have the opportunity to learn how to shoot a bow and arrow with archery lessons as well as other fun activities before actually meeting Disney’s ® newest female lead character. Three bear cub characters from the new movie will also be a part of the meet-and-greet.

Until Merida makes the move to her permanent home at Magic Kingdom ®, Epcot ® guests should be on the look out for her curly red hair and shimmery green dress as she continues to get ready for her new role.

Merida’s Epcot ® and upcoming Magic Kingdom ® meet-and-greets aren’t the first time the public has been able to see the princess. Merida showed up at the CinemaCon tradeshow in Las Vegas last month where movie theater exhibitors were able to meet the princess and see the first 30 minutes of “Brave.”

To be one of the first to strike a bow-and-arrow pose with Disney’s ® newest princess as well as experience some of Disney’s ® other characters for meet-and-greets you can find discounted Walt Disney World ® tickets right here on Best of Orlando. “Brave” hits theaters June 22.