The game is basically the "tycoon" formula, where you get to design a theme park similar to the Magic Kingdom from Walt Disney World and other Disney Parks around the world. To expand the park, the player has to undo a curse cast upon by Maleficent as shown by the dark areas in the park.
These characters are only available to welcome during certain limited time events and are not always available to welcome. If the player does not welcome them in time in the events they are introduced at, they are available to welcome through other activities such as obtaining them from Legendary Chests or purchasing them during Tower Challenges for Maleficent Coins for a limited time.
Characters available in the game are either permanent and involved with the main storyline or available for a limited time. Each character has an individualized storyline that you can play through quests (though some require other characters). Unlocking most characters costs magic, while unlocking premium characters cost gems. Premium characters do not affect the overall storyline, but have their own quests after being unlocked. After unlocking a character, each character can level up by collecting the "tokens" to do so. These are obtained by completing quests, in addition to options of buying select tokens with elixir or earning them in chests or parade drops. Each level up will require more tokens and magic in addition to requiring more time than the previous level up. Currently, the maximum character level for any character is 10, with the exception of Merlin (Level 2 cap).
Players are able to build attractions for their park. Some attractions are directly taken from the Disney Parks while others are new attractions inspired by the franchises in the game.
The Incredibles 2016
From June 15, 2016 to July 14, 2016, welcome The Incredibles and Frozone to defeat Syndrome. Mrs. Incredible kicks off the event, followed by Dash, Violet, and Mr. Incredible. Frozone is available for purchase. For a limited time, stop Syndrome from causing more trouble around the kingdom.
This is Halloween 2016
From October 14, 2016 until November 1, 2016, Mickey will try to make Halloween awesome around the park. Jack and his friends from The Nightmare Before Christmas will try to help in their own way, but are followed by the Oogie Boogie, who will try to make it terrifying.
Winter Wonders 2016
From December 8, 2016 to January 2, 2017, welcome the Frozen characters to defeat Hans. Anna starts off the event, followed by Kristoff and Elsa. Olaf and Sven (available after when welcoming Kristoff) are available for purchase. For a limited time, stop Hans from taking over the winter weather around the kingdom.[1]
Lunar Festival 2017
From January 26, 2017 to February 5, 2017, welcome the Mulan characters to set up the Lunar Festival.[2]
Be Our Guest 2017
From March 9, 2017 to April 3, 2017, welcome Beauty and the Beast characters to defeat Gaston. Additionally welcome Merlin, Chip and Dale.[3]
Circle of Life 2017
From July 6, 2017 to July 31, 2017, welcome The Lion King characters to defeat Scar from taking over the Pride Lands. Additionally welcome Bullseye, Bagheera, Mowgli, and Squeeze Toy Alien (not until the event is over).
A Whole New World 2017
From August 17, 2017 to September 13, 2017, welcome the Aladdin characters to setup a welcome back party for Genie but some sand whirls are all over the kingdom. For a limited time stop Jafar from adding more sand whirls around the kingdom.[4]
A Merry Unbirthday 2017
From October 26, 2017 to November 16, 2017, welcome Alice in Wonderland characters for what the Mad Hatter forgot what he was getting ready for.
Snow White 2017
From December 7, 2017 to January 2, 2018 for a limited time, welcome Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs characters and defeat the Evil Queen.
2nd Anniversary/Honey Tree Troubles 2018
From March 8, 2018 to April 3, 2018, act quickly to welcome all Winnie the Pooh characters and get Pooh unstuck from the tree.
A Stitch-y Situation 2018
From April 19, 2018 to May 15, 2018, act quickly to welcome all Lilo & Stitch characters and help Nani find Lilo and Stitch.
The Tower Challenge 2018
From June 5, 2018 to June 20, 2018, send characters along with featured characters to stop Maleficent from adding more curse and welcome Jack-Jack Parr.
Trouble in San Fransokyo 2018
From July 5, 2018 to July 31, 2018, act quickly to welcome all Big Hero 6 characters and help Hiro reactivate Baymax.
The Tower Challenge 2018 (2)
From August 2, to August 17, 2018, send characters along with featured characters to stop Maleficent for the second time and welcome Christopher Robin.
A Watery Tale 2018
From September 6, 2018 to October 2, 2018, act quickly to welcome The Little Mermaid characters to help Ariel turn back into a human.
The Tower Challenge 2018 (3)/Villains Takeover
From October 18, 2018 to November 2, 2018 send characters along with featured characters to stop Maleficent for the third time and welcome the Mayor of Halloween Town.
I'm Gonna Wreck It 2018
From November 22, to December 21, 2018, act quickly and welcome Wreck-It Ralph characters and help Ralph search for Vanellope and battle a major virus while getting comfy outfits for the Disney Princesses.[5]
The Tower Challenge 2019 (4)
From January 25, 2019 to February 9, 2019, send characters along with featured characters to stop Maleficent for the fourth time and welcome Cri-Kee.
Dreams Do Come True! 2019
From February 14, to March 12, 2019, act quickly to welcome Princess and the Frog characters and stop Dr. Facilier!
The Tower Challenge 2019 (5)
From March 21, to April 5, 2019, send characters along with featured characters to stop Maleficent for the fifth time and welcome LeFou.
Find the Way 2019
From April 18, to May 14, 2019, act quickly to welcome Moana characters and stop the Kakamora![6]
The Tower Challenge 2019 (6)
From May 23, to June 7, 2019, send characters along with featured characters to stop Maleficent for the sixth time and welcome Rajah and additionally welcome The Sultan.
The Tower Challenge 2019 (7)
From July 9, to July 24, 2019, send characters along with featured characters to stop Maleficent for the seventh time and welcome Shenzi and additionally welcome Banzai and Ed.
Finding Marlin 2019
From August 8, to September 3, 2019, act quickly to welcome Finding Nemo characters and rescue Marlin!
The Tower Challenge 2019 (8)
From September 19, to October 4, 2019, send characters along with featured characters to stop Maleficent for the eighth time and welcome Prince Charming.
A Show to Remember 2019
From October 17, to November 12, 2019, act quickly to welcome Coco characters!
Into the Mist 2019
From November 26, to December 13, 2019, act quickly to welcome Frozen characters!
A Galaxy Far, Far Away... 2019
From December 19, 2019 to January 15, 2020, act quickly to welcome Star Wars characters!
Epic Quest 2020
From March 12, 2020 to April 6, 2020, act quickly to welcome Onward characters!
Early Access for Pocahontas 2020
From May 11, 2020 to May 19, 2020, clear tappers to welcome Pocahontas early and earn fabric for her limited-time Comfy costume!
Go the Distance 2020
From June 4, 2020 to July 1, 2020, act quickly to welcome Hercules characters!
The Tower Challenge 2020 (9)
From July 21, to August 5, 2020, send characters along with featured characters to stop Maleficent for the ninth time and welcome Owl.
The Tower Challenge 2020 (10)
From August 27, to September (?), 2020, send characters along with featured characters to stop Maleficent for the tenth time and welcome Gord.
Despite the removal, voices of Pluto and Mickey can still be heard when the player reaches a new level in the game.