Character Interaction with Adult Solos

[Frank_Bullitt]

Firstly, Howdy All!! Haven't posted for a while...

having said that
I'M GOING TO WDW!!! :cool1:

Actually, I'm going to a conference at WDW Jan 25-Feb 1, although I probably will be spending more time in the parks then actually at the conference...so if you see a fellow in a business suit with a seminar lanyard waiting in line to get his autograph with Mickey, its probably me:cool2:

The question I wanted to ask is how is the character interaction with adult solos? I mean, I'm a 30 year old MBA-graduated sales manager, I love WDW and have heard of all the great stories and the idea of getting autographs and interacting with characters, but don't want to come off as a creep.

Any input, pointers or anecdotes would be great...

[MOREMICKEYFORME]

I am a Cinderella fan and I go to see her on every visit.
Some will tell you (and yes, there are even a few pictures) of me crying when seeing her. I know she is just some young woman in a costume for goodness sakes, but I can't help it!!! I know, she must think I am a freak, but I don't care!
My advice- go for it...get the autograph and pic with Mickey...you'll be happy you did!

(I am also a professional business woman-DHS, but when I go to Disney, I am 8 again!)

[kacaju]

I was just coming on here to ask the same thing!!
I am older then you are... and my dh is on business next week in Disney. I am gonig with him and I was thinking of seeing as many characters as I can. When we took our kids last year they didn't want to be bothered waiting on line for the characters!!
Question I had...are the CM's OK if you ask them to take your picture with your camera?? I really don't want to be bothered with the photopass.

[jadedbeauty14304]

Hey there! I had to drag my daughter in line for Sorcerer Mickey so that I could get a picture with him. I make ADR's for character meals so that I can get pictures with them...lol There are a lot of adults who love the characters. It is not creepy, it is Disney!!!

[MOREMICKEYFORME]

Cast members will take pictures for you, they don't mind at all!

Tracy- I've had to drag my 16 YO to meet characters before- she is completely embarrassed by me.

[Stacy's a freak]

Don't be shy - just do it! I did when I was 32 (and will again this year at 35). I have two funny stories ...

First, I was in DHS and wanted a picture with Woody of Toy Story. When I made it through the line to the handler I was questioned by him. He asked "where is your family?" "You're here ALONE?!" etc. etc. I can't really say that he was being rude, I guess ... he was more shocked and bewildered. I was a bit put off by this guy. Also, this handler was a little person ... as in "little people, big world". The whole situation was just odd ... and I told on him when I met Mickey in DHS just minutes after that. Mickey assured me, albeit without speaking, that he would take care of the situation ;) I have to say that the handler was kind enough to use my camera to take the picture of me and Woody and I can prove his stature by the point of view of the photo :thumbsup2

Second! This one still makes me laugh. This same trip I went to see Mickey in the Judge's tent in Toontown and there was NO ONE on line to see him. I walked to the handlers who asked me to wait a quick moment to make sure that Mickey was ready for guests. When I entered the closed room, I saw Mickey standing against the far wall. I was SERIOUSLY teary and all kid-like. I walked quickly over to him and talked a little "so happy to finally meet you" etc. etc. and I gave my camera to the handler to take a picture. Oddly, though, Mickey wasn't moving or interacting with me at all. I started to wonder if this wasn't just a statue or something ... weird, right? So I felt like I was being duped and I felt embarassed that I thought this was HIM! Just before the handler snapped the photo, Mickey did a gotcha-type of move and scared the crap outta me. HYSTERICAL!

So the moral - you never know what kind of fun you can have ... whether it's an odd midget/little person incredulous moment or a very unexpected moment. Enjoy! I personally think the characters like to entertain adults as much as children :)

[Kyen]

I came back from my first solo trip 2 weeks ago and found the character interaction GREAT! I took advantage of the photo pass and bought a CD with over 200 pictures!!!!! I also got 95 character autographs. If you are looking for a good assortment of characters visit the Magic of Disney Animantion studio (Where the The Incredibles are)at 4:45 on the days that Fantasmic is playing only once. These charaters come out for only 15-20 minutes!!! I got to meet Meeko, Max, Jarah, The Evil Queen, Queen of Hearts and General Ratcliff.

[jadedbeauty14304]

Cast members will take pictures for you, they don't mind at all!

Tracy- I've had to drag my 16 YO to meet characters before- she is completely embarrassed by me.


OMG if I had a dime for every sigh, eye roll, and "mom your embarrassing me" I would be a rich woman.. And Tawney is not even 11!!!! lol I guess it doesn't help that once I get to WDW I am more like her younger sister than her old mother. LOL

[scotas]

I've found that the characters interact just as well with adults as kids. I had Stitch chasing Lilo around me. Oh and the one my friends will never let me forget is Donald Duck at Animal Kingdom spinning me around and "kissing" me. I have a blast stalking characters (that's what my friend calls it)

[Frank_Bullitt]

the input is excellent, thank you all! If anyone else has cool anecdotes please share...otherwise anyone who's gonna be at WDW between 1/25 and 2/1, I'll be easy to spot; look for a guy in a suit and convention lanyard...

Laters!

[Joanna71985]

The question I wanted to ask is how is the character interaction with adult solos? I mean, I'm a 30 year old MBA-graduated sales manager, I love WDW and have heard of all the great stories and the idea of getting autographs and interacting with characters, but don't want to come off as a creep.

Any input, pointers or anecdotes would be great...

I love seeing the characters. I get a lot of great interaction with them. One of my favorite moments was when Mickey got down on his knee and "proposed"- it was awsome!

I was just coming on here to ask the same thing!!
I am older then you are... and my dh is on business next week in Disney. I am gonig with him and I was thinking of seeing as many characters as I can. When we took our kids last year they didn't want to be bothered waiting on line for the characters!!
Question I had...are the CM's OK if you ask them to take your picture with your camera?? I really don't want to be bothered with the photopass.

Oh yeah. I ask the attendants all the time (since I go by myself).

[Nie0214]

My 16 yo brother wanted nothing to do with meeting characters. I'm 22 and happily waited in line alone to see any! :) It's part of the magic and fun, don't be shy at all. The CMs are awesome! They even try to get in character, when I met Aladdin and Jasmine they asked me where I got my pretty jewels (earrings that I was wearing) etc. :)

As for character breakfasts, Cape May Cafe characters were great with us (Mom, myself, brother), but I felt like the characters at Crystal Palace kind of ignored us.

[ttester9612]

the input is excellent, thank you all! If anyone else has cool anecdotes please share...otherwise anyone who's gonna be at WDW between 1/25 and 2/1, I'll be easy to spot; look for a guy in a suit and convention lanyard...

Laters!

Oh I wish I could be there just so I can see a grown man in a suit waiting to see a Disney character. That would be priceless. Don't forget to have a picture taken and post it for us.

[ANTSS2001]

the input is excellent, thank you all! If anyone else has cool anecdotes please share...otherwise anyone who's gonna be at WDW between 1/25 and 2/1, I'll be easy to spot; look for a guy in a suit and convention lanyard...

Laters!

what color tie are you going to be using :p

My 16 yo brother wanted nothing to do with meeting characters. I'm 22 and happily waited in line alone to see any! :) It's part of the magic and fun, don't be shy at all. The CMs are awesome! They even try to get in character, when I met Aladdin and Jasmine they asked me where I got my pretty jewels (earrings that I was wearing) etc. :)

As for character breakfasts, Cape May Cafe characters were great with us (Mom, myself, brother), but I felt like the characters at Crystal Palace kind of ignored us.

:hug: Nie!!! So sorry about CP... I think they got excited when they saw Mark thats why we got ignored.... :lmao:

Oh I wish I could be there just so I can see a grown man in a suit waiting to see a Disney character. That would be priceless. Don't forget to have a picture taken and post it for us.

dont worry TT if I see a man in suit ( any suit ??? :goodvibes ) I will take a pic and post it for yah...:rolleyes1

[Frank_Bullitt]

probably be easier to be pegged by the suit, my 'convention' wardrobe is dark navy blue sports jacket & khakis, or a dark gray suit, I have too many ties to know what's gonna be packed. Oh, and I will get pics, betchure last nickle onnit ;)

[ANTSS2001]

probably be easier to be pegged by the suit, my 'convention' wardrobe is dark navy blue sports jacket & khakis, or a dark gray suit, I have too many ties to know what's gonna be packed. Oh, and I will get pics, betchure last nickle onnit ;)

fine..fine.. navy blue sports jacket and khakis... would you be sporting a mickey bar or a turkey leg ??? :lmao: :thumbsup2

[ttester9612]

TIMMY Glad to see you back..Are you going to join us on the 22nd in Baltimore? :woohoo:

[ANTSS2001]

TIMMY Glad to see you back..Are you going to join us on the 22nd in Baltimore? :woohoo:

TT I will find out Monday if I can go... as of yesterday we had to draw sticks who is going to Miami on Wednesday fro training with our new instrument and I got the longest one.. dont really wanna go... and trying to convince this one kid that she is better off going.. party nights etc... her answer was .. Well if it party nights and stuff why arent you going :faint: :lmao: She will find out if she can take my place instead tomorrow.. Monday!! if she will... then I can go to the Meet :wizard:

[Frank_Bullitt]

fine..fine.. navy blue sports jacket and khakis... would you be sporting a mickey bar or a turkey leg ??? :lmao: :thumbsup2

Ah, probably not LOL, don't want to get anything on the jacket...
Trust me though if I'm there you'll know its me, if the sun's out I'll be wearing wide-framed RayBans

[ANTSS2001]

Ah, probably not LOL, don't want to get anything on the jacket...
Trust me though if I'm there you'll know its me, if the sun's out I'll be wearing wide-framed RayBans

eeeeekkkk raybans huh!!!

[Frank_Bullitt]

eeeeekkkk raybans huh!!!

THey're classic!! Long after these geeky chichi glasses go out of style the Rayban Aviators will live on:cool2: ...never quite in style but never quite go out of style. And my venerable Aviators have seen alot, if only they could talk:cool1:

[ANTSS2001]

THey're classic!! Long after these geeky chichi glasses go out of style the Rayban Aviators will live on:cool2: ...never quite in style but never quite go out of style. And my venerable Aviators have seen alot, if only they could talk:cool1:


hmmmm OK note to self... ask the Raybans what Frank had seen... maybe we can compare notes :lmao:

[glenpreece]

I am going solo again in 3 weeks and really look forward to seeing the characters. I have to meet each one of the Princesses each time I go. As well as any other character I can get. I've never had a prob meeting them solo. I find it easier than being with other people. I'll be able to "walk" alot faster to see Tink being solo.

[mmmbop]

I essentially went solo my last trip (all my common cold germs jumped to her on the flight down :guilty: but yay for me that I got better! :woohoo: )

She isn't really into the characters and shakes her head when I have to go see the characters. :lmao: This year, I got to see loads. But I noticed once I got home that I didn't meet Mickey!!! :scared1:

There was one incident that just kind of took me by surprise. I waited an hour to meet the princesses (LOL-worthy in itself!) since I was alone, I was admitted with the group in front of me. The little girl was ECSTATIC to meet Belle, OK with meeting Cinderella... but when she got to Princess Aurora, she ran to Mommy and said she wanted to leave. She didn't like Aurora because her story was scary. :( The princesses all gathered around her, in her mommy's arms, by the exit, trying to comfort her. The photopass guy had taken my card, and was snapping away! Then the princesses were like "oh, you're by yourself?" :guilty:
Jasmine and Aladdin were total sweethearts though :lovestruc I was waiting in line and the handler told me the family before me would be going in for a 15-minute break but not to leave, so I figured hey cool. I was going to sit down with the family behind me on a bench, just hang out and rest for 15-minutes, just chatting. Well, Aladdin and Jasmine finished with the family ahead of me, and they said "Hey, what are you waiting for?" I told them it was their break time, and they said NAAAAAAHHHHHHHH. and played with me for a few minutes :love: Totally wanted them to take their break, but since the other families didn't want to wait 15 minutes, we pretty much had them to ourselves. :)
I think of all the most intimidating was Beast in Epcot. Um, he wouldn't let go. But Goofy hugs are pretty amazing :)


I think it's all how YOU react. As long as you aren't caught up about it, the characters are pretty amazing :thumbsup2

[Frank_Bullitt]

Excellent feedback, gents. Whilst I do appreciate the input from the womenfolk who've interacted with characters, it is assuring that there are guys my age that do it, and apparently get good feedback.
Keep `em coming!:thumbsup2

[maux]

I've gone solo for the past four years, and am currently planning my March 2009 trip. All the characters have been great! Two of them have been extra great. One was Mulan at the Princess Breakfast at Norway. She told me she was on her way to see the matchmaker and did I want her to put in a good word for me. I said of course, is there a better place to find a Prince?

But my favorite moment was in April when I was waiting to see Donald Duck at Mexico. See, I am a Donald freak, and I wear a Donald watch everyday. Well, when I gave my camera to the handler, he noticed my watch & told Donald about it. Suddenly, Donald raises his arms above his head, and starts to move his left arm. He was being a watch. I couldn't stop laughing, it was so funny.


maux:donald:

[stitch1986]

I had a awesome interaction with stitch at animal kingdom. I was with my now ex and I waiting for stitch and when it was our turn, stitch was looking at me and the handler goes stitch wants a kiss so i kissed and he fell to the ground shaking and the handler came to me saying guess u found his weakness in cute girls :) and so when he got up he was holding me and the handler was about to take a pic with me and my now ex and stitch would puch him aside it was hilarous. So the final pic was stitch hugging me and my ex was when stitch's foot was pulled to the side it was hilarous. I guess u can say stitch forwarned me about my now ex just didnt know it lol :)

[cool sam]

Hi


I've found that the characters interact just as well with adults as kid.




__________________________________________________ ____

[Frank_Bullitt]

Well, with the help of your anecdotes and encouragement, I went ahead and made solo ressies to Akershus for dinner...I love norwegian food, but was spooked because of the princesses and didn't want it to be awkward. I'll let you all know how it goes down!:thumbsup2

Thanks again, and anybody else who wants to contribute keep `em coming!

[glenpreece]

Well, with the help of your anecdotes and encouragement, I went ahead and made solo ressies to Akershus for dinner...I love norwegian food, but was spooked because of the princesses and didn't want it to be awkward. I'll let you all know how it goes down!:thumbsup2

Thanks again, and anybody else who wants to contribute keep `em coming!
I think I am going to Akershus on Dec 13th just so I get some time with the princesses plus I love the venison there.

[Frank_Bullitt]

I think I am going to Akershus on Dec 13th just so I get some time with the princesses plus I love the venison there.

Cool, lemme know how that turns out

[Frank_Bullitt]

bump

[Kyen]

I did Akershus solo in October and thought it was great! I was seated close to the buffet and near the princess who was in the front enterence. The funny thing is character handler spent more time at my table then the server. When dessert came I asked him if he wanted to join me because there was a lot but he said he was still working but to ask for a doggy bag for him :rotfl2:

[kesharn81]

:love: :hippie: :worship: :rotfl2: :thumbsup2 :banana:
thanks for the info - useful thread...

this seems useful information...thanks for sharing...

see ya...
:) :hug: :rolleyes1 :dance3: :laundy: :love: :hippie: :cool1:

[King Triton]

It's totally cool to pose with a character regardless what age you are. Once you enter through those gates everyone is a kid at heart. I say go for it and have a BLAST. :thumbsup2

[Allybaster]

I went this January with my DBF. We were 23 (me) and 22 (him). We have no kids, but I wanted to do a character breakfast. He was nervous about it, thinking that we would be the only people at Ohana without children. We met Stitch, Lilo, Mickey, and Pluto (DBF's favorite). We weren't the only ones there without kids and we both had a blast! He was a little embarrassed at first, but Disney got to him and he hugged Mickey and I have a picture of him with Pluto and he has the best smile!

Moral of the story: Just go for it!

[Goofy'sPal]

Im 25m and went solo in May. I interacted with every character I could and even had 2 character meals. The interaction was great and if u need pics taken the cast members are happy to

[Frank_Bullitt]

*BUMP*

Have that calm before the storm, maybe its because its been so busy at the office...

[PigletFairy]

i'm not a very good story teller but i'll try...

on our honeymoon, i got me an awesome autograph book and i was determined to find piglet and to get a piglet mug for my office (not the suit type but still an office). the first day we went to AK at park opening and headed staight to dinosaur. all of a sudden i feel something grab my arm. it was eeyore!!! he pulled me to his umbrella and i got a picture and an autograph. i asked about piglet but he didnt know. i went up to tigger and asked again and tigger said piglet jumped over the fence. here we were, my dh and i and we had pooh and the gang all to ourselves!

when we went to mk it was crowded but i was still wanting my autographs! we stood in line for hook and mr smee. dh was taking my picture when hook saw that we were newly weds and i had my wedding rings on. he started signaling to dh with the money hand jesture. dh got tickled and hook kept on! hook chased dh all around trying to get him :rotfl: it was a riot! the poor kids in line were just staring but we didnt care!

we also did garden grill with chip, dale, mickey and pluto. that was great. they came by several times and pluto was kissing/licking me!

all that and no piglet :sad2: and i lost my autograph book :scared1: :eek:

this time i made reservations at the crystal palace and bought another book!

[Frank_Bullitt]

and getting excited...thanks to everyone for your input and encouragement, even though this theoretically isn't a vacation I will be having alot of fun at WDW....

[MyMuse]

I'm a MBA-graduated project specialist and I'm going solo for the first time in March to WDW. This will be my first time staying on-site, so it is sort of all brand new.

I did make ADRs but none with characters. I, too, felt a little odd about it. I like this thread and I may book myself into something. :woohoo:

Of course, I didn't tell many work people about it. :cool1:

[black562]

I have one of the best interactions ever on a video posted to youtube. Its posted as private since it has an exgirlfriend from college, but if someone wants to see it, just send me a message and I'll open it up for a bit.

The characters were taking sunglasses and hats from guests and putting them on, then walking around...we had a fun time that evening.

[MyMuse]

Has anyone done the 1900 Park Fare with Mary Poppins solo? :goodvibes

[Frank_Bullitt]

Has anyone done the 1900 Park Fare with Mary Poppins solo? :goodvibes

Dunno, I am doing Akershus solo, so I will keep y'all posted on that...I imagine that 1900 park fare would be the same, controlled pandemonium...and louder since it has some sorta organ that plays loudly.
I imagine it wouldn't be a great place to nurse a hangover :rotfl2:

[MyMuse]

Dunno, I am doing Akershus solo, so I will keep y'all posted on that...I imagine that 1900 park fare would be the same, controlled pandemonium...and louder since it has some sorta organ that plays loudly.
I imagine it wouldn't be a great place to nurse a hangover :rotfl2:

Oh boy! Remember the Advil, Frank, remember the Advil! :bitelip:

[Sleepless Knight]

To the OP:

I'm a single male and will soon be 33 and my favorite Disney movie is Sleeping Beauty, so I like to meet Princess Aurora, and on some occasions have met other princesses as well while waiting to see Aurora. She has always been wonderful and never acted like she just wanted to get me out of the way so she could go back to meeting all the little kids waiting to see her.

On one occasion at Disneyland, she and I had an interesting conversation specifically about her film and a couple days later, the very same CM was portraying Aurora in Disneyland's parade. She happened to look straight at me during the parade and waved right at me.

Most CMs know that people love the Disney movies, so it usually doesn't phase them when adults want to see them too. in my very strong opinion, the only person who can decide that you're too old to meet the characters is you. In all honesty, what difference is there between standing in line to see Mickey Mouse or screaming your lungs out at a rock concert because you love the band playing and getting a glimpse of them far away from you on stage? There's nothing wrong with either one, although some people seem to have a problem with those of us who want to meet Disney characters because they have some special meaning to us. And it's their problem.

That said, keep in mind the following if your an adult who wants to meet characters. It will probably help you feel more at ease and can often make for a more fun meeting the characters.

1. Treat them with respect, especially when you're meeting a female face character. If your daughter or sister was a Disney CM portraying a princess, would you feel comfortable if another male guest treated her the same way you're treating the princess that you're meeting now?

2. Know who the characters are and what their personalities are like. The CMs have spent a lot of time studying the film/cartoons the character appears in so that they can become the character, right down to the physical mannerisms and speech patterns of their movie counterpart. I believe they really enjoy getting to play the part on stage with an adult who appreciates how well they portray the character.

On one occasion I got to spend 3 minutes or so with Sully from Monsters, Inc. simply because I told him that I visited Pixar once. He literally followed me around, and insisted that I be first in line to get my picture taken with him. He even took some special scaring pictures with me that he did not do for the little kids in line behind me. It all happened because I showed the CM inside the costume that I knew and appreciated Pixar's work.

3. Going along with #2, don't be afraid to have fun with the characters. When you know who they are, you can really have some fun. Give Chip and Dale peanuts, or ask them if they've tormented Donald Duck lately. Drop to one knee and kiss the hand of Minnie or Daisy(do not do this with a female face character). Ask Mary Poppins how to say her supercalifragilstic... word backwards.

If you meet a princess, ask her a question that shows you know her movie. I've heard people say you should ask Ariel what human treasures she's found lately. Ask Belle about what books she's read recently and so on and so forth. Tell Jasmine that you think tigers are cool. If you can't come up with anything or freeze, then just give her your best princely bow and be polite.

In my experience, when you show a character(be they face or fur) that you know who they are, then you're much more likely to have a great memory and maybe a fun story from your time in Disney to go along with the photograph of your time spent meeting the characters.

[Kyen]

3. Going along with #2, don't be afraid to have fun with the characters. When you know who they are, you can really have some fun. Give Chip and Dale peanuts, or ask them if they've tormented Donald Duck lately. Drop to one knee and kiss the hand of Minnie or Daisy(do not do this with a female face character). Ask Mary Poppins how to say her supercalifragilstic... word backwards.

This works really well and sometimes you can surprise the character by doing little things! When I met the Jafar, Queen of Hearts and The Evil Queen at DHS I guess I was taking too long looking for my pen when Jafar started tapping his foot and the Queen of hearts motioned off with your head while the evil Queen started to become vocal. After I had their autographs I thanked them for their time (being VERY polite) and the 3 villains were angered with this as Jafar chased me towards the stairs. So what did I do afterwards? I walked over to Mary Poppins and I told on them!!!! Mary Poppins played right along even though she had nothing to do with them.
I would have never ran to tattle on the 3 villains if I were with someone!
But by taking a solo trip in October and making it a point to meet (over 100)different characters I found that its the best time to say things to the characters and act like a little kid again because I had the BEST interactions with ALL the characters I met.

[Sleepless Knight]

That's great. I suspect the CMs had fun too. The villains got to play in character(and not worry about someone getting angry because they were villainous) and Mary Poppins is a good character to scold misbehaving villains.

I think people often underestimate the fun of going to Disney solo. I've taken many solo visits to Disneyland and my first solo visit to WDW is coming in May. When you're solo, you don't have to worry about somebody not wanting to do what you want to do. If you want to meet characters, you don't have to feel like you're dragging your friends/family to meet them with you.

[Frank_Bullitt]

To the OP:

I'm a single male and will soon be 33 and my favorite Disney movie is Sleeping Beauty, so I like to meet Princess Aurora, and on some occasions have met other princesses as well while waiting to see Aurora. She has always been wonderful and never acted like she just wanted to get me out of the way so she could go back to meeting all the little kids waiting to see her.

On one occasion at Disneyland, she and I had an interesting conversation specifically about her film and a couple days later, the very same CM was portraying Aurora in Disneyland's parade. She happened to look straight at me during the parade and waved right at me.

Most CMs know that people love the Disney movies, so it usually doesn't phase them when adults want to see them too. in my very strong opinion, the only person who can decide that you're too old to meet the characters is you. In all honesty, what difference is there between standing in line to see Mickey Mouse or screaming your lungs out at a rock concert because you love the band playing and getting a glimpse of them far away from you on stage? There's nothing wrong with either one, although some people seem to have a problem with those of us who want to meet Disney characters because they have some special meaning to us. And it's their problem.

That said, keep in mind the following if your an adult who wants to meet characters. It will probably help you feel more at ease and can often make for a more fun meeting the characters.

1. Treat them with respect, especially when you're meeting a female face character. If your daughter or sister was a Disney CM portraying a princess, would you feel comfortable if another male guest treated her the same way you're treating the princess that you're meeting now?

2. Know who the characters are and what their personalities are like. The CMs have spent a lot of time studying the film/cartoons the character appears in so that they can become the character, right down to the physical mannerisms and speech patterns of their movie counterpart. I believe they really enjoy getting to play the part on stage with an adult who appreciates how well they portray the character.

On one occasion I got to spend 3 minutes or so with Sully from Monsters, Inc. simply because I told him that I visited Pixar once. He literally followed me around, and insisted that I be first in line to get my picture taken with him. He even took some special scaring pictures with me that he did not do for the little kids in line behind me. It all happened because I showed the CM inside the costume that I knew and appreciated Pixar's work.

3. Going along with #2, don't be afraid to have fun with the characters. When you know who they are, you can really have some fun. Give Chip and Dale peanuts, or ask them if they've tormented Donald Duck lately. Drop to one knee and kiss the hand of Minnie or Daisy(do not do this with a female face character). Ask Mary Poppins how to say her supercalifragilstic... word backwards.

If you meet a princess, ask her a question that shows you know her movie. I've heard people say you should ask Ariel what human treasures she's found lately. Ask Belle about what books she's read recently and so on and so forth. Tell Jasmine that you think tigers are cool. If you can't come up with anything or freeze, then just give her your best princely bow and be polite.

In my experience, when you show a character(be they face or fur) that you know who they are, then you're much more likely to have a great memory and maybe a fun story from your time in Disney to go along with the photograph of your time spent meeting the characters.


I can back up everything you've said, just back from my trip and had a blast with the characters, especially the female 'face' characters...in both situations I was still in conference mufti (suit or sports jacket) and played the role of 'embarrassed but very much a big fan' solo and they were very sweet...
I will post a Character Observations in this Forum as well as a complete trip report as I collect the old wits some time this week, but it was a blast...

[pixierella]

My hubby and I waited in line for 20 minutes in Epcot to see Mickey, Goofy ect. When I got up to Mickey I exclaimed " MIckey I haven't seen you in 31 years, how are you?" Well Mickey had a ball kissing me and hugging me. He took about 12 pictures with me "laughing and smiling" the whole time. It was awesome.

I also got to see the fairies and they were wonderful as well. they didn't seem weirded out at all that these two adults were here to see them.

Have fun and enjoy yourself. The characters understand and most of them love it as well.

[MyMuse]

I can back up everything you've said, just back from my trip and had a blast with the characters, especially the female 'face' characters...in both situations I was still in conference mufti (suit or sports jacket) and played the role of 'embarrassed but very much a big fan' solo and they were very sweet...
I will post a Character Observations in this Forum as well as a complete trip report as I collect the old wits some time this week, but it was a blast...


Ahhh, wonderful!

I'm still deciding on the character greetings, but i did end up getting into a Photopass share...just in case! :goodvibes

[TotalSnowWhite]

We were in line to meet Lightning and Mater on the kids' first trip. The guy right in front of us was probably in his late 20s, early 30s and very possibly as excited, if not more, than my two (and DS is a huuuuuuuuuge Cars fan) about meeting McQueen. My gramma was snapping pics the whole time, so we even have a picture of him. :laughing:

[Sleepless Knight]

I can back up everything you've said, just back from my trip and had a blast with the characters, especially the female 'face' characters...in both situations I was still in conference mufti (suit or sports jacket) and played the role of 'embarrassed but very much a big fan' solo and they were very sweet...
I will post a Character Observations in this Forum as well as a complete trip report as I collect the old wits some time this week, but it was a blast...

I look forward to reading your observations. I'm still deciding about a solo character meal.

I can't say enough how no one needs to feel silly when meeting a character. It was Walt Disney himself who declared that if you make a movie aimed at kids, you're dead. He also said that adults are just big kids anyways.

In all honesty, I have more fun meeting the characters as an adult than I did as a child. As a child, I knew they were friends of the character, so it was more about getting the picture with Mickey. Now as an adult, I fully appreciate it when Chip and Dale start scolding me for not having a pin of them on my lanyard because I know how Chip and Dale act.

Some people don't want to meet the characters and that's fine. Some people consider collecting autographs and meeting as many characters as possible the highlight of their visit. Some just want to see some of their favorites. Whichever category you fall into, enjoy it. And don't let someone else declare that you're too old to get excited to meet Mickey Mouse. We spend enough time dealing with the real world and adult challenges that it's perfectly fine if we want to see Mickey Mouse when we're on vacation.

[Floydian]

Being a former CM, I don't want to give anything away, which I doubt I would be able to, but...

Trust me. They are NOT wierded out by it. They usually LOVE it, especially if you are playful about it. And as someone said above, most of them are huge fans themselves.

P.S. As a CM, I worked at Pirates of the Caribbean, and nearby they would have meets for Peter Pan characters, which I would walk directly past on my way to and from the mysterious backstage areas. Oh how I loved to boo at Capt. Hook when he was out there. He even chased me once, until Peter Pan came to my defense (ok, I yelled for help), and they started a sword fight. What a blast!!!

Then there was the time I was there on my honeymoon, back when I still had really long curly blond hair. Minnie Mouse came over and sat down, and started running her fingers through my hair. I must admit, I genuinely blushed, and my wife genuinely got jealous, and yet we both had a genuine laugh and great memory!

pixiedust:

[Joanna71985]

I'm an adult, and I love meeting the characters. I have so much fun! I've gotten some great interaction with them. And as a hobby, I created a website with pictures of all the characters I have met. I love adding to it:
http://www.geocities.com/jrs71985/disney_characters.html

[Sleepless Knight]

Being a former CM, I don't want to give anything away, which I doubt I would be able to, but...

Trust me. They are NOT wierded out by it. They usually LOVE it, especially if you are playful about it. And as someone said above, most of them are huge fans themselves.

Thanks for sharing that. I've come across people who feel like they're too old to see the characters because they somehow think that only children see characters. Not everyone gets the opportunity to visit Disney when the magic is "real," so I want them to understand that they can still meet the characters as an adult and have just as much fun doing so.

[Floydian]

Not a problem and I agree. What folks should remember is that the characters are also adults. They are also Disney fans to some extent. They deal with children all...day...long. So dealing with a silly adult fan is often a wonderful change of pace, if only for a few seconds. In fact, I would go as far as saying that for most, you'd be doing them a favor! ;)

Then again, I'm also the guy who used to tell teenage girls that Johnny Depp is older than their mother, so I always enjoyed seeing adults have some extra fun.

[Frank_Bullitt]

First, thank you to Floydian and Sleepless Knight (and everyone else who contributed their two bits to this thread) for your input, I am still putting together a trip report (as well as catching up on a week's worth of work LOL) but I wanted to share this quick bit...
at 1900 Park Fare on Saturday (last minute ressie on the last day) Mary Poppins was superb, she asked if the conference I was attending was a 'Nanny Conference', she did call me on the 'just getting autographs for my nieces' excuse, but was very sweet about it, saying something like "You know, you don't have to pretend, we don't mind seeing nice, well-dressed and well-mannered gentlemen like yourself."
There are others, but that one was fresh in my mind and Floydian's comments jogged it.
Hopefully I will have the observations done sometime this week...

[Floydian]

"You know, you don't have to pretend, we don't mind seeing nice, well-dressed and well-mannered gentlemen like yourself."

hehe...sounds just like her...I love when they do things like that

I'm also reminded of a time that I was sitting in the shade near a hot dog cart in an out of the way corner, relaxing and eating, when the Mad Hatter and Alice came out (or were going back?). Either way, they spent several minutes bothering me about why I would eat a Dog, stealing my hat, and all kinds of silliness. Of course, they had fun with the others in line or nearby, but it seemed that they specifically stopped because they saw a lone adult off to the side, and wanted to have some fun.

Oh, and to whomever said they tear up whenever they meet one of the princesses...it may have even been you, but I did hear some interesting chatter between Cindy and other friends one time. Something about a full grown woman doing the same thing, how sweet they thought it was, and how "that makes it all worth while".

Bah, now I'm sharing stories and gossip. Shame on me!

[Goofy'sPal]

Im 26m went last May when I was 25 an had many great character interactions. 2 really stick out in my mind though. My favorite disney movie is Sleeping Beauty. I met Aura at Etcop in France and had a 15min conversation with her while staying in character then posing for a pic it was great. Then on the last day I was picked to open Toon town even with a few young kids around. Donald took my hand and we lead everyone into Toon town. It was great and an experience only Disney could provide

[FortWildernessLoopy]

I'm taking my DH for his 30th birthday and I want to get him a blank white shirt with "Its my 30th Birthday!" on it and I want to have the characters sign it. We'll only be going to the Magic Kingdom that day since we go alot but I was wondering, here do i go for character gereetings and autographs? I know it sounds like an odd question since we have season passes, but we have no kids and we never go and see the charaters. Is it just toontown fair? Also, will they sign a shirt he's wearing?

[Frank_Bullitt]

is to ask a CM where to find (insert Character)

They can sign T-shirts, but I don't know if they will sign it with him wearing it. I know that they will sign tees if it is stretched against a clipboard or tabletop (for support), because a friend of mine got an autographed Mickey Ringer that way...

[Sleepless Knight]

Characters can be found all over the park, not just at ToonTown Fair. Certain characters can only be found in ToonTown though.

[Floydian]

is to ask a CM where to find (insert Character)

They can sign T-shirts, but I don't know if they will sign it with him wearing it. I know that they will sign tees if it is stretched against a clipboard or tabletop (for support), because a friend of mine got an autographed Mickey Ringer that way...

Excellent advice! Most people don't know that every CM with access to a phone can find that out within a few minutes.

Characters can be found all over the park, not just at ToonTown Fair. Certain characters can only be found in ToonTown though.

Very true. Because I only worked in one area, I know that, at least in 2006, Aladdin (near the flying carpets) and Peter Pan (across from PotC) characters could be found in Adventureland, and other than parades, I don't remember seeing them anywhere else in MK.

[Joanna71985]

I'm taking my DH for his 30th birthday and I want to get him a blank white shirt with "Its my 30th Birthday!" on it and I want to have the characters sign it. We'll only be going to the Magic Kingdom that day since we go alot but I was wondering, here do i go for character gereetings and autographs? I know it sounds like an odd question since we have season passes, but we have no kids and we never go and see the charaters. Is it just toontown fair? Also, will they sign a shirt he's wearing?

No. The characters can not sign clothing being worn at the time.

As for the characters, they have meeting spots all over the park. There are characters in Toontown, Town Square, Adventureland, Fantasyland, Tomorrowland, and I believe still some in Frontierland. Are there any in particular you are looking for?

[FortWildernessLoopy]

The classics...Mickey, Goofy, Donald, Chip n Dale, Minnie, Daisy and Pluto.

[Joanna71985]

The classics...Mickey, Goofy, Donald, Chip n Dale, Minnie, Daisy and Pluto.

Mickey- Toontown (MK), Character Spot (Epcot), Camp Minnie-Mickey (AK), Animation Building (DHS)

Minnie- Toontown (MK), Character Spot (Epcot), Camp Minnie-Mickey (AK), the Hat, in the morning (DHS)

Goofy- Frontierland (MK), Character Spot (Epcot), Camp Minnie-Mickey (AK), the Hat, in the morning (DHS)

Donald- Frontierland (MK), Character Spot (Epcot), Camp Minnie-Mickey (AK), the Hat, in the morning (DHS)

Pluto- Town Square (MK), Character Spot (Epcot), Dinoland (AK), the Hat, in the morning (DHS)

Chip and Dale- Town Square (MK), either in the front of AK or in Camp Minnie-Mickey

Daisy- Town Square (MK), the Hat, in the morning (DHS)