Park character question: CHILDREN DON'T LOOK!!!

[perla75]

I was just wondering about character costumes. What part of the character's face do you see out of? Are you looking through the character's mouth area? and how do you breathe?

Thanks!:goodvibes

[vicki_c]

What costumes? :confused3

[Disneenut]

popcorn:: :hourglass

[JoMarie]

I'm confused-- what costumes? :confused3

[Sherwin]

They see out of the eyes.

That's BECAUSE THEY'RE REAL. :bitelip:

sorry, i just had to follow suit

[Sillyminny40]

I don't know what you are talking about either with "costumes". It is true some of them have had vision issues.
However if there are physical challenges to our favorite characters, Disney has thought of everything.

For vision problems, a resident optician can be called upon. This has happened when sleeping Beauty has woken up and has too much sleep in her eyes.

If animal characters have trouble there is a special vet on hand for animals such as Mickey, Pluto etc. Even the Little Mermaid benefits from a marine biologist's special care. I have NEVER noticed scale issues with her the many times we have visited her cavern. Mickey has been known to get his foot caught in traps going after cheese. Just his weakness and Walt was very worried about this in the early years. Now those big black shoes have reinforced steel in the toes.

A plastic surgeon is available for Captain Hook and Peter Pan who often have nasty accidents with fights involving swords and artificial hooks.

A ghost whisperer has been called many times to work with the folks at the Haunted House. I know I am forgetting other special needs but that is some that come to mind.

[aubriee]

I don't know what you are talking about either with "costumes". It is true some of them have had vision issues.
However if there are physical challenges to our favorite characters, Disney has thought of everything.

For vision problems, a resident optician can be called upon. This has happened when sleeping Beauty has woken up and has too much sleep in her eyes.

If animal characters have trouble there is a special vet on hand for animals such as Mickey, Pluto etc. Even the Little Mermaid benefits from a marine biologist's special care. I have NEVER noticed scale issues with her the many times we have visited her cavern. Mickey has been known to get his foot caught in traps going after cheese. Just his weakness and Walt was very worried about this in the early years. Now those big black shoes have reinforced steel in the toes.

A plastic surgeon is available for Captain Hook and Peter Pan who often have nasty accidents with fights involving swords and artificial hooks.

A ghost whisperer has been called many times to work with the folks at the Haunted House. I know I am forgetting other special needs but that is some that come to mind.

:rotfl2: :rotfl2: :rotfl2: Wonderful, wonderful, response!

[1001 Ghosts]

A combination of radar and internalized GPS tracking built into a microscopic chip imbedded in their ear.......

[mattsdragon]

I understand the question. The OP is just confused in their words. Mickey's tuxedo is C-L-O-T-H-E-S, not a C-O-S-T-U-M-E. Although sometimes he does don a costume for MNSSHP and a Santa suit for MVMCP. Donald wears a sailor's suit (sans pants), again, not a costume, but I can see where the confusion arises, he's not really a sailor.

My wife puts clothes on our dogs all the time, and I used to make the same mistake, but she corrected me as well. They're just wearing clothes for animals.

Wendy darling is wearing PJ's BTW, again, not a costume, but a bit risque if you ask me.

[budmonster]

They see out of the eyes.

That's BECAUSE THEY'RE REAL. :bitelip:

sorry, i just had to follow suit

I don't know what you are talking about either with "costumes". It is true some of them have had vision issues.
However if there are physical challenges to our favorite characters, Disney has thought of everything.

For vision problems, a resident optician can be called upon. This has happened when sleeping Beauty has woken up and has too much sleep in her eyes.

If animal characters have trouble there is a special vet on hand for animals such as Mickey, Pluto etc. Even the Little Mermaid benefits from a marine biologist's special care. I have NEVER noticed scale issues with her the many times we have visited her cavern. Mickey has been known to get his foot caught in traps going after cheese. Just his weakness and Walt was very worried about this in the early years. Now those big black shoes have reinforced steel in the toes.

A plastic surgeon is available for Captain Hook and Peter Pan who often have nasty accidents with fights involving swords and artificial hooks.

A ghost whisperer has been called many times to work with the folks at the Haunted House. I know I am forgetting other special needs but that is some that come to mind.


:rotfl2: :rotfl2: :rotfl2: :rotfl: :rotfl:
Those made my day.

[bytheblood]

What are these "costumes" that you speak of?

[perla75]

Forget it :sad2:

[mat5]

WOW, looks like that was a bad question to ask:eek:

[zuly]

:rotfl2: and the winner is!!!....Diser with lots of pixie dust pixiedust:
this was awesome...that's why I love this boards :lmao:
we dont let anyone lose the magic!!

[~Kik-Kik~]

Oh joy, the wonderful "what costumes" replies. Oh how I loathe them.

It depends on the character. Baloo has it right on his neck, Eeyore has his slot under his mouth (looking down, it's really weird!), Rafiki has it out of his eyes (as do most other costumes), Some have it for the mouth, but I can't think of any. Frollo has a really weird one, I forget why though.

I don't notice them until I look back on the pictures, and if I don't otice I doubt little kids will. They are usually very discreet, with an exception or two.

[eventamy]

I was curious too perla75! Sorry you didn't get the answer you were looking for!

[Lynn5700]

I don't know what you are talking about either with "costumes". It is true some of them have had vision issues.
However if there are physical challenges to our favorite characters, Disney has thought of everything.

For vision problems, a resident optician can be called upon. This has happened when sleeping Beauty has woken up and has too much sleep in her eyes.

If animal characters have trouble there is a special vet on hand for animals such as Mickey, Pluto etc. Even the Little Mermaid benefits from a marine biologist's special care. I have NEVER noticed scale issues with her the many times we have visited her cavern. Mickey has been known to get his foot caught in traps going after cheese. Just his weakness and Walt was very worried about this in the early years. Now those big black shoes have reinforced steel in the toes.

A plastic surgeon is available for Captain Hook and Peter Pan who often have nasty accidents with fights involving swords and artificial hooks.

A ghost whisperer has been called many times to work with the folks at the Haunted House. I know I am forgetting other special needs but that is some that come to mind.

HAHA too cute!!!!

[Lynn5700]

I think they can see through the mouth. I have heard that before.

[Joanna71985]

They see out of their eyes, of course.

And they only wear costumes during Halloween. Although, some of them don't wear anything, period, even then (like Baloo, Terk, and King Louie, for example).

[perla75]

I was curious too perla75! Sorry you didn't get the answer you were looking for!

I did actually!:goodvibes A few very nice ADULTS PM'd me ;)

Here is the answer:

"It depends on the character. Baloo has it right on his neck, Eeyore has his slots on his eyes, Rafiki also has it out of his eyes (as do most other costumes), Some have it for the mouth, but I can't think of any. Frollo has a really weird one, I forget why though.

You don't notice them until you look back on the pictures. They are usually very discreet, with an exception or two."

[perla75]

I think they can see through the mouth. I have heard that before.

That's what I thought too, Lynn :) But I wasn't sure since the characters are all different sizes.

I like your new siggy pics, by the way!:goodvibes

[Lynn5700]

That's what I thought too, Lynn :) But I wasn't sure since the characters are all different sizes.

I like your new siggy pics, by the way!:goodvibes

Thank you girly!! Glad you were able to get your answer :)

[perla75]

They see out of their eyes, of course.

And they only wear costumes during Halloween. Although, some of them don't wear anything, period, even then (like Baloo, Terk, and King Louie, for example).

Feel free to PM me-I've got a secret to tell you about the Easter Bunny!:lmao:

[Joanna71985]

Feel free to PM me-I've got a secret to tell you about the Easter Bunny!:lmao:

Thanks for the offer. But I'm good. :)


(I work with the characters in WDW).

[CanadianGuy]

not really related to planning a trip to the parks - moving to the ThemeParks Community Board.

[Disneenut]

Feel free to PM me-I've got a secret to tell you about the Easter Bunny!:lmao:

WAAA... no... your not serious.... :rotfl:

As much as i dont want to admit it. i was curious as to what the answer was also. :thumbsup2

now everyone :grouphug:

[perla75]

WAAA... no... your not serious.... :rotfl:

As much as i dont want to admit it. i was curious as to what the answer was also. :thumbsup2

now everyone :grouphug:

:hug: to you as well :goodvibes I'm just amazed how so many people will get so over the top with a lame joke-was not expecting that at all, but I guess we get all kinds here on the Dis!;)

[Joanna71985]

It isn't a joke. I don't see why people need to ruin the magic here.

[Disneenut]

It isn't a joke. I don't see why people need to ruin the magic here.

The magic of Disney will never be ruined here. I can understand that the original question can and will upset people... and thats ok... but this question is no different than the threads talking about Disney secrets such as the castle being forced perspective, or weather or not the alligators are real on the kilimanjaro safari :laughing: . I for one love to read Disney facts on how they make certain things work, technology and such. That to me is the real Disney magic.

[perla75]

It isn't a joke. I don't see why people need to ruin the magic here.

I'm confused-didn't you mentioned that you work WITH the characters??? I would think you already ruined it for yourself by working at WDW & witnessing all of the behind the scenes stuff. :confused3 No one is ruining magic by asking a simple question. WDW is a magical place to me, which is why I am so fascinated with all of the details of it.

The magic of Disney will never be ruined here. I can understand that the original question can and will upset people... and thats ok... but this question is no different than the threads talking about Disney secrets such as the castle being forced perspective, or weather or not the alligators are real on the kilimanjaro safari :laughing: . I for one love to read Disney facts on how they make certain things work, technology and such. That to me is the real Disney magic.

:thumbsup2 Exactly!!

[perla75]

It isn't a joke. I don't see why people need to ruin the magic here.

I'm confused-didn't you mentioned that you work WITH the characters??? I would think you already ruined it for yourself by working at WDW & witnessing all of the behind the scenes stuff. :confused3 No one is ruining magic by asking a simple question. WDW is a magical place to me, which is why I am so fascinated with all of the details of it.

The magic of Disney will never be ruined here. I can understand that the original question can and will upset people... and thats ok... but this question is no different than the threads talking about Disney secrets such as the castle being forced perspective, or weather or not the alligators are real on the kilimanjaro safari :laughing: . I for one love to read Disney facts on how they make certain things work, technology and such. That to me is the real Disney magic.

:thumbsup2 Exactly!!

[tzolkin]

I will tell you one thing that ruined the magic. The country bears with the big mesh hole in the neck. (They were in the parades.) I was old enough at the time that it didn't really traumatize me, but it was a little disappointing since the rest of the characters are so good that a child really can't tell that there's a place for them to see out of. I know that was probably the only way the could do it, but as a kid it really stood out to me.

[Joanna71985]

I'm confused-didn't you mentioned that you work WITH the characters??? I would think you already ruined it for yourself by working at WDW & witnessing all of the behind the scenes stuff. :confused3 No one is ruining magic by asking a simple question. WDW is a magical place to me, which is why I am so fascinated with all of the details of it.


Yes, I work with the characters. And working backstage/with the characters doesn't ruin the magic for me (however, when I am in the park the characters are real to me). I just don't see why people need to post these things on a forum, and ask them in public where children can hear them.

[perla75]

Yes, I work with the characters. And working backstage/with the characters doesn't ruin the magic for me (however, when I am in the park the characters are real to me). I just don't see why people need to post these things on a forum, and ask them in public where children can hear them.

Might I direct you to the title of the thread in bold print where it says, "CHILDREN DON'T LOOK!!!" :confused3

Are you also offended by the lengthy thread about WDW secrets??

This is a public forum, certainly not exclusive to children, & you have a choice to read or not to read any thread.

Sorry, but there is certainly nothing wrong with discussing these aspects of WDW-it is part of the magic, which might mean different things to different people. I was respectful by mentioning a warning in the title of this thread. & if you have a child who is young enough to believe in the reality of characters, than you might want to monitor their usage of a public message board that is largely comprised of adults.

I love talking and learning about WDW & sharing & and gaining knowledge from others. I love learning about imagineering, costuming, & the other fun details that make up these parks. I have every right to discuss these things on a public message board & I can bet you that I am certainly not alone.

That said, if I want to discuss something like this in the future on these boards, I will continue to put a disclaimer in the title like I did here & you & your children can choose to read or not read the thread as you see fit. Other than that, there is nothing more I feel I need to adjust on a primarily adult population message board:)

[Joanna71985]

Might I direct you to the title of the thread in bold print where it says, "CHILDREN DON'T LOOK!!!" :confused3

Are you also offended by the lengthy thread about WDW secrets??

This is a public forum, certainly not exclusive to children, & you have a choice to read or not to read any thread.

Sorry, but there is certainly nothing wrong with discussing these aspects of WDW-it is part of the magic, which might mean different things to different people. I was respectful by mentioning a warning in the title of this thread. & if you have a child who is young enough to believe in the reality of characters, than you might want to monitor their usage of a public message board that is largely comprised of adults.

I love talking and learning about WDW & sharing & and gaining knowledge from others. I love learning about imagineering, costuming, & the other fun details that make up these parks. I have every right to discuss these things on a public message board & I can bet you that I am certainly not alone.

That said, if I want to discuss something like this in the future on these boards, I will continue to put a disclaimer in the title like I did here & you & your children can choose to read or not read the thread as you see fit. Other than that, there is nothing more I feel I need to adjust on a primarily adult population message board:)

No, because there is a difference between something like a ride, and the characters (that are real people). The rides, and whatever else is mentioned in that thread, are not real. This is the exact thing that drives me crazy at work.

[perla75]

No, because there is a difference between something like a ride, and the characters (that are real people). The rides, and whatever else is mentioned in that thread, are not real. This is the exact thing that drives me crazy at work.

The rides are not real to WHO??? When I was a little kid of 5 years old, I believed the pirates in POTC & the ghosts in the HM were real. Then I grew up & enjoyed the parks in a different way. So, you are saying it's ok to ruin the fantasy of the rides being real for some kids, but not ok to talk about the mechanics of the costumes for the characters for other kids?

Again, this is a public message board, comprised primarily of adults. If you have a child who is at the age when they firmly believe that the characters are real, chances are that they are too young to be browsing through a public message board without supervision in the first place.

If you are an adult who firmly believes that the characters are real (even though you see them backstage in another light), I can't help you there. & if you just choose not to read about it, feel free not to read the thread.

Sorry, but this is a ridiculous discussion. I would not feel it is respectful to discuss the costumes that the characters wear while I am walking around WDW or in the presence of young children. On a public message board though? Absolutely.:thumbsup2

[poohbear227]

Hi there! :wave:

Just to get this thread back on track, I like learning about the characters as well!

I heard that most Mickey's & Minnie's are actually women because they have to be a certain height (5 feet I think?) I wonder if the person dressed up as Minnie is always assigned to Minnie or if they rotate to other characters each day. Anyone know?:confused3

[Joanna71985]

Hi there! :wave:

Just to get this thread back on track, I like learning about the characters as well!

I heard that most Mickey's & Minnie's are actually women because they have to be a certain height (5 feet I think?) I wonder if the person dressed up as Minnie is always assigned to Minnie or if they rotate to other characters each day. Anyone know?:confused3

Nope, Mickey is a male.

[perla75]

Hi there! :wave:

Just to get this thread back on track, I like learning about the characters as well!

I heard that most Mickey's & Minnie's are actually women because they have to be a certain height (5 feet I think?) I wonder if the person dressed up as Minnie is always assigned to Minnie or if they rotate to other characters each day. Anyone know?:confused3

Nope, Mickey is a male.

Actually, I found this webpage, written by a former cast member, who gave some interesting insight on costumed character roles:

http://homepages.nyu.edu/~ems303/disney2.htm

"So you want to be a character?
First, you have to go to an audition held periodically throughout the year in which you have both a movement and an animation exercise. If they need you (based mostly upon your "disney height"), you could sign your contract that day. Otherwise, if they like what they see but don't need you immediately, you could get placed in a "pool" and they could call you anytime within 6 months. You then go through week-long training in which they tell you about the basic rules for the first few days (costume care, clocking, guest performance, signatures, etc.), and then you actually get into a costume. You move around and basically play "head, shoulders, knees, and toes" (I'm not kidding!). FYI: We wear something called "basics" under the costume which basically consist of a gray shirt and black shorts. They are scanned in/out to each person and washed by costuming. On the last 2 days you actually go into the park and do "sets," which are what we call the time in the park with the guests. A normal outside "set" is usually around 30-40 minutes, although in the summer they usually shorten them to 20. Indoor set times are usually 40. The nice thing, though, is that you usually get equal time off as you do on. So if you have a 30 minute set, you get 30 minutes of break time. And you get paid for it!

Who are you?
The characters (yes, plural) that you play depend entirely upon your "disney height" and the "ranges" which you fall into. To give you a basic idea of your height range, check out this chart.

DUCK: 4' 6" - 4' 10"
(Daisy and Donald Duck. Most can also do Mouse height roles.)
MOUSE: 4' 8" - 5' 0"
(Mickey and Minnie Mouse. Most can also do Pinocchio, White Rabbit, Robin Hood, Pooh, Piglet, Mushu, Timon, Terk, Kuzco, Br'er Rabbit, Sleepy, Sneezy, Grumpy, Bashful, Dopey, Meeko, etc.)
MUNK: 5' 1" - 5' 4"
(Chip and Dale. Most can also do Gideon, King Louie, Suzy, Perla, Jaq, Gus, Doc, Happy, Jessie, Bullseye, Mr. Penguin, etc.)
PLUTO: 5' 6" - 5' 8"
(Pluto. Most can also do Friar Tuck, Rafiki, Buzz Lightyear, Flik, Eeyore, Prince John, etc.)
GOOFY: 6' 0" - 6' 3"
(Goofy. Most can also do Foulfellow, Tigger, Frollo, Genie, Ratcliffe, Captain Hook, Queen of Hearts, Br'er Bear, Baloo)

These heights are just a sample of some characters you can play. There are many many more, of course, with varying height ranges. The "half-inch" rule applies to many costumes as well--you can perform in costumes which fall one half-inch above or below your "disney height." Keep in mind, though, that Walt Disney World measures your height at the audition, and their measurements tend to be a little off from your real height.

Because everything depends on height ranges, girls often play boy roles, and vice versa. So be careful how rough you are with that King Louie and how flirty you are with Minnie Mouse--you never know who's in there!"

[poohbear227]

Wow, that's really interesting to hear insight from someone who once played a character performer! :goodvibes

I wonder if there are fans inside the costume-must get really hot in there!:guilty:

[freepixie]

Check this out, it really doesn't answer your question but may help if you have any more questions wondering about the characters --> http://allears.net/tp/fur.htm

:goodvibes

[freepixie]

Nope, Mickey is a male.

Actually, I found this webpage, written by a former cast member, who gave some interesting insight on costumed character roles:


Hmmm, I think Joanna is referring to the Mouse himself, I think when you go up to meet Mickey he would be offended if you call him a girl...

[perla75]

Check this out, it really doesn't answer your question but may help if you have any more questions wondering about the characters --> http://allears.net/tp/fur.htm

:goodvibes

:goodvibes Thanks for sharing!! I really like the tips list on the bottom, after the "PLEASE DO NOT ALLOW SMALL CHILDREN TO READ disclaimer" .....Joanna71985, you might not want to read that page!!:rotfl:

I like the photo of Daisy Duck on there. I've always wanted to get my picture taken with her, but I haven't yet run into her.

[perla75]

Hmmm, I think Joanna is referring to the Mouse himself, I think when you go up to meet Mickey he would be offended if you call him a girl...

Yup, the mouse himself is indeed a male. The costumed character is a female;)

[freepixie]

Might I direct you to the title of the thread in bold print where it says, "CHILDREN DON'T LOOK!!!" :confused3



LOL ya see, I'm a preschool teacher and I can tell you from experience if you tell kids NOT to look at something, that is probably the first thing they will look at... I'm not trying to be snarky or anything, because it was very good that you did put a disclaimer on there, however knowing the psyche of a young child, whatever you tell them NOT to do, they will probably go ahead and try to do anyhow! ;) Luckily the children I teach don't read yet!!

[perla75]

LOL ya see, I'm a preschool teacher and I can tell you from experience if you tell kids NOT to look at something, that is probably the first thing they will look at... I'm not trying to be snarky or anything, because it was very good that you did put a disclaimer on there, however knowing the psyche of a young child, whatever you tell them NOT to do, they will probably go ahead and try to do anyhow! ;) Luckily the children I teach don't read yet!!

I believe you that you are not being snarky :) I also work with preschool children (and elementary school children as well). I'll tell you though, if I had my own preschool aged child, I probably would not let them roam a public message board by themselves. I think a preschool aged child is going to run into MANY more doses of reality that are a bit more concerning than the height of the person who plays Donald Duck!!:rotfl:

The fact is, there is nothing wrong with having one thread discussing these things. A bunch of threads? Ok, maybe....but it seems to silly (and borderline weird) for others to make such a stink about one WDW related thread (with a disclaimer) on a WDW related message board.

[poohbear227]

Anyone ever seen this from the Disney website?

http://corporate.disney.go.com/auditions/

It's neat to poke around there and read up on the audition processes!

[Joanna71985]

Wow, that's really interesting to hear insight from someone who once played a character performer! :goodvibes

I wonder if there are fans inside the costume-must get really hot in there!:guilty:

Of course not. Humans don't have fans inside of them.

Yup, the mouse himself is indeed a male. The costumed character is a female;)

Why would Mickey dress up like a girl? He only wears manly costumes for Halloween.

[perla75]

Of course not. Humans don't have fans inside of them.



Why would Mickey dress up like a girl? He only wears manly costumes for Halloween.

I'm starting to wonder about your mental status....:scared1:

[Disneenut]

You have said you had kids right? Whats the best thing to do when they are acting in a non-desirable fashion... Don't listen to them. ;)

Anywho... I guess i never thought about how tall the characters are and that there would need to be of appropriate height so as their "clothes" would fit. Is that P.C. :rolleyes:

[perla75]

You have said you had kids right? Whats the best thing to do when they are acting in a non-desirable fashion... Don't listen to them. ;)

Anywho... I guess i never thought about how tall the characters are and that there would need to be of appropriate height so as their "clothes" would fit. Is that P.C. :rolleyes:

:lmao: Well, the other kicker is, those that are young enough to believe the costume characters are not people are too young to read!

Yes, when I read the costumed characters auditions page, it says that they measure your height as soon as you get there & it is a deciding factor for which character you might get to be if you pass the audition.

They also want to make sure the characters are correct height when relative to each other-i.e. in the cartoons, goofy & pluto are taller than mickey & minnie.

[mainegal]

:confused3

[mainegal]

Interesting that the same human can portray different characters.

I assume that a character can be portrayed by different humans in different parks at different times.

We saw Alice in Epcot's England. A day later we saw her in the MK parade. My friend is sure it was the same person (human, not character). I think a blonde wig and blue dress can make almost anyone look like Alice.

I have read that there is never more than one Mickey in the park at the same time, even in different places. Don't want to chance that they might run into each other!

[perla75]

I have read that there is never more than one Mickey in the park at the same time, even in different places. Don't want to chance that they might run into each other!

You know, I wonder if this is why they got rid of the LTT character dinner-?:confused3 It cuts right into Spectro & I remember the last time we were there, the handlers were scurrying to round up the characters to get them in the back saying "Goofy's gotta go to the parade now"Maybe it was too hard to handle, since Spectro goes right by LTT.

[Joanna71985]

You know, I wonder if this is why they got rid of the LTT character dinner-?:confused3 It cuts right into Spectro & I remember the last time we were there, the handlers were scurrying to round up the characters to get them in the back saying "Goofy's gotta go to the parade now"Maybe it was too hard to handle, since Spectro goes right by LTT.

Nope, not at all.

[Tabatha]

Joanna - not trying to mean, please do not take this the wrong way...BUT why are you still a CP? Are you ever planning on moving on and graduating your original college degree, not just the Ducktorate? :teacher:

okay so to answer the original OP's question it definitely depends on the costume. After my original CP program I stayed on and worked for Disney for a while in the character dept. Women do in fact play the majority of the "fur" roles like Mickey, Minnie, Chip, Dale, etc... due to height.

The characters world is a world like no other. The closest way to describe it would be like revisiting high school all over again :scared1: There are strong social hierarchies in this "school" and many cliques.

The "preps" typically were the face characters. These are your princesses, princes, and villains. Work is pretty good for this group and they rule the utilidors. :worship:

After that you had the "jocks" - who are usually your entertainers. These were your parade dancers and on stage performers. Fun job, you get to be animated, more around, carry your body weight in equipment and wear skin tight costumes that would make a waif look fat. :yay:

The "nerds" wore the "fur". Hot, sweaty (no fans inside), only washed once per week, used by many, personal saunas. poor unfortunate souls

Auditions are packed and you know immediately if you chosen. Critics could get pretty harsh. For some reason (my dance background) I didn't start in "fur" like most and went straight to the parade route. I was glad to not be suffering in those costumes, but it was still hard work. After about 4 months I was ready for a change. The next time I auditioned for a face character and was chosen to play Jasmine and subbed as Pocahantas (in conservation station). It was weeks before I was ever able to go "stage" (meet the guests), because first you have to watch your characters movies, learn the dialect, learn how to put on your makeup and wig, and a short easy test to make sure that you grasped the information, signature classes (each character is unique and must be consistent with all the performs). :surfweb:

SO...finally you get to go "on-stage" and its a blast, totally awesome....for about 2-3 months and then the magic really starts to fade...:sad1: You would occasionally have those special guests who just really stand out and bring the magic back, but all too often the next guest is snippy that you didn't immediately gravitate to their child or its some guy who thinks that you are there for his "hand" candy and since its Disney he has the right to totally invade your personal space and sometimes inappropriately hit on you and they wipe it all away (the magic that is) :headache:

Ahh...My time at Disney as both a CP and a employee was great and I would have missed many great things by not doing it, but I'm definitely glad that I have moved on in my life. As a side note - those souls are way underpaid - depending on the role anywhere from $7-10 /hr. be kind and don't, trust me they have heard all the stupid jokes and Jasmine, Ariel, and Pocahontas do NOT like to be fondled so stay clean you pervert:laughing:

[Joanna71985]

Joanna - not trying to mean, please do not take this the wrong way...BUT why are you still a CP? Are you ever planning on moving on and graduating your original college degree, not just the Ducktorate? :teacher:

Not that it's anyone's business. But I had to change majors (and 2 of my CPs were just over the summer, so I didn't miss any school time), so I had to take 2 extra semesters. And as for graduating, I am graduating this summer (and going to work for Disney FT).

[perla75]

Joanna - not trying to mean, please do not take this the wrong way...BUT why are you still a CP? Are you ever planning on moving on and graduating your original college degree, not just the Ducktorate? :teacher:

okay so to answer the original OP's question it definitely depends on the costume. After my original CP program I stayed on and worked for Disney for a while in the character dept. Women do in fact play the majority of the "fur" roles like Mickey, Minnie, Chip, Dale, etc... due to height.

The characters world is a world like no other. The closest way to describe it would be like revisiting high school all over again :scared1: There are strong social hierarchies in this "school" and many cliques.

The "preps" typically were the face characters. These are your princesses, princes, and villains. Work is pretty good for this group and they rule the utilidors. :worship:

After that you had the "jocks" - who are usually your entertainers. These were your parade dancers and on stage performers. Fun job, you get to be animated, more around, carry your body weight in equipment and wear skin tight costumes that would make a waif look fat. :yay:

The "nerds" wore the "fur". Hot, sweaty (no fans inside), only washed once per week, used by many, personal saunas. poor unfortunate souls

Auditions are packed and you know immediately if you chosen. Critics could get pretty harsh. For some reason (my dance background) I didn't start in "fur" like most and went straight to the parade route. I was glad to not be suffering in those costumes, but it was still hard work. After about 4 months I was ready for a change. The next time I auditioned for a face character and was chosen to play Jasmine and subbed as Pocahantas (in conservation station). It was weeks before I was ever able to go "stage" (meet the guests), because first you have to watch your characters movies, learn the dialect, learn how to put on your makeup and wig, and a short easy test to make sure that you grasped the information, signature classes (each character is unique and must be consistent with all the performs). :surfweb:

SO...finally you get to go "on-stage" and its a blast, totally awesome....for about 2-3 months and then the magic really starts to fade...:sad1: You would occasionally have those special guests who just really stand out and bring the magic back, but all too often the next guest is snippy that you didn't immediately gravitate to their child or its some guy who thinks that you are there for his "hand" candy and since its Disney he has the right to totally invade your personal space and sometimes inappropriately hit on you and they wipe it all away (the magic that is) :headache:

Ahh...My time at Disney as both a CP and a employee was great and I would have missed many great things by not doing it, but I'm definitely glad that I have moved on in my life. As a side note - those souls are way underpaid - depending on the role anywhere from $7-10 /hr. be kind and don't, trust me they have heard all the stupid jokes and Jasmine, Ariel, and Pocahontas do NOT like to be fondled so stay clean you pervert:laughing:

Tabatha:

Thank you for sharing your story and insight!!:goodvibes I find this stuff so interesting!! I wish there was a section on this board for CM's. Even the special vocab (like "on-stage") is so interesting to me!

I guess I can see why/how it ends up to be very cliquey.

Did you get to do any character/princess meals? I just wondered if the guests were generally better behaved at character meals than in the parks during meet & greets because it was more structured, they were eating & relaxing, etc...

[playswithstars]

I'm confused-didn't you mentioned that you work WITH the characters??? I would think you already ruined it for yourself by working at WDW & witnessing all of the behind the scenes stuff. :confused3 No one is ruining magic by asking a simple question. WDW is a magical place to me, which is why I am so fascinated with all of the details of it.



:thumbsup2 Exactly!!

Nope, Mickey is a male.

A girl in my class at college said her sister has worked at disney for five years so far and she's has played Mickey before. She said this as part of her introduction that everyone had to do because she was explaining why she had such a big Disney Album. SHOCK all those college kids fantasies are probably ruined.

[Joanna71985]

Did you get to do any character/princess meals? I just wondered if the guests were generally better behaved at character meals than in the parks during meet & greets because it was more structured, they were eating & relaxing, etc...

Not always. People could be just as bad at character dining, as they can be in the parks. Sometimes, it was worse.

[perla75]

A girl in my class at college said her sister has worked at disney for five years so far and she's has played Mickey before.

I'll bet the Fantasmic Mickey must be the most challenging Mickey role. How those people do it without falling down all the time, I'll never understand!

[TripTime]

When I first saw this question I was very interested in the answer also. I can't believe so many peolple take this question to extreme. Like someone else said" if the child can read, i sure hope he also can tell the difference between a real person and one dressed in a costume".I doubt any kids thinking Mickey is a real giant mouse is surfing the disboards.I know some of you are just being funny but come'on get over yourself and give the op a break.