Character Attendant

[ashliejere]

Hey guys! Does anyone know of any CA blogs? I am really interested in this role and I wanted to see what a day is like in that role, experiences, etc. So, does anyone know off-hand of a CA blog? I've googled it and haven't had any luck yet.

[Joanna71985]

Hey guys! Does anyone know of any CA blogs? I am really interested in this role and I wanted to see what a day is like in that role, experiences, etc. So, does anyone know off-hand of a CA blog? I've googled it and haven't had any luck yet.

I'm currently seasonal as a CA (since May 2006). I started my blog after my first CA CP, but I have entries in it from last summer (when I worked 1.5 months). The link is http://jrs71985.livejournal.com.

Also, if you have any questions I can try to answer them. :)

[khristinel]

Also, if you have any questions I can try to answer them. :)

not the op, but i was wondering about some of the questions they ask you for that role?

i've heard that they ask what would you do if a kid gets rough with a character, but i was wondering what you would do if an older guest got rough with a character. and any other questions you think might pop up.

thanks :thumbsup2

[Joanna71985]

not the op, but i was wondering about some of the questions they ask you for that role?

i've heard that they ask what would you do if a kid gets rough with a character, but i was wondering what you would do if an older guest got rough with a character. and any other questions you think might pop up.

thanks :thumbsup2

For me, what I would do depended on the age of the guest. If it was a little kid (or someone who didn't know any better), I would gently tell them to be gentle with the character, that they didn't want to hurt _____. But if it was someone older that did know better, I would tell them to please stop that right now. If they didn't, I would either tell the character to walk off, or I would call security (or both).

Other questions could be "what would you tell a guest that came up after the line was closed", or "what does character integrity mean to you".

[khristinel]

For me, what I would do depended on the age of the guest. If it was a little kid (or someone who didn't know any better), I would gently tell them to be gentle with the character, that they didn't want to hurt _____. But if it was someone older that did know better, I would tell them to please stop that right now. If they didn't, I would either tell the character to walk off, or I would call security (or both).

Other questions could be "what would you tell a guest that came up after the line was closed", or "what does character integrity mean to you".

thank you so much!

as far as the last two questions...what would you suggest as some possible answers?

sorry! i'm just nervous and trying to prepare as much as possible since i didn't get in for the fall and i am reapplying. :)

[ckdsnynt]

thank you so much!

as far as the last two questions...what would you suggest as some possible answers?

sorry! i'm just nervous and trying to prepare as much as possible since i didn't get in for the fall and i am reapplying. :)

Is there an age limit?

[Joanna71985]

thank you so much!

as far as the last two questions...what would you suggest as some possible answers?

sorry! i'm just nervous and trying to prepare as much as possible since i didn't get in for the fall and i am reapplying. :)

You're welcome. :)


It depended on when the character was coming back. If they were coming back at a certain time, I would tell the guests that ___ had to go to the parade, but would be back out at ____. But if the character was done for the day, I would appologize and tell the guest "I'm sorry, but unfortunately ____ is done for the day". If there were any other characters out, I would suggest any of them. For the other question, it's important to me that the magic of the characters is preserved.

[Joanna71985]

Is there an age limit?

I believe you have to be at least 18.

[khristinel]

You're welcome. :)


It depended on when the character was coming back. If they were coming back at a certain time, I would tell the guests that ___ had to go to the parade, but would be back out at ____. But if the character was done for the day, I would appologize and tell the guest "I'm sorry, but unfortunately ____ is done for the day". If there were any other characters out, I would suggest any of them. For the other question, it's important to me that the magic of the characters is preserved.

AHH i can't thank you enough. you have been such a big help.:hug::flower3:

[ashliejere]

Thank you so much, Joanna! I'll read through your blog and let you know if I have any questions. :)

Have you done any other roles? I'm also looking at Attractions, Hospitality, FSFB, Merchandise and Costuming. If you've had any experience with those roles (and you don't address them in your blog) are there any pro/cons to those roles?

[Joanna71985]

Thank you so much, Joanna! I'll read through your blog and let you know if I have any questions. :)

Have you done any other roles? I'm also looking at Attractions, Hospitality, FSFB, Merchandise and Costuming. If you've had any experience with those roles (and you don't address them in your blog) are there any pro/cons to those roles?

I've done merchandise (before I started the blog), and I will be doing attractions for this CP (so it will be in the blog).

I liked merchandise. There was good guest interaction, and I loved my location and co-workers/managers. One con was the hours (I just about always closed), but I liked going into the parks before work, so it evened out.

[Toffy]

So question... does CA get to help characters get into their costumes for parades etc, or are they only needed for sets? I'm going to really be trying to network like crazy in the entertainment department while I'm there, and I'm wondering if being CA would have me working closer to such people...

[Joanna71985]

So question... does CA get to help characters get into their costumes for parades etc, or are they only needed for sets? I'm going to really be trying to network like crazy in the entertainment department while I'm there, and I'm wondering if being CA would have me working closer to such people...

No. That would be people in costuming. Character Attendants can work shows (for example, Dream Along with Mickey at the MK), but they don't assist the characters in getting ready. If they do any assisting, it would be for characters doing sets.

[ashliejere]

Joanna, do you know if most merchandise roles have those hours are was it just where you worked?

[Joanna71985]

Joanna, do you know if most merchandise roles have those hours are was it just where you worked?

I think it depends on where you work. For example- people at AK will have earlier hours (since the park closes earliest). But people working at MK usually will have later hours (that's where I worked).

[krisTXyn]

Joanna-
do you know how the audition process goes as far as wanting to work as one of the characters, (i was thinking a full out costume, since i'm pretty sure i don't look like any of the princesses and whatnot)
and also do you think it would be somewhat of an advantage that i worked at chuck-e-cheese for 2 and a half years, and most of the time, had to be in the rat costume?
:)

[Joanna71985]

Joanna-
do you know how the audition process goes as far as wanting to work as one of the characters, (i was thinking a full out costume, since i'm pretty sure i don't look like any of the princesses and whatnot)
and also do you think it would be somewhat of an advantage that i worked at chuck-e-cheese for 2 and a half years, and most of the time, had to be in the rat costume?
:)

Yes. The audition has 2 parts- animation and dance. The animation part is like doing charades- they give an example and you act it out. Then there is the dance part. They teach a routine, and you perform it in small groups. Some people may get called back for a second dance round, others may get called back for a puppet audition, and others may get called back to get looked at for face (not all auditions do the puppets and face, from what I've heard).

Unfortunately I would have to say no. They look at what you do during the audition to be picked for character performer.

[krisTXyn]

Yes. The audition has 2 parts- animation and dance. The animation part is like doing charades- they give an example and you act it out. Then there is the dance part. They teach a routine, and you perform it in small groups. Some people may get called back for a second dance round, others may get called back for a puppet audition, and others may get called back to get looked at for face (not all auditions do the puppets and face, from what I've heard).

Unfortunately I would have to say no. They look at what you do during the audition to be picked for character performer.

thanks :)
and your probably gonna end up reading what i posted on the other topic, so sorry in advance for the repeat
:)

[PeaceLoveDisney]

I'm also thinking about applying to be a character attendant. I was just wondering what people thought about it. Did you enjoy it overall? Was it a difficult role? Was it difficult dealing with the guests and also the characters, specifically those in fur? What kind of things do you do? What's a typical day? Really, any information about what it would be like to be a character attendant and what one could expect would be great. :)

[Joanna71985]

I'm also thinking about applying to be a character attendant. I was just wondering what people thought about it. Did you enjoy it overall? Was it a difficult role? Was it difficult dealing with the guests and also the characters, specifically those in fur? What kind of things do you do? What's a typical day? Really, any information about what it would be like to be a character attendant and what one could expect would be great. :)

This is me personally, but I love doing character attendant (I've been doing it for over 3 years now). It is such a fun role. I love getting to interact with the characters and guests, and being able to work in all 4 parks. For the most part, the guests have been fine. I can count on 1 hand the amount of "difficult" guests I've encountered.

The type of day will depend on where you are working (meet location, dining, ect), and the kind of character you are working with. But usually you will get to work, check in, and find out the info you need. Sometimes you also are given a radio. Then it is off to the location. For dining, you rotate the restaurant making sure guests know they will see the characters at their table, and to have books open and cameras ready. You will let the characters know when they need to take 5 (ex- Pooh has to go get some honey, but will be right back). And just keep an eye on things, in case there is any trouble. There aren't that many dining locations, so there could be a chance of not doing any (I've only done dining about 10 times). If you are doing a meet-and-greet location, this is more common. You will either work with a character like Mickey (a "fuzzy") or a character like Peter Pan. If you are working with Mickey, you stay out the whole time and get breaks from a breaker attendant. Depending on the time of year, if the character meets outside they are either out for 20 or 30 minutes. Your job is to assist the character, keep the queue line orderly, answer questions for the guests, help take pictures (especially if there is no photopass), and so on. If the character is indoors, they are out for aprox 40 minutes (but the job is pretty much the same). Now, if you are with a character like Peter Pan, and you are outside, things are a little different. You usually break with the character (they are out for aprox 35-40 minutes, and then are off for about 20). Another type of location could be shows (like working the castle show). The attendants stand on the ramps during the show, to make sure guests don't go where they shouldn't. And stay out after shows, to answer questions.

I hope this helped. If you have any more questions, I can try to answer them.

[NicoleRose]

that sounds like such an awesome job!
i'm pretty sure character attendant is now solidified as my number 1 choice

[PeaceLoveDisney]

Thanks so much Joanna, that definitely helps. Character attendant sounds like it could be a lot of fun.

I do have another question. Obviously when you go down, you get trained in your role. When you get trained as a character attendant, do they teach you how to get everyone in line, how to help characters, etc? You mentioned how you may have to help characters like Mickey, who obviously can't talk, so do they help show you what it is you may need to do for those characters?

Sorry if this sounds stupid or anything. I just want to make sure I have all the information I need so I can make a good, informed decision about what roles I want. And I'm thinking this may definitely be one of them! :goodvibes

[bellebookworm9]

Thanks so much Joanna, that definitely helps. Character attendant sounds like it could be a lot of fun.

I do have another question. Obviously when you go down, you get trained in your role. When you get trained as a character attendant, do they teach you how to get everyone in line, how to help characters, etc? You mentioned how you may have to help characters like Mickey, who obviously can't talk, so do they help show you what it is you may need to do for those characters?

Sorry if this sounds stupid or anything. I just want to make sure I have all the information I need so I can make a good, informed decision about what roles I want. And I'm thinking this may definitely be one of them! :goodvibes

I'm curious about this too. Character attendant is my top choice currently. If I get my lifeguard certification I would strongly consider that as well. What is the pay rate for CAs?

[Goofster18]

I'm on my way out the door to a pool party but thought I'd throw in my 2 cents. Yes, they teach you everything you need to know. You go through a week of training, roughly the first 2 days are sitting in a room, getting to know the basics, the overall Disney guidelines, etc. Then you begin learning about set schedules, the way to form lines, cut lines, spiel, answer for the characters, give onstage answers, deal with guests, etc. Then it's out into the parks for 3 days (usually) of on stage training, dealing with guests and practicing. Throughout this they will critique you and teach you about new ways or better ways of doing what you are doing, this is all VERY constructive!! The last day or so is usually on your own, and the testers won't even talk to you onstage, they will fill out a form about what you may need a little work on, etc. Then you take an easy multiple choice test and you are let loose!!! I promise, it is crazy at first but it gets a lot easier.
As to the whole breaking thing, it all depends. We at EPCOT have been told, given a letter and had it posted where we check in that we can no longer break with the princesses. We have our set schedules, they have theirs. so while Snow White is off checking on her gooseberry pie for Grumpy, unless we have a scheduled break, we have to be on set, greeting, noticing celebrating buttons, helping and assisting guests, etc. Usually in the countries we get a radio and the breaks are self-breaks (we just go in at that time, no one comes to fill in for us). Character Spot is a whole different ball game and if any one has questions for that, i can answer them but it is very unique to EPCOT and besides maybe the princess room at MK, none of the parks have the same set up. So yea, they will teach you and help you learn. It's a TON OF INFO but it becomes second nature. I still Disney point and get character info for guests even when I'm just playing in the parks.
Sorry this is so long!!
Have a Magical Day!!!
Goofster18

[Goofster18]

as of right now I get paid 7.21$ an hour. BTW
Have a Magical Day!!!
Goofster18

[PeaceLoveDisney]

Thanks so much for all the information. It definitely has helped to calm some of my fears. Character attendant really sounds like a fun position, and with all that training, I feel even more confident about pursuing that role. If anyone ever has any great stories about being a character attendant, wants to put in there 2 cents about how they feel about the role, or what's to give some advice about it, I would be happy to hear it and I'm sure others would appreciate as well. :thanks:

[NicoleRose]

That was very helpful goofster!

I hope that if i get accepted into the program, i get put as a character attendant. I know they're looking a lot at previous work experience so i'm hoping my experience working at the front desk of a school's counseling office will give me some advantage! it helped me to learn how to deal with angry parents and children of course. i also have a lot of child care experience and come from a famliy with 6 siblings ranging from 3 days old to 23. i just hope its enough lol idk what they're really looking for but i hope i have it!

[PeaceLoveDisney]

That actually brings up a good question that I hadn't considered. Experience-wise, what do you think they are looking for when it comes to character attendants?

I've worked at a bookstore for little less then a year, so I have experience with customer service and dealing with difficult guests and what not and I also worked at my school's concession stand (but I definitely don't want to do QSFB!) I have also had some experience working with kids in the past. Will that help me at all?

[Goofster18]

Honestly, I have no idea what Disney is looking for with that. I tried to squeeze as much as possible onto the application, and I'm assuming any experience with kids is a big part of it. Most of my experience was working with kids through church, school, etc. and artsy sort of things, like acting and how comfortable I felt spieling (on the phone interview she asked me about this, as well as my acting experience....). However, I also put down my time working in restaurants and I had both FSFB and QSFB checked off. But I think that anything theatre-related, customer service or high people interaction jobs, especially those centering or working with children is a plus. Also, I auditioned at the first possible chance and didn't make it. I met another current CP who didn't make it and we met up again and he was an attendant in my training group. I don't know, but I have a feeling they put some of us who auditioned but didn't make it as close to the characters as possible?! Maybe I'm just grabbing this outta thin air, but it makes sense, a lot of the people I know who are attendants or stories I've heard in passing are those who didn't get performer but got attendant. Sorry again this is sooo long. I'd be glad to answer any questions about attendants or performing and the characters to the best of my ability. Also, my roomie is a performer (good friends with Goofy) so if you have any questions I could ask him!!
Have a Magical Day!!!
Goofster18

[Joanna71985]

Thanks so much Joanna, that definitely helps. Character attendant sounds like it could be a lot of fun.

I do have another question. Obviously when you go down, you get trained in your role. When you get trained as a character attendant, do they teach you how to get everyone in line, how to help characters, etc? You mentioned how you may have to help characters like Mickey, who obviously can't talk, so do they help show you what it is you may need to do for those characters?

Sorry if this sounds stupid or anything. I just want to make sure I have all the information I need so I can make a good, informed decision about what roles I want. And I'm thinking this may definitely be one of them! :goodvibes

Don't worry, everything is gone over in training. They won't let you go out if they don't think you are ready to. :)

Thanks so much for all the information. It definitely has helped to calm some of my fears. Character attendant really sounds like a fun position, and with all that training, I feel even more confident about pursuing that role. If anyone ever has any great stories about being a character attendant, wants to put in there 2 cents about how they feel about the role, or what's to give some advice about it, I would be happy to hear it and I'm sure others would appreciate as well. :thanks:

I've had many great stories from doing character attendant. Probably my favorite one was when I got to participate in a Magical Moment with Buzz in Tomorrowland. It was during the Year of a Million Dreams celebration, and one of the Magical Moments in Tomorrowland for entertainment was to pick a family to ride the ride with Buzz. The family we picked was great. It was the little boy's birthday, and the mom was so happy she was crying. And the little boy was so happy too. I also had a blast working the Christmas parties in Frontierland with the Country Bears (we had a blast together).

[PeaceLoveDisney]

AWWW! That's so cute. :flower3: Those are exactly the kind of moments I hope to have when I go to Disney. I really just want to make the guests day and bring some Disney magic into their lives. :wizard:

[Goofster18]

I don't wanna be a downer and it's not completely unmagical there are a ton of magical moments to make however, I got a huge wake-up call when I came down. Obviously, at first I was super depressed cause i wasnt quite sure what I could do since people would just want to see the characters. however, I also realized that people who came through, if they had issues, or just overhearing and getting something ready could make a big difference. When I work at CSpot, I enjoy working the front door the most because people ask you to either point them in the right direction or where to find other characters or show you theri guest assistance passes and those are the moments I love because it doesn't relate to a character and people aren't going crazy or mad cause you closed a line. when on the hill with mary poppins I showed a woman how to lock her stroller and she was so happy. However, the whole guest recovery system sucks because we can't carry the no strings attached cards, so a girl who lost her autograph book, I should have been able to just give her a card for a new free one or even better just gone to the cart outside and gotten 1 along with a new pen or sumthing......but no. she had to use just scraps of paper we carry on us, that will get crushed and lost within the day. So it's definitely possible, but when at a place like CSpot with managers always busy and working to keep numbers high and always having to bring and push people thru, magic doesnt happen much. tattoos and stickers, or bring special assistance to the front. thats it. I like working with other characters outside the most, at least i can sneak groups in or help people and fix costumes and I enjoy the distress signal the most, or giving pens to characters. Magical moments are great, but definitely keep in mind what sets disney apart are those little things that we do, the smile, having a pen and paper ready as you hear the kid whining why the parents forgot his autograph book, a sticker, going up with a kid to meet the character, getting that picture easily for the parent, etc. the list goes on and on, but remember big moments are not always big. and guest recovery rocks cause you solve problems and get to hang wit guests and do w.e. you can to fix it so its awesome. sorry this is uber huge and long hahhaaha.
Have a Magical Day!!!
Goofster18

[glendalais]

as of right now I get paid 7.21$ an hour. BTW
Have a Magical Day!!!
Goofster18

Wow, I didn't realize that Character Attendent CP rate was the base CP rate, that's a little surprising.

For the record, the rate is actually $7.25/hr. Anything lower than that would be below Minimum Wage.

[MissRiss89]

Hey all. I haven't been on here in forever, but I was a character attendant on the Spring CP. I now go to UCF and I'm seasonal, FINALLY going back to work in a couple of weeks and I can't wait. Although there are a couple of others who are here to answer questions, I can also help :)

[trisheroll]

Do they have a character attendant role for the collge program at DisneyLand? I didn't see it on the list so I guess not?

[Sorahana]

I applied for CP as well (hopefully 3rd one) and I would love to do Character Attendant this time around if I can't be Character Performer. I'm hoping if I get in I can get a different role as I've done Attractions twice already and would love to be a Character Attendant. I guess I'll just have to try my best and make an impression.

So nervous!! My interview is on Thursday!

[americangeiko]

Sad part about it is that I gave all the right answers in my interview for the Character Attendant role, but they recast me as 'BBB Hostess' so I declined as that was my 'last resort' role.

I was hoping that they'd at least ask us to rank our choices in the phone interview like they do for the on-campus interviews, but apparently not.

I also wish there was an area to include "other" experience as I have about 3-4 different resumes as I specialize in a variety of work-kind of like how the PI lets you submit multiple resumes. I guess I need to build a Disney resume and hope it isn't 5 pages long or something