A character finder utility

t_catt11

Pin Trading Addict
Joined
Feb 15, 2008
Messages
3,790
As some of you know (or may have guessed by the link in my sig), I operate a very small Disney informational site. Up until now, it's never been more than a few articles written by me or emailed to me by others; just a few tips and tricks type things. It's a source of fun, not revenue, and I never expect it to be anything but that.

I am, however, seriously considering adding a new section to the site, and I'd like some feedback from the Dis.

There are lots of character lists out there, most of which are slightly to terribly out of date. I tried to download a spreadsheet of the characters and where one might find them, but the latest such document I could find was last updated in the fall of 2007. So, at first, I started thinking about making my own list... and then realized that with so many characters, and so many possible places to meet them, it would be a major undertaking to keep the darned thing current.

Then I thought - what if instead of trying to do it all myself, I let other people do it for me? ;)

So here's my idea: I set up a database of the characters themselves. Visitors to the site can pick a character and enter a couple of short pieces of info (the date they saw the character, where they saw them, an optional place to leave a comment, optionally attach a photo). Likewise, visitors can browse the characters and view entries by people stating when they last saw the character and where.

I think it would be fun and useful. I could also be delusional! Comments on the idea would be much appreciated.


Edit: Here is the link to the character finder utility: http://www.wdwinsders.com/character_finder.php
Also, to the form to add your own sightings: http://www.wdwinsiders.com/add_sighting.php
 
As a HUGE Character fan, I think it is a GREAT idea! It would be so helpful to have, and easier to keep current.:thumbsup2
 
I think it's a great idea. As long as it's easy to use. I am not the most tech person in the world:blush:
 

Nice initial response, folks!

I'll begin setting this up, and I'll post when it's completed.
 
Great idea. I started putting together a matrix of all the characters we saw in 2007 (need to update with our 2008 trip). From that I can tell it would be an undertaking, but it would be very helpful when up and running.

Disneycharacts.jpg
 
Love the pics, Sea-Donkey! I hope that when I have it up and running, you'd be willing to share some of your shots. :)

Progress update: I have set up the character database itself, which currently contains only the names and where they are from (movie, show, attraction, etc). I'm working on an input form now for people to make comments and upload images.
 
Heya, Rusty! I'm pretty sure that your (very thorough) spreadhseet is the one that I found, but it wasn't on a geocities link. I'm guessing that this one has been updated more recently?
 
Guess I have to follow through now!

Give me a couple days to test it out and such.
 
Sound Neat

****on your matrix you have Wendy from Peter Pan listed as Dorthy*****
 
I think this is a great idea. As a programming student in college, I'd be interested in seeing how it works out. I only hope that people won't take advantage of it's interactivity and mess it up by posting false reports! Good luck!
 
For now, I don't think that I'll ask for any sort of member registration or anything like that. Maybe a CAPTCHA or email validatio link to avtivate an entry, but that's it.

If we got a lot of false reports (look! You can meet Megara at the Castle now every day!), then I'll have to restrict it. I doubt it will come to that, though.
 
I hope not. I don't think it will, but you never know who you are dealing with on the web. Good luck and looking forward to it! I think it's great what you are doing for the Disney community. I for one was just wondering the other day where to find certain characters since I always seem to not be able to find them when I go. Cheers!
 
I think this is a great idea for character hunters... I work at Disney so if you have any questions feel free to PM me and I can try to confirm exactly where each character is scheduled v. where they show up randomly.

Example: You are never guaranteed to see Wendy with Peter Pan in Adventureland, but it's not uncommon for her to show up for a set or a day.
 
Wow, that is a generous offer - having the insight of someone "in the know" would be a huge asset!

Thanks a ton!
 
I'm almost ready to start accepting inputinto this. I'll probably test first, though, andmake sure that the review pages work before I release it to the public.
 
This is great. I was actually going to start a thread to try and keep track of the rare characters and when they make their appearances, but this is even better.
 


Disney Vacation Planning. Free. Done for You.
Our Authorized Disney Vacation Planners are here to provide personalized, expert advice, answer every question, and uncover the best discounts. Let Dreams Unlimited Travel take care of all the details, so you can sit back, relax, and enjoy a stress-free vacation.
Start Your Disney Vacation
Disney EarMarked Producer






DIS Facebook DIS youtube DIS Instagram DIS Pinterest DIS Tiktok DIS Twitter

Add as a preferred source on Google

Back
Top Bottom