Are all characters "signing" with stamps at MGM?

[MECH8T7]

During our recent trip to WDW around Easter, we noticed that in the few character interactions our kids had with characters in MGM, the characters were not actually signing autograph books but were, instead, using self-inking stamps to put their signatures in people's books. MGM was the only place we saw this. Is this practice restricted to MGM and, if so, is it throughout MGM?

I can understand why MGM would want to do this, namely, it is a faster way to sign all those darn autograph books especially by the non-face characters who have hands that cannot easily grip a pen or marker. But, IMHO, there has got to be a better solution to the problem than this! For starters, the ink on the stamps smudge very easily. But, more fundamentally, stamping is just not the same as signing. If they want to eliminate the signing, they should do away with it altogether rather than try to replace it with this!

I think an interesting alternative to autographs would be for Disney to have the character (or accompanying CM) hand out exclusive stickers of the particular character to the people who wait to see them. The Disney shops could then sell sticker books rather than autograph books for people to display the stickers they were able to collect. Any thoughts?

 

[magicmouse2]

I f they are stamping I personally wouldnt mind too much as I know what its like to wait ages in line and get to near the front only for the character to go. This would free up more time for more kids to have their photo taken with the character.

 

[savs]

I think an interesting alternative to autographs would be for Disney to have the character (or accompanying CM) hand out exclusive stickers of the particular character to the people who wait to see them. The Disney shops could then sell sticker books rather than autograph books for people to display the stickers they were able to collect. Any thoughts?

That would be a fun thing to do...go around and see if you can fill in the whole book. Sure would be fun for those kids that have several books with signatures (every visit we make). It would be more interesting to look at years down the road too.

You'll have to turn that suggestion in somewhere

 

[YCFAN]

The only characters that use the stamps are usually the ones with big heads!! Seriously, the characters that "stamp" have difficulty turning or bending and use the stamp because they can't easily see the books to sign or it's hard to keep their head up (like Woody).

 

[SandrainNC]

I never saw characters with stamps during our trip this past November/December. All of our autographs were written out. I am trying to remember if we even got autographs at MGM or not. I know we did at the other 3 parks. I don't believe we did get any at MGM. Maybe that is why I didn't see them using a stamp. I remember seeing long lines for the characters there which is why we didn't get any.

Sandra

 

[extraredstuff]

I think Buzz is another "stamper"

 

[SandrainNC]

Seriously, the characters that "stamp" have difficulty turning or bending and use the stamp because they can't easily see the books to sign or it's hard to keep their head up (like Woody).

That makes sense. But Woody signed our book at MK.

Sandra

 

[tjmw2727]

I think it depends on the character, Buzz & Woody always stamp (always have) as do the Monsters. All the face characters sign along with Mickey and Minnie even at MGM. We saw Sorcerer Mickey at MGM in February and he definately signed as did the characters around the Sorcerers Hat.

So I think it is the character rather than the location that determines if they can sign or stamp. I have seen a few at MK who do not sign or stamp but will pose for a picture.

TJ

 

[YCFAN]

SandraInNC: I just PM'd you.

 

[SandrainNC]

Buzz & Woody always stamp (always have) as do the Monsters

We didn't get a Buzz autograph on our trip, but Woody signed our book. He didn't stamp it. Did I happen to get a rare Woody original signature??


Sandra

 

[YCFAN]

Woody stamped ours.

 

[Mellie0119]

We have a Woody signature and a Buzz stamp, that's the only stamp we got (Bullseye didn't sign or stamp). We got quite a few siggys last trip and are excited to add more on this trip! The stickers sound like a neat idea too, that way people who didn't want to buy a $6 note pad could get something too. (not implying that the characters won't sign almost anything you put in front of them )

 

[OhMickey]

The Green Army men also stamp.

 

[pjlla]

The Green Army men also stamp.

Actually, I have a GAM signature (not stamp) from MGM in 2002...........P

 

[HugsForEeyore]

In my trips at MGM, Buzz, Woody, Kermit, and Miss Piggy used stamps. I heard that the Incredibles are stamping now, which makes sense since I noticed they had a hard time holding pens with their thick gloves. The Monsters INC characters used to not sign or stamp - especially Mike, who can barely move his arms! Green Army Man signed for us, I never seen him with a stamper. Maybe Woody stamps in MGM but signs at Magic Kingdom??

I love the sticker idea! Makes getting a "rare" sticker something to strive for!

 

[iwish81792]

I love the sticker idea as well! I would just like to add, that for as long as I can remember, Kermit and Miss Piggy have stamped.But then again, it could be that whole "bigger character" thing. I mean, I remember being 5'5 (that is veeeeery tall in my family) and totally dwarfing in comparison to the two of them.

 

[BuddyGenie]

Bump

The reason why most characters stamp rather than sign is because they are not "officially" Disney characters, but are rather licensed by Disney to appear in the parks while still retaining copyright with their original owners. Example: Woody, Buzz, and the other Pixar characters are co-joined by Disney and Pixar. Kermit & Miss Piggy are owned by Jim Henson. I would imagine that the Star Wars characters when they are out during Star Wars Weekends would follow the same procedure as they are owned by Lucasfilm.

This is what I heard.

 

[MAGICX2]

Woody signed my DS and DD's book when we were there Jan. 05 as well as GAM. Buzz's CM told us that because of the "laser capabilities in his gloves" he could not risk grabbing a child's pen." In other words, he couldn't hold the darn thing! This goes for Kermi, Piggy, and Chewbacca as well. The only stamp I have ever seen was for Buzz. Kermi and Piggy weren't doing anything other than photos when we tried.

 

[Fire14]

I have stamped autographs from: Woody, Buzz, Kermit, Miss Piggy and mr and mrs incredible. I did miss getting a signing Woody by one child in June 2005. Maybe the signing Woody was a MK one? Jojo signed, her lion friend couldn't sign, all characters around hat signed. I have never seen monsters signing, I was told they are scared of paper.

 

[PIRATEGIRL007]

The only stamp I got last time was Buzz. Sully and Mike didn't sign or stamp (even though there was only 3 of us in line). Don't mean to jump in this thread, but where can I find the Incredibles? I would love to get thier sig.