Character Autographs?

[JudyS]

Ok, I have to start by posting a confession: Mickey Mouse rejected me!!

On a trip to WDW a few years back, I noticed Mickey just standing there, with only a couple of people asking for autographs. I had never asked anyone (at Disney or elsewhere) for an autograph before, but I figured I'd get one for my nephews. So, I pulled whatever paper I had out of my pocket, and tried to get Mickey to sign. But, he just stood there looking confused!

So, what did I do wrong? For a while, I thought maybe the characters only signed the official Disney autograph books, but I have since heard of people getting plain paper signed. I don't remember what the paper was that I had available; it may have been a brochure or something. Perhaps the Disney folks are afraid that will look like Mickey was endorsing whatever the brochure was for?

Any thoughts? Thanks in advance!

 

[WDSearcher]

If it was something (like a brochure) that had a lot of writing on it, Mickey won't be able to sign it because there's no white space for him to focus on. Remember that he's got somewhat limited sight lines. If it was a non-Disney brochure or item, Mickey will not sign it for the reason you mention -- it will seem as though he or Disney is endorsing or is associated with whatever is mentioned in the brochure. If you handed him a blank piece of paper or napkin or something that looked too flimsy to write on, he would have probably refused rather than not be able to give an autograph. If you handed him paper but no pen, then he also would have refused, since Mickey does not usually carry a pen with him!

 

[JudyS]

Ok, thanks. So, a blank piece of paper is OK, as long as it is large enough and strong enough to be signed easily? I don't need the official autograph book, right?

I have heard that large pens are easier for the characters to grasp.

 

[meeko_33785]

I don't need the official autograph book, right?

Nope, an official autograph book is not required. They'll sign notebooks, home-made autograph books, even t-shirts, hats, or posters (as long as they don't promote another company or any political statement).

I have heard that large pens are easier for the characters to grasp.

That they are. I would recommend buying some before you leave at Wal*Mart or other stores where office supplies are sold. The ones they sell at the park are expensive the last time I bought one, it ran out of ink half-way through the first day.

 

[WDSearcher]

Originally posted by meeko_33785
Nope, an official autograph book is not required. They'll sign notebooks, home-made autograph books, even t-shirts, hats, or posters (as long as they don't promote another company or any political statement).

Note that Disney charactesr will not sign t-shirts while they are being worn. You can hand them the t-shirt to sign, but they won't sign it while it's on your body. Same with hats, scarves or any other piece of clothing.

 

[Geoff_M]

Two stories on the T-shirt issue:

1) Last year, we were at CM's and my older son (age 9 at the time) had a Goofy shirt on that he wanted to have signed. Goofy's "handler" CM wouldn't let him take it off, so they came up with a compromise... they found a small sheet of cardboard and stuck it up the back of his shirt so it was acceptable for Goofy to sign it then.

2) This month we were meeting Pooh and Friends inside the tent at Toontown. The same son had on a Tigger shirt and wanted Tigger to sign it. We told him that he couldn't sign it while he was wearing it... so he started to take it off. He had one arm out when the handler CM's went into "red alert" mode and made him stop and said "No disrobing, he can't take his shirt off in here!". We understood, and all was well. But, I wonder how they'd react if a dad walked up on a hot day with his shirt off to begin with. Would they refuse to let him stand with a character for a photo?

 

[dhudson1]

Shirts and shoes are required at all times in the parks.

 

[webray]

I would guess Mickey didn't see what you were trying to hand him. Again..very limited eye sight.

 

[Geoff_M]

Shirts and shoes are required at all times in the parks.

And "outside" food items are prohibited per park rules...

The handler CMs may take a different view, but in the heat there this month I saw more than one guy walking around without a shirt and the CMs didn't appear to be taking action to have them put back on.

 

[JudyS]

Thanks for all the responses!