Characters at the park- Especially Gideon

[walkerford]

For some strange reason my daughter fell in love with Gideon when we were last "at home" in early 2004. I think it was because he was less popular than many of the other characters and could therefore spend more time with her even at one point dancing with her to the trolley dancers coming down main street. With a little subtle prompting from me Gideon "remembered" her from day to day and it was quite simply magical. Now in 2004 Gideon was quite hard to find only ever appearing at the bottom of main street by the fire station can anybody who has been recently confirm the whereabouts of a certain "cat" as my daughter who is now 5 but was then 3 will be a little upset if her favourite is not about. Hope someone can confirm sightings! Thanks as always in advance.

 

[Amy&Dan]

I see him every trip in the same location you mentioned near the fire station. If you ask a cm at MK as soon as you get to there, they can tell you when the Pinnochio characters will make their appearance that day (or direct you to someone who can). I want to say its usually early afternoon when I see him. He's also in the Share a Dream Come True Parade, your dd can't get an autograph but at least she can see him! Good luck!

P.S. If you post this on Theme Park Attractions and Strategies you will get a lot of responses.

 

[gppnj]

I don't have any advice other than for you to check at City Hall when you arrive. Maybe they'll know.

I certainly wish you luck. I know that such seemingly little things can be a big deal to a child.

Another suggestion: Perhaps you could have in reserve a Gideon plush (if there is such a thing) or some other Gideon-themed item. Then, if it turns out you can't find him, you can give your daughter that Gideon item and tell her that Gideon left it for her because he wasn't able to visit with her in person this time.

 

[TinkGirl]

In Jan. we saw Gideon in Epcot at the Innoventions character area. He was in the hallway near the entrance.

 

[walkerford]

I posted this over on the DVC boards but quite rightly its been moved over here which is where I should have posted it in the first place - Sorry! All my daughter has talked about over the past few days is seeing Gideon again so these little things take on such added importance. I am relieved to hear that Gideon is still around but would really welcome any additinal recent sightings. It will be my 5 year olds 4th visit to the wonder of the world but my 2 year old sons first and for us those first magical encounters make for everlasting memories which pay for the cost of our trans atlantic trip in an instant. Thanks in advance everybody.

 

[eeyoreiscool]

We have seen him in MK out with all the other characters by the flag pole.

 

[Shubunk]

Recently I have seen him in fantasyland also, with foulfellow

 

[nickeymouse]

I've seen him 5 times last trip. He was in Fantasyland.

 

[Mecha Figment]

he is also found in italy.

 

[TikiGoddess]

We also spotted him in Toontown last Oct. Sounds like from the posts you should be in good shape. He seems to be out and about still.

 

[disneymama73]

We usually see him in front of Tony's Town Square with Geppeto.

 

[HugsForEeyore]

Gideon gets out alot, actually! He is well-used for such an obscure character! Like others said, we saw him in Fantasyland by the Pinocchio restaurant or around that general area. Also saw him in Italy, but we don't usually see characters there often. We also saw him many times at the ToonTown Train Station area (around 11:00 - noonish), but this is a very sporatically-used spot. You can definitely ask at Guest Services, they may be able to tell you if Gideon is out.

That's so cool that your DD likes such a classic character!

 

[walkerford]

Thanks for everybodys replies I am certainly reassured that we will be able to create that bit of extra magic for my daughter. We simply love emersing ourselves in the world of fantasy away from the often difficult world of reality! I think like many people our moments of real magic have come with interaction with the characters. We have normally been out of season so consequently it has been less crowded. On our last visit in Jan 2004 Pluto walked our daughter down to see "sorceror mickey" hand in hand at MGM with not a soul around and on the ferry going back to the hotel from the MK early in the morning when everyone was going the other way we were lucky enough to share the entire ferry boat with just one passenger - Pluto! It is those memories that money definately cannot buy and when we are half way across the atlantic with my 2 year old driving me no doubt nuts I shall close my eyes and dream of his first sight of the castle - his first hug with Mickey - his first dose of the disney magic. Thanks again everybody*

 

[Maves Wife]

DH and I met him after the Animation show in MGM in May - he was standing on his own with no one showing any interest in the poor wee soul! DH (always a sucker for a petted lip!!!) went over to see him and we ended up with a very good interaction and picture opportunity - having said that Pluto is still the dawg!

There were loads of characters here, my DH who is normally a sensible guy almost lost it when he seen Frozone from the Incredibles - we had a great time in here and ended up with some fab photos. It is deff worth a visit.

 

[Grumpy_Disney_Dad]

Last summer around 3 pm we caught Gideon and Pinocchio standing all by themselves near the Exposition Hall. My DD8 went over to get their autographs and ended up playing a game of tag with both of them for about 10 min until another family finally came up for pics and autographs. Even now my daughter still tells her friends about playing tag with "the funky cat " at WDW

 

[Precious1971]

Check on wdwauthographs, they have the whole list of characters and where to find them. Nice site.

 

[Joanna71985]

Gideon is not in Fantasyland anymore. Now he can be found on Main Street.

 

[gaelic grace]

In March we saw Gideon with all of the Pinochio characters as soon as we came in the park right after the opening ceremony. We only waited in line a few minutes as most people were streaming past. It was a great start to the morning for us.

 

[HugsForEeyore]

DH and I met him after the Animation show in MGM in May - he was standing on his own with no one showing any interest in the poor wee soul! DH (always a sucker for a petted lip!!!) went over to see him and we ended up with a very good interaction and picture opportunity - having said that Pluto is still the dawg!

There were loads of characters here, my DH who is normally a sensible guy almost lost it when he seen Frozone from the Incredibles - we had a great time in here and ended up with some fab photos. It is deff worth a visit.

Ah! From what others here said, you stumbled upon a character training session. Rumor had it that these were new CMs learning to be characters, and were using the Animation Building. So that Gideon may have been quite new to the character scene! Not sure if this location is used frequenty for random characters or not (usually the Incredibles are there).

Precious1971 - thanks! That's our site!

I guess if Gideon is back in Town Square, so are the other common Pinocchio characters? That's great news, as when I was there in May, Town Square was devoid of characters, except for I think Donald, Goofy, Chip and Dale!

 

[Precious1971]

Precious1971 - thanks! That's our site!

Thanks for the site. I love it. It is helping me work on my authograph book and character hunt.....