Do the Disney Characters hate teens/adults that try and interact with them?

[TiggerBouncy]

The most fun I ever had with a costume was with Marie in Epcot. I was in my mid thirties, so hardly her "normal" age-range. It was amusing standing there with all the kids, but as far as I can tell she had a ball doing a couple of cat poses with me (we did a great one of us batting each other cat style).

Honestly as others have said, if you are not hitting on them or horassing them (pulling tails, trying to get them to do something obscene, etc) but instead are having fun, I think it's a break in the normal routine for them and they kind of enjoy it. Something a little different than the usual.

Enjoy; but as always - expect back what you give and treat them with kindness and respect!

 

[BuzzBelleMom]

I have mentioned this before, but one of the best interactions we have ever had was in 2009 with Stitch. The kids and I were taking photos with Stitch, but he was more interested in DH filming us. Stitch began pointing at the camera, walked up to and began interacting with DH while the rest of us laughed our heads off. Stitch was touching the lens, the screen and just being Stitch. The great thing is that the PPP got photos of the whole thing.

 

[Jesobelle]

I have to admit that I'm nervous of making a fool of myself in front of characters. And I personally make a point of not preventing actual little children from getting their magic - I'm not as important as little ones, I feel. Saying that, my character interactions have always been great, and they seem to have fun with grown-ups and, as said before, often initiate the interaction.

I'm married to a 'friend' of several characters in a theme park near London, and he and his castmates will more than happily show off to any darn person that will pay them attention, regardless of age, gender, background or any other factors

 

[glevan]

I got to work in/around the entertainment industry for a few years. If there's on thing I learned, it's that most Actors/Actresses/Performers/etc LOVE to perform.

Doesn't matter if you're on Broadway in NY or at Disney World...the same basic principle applies. These folks love what they do. It's likely that many have a drama degree and/or aspirations to be in the entertainment industry as a long-term career.

I make sure to teach my kids to thank all the characters/performers. As an example, when we watch the entertainers on the Broadwalk, I try to get my kids to thank the performer after the show. Sometimes the kids are to shy or to tired, so I don't push. However, when they do go thank the performer, it's amazing what happens. The performer clearly loves hearing it and usally has some additional interactions/fun with my kids. It's a win/win.

 

[katiee37]

the Kenny the Pirate site has some great character interaction tips that would be great for kids and adults alike to try out.

 

[Missytara]

On all my solo trips, I have had incredible interaction with the characters - too many to even list. Why would you come back if they ignored you?

 

[Fairyjen1]

My boyfriend and I are in late 30's and aren't really into the characters except a few. We do have some really cute pictures of us interacting with some of them, mostly from slower days in the park when there isn't really a line.

We have another friend, also in his 30's who we often go with who is really into the characters and likes to pose and interact with them. We haven't noticed the characters having any problem with it. We've only had other guests occasionally (like twice out of 10 years of trips) tell us that as adults we had no business with characters and Little kids shouldn't have to wait behind teenagers and adults in lines for characters.

We have even stood in some lines for characters that have had mostly adults so clearly this isn't the feeling of the majority of guest!

Jen

 

[WillAustin]

I've had several characters go out of their way to interact with me. It happens quite a lot and I'm 45.

 

[GrumpyCAdad]

I once took a group of high school/college aged kids (who were all in the police cadet program) on a trip to DL. On one of the days, 2 of the kids (who happened to be dating) and I decided to go on a character hunt and take all sorts of fun pictures with them...the characters all were very friendly and loved having pics taken with us!

 

[StitchDude02]

I don't think they hate you I think they are supposed to like everyone they see. They have no reason not to unless you are doing something negative to them as other posts have mentioned. Otherwise, they CAN'T dislike you. They don't know you. I wasn't there so I don't know the situation or what was going on with you at the time mentally. I DO know that depression and bipolar can affect the person's (who has the depression and bipolar) perception of how others view them, conversations, and situations. Paranoia can also be present. As I have a dd who has had bipolar, depression, and anxiety as well for 8 years. Unfortunately, Disney is not always an escape from these. We've been to Disney several times and the problems she has at home follows her to Disney. The characters don't always interact with her especially if there are other children that are jumping around, laughing, and tugging on them. Think of it this way... The characters have a limited time out. It is impossible for them to get to everyone. They may not get to you this time. But, the next character may get to you and leave others (even little children) out. Have fun no matter what. I know it is easier said than done but I always tell my dd, "You take control of your conditions. Don't let them control you."

That's the thing though. I'm not a little kid, I'm 25 and autistic. Those kids laughed at me because they found it weird that a grown man would want to dance with a Disney character. Stitch ignored me for the same reason. I spoke with my therapist about it, and he thinks I should just give up and stop going all together.

I'm honestly at a loss as to what to do. Some of my friends play those characters, especially Stitch, and I love to visit them. But because Disney's geared everything towards just small children now, I feel like what's the use because I'm not a kid and that's all they care about.

Disney has broken my heart

 

[HMANSION LOVER]

You just have to look at it from their POV.

If you're doing something that you would hate if someone did it to you, then yeah ... the Characters are probably just playing along and can't wait until you leave. If you're poking and pushing and being annoying and trying to get them to do things that you KNOW they can't do (the number of spring break college kids who try to get the princesses to kiss them on the lips or hold their butts is kind of ridiculous), then yeah ... they probably hate you. But if you're just having fun, and you're willing to let it go if the Character says "no, I can't do that", then they enjoy the extra interaction.

But the general rule of thumb is "if I were in the character costume, would I think that was funny?" If the answer is "no", then don't do it.

totally agree. I think if anyone is trying to get one of the CM's to act out of their described character it is totally wrong. At all times the children are always present and always very observent, and to ask one of the CM's to step that far out of their respective character is far beyond what their job description is. They are to be, and act as, the characters our children have come to know and love, not the character you want them to be just so you can get a cool picture

 

[sephorachick]

we had awesome experience w/ Fantasia mickey last trip. We were there for our anniversary. & he basically said he was never getting married & my hubby found it all hilarious & photopass caubght all the pics!

 

[Nemo32]

You just have to look at it from their POV.

If you're doing something that you would hate if someone did it to you, then yeah ... the Characters are probably just playing along and can't wait until you leave. If you're poking and pushing and being annoying and trying to get them to do things that you KNOW they can't do (the number of spring break college kids who try to get the princesses to kiss them on the lips or hold their butts is kind of ridiculous), then yeah ... they probably hate you. But if you're just having fun, and you're willing to let it go if the Character says "no, I can't do that", then they enjoy the extra interaction.

But the general rule of thumb is "if I were in the character costume, would I think that was funny?" If the answer is "no", then don't do it.

I agree with this poster!

 

[angierae]

This is from my never-finished trip report from our Spring Break 2012 trip with DD17 and her friend, 15. We had an amazing time, and a lot of it had to do with characters. This is my favorite (I've told my "Aladdin kissed me" story here already, but that was HIM being silly with me. This was when we were being silly.)

So, dinner Sunday night was at Garden Grill, which is a family-style all you can eat restaurant in The Land at Epcot. A lot of the veggies served there are grown in the greenhouses in The Land (which you can see from their awesome boat ride) and it is also a character meal - you get Mickey in his farmer outfit, Pluto, Chip and Dale.

Mickey came around after the salad had been delivered, and Becca, our pescatarian, had not realized there would be bacon in the salad. I offered to ask for another one, but she picked it out and said she was used to it. Mickey shows up, and points to the food and to himself, letting us know he'd grown the food. "You grew this food? Awesome!" I said.

Becca, on the other hand, takes the opportunity to say "It's TERRIBLE!" Mickey spins around and stares at her, and she said "There's BACON in it! I don't eat meat!" She's laughing about it, though, and Mickey kisses her hand in apology. We take some pics, and he moves on.

Dale comes by next, and we talk to him a bit, and I tell him that we live in Royal Oak, and have lots of acorns. He is excited about this.

Next, Chip shows up. Brittany accidentaly calles him Dale, and he runs off to a wait staff stand and grabs a round tray and hides behind it, all upset. Brit runs over to him and apologizes and says she knew he was Chip, she just misspoke. He reluctantly comes back to our table, where Becca busts out with "Hi, ALVIN!"

And all hell broke loose.

Chip runs over to the wall and starts pretending to bang his head against it. Brit and I are laughing hysterically. His handler is laughing hysterically. Chip stops banging his head against the wall, and walks away, dismissing Becca with a wave. We're DYING. He goes to walk down to the second level, leaving us, and Brit goes and gets him back again. Becca apologizes, but we're all still laughing. He's doing the two finger "I'm watching you!" at Becca, and takes a picture with Brit. I jump up and say "I'm the only nice one here, I knew your name!" He gives me huge hugs, and then takes a picture with one leg lifted up and wrapped around me, showing how much more he loves me.

Becca gets up for a photo, and he crosses his arms and turns his back to her, so we've got this great picture of them back-to-back with their arms crossed.

Eventually he leaves, but every time he walks by us for the rest of the meal, he points at his eyes and at Becca. The manager comes around and tells us he thinks they'll be talking about us for days.

Pluto came around after that, and Becca asked him why his whiskers go straight out in front of his face "Are you related to a catfish?" Pluto was horrified by this. *grin*

I'd been told that the character interaction at Garden Grill was one of the best on property, and I have to say it was certainly our best of the week.

 

[MickeyMinnieMelanie]

That's the thing though. I'm not a little kid, I'm 25 and autistic. Those kids laughed at me because they found it weird that a grown man would want to dance with a Disney character. Stitch ignored me for the same reason. I spoke with my therapist about it, and he thinks I should just give up and stop going all together.

I'm honestly at a loss as to what to do. Some of my friends play those characters, especially Stitch, and I love to visit them. But because Disney's geared everything towards just small children now, I feel like what's the use because I'm not a kid and that's all they care about.

Disney has broken my heart

Your therapist knows best because he knows your situation and condition. You said that you have friends that play those characters. Have you asked them about it? What do they say about your question and your feelings about the character interactions?

 

[TiggerBouncy]

Your therapist knows best because he knows your situation and condition.

I disagree that the therapist must know best. It is true that individual knows more about the situation and condition of the patient, but therapists are still individuals with individual opinions, and that doesn't mean they are necessarily correct.

That's the thing though. I'm not a little kid, I'm 25 and autistic. Those kids laughed at me because they found it weird that a grown man would want to dance with a Disney character. Stitch ignored me for the same reason. I spoke with my therapist about it, and he thinks I should just give up and stop going all together.

I'm honestly at a loss as to what to do. Some of my friends play those characters, especially Stitch, and I love to visit them. But because Disney's geared everything towards just small children now, I feel like what's the use because I'm not a kid and that's all they care about.

Disney has broken my heart

First off, I am sorry for what you are having to go through. My son is autistic, and it can be a frustrating condition to deal with. Add the bi-polor on top, and I can see why you are having a tough time.

One of the things you should probably realize about yourself is that you may not always perceive events in the same way as others. I will give you another interpretation based on the same events.

Stitch was most likely very busy with lots of people crowding him. It was not a single character - person controlled interaction such as they have with meet and greets. He did his best to get to everyone, but perhaps just missed out on you. It likely has NOTHING to do with your age or anything about you individually.

The kids for their part were all laughing and having a good time. They were probably laughing, but not AT you. If they were laughing AT you, they were laughing because you were silly, and they were enjoying it. They were most likely not laughing because they thought you were stupid for trying to dance as an adult, but more because they thought you were being silly and laughing was the appropraite response when someone does something funny. I.E. they gave the correct response to the situation. It was not intended to hurt or slight you, but instead intended to show support and interest in your activities.

These types of reactions can be very difficult for someone who is autistic to see clearly, so I can see where the confusion could come in to play.

Your best response in that situation is to play along with the other kids and laugh with them. You will all have a good time together. remember that Disney provides an environment to have fun in. The characters and rides provide stimulation. But you can have fun WITH Disney and the other guests as well.

Disney is also not as kid centric as you might believe it to be. There are so many activities and things that are meant for adults; not as parents but guided to adults or things only adults might notice. Disney has layers of complexity in it so that children and adults can both get enjoyment from the activities.

Finally, try to remember to concern yourself with what you enjoy. If you do not find a specific activity enjoyable, then don't do it. Don't hurt yourself because you think you should be doing one activity over another. At the same time, be less concerned with what you percieve others opinions of you are, and more concerned with your enjoyment of the activity.

You might believe that someone is laughing at you and making fun of you, but what you will often find out is that people will instead find you make them smile and laugh, and they enjoy that and by extension find you enjoyable to be around.

Just my 2 cents.

 

[DeaverTex]

OP, there are always people willing to laugh at others who don't conform to their idea of "proper behavior". Kids are especially good at this, but most of them grow out of it. For the ones who don't, well, I won't risk points by giving them their proper name, but they are NOT worth your time or attention. They are of less value than the toilet paper you used last week.

If a character is interacting with small children, he/she is going to be focused on those children -- just like he/she would be focused on you if you were the one getting the loving. Remember, if you're down with little kids, you're looking around at about waist level, so adults are a couple of feet above where you're looking. If you're concentrating on the kids, it's tough to shift gears and notice the adults. The other way not so much, because the kids don't have any issues with yelling and poking to get attention! If the characters didn't notice you, it's not because they hate you, or even dislike you.

 

[MickeyMinnieMelanie]

I disagree that the therapist must know best. It is true that individual knows more about the situation and condition of the patient, but therapists are still individuals with individual opinions, and that doesn't mean they are necessarily correct.

I agree with you. Therapists DON'T always know what's best. You made some very good suggestions. I was just trying to not give any perception that I know or can give him advice (above his therapist) on his situation when I don't know all of the details of his condition since every condition is individualized. I want to help but don't have the details or knowledge of HIS condition or the relationship with him needed to offer advice. You made some very generalized statements and an example which was more than likely right on the money

 

[StitchDude02]

I disagree that the therapist must know best. It is true that individual knows more about the situation and condition of the patient, but therapists are still individuals with individual opinions, and that doesn't mean they are necessarily correct.

I agree with you. Therapists DON'T always know what's best. You made some very good suggestions. I was just trying to not give any perception that I know or can give him advice (above his therapist) on his situation when I don't know all of the details of his condition since every condition is individualized. I want to help but don't have the details or knowledge of HIS condition or the relationship with him needed to offer advice. You made some very generalized statements and an example which was more than likely right on the money

I spoke with my Skype friend about this whole thing just now, and we both agree with all of you that Stitch and any of the other characters do NOT hate me at all. I know this for 2 reasons:

1. If he hated me, he would NOT have even let me dance with him to begin with.

2. If he hated me, I would NOT be friends with any of the people playing him.

I also think you guys are right about those kids. They probably just thought I was being silly. My Skype friend told me, and I agree, that Disney has NOT abandoned adults because, to be honest, they're the ones that are going to remember the trip more than the kids. Plus, if characters hated me or any other teens/adults, then they wouldn't even offer hugs and high fives to me or any of us.

So in a way, you guys really cheered me up a whole lot. And you're right, my therapist can't always be right.

I'm going back on the 11th of July, and I'm going to Surf's Up Breakfast With Mickey & Friends at the Paradise Pier Hotel, where a lotta my friends work. I've been going a lot this month, so I might go one more time next week and then let the rest of the month go by.

Thanks for the help

 

[MickeyMinnieMelanie]

I spoke with my Skype friend about this whole thing just now, and we both agree with all of you that Stitch and any of the other characters do NOT hate me at all. I know this for 2 reasons:

1. If he hated me, he would NOT have even let me dance with him to begin with.

2. If he hated me, I would NOT be friends with any of the people playing him.

I also think you guys are right about those kids. They probably just thought I was being silly. My Skype friend told me, and I agree, that Disney has NOT abandoned adults because, to be honest, they're the ones that are going to remember the trip more than the kids. Plus, if characters hated me or any other teens/adults, then they wouldn't even offer hugs and high fives to me or any of us.

So in a way, you guys really cheered me up a whole lot. And you're right, my therapist can't always be right.

I'm going back on the 11th of July, and I'm going to Surf's Up Breakfast With Mickey & Friends at the Paradise Pier Hotel, where a lotta my friends work. I've been going a lot this month, so I might go one more time next week and then let the rest of the month go by.

Thanks for the help

Good for you!! I'm glad you feel better. Have a wonderful time. Just remember that if you encounter a similiar situation again... remember what your skype friend told you and move on to another character. It might be a good idea to bookmark this page so that if you ever have doubts again, you can easily find this thread to help cheer you up