Does Pal Mickey still work?

[ColoradoDis]

My DD14 has a Pal Mickey from our trips in 2004. I'm wondering if we should take him on our trip in October.

With new batteries, will he still work in the parks?

 

[cstraub]

We got out Pal in 2004 and he is still going strong. Just took him in April 2006 and still works like a charm!

 

[TheLittleRoo]

Does Disney take a Pal Mickey back or exchange him for a new one, if he doesn't work? As in, doesn't talk even with new batteries?

 

[ColoradoDis]

Is anything he says updated?

 

[Robo]

Is anything he says updated?

As far as for attractions that have been opened since he was built, no.

But there are just a VERY few of those.

The 2nd-generation (50th Anniv.) Pal (the one wearing a Tux jacket) is likely to be replaced with a newer model as the 50th draws to a close, but no announcement as yet.

 

[Robo]

Does Disney take a Pal Mickey back or exchange him for a new one, if he doesn't work? As in, doesn't talk even with new batteries?

If, even after you replace his batteries (3 "AA") with fresh alkalines, he still does not "perform" correctly...

You should take him to MK to the "Main Street Cinema" store-front and the CM's there can give his micro-processor a "re-start" (only takes a few seconds) and that should clear up any "hiccups" your Pal might have.

This is not normally ever needed, as a new set of batteries will nearly always perk your Pal right up!

BTW, if PM just starts to "wiggle" (vibrate) and not do anything else, he's just telling you that he DOES need a new set of batteries.

Be SURE to BRING a set of batteries (3 "AA" Alkaline) or two from HOME with you.
WDW batteries cost a king's ransom!

 

[northie]

As far as for attractions that have been opened since he was built, no.

As you enter the parks, Pal Mickey (switched on, of course!) will download new information, so it may even include info about the new rides. I wish I could remember where I read this...might have been on AllEarsNet.com

Sara

 

[Robo]

As you enter the parks, Pal Mickey (switched on, of course!) will download new information, so it may even include info about the new rides. I wish I could remember where I read this...might have been on AllEarsNet.com

Sara

Hi Sara.

Sorry to say an older Pal can't "learn" NEW things to say.

Everything he says is permanently stored on his internal chip when he is manufactured.

All that downloads when he's in the parks is WHEN to say the phrases that he already "knows."

The fact that he can't be updated is covered under the "NEWS" link at

http://palmickey.net/

QUOTE-
Note About Older Versions of Pal Mickey: Due to the misinformation on certain message boards, I called the Main Street Cinema at the Magic Kingdom to verify. Cast Member John has CONFIRMED that the older Pal Mickey (any version prior to the HCOE version) can only be "updated" with the park's daily information (parade and show times, etc. - as stated in the instruction booklet) and can NOT be "updated" in any other way. In reality, their use of the term "updating" means to "re-set" him to enable him to receive signals from the emitters and to properly respond. However, the older Pal Mickeys can NOT be made to provide information on any of the newer attractions (Soarin', LMA, Everest, etc.), or to have the latest features (singing, louder voice, new games, trivia, interacting with the Glow medallion). These are the facts. I hate to see people buying the original at a huge discount and being disappointed that he won't do what they thought. The original Pal can still be fun (both of mine "do the parks" together often), but has limited capabilities.

 

[northie]

Thanks for the clarification! I have one in the tux from last year so he will "know" most of it anyway, and I will still take him along.

Sara

 

[ColoradoDis]

Thanks - I guess we'll need to decide if we want to buy a new one for our trip this year.

Mickey in the tux must be cute!