Ever had a Bad character experience?

[livndisney]

yep - well my DD has, twice at Garden Grill. When she was 10, had her hair in two braids. Chip started fooling around, pulling on her braids, but then really started yanking hard. Had to yell for the waiter to come get him out of there - he was actually hurting her. Fast forward 10 years -- we're sitting in the Garden Grill last May, DD is now 20. Had her hair up in a ponytail. Chip comes along and starts messing with her ponytail, rolling it around on top of her head...she was nearly in tears by the time we got rid of him & her hair was a tangled mess. Don't know where the handler was, but could have used one to get rid of Chip.

Oh my
I had the same thing happen to me!!! Chip pulled my hair so hard it brought tears to my eyes. The handler saw the whole thing and took Chip back stage.

 

[LittleFlounder]

Last November int he UK at Epcot, when I met Mary Poppins she was really grumpy/snotty. She wasn't very friendly at all. She also looks very snarly in the picture I got with her. I was a bit disappointed since she is one of my favorite characters and I've only met her that once.

Other than Mary Poppins, all my other character experiences have been great! ..especially Chip and Dale!

 

[cinderella73]

I have had some WONDERFUL magical moments with characters and my children. Just to be fair I will tell my BEST character story and the One REALLY bad character story!

It was at GG. My daughter had dressed up with chip n dale bows and chip n dale shirt ... This was a LATE LATE dinner~ like last seating... well Chip N Dale fell IN LOVE wITH MY DD
They stole her bows and ran around the GG and wouldn't give them back to her
They could tell we were "in on the fun" as we were laughing so hard! Then my DD, who is a DARLING of a sweety, gave chip her chip bow to keep and Dale her Dale bow to keep ~ ohhh they love them! By this point the place was EMPTY~ we were the only ones in the joint...sooo mickey comes by and has a seat at our table and puts his legs up
Then Pluto shows up and sits down too at our table
SOOO the chip N Dale decide to have a food fight with pluto and turned plutos nose into an icecream sunday!!! Ice cream and sprinkles and syrup was ALLLL over the costumes~~~ and US!!!!!!!!The handler was laughing so hard she couldn't stop them and kept apologizing ~ I thought she was going to pee her pants AS WE WERE TOO! The whole thing was one of the best nights we have ever had ~ of course we were covered in ice cream and I guess some would be mad at that but it was all in good fun!
Here are pics of the night~ I have video of the food fight i would have to upload though

they used my DD autograph book and kept writing messages to each other (the munks) about who was better My DD had such a kick out of this~ it was worth the entire book LOL

NOW my worst~ CRT lunch... the princesses had been in the castle a little too long I do believe. I usually LOVE this meal but one particular lunch they were soooo rude~ I asked sleeping beauty to bend down just a little so I could get both her and my niece in the shot and she told me PRINCESSES don't bend down ~ and began to walk off
I kind of laughed and said they do if they like their job ha ha ha OHHH she turned around and smiled for the pic but she was soooo rude to EVERYONE that day..not just me!

What adorable pics! If you dont mind my asking which character meal did you have the experience at? We havent done any yet and I want to book one next trip.

 

[buffettgirl]

I wonder what this kid did to Pluto in the first place to get this kind of response.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uvlzkdxad-A

that's a little scary!

 

[fallen_angel727]

Well mine aren't "bad" necessarily, however i did feel DBF and I were a bit snubbed with character time while we were there in Feb. Pooh @ friends barely stopped for a minute at our table, as did most of the characters at Tusker House and O'hana...Stitch, Donald, Daisy and Mickey were great. The others seem to just hurry off, though I chalked that up to DBF and I being 25 and 22 and there being little kids everywhere so I didn't mind so much.

Same trip...Mickey in DHS at animation studios basically pushed us away after the photopass pic, didn't even give us time for one with our camera. We met 2 other Mickey's while we were, one in AK and once again at DHS and they were wonderful.

The only horrible experience that almost made me cry was with the handler for Jasmine and Aladdin in Adventureland. We went to see them and we were told that they were taking a break when their line was finished so to come back in a half hour. Well we were back exactly a half hour later (i timed it lol) and there was a new much older grey haired CM there. We went to get in line and she said sorry they just closed to go on break. Well I told her we were told to come back at this time and we could see them...she told us that was not her problem and obviously i wasn't listening when the other CM said they were leaving in an hour. I said No, at that time the line was closed and to come back now. then some little kids came up behind us (maybe 5&6) and she let them through. I asked why and I was told I should step away and it was the selfish people like me who are too old to visit characters and then make a scene that ruin it for young children. I honestly couldn't believe it, I almost started crying right there but waited until I got in the car (after I wrote up a pretty nasty complaint) I thought Disney was supposed to be for everyone no matter what you age. I can understand when characters go on a break...that's fine. But not letting us in and flat out lying just because we aren't 5 years old??? They must have went on break the first time too, because we hung around adventureland for a while and they remined there they whole time...cranky CM and all

 

[jngwright]

PP who asked about Chip and Dale-that meal is at Garden Grill in the Land at Epcot.

Does anyone have pics from their "bad character" experience??

We have had good luck so far, but we don't wait in lines for autographs. I don't understand why they don't have someone pull a rope behind the 50th person, for example, and that is that. Then someone hasn't waited in line for a half hour for nothing

This wasn't bad for us, but my 18 month old niece was ogling Jasmine's "assests" at Akershus. The pics are hilarious-They must be on someone elses camera, though. I bet poor Jasmine gets that alot!

 

[demonskrye]

I don't think I've ever had an actual bad experience. I do remember that on my first trip to WDW, we were doing character dining. (Did the Odyssey restaurant in Epcot have character dining when it was open? I think it was there, but I'm not sure.) I think there was a quick song, and then the characters all paraded down a ramp on one side of the dining area. This little boy came running full speed right up to Minnie and WHAM! They collided. The little boy started crying and Minnie clearly felt awful about it. I'm guessing she just didn't see him. Like I said, not a bad character interaction and nothing to do with me personally or my family. But I don't think I've ever seen a bunch of characters come in to a venue quite that way since.

I also never quite got why Beast can't sign autographs. Characters like King Louie I can understand, but Beast less so. It was kind of disappointing at the time, but I'm long since over it and again, it certainly wasn't Beast's fault.

 

[inkkognito]

I got sorta snubbed by Stitch once over at the Studio. There was a family with a really, really cute little toddler boy before us. After they were done, I was motioned up but the little boy ran back to Stitch and they were having a blast playing around while I was standing there with Lilo. I thought it was really cute, but Lilo seemed kind of embarrassed because Stitch was just totally off in his own world playing with the little kid. Finally he realized the line had moved on and hurried over! It was no biggie to me, but you could see that Lilo wanted to yell, "Yo! Next up!" to Stitch.

 

[TheDisneyGirl02]

We have had good luck so far, but we don't wait in lines for autographs. I don't understand why they don't have someone pull a rope behind the 50th person, for example, and that is that. Then someone hasn't waited in line for a half hour for nothing

As far as when characters need to leave for their snack, it's not the total number of people who go through the line, it's the amount of time that they are out there. When I was a character attendant, it was very hard to watch the character to make sure that he or she doesn't get hurt by guests (trust me, I have stories), walk the line and let people know what is going and to have their autograph books open to a clean page as well as cameras ready, and cut the line at the same time. In some situations it's easier, but in many it's not. I always made a point to let the guests know how many minutes the character had left, that if they got into line, it didn't guarantee they would see that character but also I would let them know when the character would be back. Being a character attendant isn't always the easiest job because guests get mad at your frequently, but it was a lot of fun overall!

I see by your signature that you must have twins! I'm a twin also. Are your twins identical or fraternal? My twin and I are identical.

 

[pickles]

about 2 yrs ago, we saw capt jack after the pirate turorial, right across from where they do that show. there is a brown gate thing, and he was standing outside the brown gate smoking. I thought Capt Jack was a non smoker based on what is aw in the movies, but apparently not.

To this day, my kids will tell you that was NOT the REAL Capt Jack!

They figure it's like Santa helpers, Capt Jack can't be in so many places at once, so he has helpers so folks like me can met the Capt.


I personally avoid character meals when i can. We did Cape May breakfast once just me and hubby and there was hardly anyone in there, and we kept getting the characters constantly at our table, was more annoying than having our kids with us! The ones that don't speak just creep me out

 

[Amy_Callaghan]

One time my children and I got snubbed by Sleeping Beauty we were eating at Norway and Cinderella, Jasmine, and Belle spent lots of time with the children but Sleeping Beauty just walked away, she didn't even stop at our table, this was back in 2005, and the kids hadn't met her yet, so I was upset.
But we did meet her around Dec, of that year over in France.
It was the same day that my children and I first met Beast too, so we had fun!

 

[AlohaAnnie]

We have had some really great character experiences at LLT with Chip & Dale. They had a light saber fight on time and we had an issue with rolls another time but it was hilarious!

We also had a really funny time at Chef Mickey's for dinner with Donald. It was great! He kept messing with everyone's hair and playing with our plates, it was really fun.

We have had characters that are quick and do not spend a lot of time with us but to be honest most of the time that is ok with me. I just want to eat and get back to the park.

 

[jngwright]

As far as when characters need to leave for their snack, it's not the total number of people who go through the line, it's the amount of time that they are out there. When I was a character attendant, it was very hard to watch the character to make sure that he or she doesn't get hurt by guests (trust me, I have stories), walk the line and let people know what is going and to have their autograph books open to a clean page as well as cameras ready, and cut the line at the same time. In some situations it's easier, but in many it's not. I always made a point to let the guests know how many minutes the character had left, that if they got into line, it didn't guarantee they would see that character but also I would let them know when the character would be back. Being a character attendant isn't always the easiest job because guests get mad at your frequently, but it was a lot of fun overall!

I see by your signature that you must have twins! I'm a twin also. Are your twins identical or fraternal? My twin and I are identical.

I have long felt that character handlers have one of the mose difficult jobs, and probably deal with the most abuse from guests (as sad as that is!) Thank you for being one of those people who did a very hard job

My boys are identical! I have no trouble telling them apart, but others do! Double the trouble, but double the fun and love!!

 

[terbethk]

Mine aren't really that bad, more annoying than anything. Both happened at MVMCP last year.

The first was with Tweedle-Dee and Tweedle-Dum - we waited in like around 30-45 minutes to meet them with maaaybe five people in front of us! The line should have gone by super fast, but Tweedle-Dee/Dum - in perfect character did SO much goofing around that it just took FOREVER. And mind you - the goofing around wasn't just WITH guests, it was in BETWEEN guests. Just a little frustrating.

The second was with a very lackluster Stitch, which was very disappointing, because he's my DH's faaavorite. And we'd had such great meetings with Stitch in the past, and this one just seemed....standoffish and rude.

 

[Judy Judy Judy]

Certainly not the worse thing in the world but did but a damper on things Mary Poppins in Epcot area, we waited in line for a picture and soon as we got to the front of the line the handler said "that's enough she'll be here tonight at 8:00 pm", yeah that was 11 hours later, don't think I'll check back .

 

[TheDisneyGirl02]

I have long felt that character handlers have one of the mose difficult jobs, and probably deal with the most abuse from guests (as sad as that is!) Thank you for being one of those people who did a very hard job

My boys are identical! I have no trouble telling them apart, but others do! Double the trouble, but double the fun and love!!

Let me tell you, sometimes guests were so cruel that I left the stage nearly in tears, but at the same time, there were many times that I left the stage smiling.

My parents have no problems telling us apart either, but my grandfather on the other hand...he can't tell us apart at all!

 

[c.w.e.m.]

Normally, I am a lurker and rarely post, but this thread really brought back an awful memory from our last trip. My DH and I always make a point of visiting the barbershop at MK with our DD and DS on each trip. The last trip was no different. The children had a blast, leaving with colored hair and pixie dust. Not thinking, we went to toontown for DD to visit the princesses, as this was our last day of vacation. After waiting in a rather long line, it was finally our turn. DD first met Aurora. She gave her a big hug and had her picture taken and moved on to the next princess. When she walked up to the next princess, the character attendant made a very loud comment, telling the princess "Do not get close to that little girl! She just ruined Aurora's hair!" Unknowingly, the gel was very thick and had not completely dried and some blue gel had gotten on Aurora's hair. Needless to say, our DD was extremely upset that she had "ruined" Aurora's hair. My family left with DD and myself in tears. A cast member saw that something was wrong and asked if he could help. He did call a member of management to help. They arranged for a private photo op with Mickey and Minnie. By that time, our DD did not want to have anything to do with the characters, because she did not want to get them dirty. What an awful thing for a small child to think! She was so upset that my husband and I took her into a family bathroom and washed her hair so that she would not be upset for the last day of our vacation. This really left a bitter memory of our last vacation, one that my dd still clearly remembers.

 

[Amy_Callaghan]

Normally, I am a lurker and rarely post, but this thread really brought back an awful memory from our last trip. My DH and I always make a point of visiting the barbershop at MK with our DD and DS on each trip. The last trip was no different. The children had a blast, leaving with colored hair and pixie dust. Not thinking, we went to toontown for DD to visit the princesses, as this was our last day of vacation. After waiting in a rather long line, it was finally our turn. DD first met Aurora. She gave her a big hug and had her picture taken and moved on to the next princess. When she walked up to the next princess, the character attendant made a very loud comment, telling the princess "Do not get close to that little girl! She just ruined Aurora's hair!" Unknowingly, the gel was very thick and had not completely dried and some blue gel had gotten on Aurora's hair. Needless to say, our DD was extremely upset that she had "ruined" Aurora's hair. My family left with DD and myself in tears. A cast member saw that something was wrong and asked if he could help. He did call a member of management to help. They arranged for a private photo op with Mickey and Minnie. By that time, our DD did not want to have anything to do with the characters, because she did not want to get them dirty. What an awful thing for a small child to think! She was so upset that my husband and I took her into a family bathroom and washed her hair so that she would not be upset for the last day of our vacation. This really left a bitter memory of our last vacation, one that my dd still clearly remembers.

That is so sad

 

[mhmcduff]

We went to Crystal Palace over Christmas and Tigger was horrible!!
Believe me we have been to Crystal Palace 10plus times and always it has been great-but this time we where there for two hours and our server was so overwhelmed we could not get him to get Tigger for us as we wanted to leave- done with food for 30 minutes at least- but my four year old wanted to see Tigger and we paid for it soooo- Talked with the manager they said wait 20 minutes!!- I explained when we came in etc and when Tigger got off his break they had us meet him in the middle where the waiting chairs are because the manager at that point wanted our table!! Tigger came over and high fived my seven year old and left and when his handler and I called him back for a picture with my four year old he was nasty - holding his arms and shrugging and not funny nasty just nasty- his handler apologized to us after but it was the least magical moment ever in Disney and unfortunately one I am still not over!! Bad Tigger!

 

[RichmondTiggerFan]

Well mine aren't "bad" necessarily, however i did feel DBF and I were a bit snubbed with character time while we were there in Feb. Pooh @ friends barely stopped for a minute at our table, as did most of the characters at Tusker House and O'hana...Stitch, Donald, Daisy and Mickey were great. The others seem to just hurry off, though I chalked that up to DBF and I being 25 and 22 and there being little kids everywhere so I didn't mind so much.

Same trip...Mickey in DHS at animation studios basically pushed us away after the photopass pic, didn't even give us time for one with our camera. We met 2 other Mickey's while we were, one in AK and once again at DHS and they were wonderful.

The only horrible experience that almost made me cry was with the handler for Jasmine and Aladdin in Adventureland. We went to see them and we were told that they were taking a break when their line was finished so to come back in a half hour. Well we were back exactly a half hour later (i timed it lol) and there was a new much older grey haired CM there. We went to get in line and she said sorry they just closed to go on break. Well I told her we were told to come back at this time and we could see them...she told us that was not her problem and obviously i wasn't listening when the other CM said they were leaving in an hour. I said No, at that time the line was closed and to come back now. then some little kids came up behind us (maybe 5&6) and she let them through. I asked why and I was told I should step away and it was the selfish people like me who are too old to visit characters and then make a scene that ruin it for young children. I honestly couldn't believe it, I almost started crying right there but waited until I got in the car (after I wrote up a pretty nasty complaint) I thought Disney was supposed to be for everyone no matter what you age. I can understand when characters go on a break...that's fine. But not letting us in and flat out lying just because we aren't 5 years old??? They must have went on break the first time too, because we hung around adventureland for a while and they remined there they whole time...cranky CM and all

That is completely UNACCEPTABLE. That handler was completely WRONG to say that you were too old.

You are never, ever too old to meet & greet characters at Disney World. It doesn't matter if you are 5 or 50, you are allowed to meet & greet with characters & no one (especially a CM!) has the right to make you feel uncomfortable doing so.

I hope you got the name of that handler & filed a complaint with Guest Services. Also, you may want to follow up with a written letter. This person needs to be 're-educated' or fired.