has anyone ever known someone who worked as a character?

[adrien32]

I once met a college girl who played Mickey at Chef Mickey's at the Contemporary. She once got to help some guy propose to his girlfriend. I think Mickey handed the girlfriend the ring or something. She said that the costumes were so hot in summer that people wore ice packs under their costumes during the parade.

 

[lc1965]

Brer Bear in August in Anaheim. He described it as "brutal" because of the heat. Interestingly, he was about 5'4" & the Brer Bear costume is so tall.

 

[MouseClubMom]

I have personally been through character auditions. They are intense. They asked us to do a few dance moves that a choreographer showed us to test our agility and ability to pick up movements on short notice. If you passed that then you went on to the pantomime part where you are asked to be in character and perform a specific act. I was a chipmunk going fishing.

I am 5'11" and was in the "Tigger height" category but never got to actually help to portray Tigger because I transferred to Film and Tape and started working for the Mickey Mouse Club show.

I have friends who are currently characters and the part about them getting hurt alot is SO true! My one friend who is friends with Mickey is constantly having leg and knee injuries.

Also, that commercial where Captain Hook leads the kids down the beach at Castaway Cay - Hook is a very close friend of ours!

MouseClubMom

 

[mmausse]

I know that some characters actually go to DU to learn how to be that character (Disney University). They also learn how to autograph the particular character - and ALL the autographs have to be exactly the same. Basically, it's learning how to forge.

As for me, personally, I have been the Maleficent in 2 MNSSHP on the 31st of October - the "holiest" of nights. When I showed up at the first one, Disney CMs thought I was their Maleficent because of my costume (see avitar). They had me play Maleficent in 99 and in 00. After being swamped by kids and by some overgrown children (i.e. adults) - I was given a chaperone in 00. I was given a "crash" course in being a character - not to speak (though I DO have an evil laugh and was allowed to use it), be nice and have countless pictures taken with people, but I was told, or rather ORDERED NOT to sign autographs, since I didn't know what and how to sign. I was also not allowed to "de-head" in public. My chaperone took VERY good care of me.

I can tell you that I stood for over 500 pictures with people. The most memorable event was when a little girl of about 7 came over and hugged me to stay as I was getting ready to take a break - the inside of my rubber mask was a bit stifling). My chaperone told her mom I'd be back in about 15 minutes. Neither the Mom nor the girl seemed to understand. The girl pulled on my gown and wanted me to look at her - that's when I noticed her hand movements. She and her Mom were both deaf and using sign lannguage. I signed back to the girl and her Mom and suddenly I became even MORE the center of attention because Maleficent was signing! That warmed the cold cockles of Maleficent's heart that night.

On a side note, I went scuba diving at EPCOT the next day and the little girl was there watching. I went right over to the window and started signing to her and telling her about the fish and everything.

I think when I am in costume (as well as others who play their parts) - I have more fun and get more out of the interaction with people, then those I/we meet.

 

[Samirella]

Originally posted by mmausse
the inside of my rubber mask was a bit stifling

Now I understand. You were taking pictures and visiting with guests on your own accord, not by Disney's request. I'm quite positive Disney wouldn't have allowed this. Not only for the liability issue but for the sheer fact that your costume was unauthorized. They are very particular about these issues. When the first Star Wars movie came out there was a guest who came dressed as Darth Maul who started taking pictures with guests. He was promptly escorted off property.

 

[mmausse]

Quite right Samerella - I was down at WDW for my own vacation BUT they knew of my costume and in 2000. WDW assigned me a chaperone - a paid CM to look out for me and take me around. I went through the backlots (not open to the genpop) and in the utilidors when in need of a break. I guess I should say I was Disney-sanctioned.

 

[Mama Twinkles]

Does anyone know where the eye slits and breathing vents are on the "fur" characters' headpieces? I can never quite get a handle on where the CM's are in there.

 

[paracelsus]

I have a question that I have always wanted to ask people who wear costumes that completely cover their faces.

"Do you smile when you get your picture taken?"

 

[DISNEYWORLDBORN2SHOP]

There are two 1st grade teachers at my DSs school who have both played Snow White.

 

[DisneyCP2002]

When I was on the College Program last year I became friends with a few of the characters. I mostly knew and hung out with those that worked at MK but I knew some from the other parks. One of my roomates actually was a character until she got terminated from the program. I think the best part of my whole experience was when on the day of my graduation from the program I was able to have my pictures taken with some of my friends in character. Also the day I left most of my friends were working in character and I was able to say goodbye to my friends.

To the requirements, I actually went through part of the process. I was told about the dance audition and about the height guideline. Since I'm 5' I would have fit into quiet a few character roles. I wish I had been able to go through with it but things happen. Oh well maybe one day.

 

[mmausse]

Originally posted by paracelsus
"Do you smile when you get your picture taken?"

Of Course! Your whole body seems to respond better withg a smile than not!

 

[julieannbabe]

Emmaline Lola wrote: I had a friend who was Cogsworth in the Beauty and Beast show, but he left to make more money as a Character Lead.

Pretty much, he was a "protector" of the character he was assigned too.

I remember a story of a kid attacking Pooh over and over, after my friend politely ask him to stop hitting Pooh. And the kid just kept wailing on poor Pooh! Well my friend is african american and has a very dark complection, he said "I popped my eyeballs out to show the kid the "true whites" of my eyes and how serious I was and hissed "You hit Pooh again and I'm hitting you all the way out of the park!"

Of course, the kid stopped immediately, took his mom's hand and just walked away! No crying, nothing--just left!

God Save Pooh!


DIDN'T THE CM'S DO ANYTHING???

 

[Jasminesmommy]

I use to know a guy who was Goofy and the Jester in Hunchback. This was in 96 and in DL