How do the characters handle it?

[crazedprincess]

Stop all this nonsense talk... ya'll are gonna give me nightmares!

 

[nytimez]

On the Backstage Magic tour, they said the CMs have the option to use an ice pack but most of them don't because the packs add weight, don't last and aren't very comfortable.

Definitely no "cooling skeleton" as someone mentioned. They had all the parts to the things hanging on the wall -- essentially underwear, padding and fur, if I remember correctly.

 

[joshsmom]

However they make it through, I hope they know how much joy they bring to those around them!! I STILL get excited when I see Mickey and Friends, and I'm 41!! Now, DS14, not so much. But, bring STITCH around and he gets all happy too!!!!

 

[Eeyore's Pal]

My tolerance for heat is very low and I am amazed every time I survive another hot-weather WDW trip.

When I watch Mickey and friends in the day-time parades, out in the beating sunshine....I am in awe. And the characters that are dancing in the parade...

All I can say is WOW and THANK YOU to every CM who give us part of the magic.

 

[joshsmom]

All I can say is WOW and THANK YOU to every CM who give us part of the magic.

ITA!!!!! They make it more magical for us for sure!!!

 

[T16GEM]

Great thread - very interesting, I am always amazed at how they last in the heat!

 

[jworkkul]

Also, when the CM's come in first thing they are issued a number of sets of shorts and t-shirts that they change into after every set, so they are not returning in wet clothes underneath.

 

[Greyhound22]

OK, so my question is - how many of each suit are there (Mickey's, Pluto's, etc.)? I cant imagine getting right into a furry-suit, in nothing but my suimsuit that came right off of someone else? Follow me? And, how often are they cleaned? Yikes!

 

[Disney1976]

There are no fans. And once they are backstage parts of the costume come off immediately. Often all that is underneath is a swimsuit. And there is lots of cold water, Powerade, etc., available immediately.

This is correct. I remember when I was still living in Orlando, there was an article, I believe in the "Slantinel" about costumed characters and that Disney has tried to develop various things to keep CM's cool inside the costumes, but things like fans or ice packs on the chest actually made the suit heavier and harder to wear, so they couldn't do it.

 

[Simba's Mom]

Nope, no fans no ice. When DS was Eeyore, he had to wear a scull cap that was supposed to help keep the seat from his eyes since it was summertime. But he said it was incredibly hot. He told me "whatever those people get paid, it's not enough!"

 

[xxliz28xx]

OK, so my question is - how many of each suit are there (Mickey's, Pluto's, etc.)? I cant imagine getting right into a furry-suit, in nothing but my suimsuit that came right off of someone else? Follow me? And, how often are they cleaned? Yikes!

There are many, many suits of each character but they only get one per day, unless something happens to it that makes it look bad. They get a certain number of "basics" (shorts, shirts, socks, sweatbands, etc) that they change after each set. Everything is cleaned daily. Costuming runs a pretty efficient system.

 

[scrapbookingpro]

I would just like to add, that at no time is anyone EVER allowed to wear a bathing suit under their "fur". Everyone is issued shorts and t-shirts to wear and that is the only option.
And basically, "friends of characters" are just VERY good at what they do- no tricks. It's terribly hot but they learn how to deal with the extreme temps.

 

[nateryan]

I often wonder for the full headed characters....do they smile when they are taking a picture with us?

 

[MeanestMomEver]

I often wonder for the full headed characters....do they smile when they are taking a picture with us?

HA! Great question. I've always wondered that too. I think it would be hard for the "friend" not to smile. I'd love to know if they do and if so, does that automatic smile reflex wear off after a while?

 

[Sabbie]

I often wonder for the full headed characters....do they smile when they are taking a picture with us?

Smiles everyday!

 

[nytimez]

Smiles everyday!

So who are you "friends" with, if you don't mind the question?

 

[Mickey1Fan]

I'm so confused. What suits are you talking about? I'm sure all my favourite characters are as hot as the guests are. I'm sure when Mickey and Minnie go for cheese and water they enjoy the break very much.

 

[YodaGirl]

HA! Great question. I've always wondered that too. I think it would be hard for the "friend" not to smile. I'd love to know if they do and if so, does that automatic smile reflex wear off after a while?

Just as you can tell by someone's voice (over the phone) if they are smiling or not, I would assume that you would be able to tell by their actions if they were not smiling.

 

[Sabbie]

So who are you "friends" with, if you don't mind the question?

I keep it pretty quiet, but I'm a puppy pal!

 

[fall08CP]

Honestly, it may be hard work to be a character performer, but you also have to think of the other CMs that are out in the heat for 3+ hours, get a 15 min break, and then go back right back out. I understand that their costumes may be different, but there are some that are quite heavy and they get little pity. Many of them still have to work in the rain and thunderstorms, while characters don't. Remember to thank all of the outdoor CMs for their hard, hot, and sweaty work