How do the characters handle it?

[suchthe]

I've seen so much talk lately about how unbearable the weather is down there. So I was wondering how in the world there aren't a bunch of Mickeys and Donalds dropping like flies from heat stroke. Anyone know if there's some secret to they're suits?

 

[princesskelz]

Suits...? What suits
Pretty sure Mickey and his pals are used to the hot Florida heat. After a while you just get used to it. They are all well hydrated and cooled in between meet and greets and their sets are usually only 20 minutes long with a half hour break...

 

[Yngpreacherman]

I've seen so much talk lately about how unbearable the weather is down there. So I was wondering how in the world there aren't a bunch of Mickeys and Donalds dropping like flies from heat stroke. Anyone know if there's some secret to they're suits?

I have always wondered the same thing! I know they probably do not stay out long at one time, but still even a half an hour would be terrible.

 

[RMulieri]

"what you talking about Willis?" ..they aren't in suits they are REAL

 

[matt314hew]

Ice packs and fans.

I was a mascot for my high school and i had a vest made out of ice packs to wear. Now I was not in the intense heat and sun like those down in Disney, but a little bit of ice works wonders.

 

[Yngpreacherman]

I am assuming that they could "freeze" the suites (perhaps putting them in a cooler?) before they wear them?

It would not really matter what one is "used to" or not because regardless of your endurance level, there is only so much your body can take. Especially in August when they are dancing and running around on stage for some 20-30 minutes! Whew...

 

[vettegirl]

It is beyond me how they don't fall over with a heatstroke in those things. Kudos to those CM's that brave the heat for our enjoyment!

 

[2Tiggies]

"what you talking about Willis?" ..they aren't in suits they are REAL

Ice packs and fans.

I was a mascot for my high school and i had a vest made out of ice packs to wear. Now I was not in the intense heat and sun like those down in Disney, but a little bit of ice works wonders.

What?! So my DD is lining up for autographs from a frozen Mickey?

 

[maverickmoos]

There is a cooling system skeleton
Someone sued Disney once as they were backstage and saw characters without thei heads and it freaked the kids out...

 

[Whitneyface]

I work at a hotel and had a guest check in two days ago who was going to wear a dog costume and speak to local kids about water safety (things like life vests, etc). I had to ask him about his giant dog outfit in the Florida heat, since I'm located in Jacksonville and knew he'd be doing things outdoors. He said his suit came with a fan built in and he would sometimes wear an ice vest like mtat324hew mentioned. I'm sure Disney's got at least that in their suits.

 

[bdoyledimou]

There is a cooling system skeleton
Someone sued Disney once as they were backstage and saw characters without thei heads and it freaked the kids out...

Not exactly as stated:

http://www.snopes.com/disney/wdco/headless.asp

 

[freshlybarked]

I have been told on the backstage tour that they are in for 20 minutes and then they get taken back to cool off. Down time is something I don't remember, but 20 minutes on seems like a long time to me and I live here.

 

[MistressMerryweather]

I had heard it was 15 minutes on, 30 minutes off. I imagine they have quite the system for keeping themselves cool. Though, they must look a site when they are "finished".

 

[Cheshire Figment]

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.

 

[DisCopper]

According to the book, "Inside the Mouse, (Kuenz and Willis)" they pass out all the time. I've never seen it happen, but cast members tell stories of of characters who pass out on parade floats who just lay there limp while the float finishes the parade.

There was also a story of a guy who passed out and the character head popped off. He was fired. Don't know if it's true or not, but it is in the book (got it right here).

 

[Sabbie]

No fans, no ice. Mickey and the gang take breaks every 20 minutes, for 40 minutes every hour they're on. It's hot and he just wants to snack on some cheese and water for a while.

 

[Bounce_Tigger]

Ever been standing in a long character line and notice that pluto might go have a dog treat every 20-30 minutes? The pluto that returns <5 minutes later had a much longer rest.

The time the character is on stage (their called "sets") varies based on time of year and character availability. On average, in summer its 20 minutes on, 30-40 off and in the cooler months, thats reversed.

There is no cooling system, no fans, and no people inside the "suit"

 

[MistressMerryweather]

No fans, no ice.

So, is Mickey not allowed to stick an ice pack down his pants? Or in his shirt?

 

[Sabbie]

So, is Mickey not allowed to stick an ice pack down his pants? Or in his shirt?

Nope. He mostly relies on magic to help him out!

 

[Sabbie]

Ever been standing in a long character line and notice that pluto might go have a dog treat every 20-30 minutes? The pluto that returns <5 minutes later had a much longer rest.

The time the character is on stage (their called "sets") varies based on time of year and character availability. On average, in summer its 20 minutes on, 30-40 off and in the cooler months, thats reversed.

There is no cooling system, no fans, and no people inside the "suit"

Hi Safari driver! Tell Preston I said hi next time you see him!