How do the characters handle it?

[nytimez]

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

Nice. My daughter (4) always enjoys a visit with the puppy!

 

[Simba's Mom]

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

Yes, good point!

 

[Nennie]

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?

I was "friends" with the Easter Bunny at the mall one year when I was in college. I smiled in every picture! LOL!! I couldn't help it, it was just the natural thing to do!!

 

[teachandref]

I have been a professional mascot for years now and I do not know any pros who utilize the ice packs. When they melt they only become dead weight and provide more problems in the costume. We used to have a fan in my costume, but I removed it because all it did was circulate hot air (It gave no real "cooldown" effect). Being in the Mid-Atlantic region, we have the high humidity and high temperatures. We basically push ourselves for whatever we can. I have had the pleasure of speaking with former Mickey's and Minnie's and they have varied lengths that they are allowed to be out (not including parades). It was something along the lines of 20 on 30 off in the summer, 30 on 40 off in the winter. Word of advice, watch your children around mascots. Small children get under, what we like to call our "line of sight," and we occasionally run into them. Just be vigilant Oh, and btw, sometimes we do smile during pictures. Old habits die hard.

 

[seadd67]

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

I try personaly to thank all the CM's,In and out of costumes for all the joy they give us. I know the costume chacters can not respond verbaly but I still thank them any way.