Kind of pen for autographs

[TigMaya]

What is the best kind of pen for autographs? I've read that the retractable sharpies are good, but are the fine point (like a regular marker) or extra fine point (really tiny) better?

I will have 8 by 8 cardstock placed on a clipboard for them to sign and will be making a scrapbook out of them if that makes any difference.

Thanks!

 

[Flanigan]

The sharpies are great as they're generally thick enough for the characters to sign their autograph. Just about any pen/marker that dries quickly and is thick enough around for the characters to be able to hold onto will work.

 

[gypsydoodlebug]

I went to Staples and got a pack of about 15 different colored Shapies (the regular size) and all the characters could hold them fine. We had a personalized pillowcase made for DD and used a clipboard for them to hold. The fabric tended to bunch, but the handler usually just held it flat.

 

[mountdew1]

The most important part is that they need to be able to hold the pen through gloves. Put on a ski glove, and try to sign your name. If you can't comfortably hold the pen, most likely they can't either. Sharpie size and bigger is usually recommended. Sharpies do work well as they dry fast, but there is also a chance you kid could end up with Sharpie on them if they run in for a hug while Mickey is still holding the Sharpie. Regular ball point type pens work well for paper autographs, just make sure they are fairly new (and thick). Many people use the click Sharpies, but be aware they may bleed through some autograph book pages which may be a problem trying to read what was written on the other side, or if you want to scrap book it. Best to try your pen out beforehand on the same type of paper if that is important to you.

 

[Mr Ears]

Grab a winter glove and bring it with you when you buy the pen. Shove 2 of your fingers into one hole since most characters only have 4 fingers. See how it handles. The large sharpie pens are nice. Fine is good, very fine might be harder for them to make a good signature. They have very specific signatures for each character, I have seen Pluto put the book/card on his nose so he can see while signing.

 

[rosiejo]

I generally carry two different types of pen - one for the characters who wear 'gloves' and the other for the face characters like the princesses who can handle a normal biro style pen a little easier than a chunky sharpie style.

 

[redrosesix]

We like the pens that they sell at the WDW gift shops and stores -- big enough for the gloved characters, yet skinny enough for anyone to use comfortably.

 

[nicki.momof3]

Many people use the click Sharpies, but be aware they may bleed through some autograph book pages which may be a problem trying to read what was written on the other side, or if you want to scrap book it.

Why is a click sharpie any different (bleeds more) than a regular sharpie with a normal top?

Aren't they both sharpies?

 

[blestmom]

Yeah...you might want to try out your pen first...

My daugther had one that Donald Duck was having trouble with. Boy, did he "get mad!" It was all in fun, and we laughed. But we did go buy a new pen after that.

 

[abc999]

Why is a click sharpie any different (bleeds more) than a regular sharpie with a normal top?

Aren't they both sharpies?

Click sharpies, so when a child runs up to a character the tip is not exposed. The character than click the sharpie open. They can't manuever the caps as easily.

 

[ShannonMB]

Don't forget, don't use the GREEN sharpies!

 

[flipflopmom]

Don't forget, don't use the GREEN sharpies!

Jumping in here, but why?

 

[karensi]

Don't forget, don't use the GREEN sharpies!

 

[TigMaya]

Thank you all for your replies... But I'm curious too, why not the green ones??

 

[EmilyJ]

Whats wrong with green?

 

[squirrel]

I have no idea why not the green ones.

If you are looking for a pen I have used the Staples Kooky Pens for both my last two trips (DL and WDW) and haven't had any problems with it. Some of the characters have had fun playing with it, trying to keep it, etc.

This year I was thinking of doing T-shirt autographs at the character meals, so if anyone knows why the green Sharpies are not good please post.

 

[nicki.momof3]

Click sharpies, so when a child runs up to a character the tip is not exposed. The character than click the sharpie open. They can't manuever the caps as easily.

I understand why they are good to use -I am using them on our next trip. A PP said they bleed more than regualr sharpie - have not experienced that - why would they blood more?

 

[theatermouse]

I'm curious about the Green Sharpies, too, as I have 2 retractable Green Sharpies ready to go, a blue one, too!!

 

[smurfie]

I did a search on the green sharpie issue and it seems that rubbing alcohol or hand sanitizer takes out any sharpie stain EXCEPT green.


I'll assume that is the reason they are saying not to use it.

 

[TigMaya]

Interesting information about the green sharpies. I suppose I could have done that search myself; however, that would have required use of my brain, which is completely occupied by Disney at the moment!

Thank you!