Pal Mickey

[UP Disney]

Someone asked for pictures. Here is the official disney site with info on Pal Mickey and a picture of a little one holding him.

http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/wdw/special/specialindex?id=PalMickeyPage

Here's info from another site with a closeup picture of him (I looked on the dis website and couldn't find anything on him).

http://allearsnet.com/tp/pal.htm

My understanding is the main difference that people discuss between the original version and the new 50th edition is that the 50th edition plays more games and speaks louder. The new one also has info on some of the newer rides that the original one doesn't (I don't know specifics on which ones but I think EE & Soarin are two). When buying one from some place other than Disney (which has the new one), the way to tell the difference is that the new one wears a tux and the old one doesn't. The new one also comes with a great lanyard and clip to wear him on your belt. I thought they were $65 when I bought him in March (before tax).

I really enjoyed listening to what Pal had to say in the parks. He will be going back with me on our December couples only trip. My DH and I are into the interesting tidbits about the World and he provided many new ones. It was neat to walk around World Showcase in Epcot and have him tell us info on each of the countries. Kids on the Disney buses loved his songs, jokes and games (my two girls are 17 & 20 so aren't as interested in that aspect).

I have two of the new Pal Mickey's. Long story but they are travelin' pals and are each visiting other families throughout the next year along with two other travelin' pals (see my signature for a link to their adventure). I have lots of pictures but none of him in his official outfit that I can find. One of mine is currently in Japan with my daughters and visited Tokyo Disneyland yesterday (he doesn't work there but he went to check it out with my brothers 6 younger kids).

ETA: Oh yeah, that's my Pal Mickey in some of his wardrobe in my animated signature.

 

[LadyDulcinea1]

Figured while we're on the topic, I'll ask this here.....

We got our Pal Mickey in August (Happiest Celebration Edition and everything) so will he need updating for our upcoming trip? I'm pretty sure that just means we would need to bring him to the Emporium in MK and have them wave something in front of his face, but not sure if we need to do this. Thanks!!

 

[msgrimm23]

ok i was going to ask about pal mickey so now i am subing to see what is said

 

[Robo]

We got our Pal Mickey in August (Happiest Celebration Edition and everything) so will he need updating for our upcoming trip? I'm pretty sure that just means we would need to bring him to the Emporium in MK and have them wave something in front of his face, but not sure if we need to do this. Thanks!!

Unless he stops talking there is no need to take him in for anything.

Its not the Emporium, anyway. Its the Main Street Cinema, which is now really a Pal Mickey shop (along with other gifts).
This is the place to take a Pal Mickey who is "feeling sickly" for a "check-up".

But, none of the Pal Mickeys, old or new, can really be "upgraded" electronically.
(A "version one" Pal can not be upgraded to the "version two" info, with a trip to this shop.)

The only "upgrade" possible is to physically trade in an old one for a new one (some have been able to do this, but its not part of the regular program.)

What some folks call an "upgrade" is actually a "reboot" of the microprocessor inside the doll.
Its done with a laptop or other computer and its interface is via Pal Mickey's nose.

Its like restarting your home computer.
It can fix some odd problems that may crop up in a Pal Mickey (but certainly not ALL Pals).

But if yours wiggles, giggles and talks in the parks, he needs no trip to the Doc on Main Street.

And yes, if your Pal starts wiggling (vibrating) and won't stop...
all he wants is a new set of batteries.

 

[madfordonald]

You could see about getting one on Ebay. You can sometimes get one cheaper there if you don't mind "gently used". And pay to get it expressed to you. I'm thinking of doing this myself.

 

[JC Butterfly]

When my Mom & Dad went with the younger kids last year, after bf&I came home, we let them bring him down and they said he didnt do as much as he did for us. Not sure why.

Well, remember that Mickey's ability to tell what's going on is located in his nose and his ability to "retrieve" info. So, if he's hanging off of your belt his nose is probably more downward facing (and therefore he is receiving less info). I found that when I really wanted to get the most out of Mickey I would carry him and keep moving his head around to pick up the signals.

 

[JC Butterfly]

Figured while we're on the topic, I'll ask this here.....

We got our Pal Mickey in August (Happiest Celebration Edition and everything) so will he need updating for our upcoming trip? I'm pretty sure that just means we would need to bring him to the Emporium in MK and have them wave something in front of his face, but not sure if we need to do this. Thanks!!

Well, I was told that every time you enter a park for the day (regardless of if it is in the same trip or a year later) as long as Mickey has his nose exposed as you pass through the main gates, he "automatically updates" himself. Mine always worked fine so I will assume this works. But if you find he is not as chatty as you think, then by all means take him to the "doctor".

Also, if you tend to forget to turn Mickey "off" when eating, going to bed, etc he can go through batteries pretty quickly. You may want to bring some extras along!

 

[DISNEY180]

WOW Thanks for all the different information. I will proably get one as I am one of those who love tib bit info. Can't wait only a few more days...YEA!

 

[sticker231]

does anyone have the old and new version, and have they noticed a difference in the two. Not talking about the outfit, wondering about different facts.

 

[justplaingoofy]

I'm wondering if I should buy one during my trip in Sept. and then sell him on EBay after? We are two adults and the price is a little steep. (for us anyway) that way I could recoop some of the $$.??

Good idea or not??

 

[Robo]

I'm wondering if I should buy one during my trip in Sept. and then sell him on EBay after? We are two adults and the price is a little steep. (for us anyway) that way I could recoop some of the $$.??

Good idea or not??

That's what eBay is all about.

But we could NEVER SELL our little Pal!

 

[RockyMtnMaria]

I'm wondering if I should buy one during my trip in Sept. and then sell him on EBay after? We are two adults and the price is a little steep. (for us anyway) that way I could recoop some of the $$.??

Good idea or not??

Yes, you could definitely get most of your money back. Most Pal Mickeys seem to go for around $55 plus shipping and handling. At that price, why not just wait and buy one in the park? I'd rather have a brand new one for only a couple dollars more. I doubt my children would be very happy if we sold ours on ebay either.

 

[justplaingoofy]

If we had children I would not sell it on Ebay...

With two adults I just don't see us getting much use out of him once we are home