Pal Mickey?

[Tinkrbell]

I just read about this and I'm curious. Has anyone rented one of these? How big are they? And are they good for a toy after you leave the park? I got the impression that it is for use at the park.

 

[PamOKW]

Somewhere here on the DIS board and also on the Resort board (I think) there's some great info from a fellow DVC'er who tested Pal Mickey.

 

[tammydel]

O.K. fill us in.

Some of us hate to have any Disney thing out there that we are not aware of.

What is Pal Mickey?

ANd of course where can I get one, or two!

 

[RobDoc]

Pal Mickey is an interactive plush doll available at WDW that tracks park information while you are there. It can suggest attractions with low lines, parade times, etc. using the electronics inside the doll.

There is information about it in the latest Vacation Magic and will be available for free trial rentals to DVC Members. The doll may be rented or purchased.

Info is also on the Member's Site.

 

[colleen costello]

I am not sure I like Pal Mickey. He reminds me a little of Teddy Ruxpin, that creepy 80's teddy-guy, and I also think he is a little reminiscent of that "Chucky" from the horror movies. Now if he can tell you there is a short line somewhere, cool. But I think I will snoop on other people's Mickeys before I include one in MY vacation plans...

Do you think he is programmed to give subliminal messages that make you spend money? "You are thirsty, you are thirsty" when you pass the sodapop stand, and so forth?

 

[Regina]

Ahh Colleen, you suspect a somewhat sinister side to your little Pal.

DH wondered what they'll look like after a few rentals. Will they be covered in melted Mickey bars? Will Mickey have one ear??

We'll just have to wait and see.

 

[bliss4us]

A little curious...

If Pal Mickey tells me there's a short line somewhere, isn't he telling everyone with a Pal Mickey that same info? Meaning there will be a herd of people headed for that "short" line at the same time as me?

Or are there so few Pal Mickey's out there that it won't matter?

I wonder what effect our new Pal will have on traffic patterns in the park...

Daisy

 

[Doug Wolfe]

I don't think Pal Mickey tells you where short lines are, I think the previous poster was just being hopeful. Pal Mickey is suppossed to offer you interactive tips throughout the day and at various locations. DVCers are entitled to a one day free rental. I think rentals after the one free day are around $8 per day.

 

[RobDoc]

From the Vacation Magic article:

"Pal Mickey will recommend attractions, even pointing out the shorter lines! He'll help you locate Disney characters in the Theme Parks, tell stories and jokes, and play interactive games. And if you've ever lost track of time, Pal Mickey offers reminders about parade and show start times, so you won't miss a minute of the entertainment. With Pal Mickey, you'll experience the Parks like never before."

 

[Terry S]

I was one of the lucky people that was able to test Pal Mickey (although he didn't have that name at the time) when I was at WDW back in October 2001. At the time I had to sign a confidentiality agreement so I couldn't tell you guys (boy that was hard). Anyway, we were asked to test him and then at the end of the day we sat down in a back room at City Hall where a bunch of people asked us all sorts of questions and also asked us to make suggestions for improvements. So, I imagine that modifications and/or improvements were made since the time we tested it since that was the purpose of the test. Basically the one we had, would do things such as while we were in line at Peter Pans flight, he told us a bit of trivia about Peter Pan and also suggested that we might want to try out Its a Small World that was right accross the street. He did tell us lots of trivia type of information and remind us of parade and firework start times. He had both a belt clip as well as a shoulder strap to carry around either way. He really did tell us some interesting stuff that we didn't know and he helped to pass the time in line.

 

[Happy Birthday Cat]

Terry S: Great story. How did you keep quiet for so long? Makes you wonder what other things they are testing as we speak?

HBC

 

[Terry S]

HBC... I do wonder what else they are testing as well? I always look around when we get to the park early now to see if anyone seems like they are testing anything.

As far as keeping it secret, I imagained some guys in black suits showing up at my door if I talked.

 

[reneesam]

Sorry to sound like a germophobe, but if he is plush, (how) do they disinfect him in between users? That was the first thought I had when I read my Vacation Magic....(sorry if I sound like Scrooge McDuck.) I guess I'm still coming down off high alert after our recent cruise.

Any other mommies or daddies concerned about this?

Renee

 

[kgforce]

Pal Mickey sounds like a pretty cool idea, especially if you have kids. But it would be nice if they had a PDA type version, something grownups might appreciate.

I'm sure they could take the same circuitry and put it in a more "traditional" housing that could clip on your belt or slip into a pocket.

 

[WDWguru]

I, too, would be concerned about how the thing is cleaned between visitors. I'm not a "mommy or daddy" but wouldn't want one after a 3-year-old had slobbered all over it for a day or two, or longer.

I like the idea of alternative "packaging" for older folks who want to use one, although I'm not embarassed to carry one around. Perhaps a pin, to go with the whole pin trading craze?

 

[zulaya]

Actually there is supposed to also be a PDA version for adults but I don't know specifics on that either, other than I know it's going to be available.

 

[erikthewise]

I certainly hope it comes with an off switch. Even dear Mickey could really get on one's nerves if he never shuts up.... (Shudder)