Possi le to avoid characters at disneyworld?

[ChampagneTraveller]

Apologies for the title typos, will never get used to touch screen lol!

My boyfriend loves disney and has been to disney loads - his dad is in the disney vacation club and has been offering us free accommodation and park tickets for a while, we'd only need to pay for flights, but up to now I've refused. However, after three years of my hol picks he has been nagging more than ever this year for me to do disney.Why have I never wanted to go? Because I suffer horrendous masklophobia and coulrophobia, so disney always seemed like my worst nightmare! He and his, dad and several of my friends who have been have rushed to assure me I will be able to avoid all those scary characters as thy say they're only at designated areas at designated times and with careful planning can be avoided. So after much cajoling I am booked to go for two weeks!

Some parts of disney do appeal, for example, were staying one week at the wilderness lodge and one week at animal kingdom and I think the hotels look fab, plus I actually really like rides, especially the fun sort they have at disney, it actually does look like fun. But for every bit I get excited I panic about the characters and how avoidable they will be. We made sure our hotels did not have character dining and I will be sure to avoid park restaurants with character dining. I also plan to either get an app or some kind of park map to work out where characters will e and when to hopefully ensure can either avoid altogether or at least give a very, very, wide berth with maximum distance between me and them.

How realistic is it I will really be able to avoid coming particularly close to a character? I've had this phobia since I was very small, my patents say they can't remember a time I didn't scream at clowns and characters. We thought it was something I'd grow out of it but if anything they freak me out more than ever now I'm in my 20s,I'd literally be screaming to get away from me and lashing out if one came close to me. I'm thinking the trip is either going to be very fun or a living nightmare if I can't give characters wide berth.

Any thoughts on how doable avoidance is, and anyone else out their phobic and going to disney or have been to disney and it hasn't affected the trip - in so many ways I really am looking forward to it, I just want to try and reassure myself im not crazy to have agreed to go!

 

[Traveliz]

Apologies for the title typos, will never get used to touch screen lol!

My boyfriend loves disney and has been to disney loads - his dad is in the disney vacation club and has been offering us free accommodation and park tickets for a while, we'd only need to pay for flights, but up to now I've refused. However, after three years of my hol picks he has been nagging more than ever this year for me to do disney.Why have I never wanted to go? Because I suffer horrendous masklophobia and coulrophobia, so disney always seemed like my worst nightmare! He and his, dad and several of my friends who have been have rushed to assure me I will be able to avoid all those scary characters as thy say they're only at designated areas at designated times and with careful planning can be avoided. So after much cajoling I am booked to go for two weeks!

Some parts of disney do appeal, for example, were staying one week at the wilderness lodge and one week at animal kingdom and I think the hotels look fab, plus I actually really like rides, especially the fun sort they have at disney, it actually does look like fun. But for every bit I get excited I panic about the characters and how avoidable they will be. We made sure our hotels did not have character dining and I will be sure to avoid park restaurants with character dining. I also plan to either get an app or some kind of park map to work out where characters will e and when to hopefully ensure can either avoid altogether or at least give a very, very, wide berth with maximum distance between me and them.

How realistic is it I will really be able to avoid coming particularly close to a character? I've had this phobia since I was very small, my patents say they can't remember a time I didn't scream at clowns and characters. We thought it was something I'd grow out of it but if anything they freak me out more than ever now I'm in my 20s,I'd literally be screaming to get away from me and lashing out if one came close to me. I'm thinking the trip is either going to be very fun or a living nightmare if I can't give characters wide berth.

Any thoughts on how doable avoidance is, and anyone else out their phobic and going to disney or have been to disney and it hasn't affected the trip - in so many ways I really am looking forward to it, I just want to try and reassure myself im not crazy to have agreed to go!

Honestly it's going to be very difficult.

You will have to avoid all parades and parade routes first off; and also some of the best entertainment options (Festival of Lion King, Beauty and the Beast, etc)

Second there are many areas the character congregate (it is scheduled) in busy well walked areas (the Main Street Entrance at Disney, the Hat at Hollywood Studios, the countries at Epcot, etc)

If you just need to avoid them coming close to you - then you should be fine. If you need to avoid seeing them all together - well that will be difficult even with careful planning.

Liz

 

[sweetcreams]

It would be very easy to avoid characters...in fact it has become a pain to meet the characters! Used to be that the characters would randomly show up around the park. Now you have to wait in line to meet them. The only time I could see you running into one by accident would be when they are going out for a break or coming off break to the meet and greet area. They usually walk very quickly to avoid being bombarded by people not wanting to wait in line, so I think it's a small risk.

 

[darnheather]

Check Kenny the Pirate's website for a complete list of where characters are located. Can you handle face characters (those that don't wear masks or fur)? Have your BF and his dad help you by being on the lookout, and blocking your view or escorting you out of the area when necessary. Best of luck.

 

[Joanna71985]

For 99% of the time, characters have set locations, so you won't randomly run into them (unless they are passing by on their way to their location). However, you will need to be careful of timing for street shows/parades

 

[Luvchefmic]

Don't go to rope drop:

Thats where in MK there is the opening show where the characters arrive on the train then appear in the circle by the flag pole for meet/greet

At DHS prior to opening turnstyles several characters show up usually right past bag check area

At AK sometimes characters appear right before you go in again right past bag check

EPCOT I'm not sure about www.kennythepirate.com as previous poster mentioned is perfect guide to find characters in your case good info to avoid
There is very much to do at WDW and many times as a local I have gone to a park for a day and unless actively seeking a character have come home and seen none

Unless your BF doesn't respect your needs I think you can have a fabulous time

 

[North of Mouse]

Avoid all character meals, parades, MK rope drop and any meet/greet areas. Other times, have someone with you that can tell you to turn your head if they see a character. That's about all you can do.

 

[bumbershoot]

I really dislike characters; always have. (actually no, I quite enjoyed Jack Sparrow b/c of the way he interacts with people, especially how he was with my son two trips in a row) And if it weren't for my character-fan husband and son, I would have no problems avoiding them.

My fave meal is at Tusker House, but dinnertime doesn't have characters, so I can still get my fave food.

There's only one parade I like (at Disneyland), but I'm not afraid like you are (I just don't care for them, after a childhood of disliking them like you still do) so I'm not suggesting a parade. KNow when the parades start and WHERE, and avoid those areas.

Although I've been surprised by a sighting, in retrospect I realize that it was a scheduled meet&greet that I simply didn't know about.


If you're lucky, dealing with them from afar will help your fear fade a bit. It's really hard to live with such fears, so I hope that at some point in the future it might fade just a bit for you.

 

[mummabear]

How far away will you need to be to feel comfortable? The further away you need to be the more difficult it would be. You can certainly aviod interacting with them though.

The park maps will give you a starting point on where you are likely to find many of them, and as PP's have mentioned KTP is a great source as well.

Be aware of the Dream along with Mickey Show in front of the castle approx hourly for a good chunk of the day.
I know frequently characters meet at the exit of Splash and there is the Character dance outside Space.

Possibly be worth talking to guest relations at the start of your day and they may be able to give you a particularly detailed schedule to help out.
Best of luck

 

[mattsdragon]

I didn't even realize these syndromes exist. I don't like clowns either and avoid them.

It is very possible but you may see still see them, but it will be across a crowded area and you can just look the other way and walk on. For the most part, they don't get up in your face.

Just remind yourself how important it is for your BF if you do see them and remind your self of rational thought. . . person in a costume, they won't hurt you.

 

[kennythepirate]

I wish you well in your endeavor to avoid the characters. I think it's the first time I've had a referral for avoiding them though

 

[darnheather]

I wish you well in your endeavor to avoid the characters. I think it's the first time I've had a referral for avoiding them though

Now you can add it to your perks!

 

[AngiTN]

Honestly it's going to be very difficult.

You will have to avoid all parades and parade routes first off; and also some of the best entertainment options (Festival of Lion King, Beauty and the Beast, etc)

Second there are many areas the character congregate (it is scheduled) in busy well walked areas (the Main Street Entrance at Disney, the Hat at Hollywood Studios, the countries at Epcot, etc)

If you just need to avoid them coming close to you - then you should be fine. If you need to avoid seeing them all together - well that will be difficult even with careful planning.

Liz

This is the same concern I have. If you are going to have a problem even seeing them across the way then I think you'll have some serious issues. It's hard to never lay eyes on a character for an entire trip. If you only need to avoid close contact with them then you'll be fine avoiding the things mentioned so far.

If your problem lies only with fur characters it may not be as bad. If it's with both face and fur characters it may be pretty rough for you. It's going to take lots of diligence on you and those with you.

 

[chartle]

This is the same concern I have. If you are going to have a problem even seeing them across the way then I think you'll have some serious issues. It's hard to never lay eyes on a character for an entire trip. If you only need to avoid close contact with them then you'll be fine avoiding the things mentioned so far.

Our kids are adults now and we do not do character stuff, but I have never been closer than say 20 feet to a character and never really in a situation where I didn't have total control of how far away I was aka, the character was approaching me in a narrow corridor.

OP you probably not going to encounter a character just out and about doing M&G's like they show on the commercials. Almost all are in designated out of the way, sometimes enclosed and not seen, areas. Usually with a long line of people between you and them. In order to minimize the rush of people they move them in and out through side doors and other hidden paths.

Even hotels that have character meals don't have them just walking around. They come out from somewhere in the restaurant.

It all depends on what your specific issues are. If you can't see them even from afar its going to be tough.

 

[jane2073]

You can do this!
I sent you a PM?

 

[rccllap]

If it helps, my experience last week was, we had to seek them out for interactions. A few have outdoor dedicated meeting places like Dug & Russell at AK, Goofy & Pluto at AK; Chip & Dale at AK, MK, HS; Buzz at MK; Marie at MK at the flag pole early in the day; Rafiki out at the satellite location in AK (Rafiki's Planet Watch); Donald & Daisy were out by the entry gates at AK both days before 9 am; and Camp Minniemickey has several characters but they're off the beaten path and totally avoidable.

You may stumble upon a few 'face' characters (Snow White was outside at WS, Aladin and Jasmin were out by the magic carpets ride).

There are, however, many many many billboards and large posters and photos of them EVERYWHERE. Consider if that will be a trigger event.

There are also statues in various places (like Flik) that look exactly like walkaround's which might be a shock.

Most if not all of the rides also heavily feature dolls and animatronics, which can trigger as well.

Good luck and well wishes!

 

[bdklein]

How realistic is it I will really be able to avoid coming particularly close to a character?

It is quite doable. And perhaps some therapy would help.

 

[bumbershoot]

Our kids are adults now and we do not do character stuff, but I have never been closer than say 20 feet to a character and never really in a situation where I didn't have total control of how far away I was aka, the character was approaching me in a narrow corridor.

Ooh I thought of something for the OP after reading this part of your post. I haven't had this happen at WDW, but I suppose it *could* occur, so I will recommend that you stay away from walls with CM doorways in them. I was at California Adventure in the Redwood area, and a door opened and out came Doug (Dug? not clear on that) from Up. That was actually fairly delightful (despite my dislike of characters...it's actually possible I don't mind them as much as I thought I did?) especially for my son. But the OP would seriously dislike such a thing happening. So I would really recommend staying aware of surroundings, and letting the boyfriend walk closer to things that might have Cast Member doorways in them.

 

[automaticsoap]

I also am not a fan of fur characters, and I have always found it easy to avoid them at WDW. The main question is what distance are you comfortable with? If I see a fur character, I just turn away and head in another direction - I have never been in close proximity with one but it would be very difficult to avoid seeing them from afar.

 

[disnut8]

It would be very easy to avoid characters...in fact it has become a pain to meet the characters! Used to be that the characters would randomly show up around the park. Now you have to wait in line to meet them. The only time I could see you running into one by accident would be when they are going out for a break or coming off break to the meet and greet area. They usually walk very quickly to avoid being bombarded by people not wanting to wait in line, so I think it's a small risk.

I agree with this. OP - if you can stand to *see* characters but not interact with them, it will be fine. I have over 60 Disney trips under my belt and I've interacted with ONE character and that was Piglet, my favorite and at a character dinner. Years ago. Husband hugged Eeyore once. Years ago. Since then, meh.

You really, really, really have to invest time to meet characters and if you don't want to do it, you just don't do it. To me, meeting characters is just like doing an attraction - you either want to do it or you don't.

But honestly, if just *seeing* a character is going to have you in tears, don't go. Trust me, don't go. They are all over the place. And really - that's the norm in any theme park these days.

And thank your lucky stars you are not staying at the Boardwalk with the clown pool (kidding).