Possi le to avoid characters at disneyworld?

[mattsdragon]

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

WHY IS THERE NO "LIKE" BUTTON?

 

[ChampagneTraveller]

Hi all

Thanks for the replies, really appreciate all the information, tips and support.

Well we are all booked in so I am giving this ago, I'll have everything crossed I'm ok!! Disney does look genuinely fun, and I do want to go, just apprehensive, but I don't like to let things stop me. I have no prob with face characters at all, just the big foam ones. I'd probs quite like to meet the princesses, peter pan, tinkerbell, aladdin etc, but I realise where these can be found they probs have a foam partner in crime. I know to avoid parades with all the youtube videos of them approaching the crowds, Im hoping there is a reliable map and information on timings. I know now to also avoid rope drop at MK, this had not occurred to me. Some shows I may be able to stomach with characters as long as the character stay on a stage that is a reasonable distance from me, or ones like the Fantasisa show with Mickey where even better water separates me from characters. I may have some questions when I research more into shows, as to which ones will have characters likely to come into the audience etc

Happy to see posts with how few you could potentially see, though know there will be some, perhaps I can minimise the sightings that are close.

I think its something about the larger than life aspect of foam characters that must scare me. I of course know that its irrational, but its more than finding them annoying, its genuine panic I can't control lol! I haven't encountered many clowns or foam characters since I was a kid really, I live in the UK and unless you go to fairs etc, you don't encounter many in everyday life, so i'm actually quite lucky my phobia has never really encroached too much on my life before. This is the first time I've really questioned whether I should be going anywhere as an adult. I reckon I can do at a distance with people (preferably at least 2 or 3) between them and me, but I've never been constantly bombarded from all angles and round every other corner with sightings to know what this will feel like. There will certainly be lots of 180 degree turns and other routes to be found to rides lol.

P.S. I'm actually quite a rational and together person who has a really responsible job, but I have one irrational phobia that I am unable to say how got started or shake off properly.

 

[ChampagneTraveller]

Jane 2073 - Thank you so much for your message, I really appreciate you taking the time to reply and share your experiences with me - I couldnt reply to your message as I haven't posted enough. Not really sure where my phobia came from, I've just alwasy not liked larger than life characters or clowns, my mum always thinks something must have happened when I was at nursery or with someone elses family but I genuinely dont recall.

Were going to Disney next March, so I'm planning strategies in advance for avoidance in advance but I'm pleased to see how avoidable they may be at close range at least. I haven't seen characters at close range in many years, so hoping I won't be as bad as I used to be even if one does sneak up. I figure Disney is a big place and quick 180degree turns should be possible if one is looming in my path.

I am actually looking forward to my trip, there does look alot of other things I will be able to enjoy and I will def check out kennys site, reliable information on parades etc will be my best avoidance tool. I just needed to reassure myself they wouldn't be at every twist and turn.

 

[Djali]

At the Magic Kingdom they now have a group of clowns, called the Giggle Gang (I think), that perform back in the New Fantasyland area by Dumbo. They have set times when they come out so you may want to look into their schedule as well. If you want to try and see the parades at Magic Kingdom maybe look into watching them from the train station. You are up high so there is no way that the characters will be able to get close to you and you can get great pictures without a bunch of people blocking your view.

Also, most of the face characters do not meet with masked characters, so you should be able to meet many of the face characters that you mentioned. Peter Pan, Mary Poppins, Alice (at Epcot), the fairies and princesses should all be doable for you. Maybe you could even meet Lighting McQueen and Mater at the Studios.

Hope you have a great trip!

 

[AmyB2006]

I actually find it quite difficult to FIND characters. :/

You won't or shouldn't just bump into them while you're there.

Avoid parades. Times are set and they follow them. But other than that, the characters all have spots that they go to for pictures.

You might see them from a distance but you shouldn't have any issue running into characters with foam heads arbitrarily.

 

[automaticsoap]

P.S. I'm actually quite a rational and together person who has a really responsible job, but I have one irrational phobia that I am unable to say how got started or shake off properly.

I'm a very rational person as well, but sometimes we just can't help what we're afraid of. My friend theorizes that my fear of fur characters is due to their size being largely disproportionate to what they should be. For example, Marie from the Aristocats should not be that large!!

 

[twinklebug]

Happy to see posts with how few you could potentially see, though know there will be some, perhaps I can minimise the sightings that are close.

I think its something about the larger than life aspect of foam characters that must scare me. I of course know that its irrational, but its more than finding them annoying, its genuine panic I can't control lol! I haven't encountered many clowns or foam characters since I was a kid really, I live in the UK and unless you go to fairs etc, you don't encounter many in everyday life, so i'm actually quite lucky my phobia has never really encroached too much on my life before. This is the first time I've really questioned whether I should be going anywhere as an adult. I reckon I can do at a distance with people (preferably at least 2 or 3) between them and me, but I've never been constantly bombarded from all angles and round every other corner with sightings to know what this will feel like. There will certainly be lots of 180 degree turns and other routes to be found to rides lol.

P.S. I'm actually quite a rational and together person who has a really responsible job, but I have one irrational phobia that I am unable to say how got started or shake off properly.

There are more people out there than you know who have the same or similar feelings toward characters. My daughter was scared to death of them (and Santa!) for many years. The fear is actually quite rational: It's just not natural to hide a person's head from view... I dislike and will avoid clowns for the same reason - it's not natural and every fiber of my being tells me there's a mental sickness under the makeup there, even though I know chances are there is not.

In Disney there's always "escape" routes. Stores work wonderfully. Main Street USA may have characters on the street, but the stores line the entire road (stay to the left, the Emporium side, to go all the way along without having to leave the building)

Above all, have fun! If you're just not feeling it change up your plans and distract yourself with something different you want to experience. There is so much to do and see at Disney it's quite mind boggling, and thankfully only a very small percentage of it involves characters.

Come over to the DVC forums: the Miscellaneous sub-forum can help you discover more about the DVC resorts and help ease your mind - we're quite human over there

 

[AngiTN]

Hi all

Thanks for the replies, really appreciate all the information, tips and support.

Well we are all booked in so I am giving this ago, I'll have everything crossed I'm ok!! Disney does look genuinely fun, and I do want to go, just apprehensive, but I don't like to let things stop me. I have no prob with face characters at all, just the big foam ones. I'd probs quite like to meet the princesses, peter pan, tinkerbell, aladdin etc, but I realise where these can be found they probs have a foam partner in crime. I know to avoid parades with all the youtube videos of them approaching the crowds, Im hoping there is a reliable map and information on timings. I know now to also avoid rope drop at MK, this had not occurred to me. Some shows I may be able to stomach with characters as long as the character stay on a stage that is a reasonable distance from me, or ones like the Fantasisa show with Mickey where even better water separates me from characters. I may have some questions when I research more into shows, as to which ones will have characters likely to come into the audience etc

Happy to see posts with how few you could potentially see, though know there will be some, perhaps I can minimise the sightings that are close.

I think its something about the larger than life aspect of foam characters that must scare me. I of course know that its irrational, but its more than finding them annoying, its genuine panic I can't control lol! I haven't encountered many clowns or foam characters since I was a kid really, I live in the UK and unless you go to fairs etc, you don't encounter many in everyday life, so i'm actually quite lucky my phobia has never really encroached too much on my life before. This is the first time I've really questioned whether I should be going anywhere as an adult. I reckon I can do at a distance with people (preferably at least 2 or 3) between them and me, but I've never been constantly bombarded from all angles and round every other corner with sightings to know what this will feel like. There will certainly be lots of 180 degree turns and other routes to be found to rides lol.

P.S. I'm actually quite a rational and together person who has a really responsible job, but I have one irrational phobia that I am unable to say how got started or shake off properly.

Based on this additional info I think you will be perfectly fine. The parades, especially Move it Shake it, which they do several times a day at MK, would be one to stay far away from. Other than those it's pretty rare to encounter a character away from their designated meet and greet areas. Even if you do see them walking to and from they are with their handler and don't interact with guests.

Watch those schedules closely so you are clear on where and when parades are going on. They are pretty easy to avoid

I even totally understand your fear. I have an irrational fear of haunted houses. I know going in they are fake and nothing in there can hurt me, most of the times they can't even touch me. But I can't do it. Last one I tried I had to leave before the end.

 

[chartle]

I'd probs quite like to meet the princesses, peter pan, tinkerbell, aladdin etc, but I realise where these can be found they probs have a foam partner in crime.

I can't think of any normal M&G that has face and fur together. The only situation is maybe Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. But the the Dwarfs are only out for the Halloween party and even then they are not together.

Maybe Peter Pan and Hook or Beauty and the Beast? It seems, and I could be totally wrong, that face stays with face and fur stays with fur for M&Gs.

In fact I think Disney would try to avoid it since it creates confusion on why fur doesn't speak.

 

[AngiTN]

I can't think of any normal M&G that has face and fur together. The only situation is maybe Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. But the the Dwarfs are only out for the Halloween party and even then they are not together.

Maybe Peter Pan and Hook or Beauty and the Beast? It seems, and I could be totally wrong, that face stays with face and fur stays with fur for M&Gs.

In fact I think Disney would try to avoid it since it creates confusion on why fur doesn't speak.

Genie, when he meets with Aladdin and Jasmine (in MK)

Alice and White Rabbit meet together quite often (in MK)

 

[twinklebug]

I can't think of any normal M&G that has face and fur together. The only situation is maybe Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. But the the Dwarfs are only out for the Halloween party and even then they are not together.

Maybe Peter Pan and Hook or Beauty and the Beast? It seems, and I could be totally wrong, that face stays with face and fur stays with fur for M&Gs.

In fact I think Disney would try to avoid it since it creates confusion on why fur doesn't speak.

I don't think they do Peter Pan and Hook together, I doubt that their characters would put up with each other.

I have seen pics of Beauty & Beast together in EPCOT - the M&G area is far off to the side, quite easy to avoid.

 

[mom2rtk]

I have seen pics of Beauty & Beast together in EPCOT - the M&G area is far off to the side, quite easy to avoid.

Beast has not been at Epcot since he as added to Be Our Guest dinner.

 

[WishingMom]

I don't have any advice to give, but wanted to wish you the best for your trip. I just studied phobias in psychology and I've come to understand and appreciate just how debilitating a phobia can be. WDW is a magical place, I just hope you find the same magic for yourself.

Cheers and hugs to you. It's very courageous for you to do this with your partner!

 

[jw50]

I reckon I can do at a distance with people (preferably at least 2 or 3) between them and me, but I've never been constantly bombarded from all angles and round every other corner with sightings to know what this will feel like. There will certainly be lots of 180 degree turns and other routes to be found to rides lol.

Actually I think you would do fine at rope drop and with the parades. At rope drop they are going to be in the distance, with a lot more than 2 or 3 people between you and them. Same with the parades unless you want to be close to them. At both of these it is very easy to ensure there are plenty of people between you and the characters.

We don't seek out the characters and it has been very rare that we have been within 20 feet of one while walking around the parks. I think the only non-face character we have been within 20 feet of in the parks was Marie once in Epcot and it would have been very easy for us to have kept more distance than that from her.

Yes you should avoid the character dining except for maybe the ones with just the princesses since even though you can ask that the characters not come to your table they will still be at other tables and may be closer than you would be comfortable with.

Hopefully seeing them at a distance and observing their interaction with the guests might even lessen your apprehension of them.

 

[AngiTN]

Actually I think you would do fine at rope drop and with the parades. At rope drop they are going to be in the distance, with a lot more than 2 or 3 people between you and them. Same with the parades unless you want to be close to them. At both of these it is very easy to ensure there are plenty of people between you and the characters.

We don't seek out the characters and it has been very rare that we have been within 20 feet of one while walking around the parks. I think the only non-face character we have been within 20 feet of in the parks was Marie once in Epcot and it would have been very easy for us to have kept more distance than that from her.

Yes you should avoid the character dining except for maybe the ones with just the princesses since even though you can ask that the characters not come to your table they will still be at other tables and may be closer than you would be comfortable with.

Hopefully seeing them at a distance and observing their interaction with the guests might even lessen your apprehension of them.

The reason I suggested to avoid the parades is the sheer number of them there. So many of the characters that are out in the streets are the fur ones. It's not just 1 or 2, it's 10 or 12, or more. Even at a distance that may be too much, especially at first. I would sure wait to see a parade after OP has been around a few characters here or there.

 

[Traveliz]

Also at parades some (not always, not all) characters walk the street and shake hands with and greet the guests along the sidewalk watching.

Liz

 

[darnheather]

OP. Best of luck to you for a wonderful vacation.

 

[MeeskaMooskaMickey]

To the OP, last month I overcame a lifelong flying phobia to visit WDW from the UK, my first long haul flight ever. For me some medication helped take the edge off my panic. Is this something you could consider taking with you as a back up for if you suddenly feel bad?

I know that having a phobia can mean that you cannot truly look forward to your holiday, so as well as having strategies to avoid the characters, it would be nice to have some plans in place for activities where you know you definitely won't be in the proximity of any, eg. Hoop de Doo, watch fireworks from poly beach, boardwalk at night, romantic meals, carriage ride, etc. That way you can have some positive things to look forward to and focus on!

I'm sure you will have a wonderful time and will feel amazing knowing what you have overcome to be there xxxxxxx


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[Nakkira]

I can't think of any normal M&G that has face and fur together. The only situation is maybe Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. But the the Dwarfs are only out for the Halloween party and even then they are not together.

Maybe Peter Pan and Hook or Beauty and the Beast? It seems, and I could be totally wrong, that face stays with face and fur stays with fur for M&Gs.

In fact I think Disney would try to avoid it since it creates confusion on why fur doesn't speak.

I remember last time I saw Mulan she had Mushu with her

 

[Magpie]

Hi all

Thanks for the replies, really appreciate all the information, tips and support.

Well we are all booked in so I am giving this ago, I'll have everything crossed I'm ok!! Disney does look genuinely fun, and I do want to go, just apprehensive, but I don't like to let things stop me. I have no prob with face characters at all, just the big foam ones. I'd probs quite like to meet the princesses, peter pan, tinkerbell, aladdin etc, but I realise where these can be found they probs have a foam partner in crime. I know to avoid parades with all the youtube videos of them approaching the crowds, Im hoping there is a reliable map and information on timings. I know now to also avoid rope drop at MK, this had not occurred to me. Some shows I may be able to stomach with characters as long as the character stay on a stage that is a reasonable distance from me, or ones like the Fantasisa show with Mickey where even better water separates me from characters. I may have some questions when I research more into shows, as to which ones will have characters likely to come into the audience etc

Happy to see posts with how few you could potentially see, though know there will be some, perhaps I can minimise the sightings that are close.

I think its something about the larger than life aspect of foam characters that must scare me. I of course know that its irrational, but its more than finding them annoying, its genuine panic I can't control lol! I haven't encountered many clowns or foam characters since I was a kid really, I live in the UK and unless you go to fairs etc, you don't encounter many in everyday life, so i'm actually quite lucky my phobia has never really encroached too much on my life before. This is the first time I've really questioned whether I should be going anywhere as an adult. I reckon I can do at a distance with people (preferably at least 2 or 3) between them and me, but I've never been constantly bombarded from all angles and round every other corner with sightings to know what this will feel like. There will certainly be lots of 180 degree turns and other routes to be found to rides lol.

P.S. I'm actually quite a rational and together person who has a really responsible job, but I have one irrational phobia that I am unable to say how got started or shake off properly.

Hey, glad to hear you aren't scared of face characters!

Twice, I've had Peter Pan run up from behind and surprise me, but he's just a young man in costume, so you should be okay if he targets you.

But I'd recommend skipping the "Conservation Station" at Animal Kingdom - it's a petting zoo that you get out to on a train. Rafiki lurks around there, and he sometimes likes sneaking up behind people who don't know he's there.

Most stage shows should be fine, especially if you sit toward the middle of the audience. The characters might walk up the aisles, but they don't come into the audience rows (too much risk of tripping!). The only stage shows you might find problematic are all in Animal Kingdom: Nemo (because the puppeteers do come running up the aisles and across the theatre on a walkway through the middle), and the Lion King (because the puppets are HUGE), and Bug's Life, because while nothing comes near you, there are puppets that pop out of the ceiling and it's dark and a bit claustrophobic. (I'm assuming that if foam characters both you, puppets probably do too.)

I think you'll love meeting the Faeries! And you should definitely book yourself some sort of Princess dinner. My personal favourite is at Akerhaus in Epcot. Neither the princesses nor the faeries are accompanied by any foam characters.