Question for a DCL CM

[taswira]

Those of us on the October 31st <I>Wonder</I> cruise are wondering - - Are ADULTS allowed to dress as Disney characters for Halloween on the ship? Might DCL object if adult costumes were "authentic" replicas of the characters? Obviously that <I>could</I> cause problems. Also, will there be any special Halloween activities onboard? We heard there are activities for children as well as a Halloween bash for adults. True? Answers from last year's Halloween cruisers would be helpful, but hopefully a CM can tell us about the plans for <I>this year</I>. Thanks!

 

[gottaluvdisney]

I emailed the question to dcl.guest.communications@disney.com
Here is what I got back-

Onboard, featured events will include Family Trick-Or-Treating, as well as themed parties for the children and for the teens. For adults, we offer a Halloween Party with Costume Contest with prizes being awarded to the best of the best. Guests of all ages are encouraged to bring their costumes!


It sounds like the adults are the only ones that have a 'contest' for costumes. So bring yours! I would probably stay away from somthing that looked too much like a Disney Character as you may have lines forming for autographs from the children!

 

[taswira]

Thanks! I did not plan on dressing as a Disney character, but know some might be considering it. No problem for the kids of course, but I think DCL's biggest objection would be that someone in "authentic" costume might access unauthorized areas ;-). I'm glad there is a contest for the adults though!

 

[Dave_from_Marietta]

"Real" Disney characters always have a uniformed CM escorting them. I don't think they'd have much problem with the problem of someone impersonating an Disney character since they will know you're not a CM because you won't have a uniformed CM escorting you.

 

[taswira]

Thanks Dave! I have noticed they do but couldn't recall if it was at all times - like walking down the corridors on the ship. I guess the only problem then would be possible autograph or picture seekers from people who might not know any better. Besides, I think a costume would have to be absolutely <I>perfect</I> for a true Disney fan to mistake it for the real thing.

 

[HappyGilmore]

Where did you get a authentic disney character costume? Do they actually sell those? and Which one do you have?

 

[taswira]

I personally do NOT have a Disney costume. I do know two people who have costumes (Mickey and Minnie) that <I>look</I> authentic enough. Supposedly they were custom made and <I>very</I> expensive. I don't know where they got them. But they are not cruisers. And yes, as far as I know you can't just pop into a store and buy a "real" Disney character costume.

 

[mmouse37]

Every year the Disney catalog sells very authentic "looking" costumes for adults. They have dalmations, goofy, tigger, Bear from the Big Blue House, etc. They usually come out in the late summer catalog. I know the Disney Stores start selling their costumes late August. I bought the evil queen from Snow White costume. I love scaring the local kids on the block every Halloween!!! They come to the door and I ask them if they want an apple!! Then I give them the real treats.

MJ

 

[Ginny]

On our Halloween Cruise aboard the Magic last year, I went as Snow White in a costume from the Disney Store, DD (7) went as Cinderella and DH was a ghoul of unknown background. There were about 5 other Snow Whites (Mommies in disguise) who were not the "official" Snow White. I did run into the "official" Snow White and she was just lovely and complimented me on my "charming outfit!"

I also had several children take a few double takes (probably wondering if Snow White had aged rapidly!!) and one beautiful toddler who was sure I was the "real deal!" And, of course, who was I to trample on her "Disney Magic!!" All in all, it was a great night and I would do it all over again.

 

[gfolchick]

I was just on the Disney Store site and they have an adult Sulley costume for $89

 

[howardk613]

Last year I took a professional development course at the Disney Institute at WDW entitled "The Disney approach to people management". It was a very interesting three day seminar on Disney personnel management. One of the sessions was a tour of the costume dept. in the utilitor under the Magic Kingdom.
The costumes cost between $10,000 and $35,000 each and stay in service for 30 to 60 days (sooner if they get worn) and are them destroyed (NEVER resold or reused) so although there are many Disney costume knockoffs out there, it is near impossible to get an authentic Disney costume.

 

[MCazer]

Hey, Ginny... Do you still have that wig? Does Chuck have you wear it? LOL

Loved that outfit! I still ask Steven to wear the Nerd outfit, but alas he won't go for it!

 

[taswira]

In my earlier message I put "<I>authentic</I>" in quotes and later referred to authentic <I>looking</I>. I never meant to imply that anyone could get a GENUINE Disney character costume. Even the two people I know who have a realistic <I>looking</I> Mickey and Minnie did tell me they spent thousands on their custom-made costumes. They are dedicated Disney fans who wanted as-close-to-the-real-thing as they could get, just for themselves, not to try to pass themselves off as the official characters.

But on the subject of characters: Could anyone tell us HOW Goofy survives when he actively leads the exercise group on Castaway Cay while wearing that costume in sometimes <I>unbearable</I> heat and humidity? I know they used to have fans in them. Did they upgrade to central air conditioning (LOL)??