UPDATE: Recommendations for guest with character phobia

[JustTinking]

DH and I are planning to take my stepson and his girlfriend to WDW next March. We will be staying at our two home resorts, VWL and AKV. They are in their mid-20's and live in England. My stepson has been to WDW several times, as we took him and his brother often over the years. This is the girlfriend's first trip, and she is not enthusiastic as she has a fear of people dressed in character costumes. Let me qualify that by saying she has no fear of people dressed in costumes, as long as you can see the person (for instance, princesses or Capt. Hook). But where it is a character suit and you cannot see that it is a real person (Mickey Mouse, Chip and Dale) she has fear.

As we plan the trip, I am looking for suggestions and tips, probably as much where NOT to go, as to go, when it comes to the parks, resorts, and restaurants. I want her to have a good time and not be traumatized.

3/16/14 - Just returned from WDW trip. Thank you for all the suggestions. DS and girlfriend had a great time; even convinced her to dine at Be My Guest, although the picture afterwards with the beast is just the three of us, no girlfriend. But she bravely stood by while we snapped! She crossed the street on several occasions to avoid characters, but never freaked out; used DS as a human shield!! And I have pix of girlfriend with every Disney princess going, so she did have a great time!

I'm so relieved!

 

[Deb & Bill]

DH and I are planning to take my stepson and his girlfriend to WDW next March. We will be staying at our two home resorts, VWL and AKV. They are in their mid-20's and live in England. My stepson has been to WDW several times, as we took him and his brother often over the years. This is the girlfriend's first trip, and she is not enthusiastic as she has a fear of people dressed in character costumes. Let me qualify that by saying she has no fear of people dressed in costumes, as long as you can see the person (for instance, princesses or Capt. Hook). But where it is a character suit and you cannot see that it is a real person (Mickey Mouse, Chip and Dale) she has fear.

As we plan the trip, I am looking for suggestions and tips, probably as much where NOT to go, as to go, when it comes to the parks, resorts, and restaurants. I want her to have a good time and not be traumatized.

Perhaps she needs these issues resolved medically before she goes to WDW.

 

[dianeschlicht]

That's a weird phobia, and a pretty tough thing to avoid in a place like WDW. I'd say she probably won't enjoy the trip much.

 

[JustTinking]

Yes, took stepson 3 years to talk girlfriend into doing this. Easy thing is to say we should avoid WDW altogether, but think of all the wonderful things she would miss out on!

Obviously character dining is a non-starter.

 

[tb1972]

I think it's hard to predict a chance encounter with characters at WDW, sometimes they show up up at times when you don't expect.

 

[Firepath]

Is she only afraid if they are very close and interacting with her, or is she going to have a panic attack if she sees one in the distance, such as in a parade or passing by? I've never had a character approach me, so I don't think that would be a problem, but if even seeing one will scare her, it could be a difficult trip. I hope it works out for you.

 

[Disney Doc]

Well... how about telling her that the characters at WDW are real, and there aren't any people inside the costumes? It works for the little kids.

 

[k3chantal]

DH and I are planning to take my stepson and his girlfriend to WDW next March. We will be staying at our two home resorts, VWL and AKV. They are in their mid-20's and live in England. My stepson has been to WDW several times, as we took him and his brother often over the years. This is the girlfriend's first trip, and she is not enthusiastic as she has a fear of people dressed in character costumes. Let me qualify that by saying she has no fear of people dressed in costumes, as long as you can see the person (for instance, princesses or Capt. Hook). But where it is a character suit and you cannot see that it is a real person (Mickey Mouse, Chip and Dale) she has fear.

As we plan the trip, I am looking for suggestions and tips, probably as much where NOT to go, as to go, when it comes to the parks, resorts, and restaurants. I want her to have a good time and not be traumatized.

There are trips where I wonder where the characters are......we don't go out of our way to avoid them but we can go a whole trip with only seeing them at a parade or walking by a very long line with the character hidden behind a mass of people.

So I don't think this will be hard at all. I have a son who, though isn't afraid of them, he doesn't love them and does not want to interact with them. Rides are is focus. As a group you will need to just be aware. Parade time.....get out of there, any 'pavilion' area where characters might stand....walk through fast, etc.....

Because they walk slowly and are usually with cast members, it is pretty easy to spot them. I have never been surprised by a character.

Oh....I would not go to Animal Kingdom before the rope drop since they do tend to be VERY present at entrance to the park.

Good luck!

 

[JustTinking]

Is she only afraid if they are very close and interacting with her, or is she going to have a panic attack if she sees one in the distance, such as in a parade or passing by? I've never had a character approach me, so I don't think that would be a problem, but if even seeing one will scare her, it could be a difficult trip. I hope it works out for you.

That's a great question, I will find out. Given Meet and Greet's there are less characters just wandering around the parks like in years past.

 

[JustTinking]

There are trips where I wonder where the characters are......we don't go out of our way to avoid them but we can go a whole trip with only seeing them at a parade or walking by a very long line with the character hidden behind a mass of people.

So I don't think this will be hard at all. I have a son who, though isn't afraid of them, he doesn't love them and does not want to interact with them. Rides are is focus. As a group you will need to just be aware. Parade time.....get out of there, any 'pavilion' area where characters might stand....walk through fast, etc.....

Because they walk slowly and are usually with cast members, it is pretty easy to spot them. I have never been surprised by a character.

Oh....I would not go to Animal Kingdom before the rope drop since they do tend to be VERY present at entrance to the park.

Good luck!

Thanks, great advice. I was not aware that AK had a lot of characters at the entrance. I will keep away from the parks first thing in the morning.

 

[JustTinking]

Well... how about telling her that the characters at WDW are real, and there aren't any people inside the costumes? It works for the little kids.

LOL. It might work, who knows!!!!

 

[hakepb]

Kennythepirate is a great resource for finding characters, so you could use the app to do the opposite:


http://kennythepirate.com/2013/07/0...vailable-for-iphone-and-other-mobile-devices/

I've heard Disneyland has a lot more random character interactions. I think FL summer heat helps reduce the sightings.

 

[puakinikini]

Yes, took stepson 3 years to talk girlfriend into doing this. Easy thing is to say we should avoid WDW altogether, but think of all the wonderful things she would miss out on!

Obviously character dining is a non-starter.

Phobias, such as what you are describing, cause a high level of distress and interference. I highly doubt that your son's girlfriend will enjoy the trip if her anxiety about this issue resulted in it taking her 3 years to acquiesce.

Having said that, the treatment for specific phobias is relatively brief. She should seek treatment with a cognitive behavioral therapist immediately, prior to going on a trip that would increase her distress and potentially cause greater interference in her life more generally. There are many therapists trained in cognitive behavioral therapy in the UK. Even with a few sessions, she would see some improvement in her anxiety.

 

[lilpooh108]

What a good mom you are. It's so nice of you to actually try to figure this out for her. I know my in laws wouldn't be looking up stuff for me

I would also avoid the stage shows and even Fantasmic. Don't do Be Our Guest. I think you're safe if its ride focused.

In Epcot the face characters do linger in the lands for pictures. So don't be surprised if you run into the Beast. Daisy and Stitch are usually in the from. Of Epcot for pictures. I actually think she will be fine.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

I agree that it will depend on what the level of her phobia is. One of my nieces (in her 30's now) also has this type of phobia but she does love the parks. Her difficulty is if the characters attempt close interaction but with all the controlled interactions that are in place now it's fairly easy to avoid. If that is the main problem then if you watch any parades don't get up front and also don't do any character meals and it will probably be fine.

 

[brertoad]

I agree, I think she should see someone about her phobia.

But in lieu of that, most of the character meet and greets can be avoided.

Places to avoid

Avoid any character meals. (Except for Norway/Princesses - this would be okay for her).

Camp Minnie Mickey at AK, it's all characters. If you want to see the Lion King Show, just take her to the entrance and don't wander any further.

There are a few meet and greets at Epcot World Showcase; Duffy, located in a gazebo between the main straight entrance to WS and towards Mexico (i.e. left near the gift shop and coffee/danish kiosk). Then in Mexico, there is a small backdrop near the Margarita stand, that has Donald come out for meet and greets.

I believe Germany has Snow White (actress), and I think France has Beauty and The Beast (in costume). I've seen Jasmine and Aladdin (actors).

In Epcot, there are characters inside Innoventions, but it's hidden.

Sometimes they have characters up along the right before Spaceship Earth.

At MK, they have the Storybook Circus meet and greet. I've seen princesses and prices walking about.

You probably want to avoid ALL parades at any park, and Electrical Parade at MK, unless viewing from a distance.

I don't know if she is going to have any fun, I hate thinking pessimistically, but it is WDW, she is bound to run into one, at least from a distance. Maybe some therapy can help get her prepared. Best of luck to her, and you all and your upcoming trip.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

That's a weird phobia, and a pretty tough thing to avoid in a place like WDW. I'd say she probably won't enjoy the trip much.

Actually it isn't an uncommon phobia. Also think of all the horror movies that play upon a similar fear - Halloween and Scream come to mind. And it's not dissimilar to having a fear of clowns and how many times does that come up about BWV.

That just made me think OP - don't stay at BWV. The pool slide and the face chairs in the lobby are meant to scare, not decorate! lol Not to the point they send me running and screaming but still.......

 

[MsTessP]

A few years ago my 22 yo DD Was on her way to join her friends on Main St waiting for the parade at DL. Either Tweedle Dee (or Dum) decided to "shadow" closely behind her. She sensed someone behind her, looked back, and saw him towering right behind her. She started to walk quickly, then broke into a run. Tweedle followed her step for step. Her friends were wondering where she was when one of them said "Oh, here comes Jenn, and she's running for her life from Tweedle Dee!" LOL

She wasn't traumatized, but still said it was a little unnerving!

 

[lilpooh108]

A few years ago my 22 yo DD Was on her way to join her friends on Main St waiting for the parade at DL. Either Tweedle Dee (or Dum) decided to "shadow" closely behind her. She sensed someone behind her, looked back, and saw him towering right behind her. She started to walk quickly, then broke into a run. Tweedle followed her step for step. Her friends were wondering where she was when one of them said "Oh, here comes Jenn, and she's running for her life from Tweedle Dee!" LOL

She wasn't traumatized, but still said it was a little unnerving!

OMG that would freak me out. Those 2 gave me nightmares when I was little. In fact, I would say Alice in Wonderland was one of my least favorite movies. What's with all the eating shrooms and getting confused business What craziness

 

[JustTinking]

Kennythepirate is a great resource for finding characters, so you could use the app to do the opposite:


http://kennythepirate.com/2013/07/0...vailable-for-iphone-and-other-mobile-devices/

I've heard Disneyland has a lot more random character interactions. I think FL summer heat helps reduce the sightings.

Thanks, I will check out this app. Assume it is mostly real-time and doesn't tell you a schedule for the day?