What does it take to be a charater in Disney Theme Parks?

[Minnie Mommy Mouse]

I am hoping some one can answer this question, even though I'm well out of college! It was suggested on the Community Board I post here. My 11 year old is an avid character hunter, and is writing a personal narrative on our last trip to Disney. He hopes to work at WDW one day and do the CP. He is including in his story that he likes to meet characters, and we'd like to provided a little detail about what makes meeting characters at Disney theme parks special (other than autographs and pictures). I'd like to know a little about training CMs receive before they become their characters. He's mentioned he'd enjoy one day being either a fully costumed, silent character, or an interactive one (since he is a red head, I suggested Peter Pan).

TIA,

 

[Joanna71985]

I am hoping some one can answer this question, even though I'm well out of college! It was suggested on the Community Board I post here. My 11 year old is an avid character hunter, and is writing a personal narrative on our last trip to Disney. He hopes to work at WDW one day and do the CP. He is including in his story that he likes to meet characters, and we'd like to provided a little detail about what makes meeting characters at Disney theme parks special (other than autographs and pictures). I'd like to know a little about training CMs receive before they become their characters. He's mentioned he'd enjoy one day being either a fully costumed, silent character, or an interactive one (since he is a red head, I suggested Peter Pan).

TIA,

To become a character performer, you have to pass an audition (of which there are 2 parts- a dance part, and an animation part). Height also plays a big role.

Also, hair doesn't matter when it comes to the face characters (they use wigs).