When new characters come into the parks...

[cgattis]

I thought about this when Merida came along, and now with Anna and Elsa, I'm even more curious, so I figured I'd see if any DIS'ers know the answer....When Disney introduces a new face character into the parks, does someone write some sort of script/guideline for how they should act, things to say/not say, etc.? I know the character has a personality defined by the movie, but knowing that the character will have lots of guest interactions WAY outside anything they could script (like Creepy Mickey's "hiya, pal!" LOL), does a writer (?) give some generic guidelines for "Disney PC" responses? Like a "say what you want but DON'T say this" sort of thing? Once characters have been in the parks for years, I can see how new "friends" could shadow experienced ones for training, but does New Princess #1 just get to totally wing it?? This just really intrigues me; hope someone has some insight (and at least someone else finds it interesting too haha!).

 

[Dan Murphy]

Each character has many, many pages of guidelines, and such.

 

[AngiTN]

They aren't just tossed out there without any training. They go through tons of training and practice. There are even practice M&G great areas in the parks that serve as practice for characters and for handlers. The people they put in as characters are basically actors and as such, know what they are doing and are well trained in how to do it

 

[cgattis]

Obviously they're trained. Was just asking how the character gets defined/developed the first time. We're lightly involved in theater, so was interested in the process.

 

[Itinkso]

Obviously they're trained. Was just asking how the character gets defined/developed the first time. We're lightly involved in theater, so was interested in the process.

Many guidelines to follow and practice out in EPCOT with lots of notes afterwards. They aren't scripted because scripted characters fall under a separate category which requires a higher hourly wage.

Movement, poses, and animation of the character- both "face and "fur" - is heavily emphasized.