Would anyone be interested in a Pal Mickey swap?

[ceecee]

I have to agree with DMRick again....I keep thinking about "used" stuff toys...........germs!!!! I would not even let DD read Library books when she was really young, never a used stuffed animal! Also I seriously doubt if a Children's Hospital will take them since it's used. We tried to donate beanies and they would take the new with tags but not the others. Our Pal got so dirty and we were so careful.

 

[missyc]

The receipt should be kept with the batteries.

I had never heard of Pal Mickey before! How cute!

I was wondering exactly what he does/says? Does he say the same thing each time he's at a certain place? Does he do anything when not in WDW?

Thanks

 

[Southern4sure]

and asked how they clean/sterilize their rental pal mickeys, Seems the same concerns would include them. I will post the reply IF they reply. My youngest is 8 yrs old, so I wont have a problem with drooling and etc., but I would like to keep this in mind as others will have smaller children.

As for as donating....I said to donate to a needy childrens home.....not a hospital, there is a difference if what they accept.

I'm sure if you gently clean with a mild soap and wash cloth, spray with Lysol and let it air for a few days, it would be fine for donating. Keep in mind, these kids appreciate any and everything you do for them. They dont expect brand new anything.

Southern4sure

 

[missyc]

What about giving them to Give Kids The World? Then they could still be used at WDW some more.

 

[Disney Debbie]

I think Southern4Sure's ideas are good. I started thinking last night about the money thing and couldn't figure out how to do it without the possibility of someone getting stuck with it and not getting paid! If it's all paid for the month before it's ever bought - that will eliminate that. If someone takes the bull by the horns for June, I'll participate that way - but I'm not volunteering!! I could take it my whole trip or just one day - I just kind of wanted to see it! We won't have anyone younger then 18 most of the time with the exception of one day my nieces might come!

As for the germ thing - WARNING - I'M GETTING ON A SOAPBOX!! - I personally (and there are plenty of recent studies that are backing me up on this!) think this obsession with germs and keeping everything under the sun sterile is what's causing all the allergies, asthma and antibiotic resistant diseases that are around today. I guarantee you my parents and their parents didn't worry about all that stuff - and they and my brother and I have all been pretty healthy all our lives. I didn't have my first ear infection until I was an adult - when my child had an ear infection! I'm willing to accept the risk that a good damp cloth with a little soap to get rid of any spills and grime would be fine. We're only talking about a month of passing each one around! Most cold germs and the like don't last long on a surface like that anyway.

Obviously, if this is a big concern for you, you shouldn't participate. I would imagine WDW has some sort of dry cleaning system that we won't have available to us. If we say we're going to dry clean after every use - we might as well rent the things from WDW!!

 

[missyc]

I agree about the germ thing.
There IS such a thing as being TOO carefull! Do people realize what they are touching all day long!! Not to meantion those pillows at the hotel, handles on shopping carts, etc. Heck, even money all day long! This stuffed animal is the least of our worries! LOL


You really are healthier being exposed to things a little more often. I think this is why me & mine are pretty resiliant (SP?) ...I never freaked out about someone w/a cold or something! That's life.

 

[DMRick]

I guess our womens/children shelter is pretty fussy here..they don't take used stuffed animal either. They do take (and get) new ones. They do love the soap I bring home from Disney though! I was just thinking of saving shipping money. I doubt Mickey will be in that good of shape after 6 weeks of continuous use to even worry about it.

Believe me, I'm no germaphobia..but I do try to not let my kids suck on something if someone elses snot has been there first LOL. I'm not talking about if someone coughed on Mickey. I tried to be low keyed on this..but people..these are a bunch of strangers, and not your next door neighbor. I have no idea what other people's bathroom habits are. My grand tossed his cookies at Disney last trip...I guess we'll have to hope that if someone's child did that, that person would just take the loss, rather than try to clean. I do realize what people are touching..stuff I can't help..but jeesh..this is a stuffed animal, not something that can be washed. Would you share a pacifer that hadn't been washed or that had fallen on the ground at Disney? I guess I'm not seeing the difference. I got to wash that stroller, and believe me, some people are cleaner than others. I don't put the mattress I sleep on in my mouth, wipe my nose with it, or set it down on the counter in who knows what. I try to keep my hands clean often while at Disney, but how would you keep Mickey clean? I've only offered to babysit, not use him..so it's no skin off my nose LOL.

 

[missyc]

I just had a flash back of something really gross! Last week at WDW My DS saw this little boy picking his nose. I mean REALLY going at it! It was so nasty! He didn't care that we were all looking. So I sort of told him to stop. I just figured his parents were preoccupied. They hadn't even glanced his way in several minutes. (We were in a line)
Anyway...the kid ignored me. The parents were done talking to each other and finally turned around to look at their DS who was still digging..........................................their reaction?
-
-
- NOTHING!!!
Yuck!

 

[Southern4sure]

"but I do try to not let my kids suck on something if someone elses snot has been there first LOL."

Why go to any park whether its WDW or anywhere? Kids slobber on their hands all the time and touch everything. These places do not sterilize after each ride ends. You are getting more slobber than you really want to know and in places you wouldn't even think of.

I think anyone going through the trouble to rent a PM as we are throwing around, would take an extra effort in keeping the PM in good shape for the next family. I believe in giving people the benefit of being honest. I have been burned, but you now what, that person has to live with it, not me. I don't live my life on a "what if" reality. I go for it, sometimes it fails, but at least I tried. If the PM is in horrible shape or you can see the snot stains, I'm out $6.00, rather than $60.00 if I'm not impressed with PM. If I really like PM, I will buy one to bring home with me.

I would encourage person to person exchange along with receipt so if there were any problems, the sitter at the time could take care of it. I believe one PM a month wouldn't be too bad. I wouldn't go beyond 4 weeks if possible. I really think this could work given the chance.

Southern4sure

 

[DMRick]

Why go to any park whether its WDW or anywhere? Kids slobber on their hands all the time and touch everything. These places do not sterilize after each ride ends. You are getting more slobber than you really want to know and in places you wouldn't even think of.

As I said, I wash my hands often..I know there is slobber around Disney. But I don't put that handrail in my mouth, sleep with it, or let my grand suck on the handrail (at least if I catch him!).

Again, I hope it works out...as I said, I've seen some pretty sad Mickey's after just a few days in the park. Obviously some people will feel very comfortable sharing something like this with "Dis" strangers..so for them this will be a savings, and an opportunity for their kids they may not have otherwise. I would just rent him for a day and spend the $8..but again, that is just my opinion.

 

[missyc]

I had never heard of Pal Mickey before! How cute!

I was wondering exactly what he does/says? Does he say the same thing each time he's at a certain place? Does he do anything when not in WDW?

Thanks [/B][/QUOTE]

 

[Southern4sure]

Anyway, we all have heard pros and cons....if anyone is going to WDW in July and would like to be part of renting Pal Mickey, then lets get this going. By June, if we dont have the month of July booked, well then, all money orders are returned and we tried. PM me if interested.

Southern4sure

 

[mom2of2]

Well Southern, I wish you the best. I can tell you for sure that this will undoubtly be time consuming on your part. It's a big undertaking and does get stressfull at times. Maintaining a list, collecting money, and checking to make sure that swaps are set up and completed is a big undertaking.

Here's hoping the PMS is as big a sucess as the SS was/is

 

[Southern4sure]

for the month of July.....Im sure its going to be a job, but I look forward to it.

Southern4sure

 

[mckim]

I really want to try him the week that we are there in June. The $60 is kind of steep for me too, so I got to thinking. Why not buy him new, and then sell him on ebay when I get home?

 

[HaleyB]

Originally posted by mckim
I really want to try him the week that we are there in June. The $60 is kind of steep for me too, so I got to thinking. Why not buy him new, and then sell him on ebay when I get home?

I just checked ebay. There are 2 up and one has 1 bid the other none, BUT they are both asking way too much....


I am in WDW May 31st to June 10th but 31st, 9th and 10th are not park days... I think I would prefer to find one or two families to split the price with. Also there is a little boy from our Elementary school that is going on a Make a Wish trip latter this summer and I would love to give it to him if it is still in good shape. So if anyone out there would like to share one in June PM me. Even if there are just two of us $30 beats $60! My kids are 6 (girl) and 9 (boy) if that matters.

 

[javaj]

Oh, wow, this sounds complicated! Thanks for the stroller swap experiences, that really clears up for me why a person-to-person would be better.

Anyway, AdventurerKat, if this all works out, we'll be driving in from Cocoa Beach on the 31st, we're planning to get to CR by 3 at the latest. Is that too late for you? Send me a PM if you want to coordinate, if you've coordinated with the person before you. As others here have mentioned, if it makes it simpler, I wouldn't mind just coordinating a swap with 1 or 2 other families. $20 or $30 would be better than $60!

 

[poohbear8]

Missyc,

Your post keeps getting lost...I'll try to fill you in on Pal Mickey. (there is a website that talks about him, I'm sure someone will post it)

We had him in Jan. 2004. When you enter the park, you hold him forward to get the "signal" as to where he is. He vibrates when he has something to say. You squeeze his hand and he will tell you jokes, line times ("the line to the Dumbo is short right now. How about you head over there"), show times ("Tarzan starts at 2:00. Now would be a good time to go get a seat"), and interesting facts.

He also plays games. Simon Says is one. I can't remember others. My kids 6 & 10 loved having him, though there were times when I found myself carrying Mickey and asking WHY??

Sad to say, but Mickey is sitting on a shelf now. Collecting dust. I pulled him down to inspect him for cleaning and batteries. I may just put the batteries back in so the kids can play with him. I know there are several different games that can be played at home.

HTH! Any other questions, LMK.

Peg

So to answer the question, "No" he says different things at each park. (if it pertains to that park. Jokes vary and show up at all the parks)

 

[missyc]

Finally.......somebody didn't ignore me!! LOL
Thanks for the info.
I looked on Disney's web page but couldn't find anything. They rent them right in the park?

 

[poohbear8]

I got mine at the gift shop at the resort we stayed at. (YC) I did see them at the Pop gift shop when we moved there.

I am pretty sure they rent them at the gift shops at the parks. Just ask a CM when you get there.

Also, the $8.00 a day is applied to your purchase if you buy. So if you rent him, then decide you have to have him, it won't cost the whole $60.

Peg