Many years ago, 1985 actually now that in think more about it ...I brought one of my own handmade puppet creations with me to Walt Disney World.
It was a marionette /string puppet I had built of my own design of the character 'Gizmo' from the film 'Gremlins'.
I was 14 at the time, and me and my Mom visited MK and EPCOT Center over a couple of days time with 'Gizmo' walking right along with us.
He was even wearing sunglasses and a Mickey Mouse 't-shirt' I had made for him wear during the visit.
We had a good time with 'Giz'...folks reacted to him but I was very used to that at that point ( been working with marionettes since I was 6 ).
A couple of standout memories from that visit -
While standing off to the side watching some traditional Mexican marionette performers in World Showcase, I was approached by what appeared to be a high level Disney employee.
He had a unique name tag and years later I swore it might have been Marty
Sklar.
When I saw photos in a book of a young 80s Marty, I was immediately reminded of this gent with the golden mouse-eared name tag.
No way of knowing for sure...
He complimented me on my marionette, and asked if I would like to go and meet the Mexican marionette performers after the show.
My Mom had gone off to get some refreshments, so I was not really comfortable leaving with this man and her not knowing where I had gone.
After I explained this, the man smiled in a understanding way, said a few words, and departed.
I always wondered what would have happened if my Mom was around and we had been able to go off with him together.
Was he really legit, or just some creep trying to lure a teen away who was not with a parent...?
The 80s at WDW, or any public place that attracted kids, was a notorious time for such goings on.
But I digress...
Another day, my Mom and I had walked around the Magic Kingdom enjoying various things.
Eventually we decided to head back to our hotel on I-Drive for a break.
When we arrived at our hotel and started for the entrance, we were approached by a man who had followed us from the MK.
Our 'stalker' was a father following us to find out where I had bought the 'Gizmo' marionette as his son had seen it 'walking' around in the Park that day and desperately wanted it!
I remember him even offering a decent sum of money for it right there in front of the hotel.
I of course declined, as it was unthinkable to me at the time to sell something I had made.
He left disappointed, but understanding.
Yeah, the 80s were a very different time period.
Those were some of my experiences in the Park with my own puppet creations.
I say go ahead and bring your friend and have a little creative fun.
As long as you are not disturbing other Guests with your antics, or draw a large crowd around you, I don't see there being any issue.
Just keep it low key and make some memories for yourself!
Hopefully you won't have Dads 'stalking' you back to your hotel room...!
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