Characters in the parks

[twinnstar]

This is probably a question everyone knows the answer to, so I apologize in advance, but its been plaguing me for the last few years, so I had to ask.

I remember when I was younger, I saw the characters just walking around, you'd go up to them, take photos, say hi, and what not.

On my last 3 trips, I've noticed that the only time I see characters is when they are walking with other CMs to some other area, in a designated area taking photos and stuff, or in character breakfasts.

Is it the time of the year Im going? (I usually go in the hot-hot months) Can they just not stand the heat in those costumes? Or do they actually not walk around anymore? Or am I just blind? lol :shrug:

 

[menamechris]

Too funny that I was just having this conversation with a friend a few days ago. I am right there with you. Back in the 80's, I remember you had to "bump into" characters. I remember them wandering around, as opposed to being in designated spots. However, maybe it is my age and lack of memory, but I don't remember MK being as character intense. You would see them wander occasionally and in the parade - and thats about all. Now it seems like a mission for kids today to get pictures, autographs, etc. I have a feeling that the scheduled "meet and greets" are in response to that, so kids have the opportunity to see exactly the characters they want to see. It's smart, and I understand it - but I guess kids today don't know any different.

 

[twinnstar]

haha, glad im not alone!!! i hope someone knows the answer or it'll bother me for another bunch of years! :brick:

 

[MKCP 1985]

This is probably a question everyone knows the answer to, so I apologize in advance, but its been plaguing me for the last few years, so I had to ask.

I remember when I was younger, I saw the characters just walking around, you'd go up to them, take photos, say hi, and what not.

On my last 3 trips, I've noticed that the only time I see characters is when they are walking with other CMs to some other area, in a designated area taking photos and stuff, or in character breakfasts.

Is it the time of the year Im going? (I usually go in the hot-hot months) Can they just not stand the heat in those costumes? Or do they actually not walk around anymore? Or am I just blind? lol :shrug:

The quick answer is that most of the characters do not just walk around in the parks at Walt Disney World for various reasons. You see them in designated areas because that allows people to visit with them in an orderly fashion and get the interaction and photos in a one-on-one fashion without being interrupted.

When the characters just walked around, there were complaints that people who wanted to see them didn't know where they would be and their photos were interrupted by other people running up to them and surrounding them.

Likewise, the safety of the characters is promoted by the designated location - where they don't have someone coming up in their blind spot.

You can still see characters walking around from time to time, but it is rare.

I hope that helps give you a start on getting your questions answered. :wave:

 

[twinnstar]

That makes sense, but its too bad cause I always thought it was fun trying to find them! But its probably alot easier with kids, and safety always comes first of course.

Thank you so much!

 

[dreamfinder]

It's just the logistics. People used to think it was kinda cool, just meander over for a picture, no big deal. But then they realized they could make money selling autographs. And by just selling the emotional experience of meeting the character (all the commercials where little Suzy lights up when she meets Cinderella). So they have created demand for characters. So they need to have an orderly way to meet this demand. This is met with a pre determined meeting location and set times for the meetings.
Also look at humanity. On the whole, we seem to be caring less about our fellow man, and more about ourselves. So people are much less likely to naturally form a line and wait our turn than they are to push Johnny and Suzie to the front to get their picture. Even looking back 10 years, we have plenty of pictures where there is another child in the picture with us that we have no idea who they are. So obviously multiple people pushed their kids up front at the same time.

 

[Club Cooloholic]

One of my first memories was meeting the mouse from the Rescuers(don't think he gets out much anymore). It was random I think. Anyway, I really blame all the "autograph" crap. Before that, you went up snapped a pic bam your out, now the process is longer and messier, but Disney makes more cash selling those books.

 

[twinnstar]

It's just the logistics. People used to think it was kinda cool, just meander over for a picture, no big deal. But then they realized they could make money selling autographs. And by just selling the emotional experience of meeting the character (all the commercials where little Suzy lights up when she meets Cinderella). So they have created demand for characters. So they need to have an orderly way to meet this demand. This is met with a pre determined meeting location and set times for the meetings.
Also look at humanity. On the whole, we seem to be caring less about our fellow man, and more about ourselves. So people are much less likely to naturally form a line and wait our turn than they are to push Johnny and Suzie to the front to get their picture. Even looking back 10 years, we have plenty of pictures where there is another child in the picture with us that we have no idea who they are. So obviously multiple people pushed their kids up front at the same time.

Good point, several of my photos with characters from when i was younger had other children in them, psh! when you say "make money selling autographs" you dont mean it actually costs extra $ do you? :veryconfu

 

[joanna71985]

It does for buying the autograph book, a pen, and so on

 

[Zummi Gummi]

I honestly don't mind it. If you look back at all of my character pictures from the 80's when I was a kid, in every single one of them, there are about 4 strangers in the background, and the character may not even be looking at the camera. The new way provides an orderly way for everyone to get some individual attention from the character.

 

[Sketch105]

The new way is great when you're trying to find a character. It has its pros and cons. I miss the spontaneity but I enjoy not getting anxiety and fighting people to the front to see a character, only to have them walk away.

 

[brb1006]

Too funny that I was just having this conversation with a friend a few days ago. I am right there with you. Back in the 80's, I remember you had to "bump into" characters. I remember them wandering around, as opposed to being in designated spots. However, maybe it is my age and lack of memory, but I don't remember MK being as character intense. You would see them wander occasionally and in the parade - and thats about all. Now it seems like a mission for kids today to get pictures, autographs, etc. I have a feeling that the scheduled "meet and greets" are in response to that, so kids have the opportunity to see exactly the characters they want to see. It's smart, and I understand it - but I guess kids today don't know any different.

I think WDW becoming character intense when the 100 Years Of Magic Celebration began since they new MK parade at the time featured tons of Disney characters.

 

[brb1006]

Speaking of wandering characters, I heard some characters would sometimes ride with a guests. This is still common in Disneyland, since I seen videos of the Mad Hatter and other characters riding the Tea Cups, Storybook Land, and the Carousel. I wish WDW still did this.

 

[KCKAS]

My last trip to WDW was three years ago. I saw Alice and the white rabbit pick a girl from the line and ride the teacups with her and her mom. The same trip, I saw Aladdin and Jasmine ride the flying carpets on their way to their photo spot. they sat in the front while a mom and daughter sat in the back of their carpet. I thought both were iconic.

 

[Chef Kronk]

Why do we keep bumping old threads....?

 

[HolleBolleGijs]

Why do we keep bumping old threads....?

It's not "we," it's mostly one person.

 

[Maelstrom Troll]

I think that keeping the characters in a location aids in security as well. I played a furry character at our zoo about 15 years ago (my God it was hot), and it was overwhelming. Frequently, I was physically harassed or had my costume pulled. My handler couldn't keep up with the swarm of kids. Granted I would hope people in WDW would act better but we all know that isn't necessarily true.

 

[brb1006]

I think that keeping the characters in a location aids in security as well. I played a furry character at our zoo about 15 years ago (my God it was hot), and it was overwhelming. Frequently, I was physically harassed or had my costume pulled. My handler couldn't keep up with the swarm of kids. Granted I would hope people in WDW would act better but we all know that isn't necessarily true.

That might depend on the person who meets the character. I remember visiting WDW three times and not that most of the character interactions and how the person would react wasn't a problem. Then again it depends on the type of guests that visit the parks.

 

[asianway]

I think that keeping the characters in a location aids in security as well. I played a furry character at our zoo about 15 years ago (my God it was hot), and it was overwhelming. Frequently, I was physically harassed or had my costume pulled. My handler couldn't keep up with the swarm of kids. Granted I would hope people in WDW would act better but we all know that isn't necessarily true.

Funny how everyone says roaming characters can't work, yet the Green Army Men do it every day and I've not heard of any men down or melted snowflakes. Just don't do it with the VIPs and everything will be fine...

 

[Matt_Black]

Funny how everyone says roaming characters can't work, yet the Green Army Men do it every day and I've not heard of any men down or melted snowflakes. Just don't do it with the VIPs and everything will be fine...

The Army Men also aren't nearly as popular as some of the other characters.