Wooo Hooo Pal Mickey is out!

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hadleybarth

New Member
We just got our Pal Mickey on Wednesday at the gift shop in the Wilderness Lodge (the lady there told us they had gotten them in the day before and were the first shop to get them but that all the delux resorts should have them within a couple of days). I was surprised by how small and light weight he is; just right for small kids. My only complaint is that my 4 year old sometimes has trouble squeezing his hand correctly.

The technology is really impressive. It is just fascinating to have this little stuffed animal tell you about things as you walk by them, tell you that the line for Star Tours is really short so why not head over there, etc. etc. Even the jokes (which are predictably corny) are themed to where you are (animal jokes in AK, jokes themed to each country in World Showcase, etc).

We had a great time having Pal along for our last two days. Since we know the parks pretty much inside and out (as do most people on this site), it didn't really provide us with much new info (although hearing about good attarctions with short waits is always a plus)--and it actually slowed us down in the parks becuase we kept stopping to all have a turn to listen to what he was saying as we toured--but it was well worth it for entertainment value alone.

I absolutely recommned one to anyone who is thinking about it. He is easy to carry (and comes with his own little belt clip), fun in the parks and even pretty fun after you leave (the kids played the games and listened to jokes most of the 20 hour drive home).
 
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pinkrose

pinkrose

Well-Known Member
He sounds wonderful!!! Oh, I can't wait to get one when we go in 4 wks!!!! Thanks for letting us know about him.

One question though, what type things does he do once you leave the park?
 
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MKCustodial

MKCustodial

Well-Known Member
I wonder when they'll start with the Pal Minnies, Goofys, Donalds, Figments, Buzzes, Big Als, Brer Rabbits, Poohs... :lol:

Now, hadleybarth, lemme ask you. Did you really find it useul were re you happy just because it succeeded in entertaining your kids? And how loud dows he talk? I wonder if we'll eventually have, like, during the Summer, a Pal frenzy around the parks.
 
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hadleybarth

New Member
Original Poster
It would be really useful if you did not know much about the parks. For us it was primarily entertainment (both for the kids and the adults--could hardly get it away from my husband). Although, we all learned a fair amount about some of hte animals on display in AK that we probably would not have known otherwise.

The volume was surprisingly well set. Mickey vibrates when he has something to say-then you can place him next to your ear and squeeze his hand or tummy to hear him (found the volume was about right to hear him when held close in the parks--can hear him from on your lap in the car going home). He was not loud enough to be annoying, but still audible. Also, if you squeeze him again within 15 seconds, he will repeat what he just said (up to 5 times), so everyone could have a chance to hear.
 
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CAPTAIN HOOK

CAPTAIN HOOK

Well-Known Member
While I was in MK last week I saw a couple of "suits" walking aroung, each with a Pal Mickey - obviously checking them out. They are quite small - only about 10" - 12" and look really good.
 
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Slinky Dog

New Member
Am I right in thinking that the technology works by having sensors/transmittters dotted around the parks that let the Pal Mickey know where it is so it can provide the right info?

If so, when you say that it tells you of attractions with short waits, is this info based on live updates via the sensors/transmitters or just on past knowledge of attractions which have shorter waits.

Basically what I'm asking is, are these Pals working in a live wireless network environment or is all the info just pre-programmed into them which then gets set off by various sensors?

Hope that makes sense:veryconfu
 
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Glasgow

Glasgow

Well-Known Member
I'm sure all of the info is pre-programmed into the Pal Mickey. That way when you pass an attraction, if the transmitter is sending out a 1, Mickey will say there is a short wait, if it's a two it's a medium wait, and so on and so forth. You get the idea. This way they can pass minimum info through the air which means less chance of error. The amount of storage it requires in the doll is minimal as well so may as well do it that way.
I may be off a little, but that's how I assume they're doing it. Also, I'm wondering if the pal mickeys can be re-programmed (ie. plugged into your pc) - that way when an attraction is added you could download it to your Pal! Ha ha .. I'm sure you'd just have to buy another one
 
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MKCustodial

MKCustodial

Well-Known Member
Originally posted by CAPTAIN HOOK
While I was in MK last week I saw a couple of "suits" walking aroung, each with a Pal Mickey - obviously checking them out. They are quite small - only about 10" - 12" and look really good.
Click to expand...

(Good to see you're back!! :wave: )

Originally posted by Glasgow
Also, I'm wondering if the pal mickeys can be re-programmed (ie. plugged into your pc) - that way when an attraction is added you could download it to your Pal! Ha ha .. I'm sure you'd just have to buy another one
Click to expand...

Good point... Makes you wonder if they already installed info on soon to be open attractions like Mission: Space and PhillarMagic, or if all the Guests who just bought them on their first week will have to get another one for a future trip.

Originally posted by hadleybarth
It would be really useful if you did not know much about the parks. For us it was primarily entertainment (both for the kids and the adults--could hardly get it away from my husband). Although, we all learned a fair amount about some of hte animals on display in AK that we probably would not have known otherwise.
Click to expand...

Can you remember any info in the general attractions and parks that Pal Mickey shared with you? I mean, some of that stuff that you said we all pretty much know about. I'm curious because experience around here has taught me that I don't know as much as I liked to think I did about Disney! :lol:
 
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MKCustodial

MKCustodial

Well-Known Member
Originally posted by TravisM
everyone was playing with him at work yesterday, though fun at first it really started to get on my nerves.
Click to expand...

That's what I fear... Paying 50 bucks for the thing and then not standing to look at it! :hammer:
 
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WDWspider

WDWspider

New Member
So he will only be available at the parks and Deluxe Resorts?

Also, I'm sold, I am getting one when I go in May. Any clue if the info will change from year to year?

Also, does he say things during attractions or pre-shows, or just outside in the park?
 
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hadleybarth

New Member
Original Poster
My husband ran into a programmer about 30 minutes after we got ours and had a rather longish conversation with him. Here's what I know form that conversation:

Pal gets updated as you pass through the turnstiles at most parks (under the tunnels at MK). It is good not to race through these areas (if you are fortunate enought not to have to wait behind someone who is unable to figure out how to insert their ticket--where do these people come from?). He then reacts to sensors throughout the parks (700 or so we are told). He does have soem real "live" info capabilities (the programer told us he would inform you if the parade were delayed or canceled--although we did not experience this first hand). He did know to tell us COP and Time Keeper were open, and a couple of the shorter wait times (which I believe were true live and not just based on likely statistics).

I didn't get to hold him much (the kids and my husband wanted him so badly). Little facts I remember him pointing out were:
*all the names on the buildings on Main Street are names of people who helped build the parks.
*More dinosaur bones have been found in Canada than any other country (while in Canadian pavillion at EPCOT)
*Look for a hidden Mickey near the water fountain in the Bone Yard at AK

If I think of more I'll let you know.
 
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919Florida

919Florida

Well-Known Member
Question

I want to get a Pal Mickey when we go down in July. I was jsut wondering if when you bring him home if he is any fun? What does he do then? And then you may not know the answer to this but if you do thats great. Say you bring your pal mickey with you when you go back next year would he give tips and stuff again?

Thanks
 
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hadleybarth

New Member
Original Poster
Yes, he will work on subsequent trips, and should even update himself as you walk into each park with new ride info., etc.

When away from the parks he can do three things:
*Tell Jokes
*Tell stories
*Play games:
There are 3 games. "Mickey Says" is like Simon says--he tells you to squeeze different parts of him. "That Isn't Here" has him listing various places at the parks. If it is at the park of choice you squeeze his hand, if not squeeze his tummy (already has Mission Space in for EPCOT). In "Fast Friends" he lists Disney Characters in rapid sucession; before he starts he says "if I say such and such squeeze my right hand, if so and so squeeze my left hand, if so and so squeeze my tummy." The amount of time you have to react in all 3 gets shorter and shorter as you play longer. The games are midly amusing for adults. My kids (especially the 6 year old) really like them.
 
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