As a Guest I gotta know; How do you guys handle it?!

[cvguy]

I found this sight a while back and have been reading it regularly as it really presents a side of themeparks not seen by those of us who do not work there. So, I just got back from a 2day trip down to DL and what I had already noticed before is now REALLY noticable after reading this board.

I swear I do not know how you guys handle it without resorting to violence or alcoholism! Especially you guys in character, my god that seems like a nightmare!

We watched poor Cinderella for a few minutes, out in the 98 degree heat in what has to be a heat lethal combo of costume and makeup, patiently taking time with every (often crying) child thrust/pushed forward by their keeper. And I won't even mention the lunatic adults waiting for a picture.

I'd love to be a fly on the wall backstage when the doors close and the Disney smile can be turned off..lol

Thanks too all of you for making each of our DL trips more fun than the last, without you it wouldn't be possible.

[David R]

Off topic (and please do not take this as an attack because it's not) but I gotta say that I don't mind it when adults wait for pictures. They are often true fans and those few seconds they spend with a character are often cherished. It's Disney, let everyone enjoy the fantasy that everyone works hard at creating an maintaining.

[joanna71985]

I think it's nice when adults wait to meet the characters. It's just when the parents push the kids at the characters (when they clearly do NOT want to see them) then I get annoyed.

[ThunderCat]

And I won't even mention the lunatic adults waiting for a picture.

I'm not in Entertainment, but I will state for the record that every character performer I've spoken to has told me that they honestly don't mind the "lunatic adults" -- especially if they're upbeat and really excited to see the character. It's the ones who act like the whole character greeting thing is a farce and a waste of time that bring the performers down and make those 20 minute sets feel like 40 minutes. Too often guests forget that the performers are real, living, breathing people with thoughts, feelings and emotions, too.

[Driver_dylan]

Off topic (and please do not take this as an attack because it's not) but I gotta say that I don't mind it when adults wait for pictures. They are often true fans and those few seconds they spend with a character are often cherished. It's Disney, let everyone enjoy the fantasy that everyone works hard at creating an maintaining.

Not at all an attack. I often find that some of the cutest pics I've taken for the park are of the adults. It's the parents who demand that we take a picture of their screaming and all to often combative child that I have a problem with. Side note, I once saw a scared and screaming child kick and unsuspecting Popeye right where it counts. The set ended there and the child got away, and I have the world funnyest picture.

[sean1966]

As one of those lunatic adults who wait in line I just want to say thanks to all those who stand in the 90 degree heat, in costume, and pose for photos. It really makes our trips special. We cherish the photos we get.

[Hollymom1229]

From two lunatic adults without kids, another big kudos to the CMs that put up with us. We've had truly magical moments with the characters. And for the person that was Belle at the front of DL on August 7th, thank you for making my husband's day. He was like a little kid telling me about the conversation he had with you.

[Sweetums]

Well, I haven't seen any DL characters jump on yet, so as a former WDW character I'd like to thank everyone for the kudos, and sweet comments on their behalf. I'm sure they appreciate it! It's always nice to hear that our work is valued.
In response to the question "How do you handle it?"...there's no straight forward answer. Every character handles the heat and the stress differently, but we all walk onstage with the same purpose; To entertain the guests.
Once you put on the costume, you become that character. It really is a form of acting. -and you become so focused on your portrayal that the heat and SG's are the last thing you are thinking about. It doesn't go unnoticed, (hence all of our SG stories we share) but maintaining the character's integrity and keeping the magic alive for kids of all ages is first and foremost. Making you smile, makes us smile. It sounds cheesy & corny, but it's all true.
Thanks again!

Don't get me wrong, there are characters who have 'lost it' on set. The role of a character isn't for everybody. And we apologize to anyone who had to suffer the wrath of an angry chipmunk, duck or dog. ;)

[hhsrat]

[quote="Sweetums"]And we apologize to anyone who had to suffer the wrath of an angry chipmunk, duck or dog. ]isn't being angry part of being in character for a certain duck?

[BirdMom]

isn't being angry part of being in character for a certain duck?

So true - I know there were times when I felt like going all Donald on certain guests. Too bad it would have meant instant termination. :twisted: