Save me from being a SG - tell me what NOT to do

[LadySiren]

Okay, so we're set to head to WDW in about two weeks' time. I've been but this is the first time ever for the kiddos and the rest of the family who are coming with. DH and I are mean parents; we insist our kids be polite, respectful, follow the rules, etc. I don't actually expect we'll have too many problems with them, because if we do, they go outside with Dad...and outside, there are no witnesses. ;)

Anyway, I want to make sure that we avoid doing anything that's going to make CM lives harder or reduce enjoyment for our fellow mouse-worshippers. Yes, we've got common sense - always say please and thank you, no cutting, pushing, flash photos on rides, no trying to electrocute ourselves by hopping over the rail at the train station. What I'm looking for is any *other* tips that might not come immediately to mind. For example:

- I've got at least one, if not two or three kiddos who might be a little timid at first on some of the really dark rides. If it's not too bright, may I bring on a small penlight to offer them a little comfort? I'm not talking a laser pointer; I'm thinking more along the lines of a very small flashlight with possibly a colored lightbulb (pinkish maybe) that they can cup in their hands. If not that, can I use glowy necklaces or glow-in-the-dark tattoos?

- Autographs: will the clickable sharpies be big enough for the non-face characters or should I get the fatter sharpies?

- No goodie bags, I promise (sorry, couldn't resist :twisted :)

Anything else come to mind? We want to be non-SGs. TIA!

[lady ulrike]

- I've got at least one, if not two or three kiddos who might be a little timid at first on some of the really dark rides. If it's not too bright, may I bring on a small penlight to offer them a little comfort? I'm not talking a laser pointer; I'm thinking more along the lines of a very small flashlight with possibly a colored lightbulb (pinkish maybe) that they can cup in their hands. If not that, can I use glowy necklaces or glow-in-the-dark tattoos?

- Autographs: will the clickable sharpies be big enough for the non-face characters or should I get the fatter sharpies?

Many of myself and fellow CMs have offered a flashlight (normal size one that is on each attraction) to kids that are scared of some of the rides, so I see no problem with that. For those kids that are terrified of the dark and will need it for every single dark ride, I've actually recommended the little spiny light up toys we sell (and it's truly the only thing we sell that I've suggested for people to buy) cause the kid can control when they need light and they have a friend along and they're not too bright as to be obnoxious.

I think clickable sharpies will be big enough, but there are others on here that can answer that better.

[Lasolimu]

- Autographs: will the clickable sharpies be big enough for the non-face characters or should I get the fatter sharpies?

They would be fine for my paws and in fact would probably be preferred to the fatter sharpies with a snap on lid, but this is for my own personal pair of paws, I can't really say anything about the paws the characters wear.

[joanna71985]

Clickable sharpies are fine (just don't use the mini-sharpies).

[Moonliner]

- Autographs: will the clickable sharpies be big enough for the non-face characters or should I get the fatter sharpies?

Is there a reason you need sharpies? In most cases, a regular ink pen works just fine and most autographs look better on paper than with a sharpie. If you want to autograph a hat or shirt (remember shirts must no be worn signing), a sharpie is appropriate, and most attendants have one to borrow (I usually have three or four colors). Despite the size of the paw or glove, our friends have autographed with ordinary pens so many times they are very adept. So, thanks for the consideration! We can't wait to see you!

[LadySiren]

Thanks for the insight, all. I'd always heard the sharpies were easier for non-face characters to hold and use. If y'all can use regular pens, that's good too.

[GRUMPY PIRATE]

Thanks for the insight, all. I'd always heard the sharpies were easier for non-face characters to hold and use. If y'all can use regular pens, that's good too.

plus if you see an SG, you can label them!!!

[Main Streeter]

We have regularly been told on Main Street to suggest the fatter type pen for signing. Makes it easier & fits in character's hands much better. My advice is from DLR. Might be not be the same as WDW.

[Shorty82]

We have regularly been told on Main Street to suggest the fatter type pen for signing. Makes it easier & fits in character's hands much better. My advice is from DLR. Might be not be the same as WDW.

It is the same.

[hhsrat]

I'd imagine that the folks in merchandise are told to recommend fatter pens in order to boost sales of the autograph pens (the big blue ones with the mickey clickey thing that never work).

(Does anyone else find it amusing that our cheap "buy-em-by-the-truck" Bic pens that have "Walt Disney Resorts" imprinted on them work far better than the pens we sell to our guests?)