[KentB3]

I was wondering if anyone here had any stories or comments about guest (especially children) interacting with the Disney character CM's at WDW. I have ran across a number of the here and on various sites and forums on the Internet, as well as on Disney-related Usenet newsgroups. These stories can be really touching, especially for younger kids who think that the charcter CM's really are the characters!!!

Of all the character stories I have read so far, I have rear FAR more stories about the CM playing Peter Pan than anyone else; possibly a specific CM at that-- who really gets into character and goes out of his way for the guests, such as spotting specific children in huge parade crowds and remembering kids he had met a few years back! I posted a thead last night about this on The Mouse Trap forum that I meant to post here, along with pictures, which I have enclosed here below (if anyone can find this particular CM I described above), along with a URL with a story:

http://allearsnet.com (article second from the bottom)
http://photos.wdwmagic.com/showphoto.php?photo=1037
http://photos.wdwmagic.com/showphoto.php?photo=3399
http://photos.wdwmagic.com/showphoto.php?photo=595
http://photos.wdwmagic.com/showphoto.php?photo=601
http://www.kellys.com/cgi-bin/famlist.html (in Disney photo section, with numerious other characters as well!)

Interestingly enough, the Peter on the next-to-last link doesn't look a day over 12! He must look young for his age, since the minimum hiring age for the character department is 16, IIRC!

I have been wondering if the Peter everyone is talking about is the same person (since the stories span from about 1995-2003), or if its just a BIG coincidence that the character CM that is mentioned going out of his/her way happens to be Peter Pan more than anyone else! It is a rather odd coincidence to be the same character so many times, BTW.

I also have heard a number of good things about Mary Poppins and the Fairy Godmother as well, BTW. Apparently, the face characters seems to be the characters that make trips to WDW special for the kids! Must be since they can talk to the guest instead of panomiming like the character head CM's!

FYI, my favorite Disney character is Roger Rabbit (as well as my all-time favorite movie!) Next favorite would be a tie between Mickey and Donald, with Goofy ranked next. As for face characters, It would probably be Cinderella, with Aladdin and Jasmine ranking next.

Since I've never been to WDW or any other Disney parks, I have no idea what it's like for kids (or adults as well). FYI, being 30 years old, I doubt that I would get nearly as much out of meeting characters as children would, but it would be a fun activity nonetheless-- particularly taking pictures and collecting autographs! :)

[KentB3]

WHOOPS! There's a typo on my part for the photo links! Here are the correct URL's below:

http://allearsnet.com (article second from the bottom)
http://photoalbums.wdwmagic.com/show...php?photo=1037
http://photoalbums.wdwmagic.com/show...php?photo=3399
http://photoalbums.wdwmagic.com/showphoto.php?photo=595
http://photoalbums.wdwmagic.com/showphoto.php?photo=599
http://photoalbums.wdwmagic.com/showphoto.php?photo=601
http://www.kellys.com/famlist.html (in Disney photo section, with numerous other characters as well!)

The WDWMagic Photo album includes many other characters as well. Here is the URL for the entire character album:

http://photoalbums.wdwmagic.com/index.php?cat=527

I forgot to post this weblink above, but meant to, especially since there are dozens of different Disney characters, and one of you might spot a particular character CM that you found memorable and/or helpful. Enjoy! :)

[KentB3]

Does ANYONE here have stories to share? I'm very surprised no one has submitted any!

[tinkerbell]

Originally Posted by KentB3

I was wondering if anyone here had any stories or comments about guest (especially children) interacting with the Disney character CM's at WDW. I have ran across a number of the here and on various sites and forums on the Internet, as well as on Disney-related Usenet newsgroups. These stories can be really touching, especially for younger kids who think that the charcter CM's really are the characters!!!

Of all the character stories I have read so far, I have rear FAR more stories about the CM playing Peter Pan than anyone else; possibly a specific CM at that-- who really gets into character and goes out of his way for the guests, such as spotting specific children in huge parade crowds and remembering kids he had met a few years back! I posted a thead last night about this on The Mouse Trap forum that I meant to post here, along with pictures, which I have enclosed here below (if anyone can find this particular CM I described above), along with a URL with a story:

http://allearsnet.com (article second from the bottom)
http://photos.wdwmagic.com/showphoto.php?photo=1037
http://photos.wdwmagic.com/showphoto.php?photo=3399
http://photos.wdwmagic.com/showphoto.php?photo=595
http://photos.wdwmagic.com/showphoto.php?photo=601
http://www.kellys.com/cgi-bin/famlist.html (in Disney photo section, with numerious other characters as well!)

Interestingly enough, the Peter on the next-to-last link doesn't look a day over 12! He must look young for his age, since the minimum hiring age for the character department is 16, IIRC!

I have been wondering if the Peter everyone is talking about is the same person (since the stories span from about 1995-2003), or if its just a BIG coincidence that the character CM that is mentioned going out of his/her way happens to be Peter Pan more than anyone else! It is a rather odd coincidence to be the same character so many times, BTW.

I also have heard a number of good things about Mary Poppins and the Fairy Godmother as well, BTW. Apparently, the face characters seems to be the characters that make trips to WDW special for the kids! Must be since they can talk to the guest instead of panomiming like the character head CM's!

FYI, my favorite Disney character is Roger Rabbit (as well as my all-time favorite movie!) Next favorite would be a tie between Mickey and Donald, with Goofy ranked next. As for face characters, It would probably be Cinderella, with Aladdin and Jasmine ranking next.

Since I've never been to WDW or any other Disney parks, I have no idea what it's like for kids (or adults as well). FYI, being 30 years old, I doubt that I would get nearly as much out of meeting characters as children would, but it would be a fun activity nonetheless-- particularly taking pictures and collecting autographs! :)

first .. CM's as characters ... what on earth are you talking about????
as for stories ..we have years of them :)
as for being an adult and not getting much out of meeting characters .. guess I am not an adult even if I am over 50, because I get so excited ..as excited as any kid .. and so does my DH.

[RowdyRAider]

Being a "Character CM" I have the bestest stories you'll ever hear!!! And they're from the character's perspective! But first, to get something off my chest:

Kent, OF COURSE it's the same Peter Pan! ONLY PETER PAN CAN BE PETER PAN!!!! It's been that way for the past 50 years!!! I swear sometimes people ask the characters if they are real! Of course they're real and I can prove it! From Goofy's neck to the top of his head is twice the length of a human neck to head ratio. How can Goofy see through his eyes if that was a human? And look at Flik! The way his head connects to his abdomen? If you form a circle with both your hands, try to put that over your head. That's the circumfrence of his neck. Can't fit over your head can it? How then can it be a costume head? Same with Lilo and Stitch. And Think about a character's daily routine! Everyday, almost all of the characters have to get up, call guests staying at the resorts to get them up. Then they go to different resorts/parks to serve breakfast. Then the characters (most all of them keep in mind) tour ALL 4 parks, star in 3 day parades, then they go to different resorts for dinners, and not to mention other specials, photo shoots, filming for movies or TV. If they were costumes, it would add at the minimum 20 degrees to the outside temperature. And it already feels like 100+ due to humidity and heat. Do people really believe that a human being can come out ALL DAY in an 120+ degree environment several times a day and perform to the level that they do? Are the character's real? You bet your sweet bippy. (Sorry to rant. I'll never admit the opposite, lest my dreams be ruined.)

Anyhoo, I've great stories. Once when I was helping Beast: Little 3 year old proudly tells Belle "Sometimes the Beast comes to my house when my daddy goes to work!" I've never laughed so hard in my life. I've other stories, but b/c this is family forum I won't post some of them. If I think of more friendly ones I'll post them. But remember: I've character integrity to defend! See ya'll!

[tinkerbell]

Originally Posted by RowdyRAider

Being a "Character CM" I have the bestest stories you'll ever hear!!! And they're from the character's perspective! But first, to get something off my chest:

Kent, OF COURSE it's the same Peter Pan! ONLY PETER PAN CAN BE PETER PAN!!!! It's been that way for the past 50 years!!! I swear sometimes people ask the characters if they are real! Of course they're real and I can prove it! From Goofy's neck to the top of his head is twice the length of a human neck to head ratio. How can Goofy see through his eyes if that was a human? And look at Flik! The way his head connects to his abdomen? If you form a circle with both your hands, try to put that over your head. That's the circumfrence of his neck. Can't fit over your head can it? How then can it be a costume head? Same with Lilo and Stitch. And Think about a character's daily routine! Everyday, almost all of the characters have to get up, call guests staying at the resorts to get them up. Then they go to different resorts/parks to serve breakfast. Then the characters (most all of them keep in mind) tour ALL 4 parks, star in 3 day parades, then they go to different resorts for dinners, and not to mention other specials, photo shoots, filming for movies or TV. If they were costumes, it would add at the minimum 20 degrees to the outside temperature. And it already feels like 100+ due to humidity and heat. Do people really believe that a human being can come out ALL DAY in an 120+ degree environment several times a day and perform to the level that they do? Are the character's real? You bet your sweet bippy. (Sorry to rant. I'll never admit the opposite, lest my dreams be ruined.)

Anyhoo, I've great stories. Once when I was helping Beast: Little 3 year old proudly tells Belle "Sometimes the Beast comes to my house when my daddy goes to work!" I've never laughed so hard in my life. I've other stories, but b/c this is family forum I won't post some of them. If I think of more friendly ones I'll post them. But remember: I've character integrity to defend! See ya'll!

well said .. of course we have a special memory of "goofy" at Chef Mickey's !!!

[FireAngel]

Originally Posted by RowdyRAider

Being a "Character CM" I have the bestest stories you'll ever hear!!! And they're from the character's perspective! But first, to get something off my chest:

Kent, OF COURSE it's the same Peter Pan! ONLY PETER PAN CAN BE PETER PAN!!!! It's been that way for the past 50 years!!! I swear sometimes people ask the characters if they are real! Of course they're real and I can prove it! From Goofy's neck to the top of his head is twice the length of a human neck to head ratio. How can Goofy see through his eyes if that was a human? And look at Flik! The way his head connects to his abdomen? If you form a circle with both your hands, try to put that over your head. That's the circumfrence of his neck. Can't fit over your head can it? How then can it be a costume head? Same with Lilo and Stitch. And Think about a character's daily routine! Everyday, almost all of the characters have to get up, call guests staying at the resorts to get them up. Then they go to different resorts/parks to serve breakfast. Then the characters (most all of them keep in mind) tour ALL 4 parks, star in 3 day parades, then they go to different resorts for dinners, and not to mention other specials, photo shoots, filming for movies or TV. If they were costumes, it would add at the minimum 20 degrees to the outside temperature. And it already feels like 100+ due to humidity and heat. Do people really believe that a human being can come out ALL DAY in an 120+ degree environment several times a day and perform to the level that they do? Are the character's real? You bet your sweet bippy. (Sorry to rant. I'll never admit the opposite, lest my dreams be ruined.)

Anyhoo, I've great stories. Once when I was helping Beast: Little 3 year old proudly tells Belle "Sometimes the Beast comes to my house when my daddy goes to work!" I've never laughed so hard in my life. I've other stories, but b/c this is family forum I won't post some of them. If I think of more friendly ones I'll post them. But remember: I've character integrity to defend! See ya'll!

Very well said, I am so proud

[lovemysons]

Originally Posted by RowdyRAider

Being a "Character CM" I have the bestest stories you'll ever hear!!! And they're from the character's perspective! But first, to get something off my chest:

Kent, OF COURSE it's the same Peter Pan! ONLY PETER PAN CAN BE PETER PAN!!!! It's been that way for the past 50 years!!! I swear sometimes people ask the characters if they are real! Of course they're real and I can prove it! From Goofy's neck to the top of his head is twice the length of a human neck to head ratio. How can Goofy see through his eyes if that was a human? And look at Flik! The way his head connects to his abdomen? If you form a circle with both your hands, try to put that over your head. That's the circumfrence of his neck. Can't fit over your head can it? How then can it be a costume head? Same with Lilo and Stitch. And Think about a character's daily routine! Everyday, almost all of the characters have to get up, call guests staying at the resorts to get them up. Then they go to different resorts/parks to serve breakfast. Then the characters (most all of them keep in mind) tour ALL 4 parks, star in 3 day parades, then they go to different resorts for dinners, and not to mention other specials, photo shoots, filming for movies or TV. If they were costumes, it would add at the minimum 20 degrees to the outside temperature. And it already feels like 100+ due to humidity and heat. Do people really believe that a human being can come out ALL DAY in an 120+ degree environment several times a day and perform to the level that they do? Are the character's real? You bet your sweet bippy. (Sorry to rant. I'll never admit the opposite, lest my dreams be ruined.)

Anyhoo, I've great stories. Once when I was helping Beast: Little 3 year old proudly tells Belle "Sometimes the Beast comes to my house when my daddy goes to work!" I've never laughed so hard in my life. I've other stories, but b/c this is family forum I won't post some of them. If I think of more friendly ones I'll post them. But remember: I've character integrity to defend! See ya'll!

Thanks for that load of pixie dust Rowdy! I needed it!

[ddoll]

We actually had a very nice interaction with Peter Pan when youngest DS was little.

Peter Pan was his very favorite character and he had wanted to see him very badly. He talked and talked about it. When we finally did spot him, DS was too overwhelmed to go near him.

We couldn't believe it! His big chance finally came and he wouldn't budge from the stroller!! So his big brothers went over and stood with PP to try to entice him to go. PP kept calling to him. Finally even DH and I went over to stand with PP. Then Peter noticed everyone was in the picture but DS.

So Peter said "This is not right at all! You're all grown ups!"

And he marched over, hands on his hips, grabbed the stroller and pushed DSover to where we were standing. Of course, once Peter came within touching distance, DS changed his mind and got out of the stroller.

So we ended up having a family portrait with Peter!

[dznygrl]

Originally Posted by RowdyRAider

Being a "Character CM" I have the bestest stories you'll ever hear!!! And they're from the character's perspective! But first, to get something off my chest:

Kent, OF COURSE it's the same Peter Pan! ONLY PETER PAN CAN BE PETER PAN!!!! It's been that way for the past 50 years!!! I swear sometimes people ask the characters if they are real! Of course they're real and I can prove it! From Goofy's neck to the top of his head is twice the length of a human neck to head ratio. How can Goofy see through his eyes if that was a human? And look at Flik! The way his head connects to his abdomen? If you form a circle with both your hands, try to put that over your head. That's the circumfrence of his neck. Can't fit over your head can it? How then can it be a costume head? Same with Lilo and Stitch. And Think about a character's daily routine! Everyday, almost all of the characters have to get up, call guests staying at the resorts to get them up. Then they go to different resorts/parks to serve breakfast. Then the characters (most all of them keep in mind) tour ALL 4 parks, star in 3 day parades, then they go to different resorts for dinners, and not to mention other specials, photo shoots, filming for movies or TV. If they were costumes, it would add at the minimum 20 degrees to the outside temperature. And it already feels like 100+ due to humidity and heat. Do people really believe that a human being can come out ALL DAY in an 120+ degree environment several times a day and perform to the level that they do? Are the character's real? You bet your sweet bippy. (Sorry to rant. I'll never admit the opposite, lest my dreams be ruined.)

Anyhoo, I've great stories. Once when I was helping Beast: Little 3 year old proudly tells Belle "Sometimes the Beast comes to my house when my daddy goes to work!" I've never laughed so hard in my life. I've other stories, but b/c this is family forum I won't post some of them. If I think of more friendly ones I'll post them. But remember: I've character integrity to defend! See ya'll!

Rowdy, you are the greatest. *sniffle* It's so great to have someone from DC spreading the Disney Magic like you do every day!

Tell Goofy I said hi! Oh, and Captain Hook, and Beast...and whoever else you know!

[royorb1]

The best interaction my daughter and I have had was at Chef Mickeys with Minnie. She just cared so much she made us feel special. That was on our 1st trip to WDW and it is a very magical memory we will always have.

[Dopey]

Originally Posted by RowdyRAider

Being a "Character CM" I have the bestest stories you'll ever hear!!! And they're from the character's perspective! But first, to get something off my chest:

Kent, OF COURSE it's the same Peter Pan! ONLY PETER PAN CAN BE PETER PAN!!!! It's been that way for the past 50 years!!! I swear sometimes people ask the characters if they are real! Of course they're real and I can prove it! From Goofy's neck to the top of his head is twice the length of a human neck to head ratio. How can Goofy see through his eyes if that was a human? And look at Flik! The way his head connects to his abdomen? If you form a circle with both your hands, try to put that over your head. That's the circumfrence of his neck. Can't fit over your head can it? How then can it be a costume head? Same with Lilo and Stitch. And Think about a character's daily routine! Everyday, almost all of the characters have to get up, call guests staying at the resorts to get them up. Then they go to different resorts/parks to serve breakfast. Then the characters (most all of them keep in mind) tour ALL 4 parks, star in 3 day parades, then they go to different resorts for dinners, and not to mention other specials, photo shoots, filming for movies or TV. If they were costumes, it would add at the minimum 20 degrees to the outside temperature. And it already feels like 100+ due to humidity and heat. Do people really believe that a human being can come out ALL DAY in an 120+ degree environment several times a day and perform to the level that they do? Are the character's real? You bet your sweet bippy. (Sorry to rant. I'll never admit the opposite, lest my dreams be ruined.)

Anyhoo, I've great stories. Once when I was helping Beast: Little 3 year old proudly tells Belle "Sometimes the Beast comes to my house when my daddy goes to work!" I've never laughed so hard in my life. I've other stories, but b/c this is family forum I won't post some of them. If I think of more friendly ones I'll post them. But remember: I've character integrity to defend! See ya'll!

Gawrsh Rowdy---that was the sweetest thing I have read in a long time....Thanks!!!

[RowdyRAider]

Originally Posted by Dopey

Gawrsh Rowdy---that was the sweetest thing I have read in a long time....Thanks!!!

LOL My pleasure. Love to defend the integrity of my peeps. People have no idea how much the character's feelings get hurt when someone says they aren't real.

[palmickey]

Originally Posted by RowdyRAider

Being a "Character CM" I have the bestest stories you'll ever hear!!! And they're from the character's perspective! But first, to get something off my chest:

Kent, OF COURSE it's the same Peter Pan! ONLY PETER PAN CAN BE PETER PAN!!!! It's been that way for the past 50 years!!! I swear sometimes people ask the characters if they are real! Of course they're real and I can prove it! From Goofy's neck to the top of his head is twice the length of a human neck to head ratio. How can Goofy see through his eyes if that was a human? And look at Flik! The way his head connects to his abdomen? If you form a circle with both your hands, try to put that over your head. That's the circumfrence of his neck. Can't fit over your head can it? How then can it be a costume head? Same with Lilo and Stitch. And Think about a character's daily routine! Everyday, almost all of the characters have to get up, call guests staying at the resorts to get them up. Then they go to different resorts/parks to serve breakfast. Then the characters (most all of them keep in mind) tour ALL 4 parks, star in 3 day parades, then they go to different resorts for dinners, and not to mention other specials, photo shoots, filming for movies or TV. If they were costumes, it would add at the minimum 20 degrees to the outside temperature. And it already feels like 100+ due to humidity and heat. Do people really believe that a human being can come out ALL DAY in an 120+ degree environment several times a day and perform to the level that they do? Are the character's real? You bet your sweet bippy. (Sorry to rant. I'll never admit the opposite, lest my dreams be ruined.)

Anyhoo, I've great stories. Once when I was helping Beast: Little 3 year old proudly tells Belle "Sometimes the Beast comes to my house when my daddy goes to work!" I've never laughed so hard in my life. I've other stories, but b/c this is family forum I won't post some of them. If I think of more friendly ones I'll post them. But remember: I've character integrity to defend! See ya'll!

I LOVE THIS ROWDY - VERY WELL SAID!

And as for being an adult - or a 40 something child - I love the character's - and the character greetings. On our first trip I was worried about the fact that I wanted my picture taken with them, I wanted the autographs too! Not a problem!

In Walt Disney's words: Adults are only kids grown up anyway!

[tinkerbell]

Originally Posted by RowdyRAider

Being a "Character CM" I have the bestest stories you'll ever hear!!!

Having had a special time with Goofy .. I want to thank you again *sings Two Monorail Trains go round the outside* ..ohh and as for autographs ...well the girls have books from every trip..
http://www.disneycentral.com/forum/a...tid=2560&stc=1