Character Mishaps

[ghostyroastytoasty]

I'm sure all characters greeters will have this happen at LEAST ONCE!!! "Hey Goofy" ... And I'm sure you know where I'm going with this... Once they say that I always went and pet him and say "You're such a good boy Pluto!"

[CujoSR]

HUH? Elaborate. Please.

[wheelieman]

I get it. They call Pluto Goofy. They don't know Ariel from the Sea Witch. They are just Clueless!


Dave[Hopefully I'm on target with this reply, otherwise I look clueless]

[DLSweeper]

Man! :lol: That happened in Toontown today! The mom was like: Go so I can take your picture with Goodfy. And the kids said, really sarcastically: It's Pluto, Mom!

[ghostyroastytoasty]

I'm glad some people caught that one... I told ya it happens all the time... And Suzie and Perla... Chip and Dale... They either don't know who they are or they get them confused.

[Polar33]

I was in the area outside of the Toontown gates the one time before it opened (Disneyland Toontown by the way), and Max was out doing a solo meet and greet. A family comes running up yelling "Goofy! Goofy! Look there's Goofy!" Max looked around doing a "searching for Goofy" sort of act, while the character hostess played along saying things like "Max, I don't see him do you?", "Max, do you see your dad anywhere?". The family continued to call him Goofy even after the hostess explained directly too them that "Goofy, Max's father would be here later", and continued talking to him using his name as often as possible. It was very fun to watch.

[Raine]

I have a similiar story, but this involves one of vending's finest new hires.

During training, the group was back stage by the balloon room practicing holding balloons. Jane (from Tarzan) comes walking by and the scene plays out as followed.

NH: Yo, what up Pochahontas?!
Jane:(angrily) I'm Jane!
NH: Yeah whatever.

I think I almost like the guy more....

[lovethefuzzies]

I think I almost like the guy more....
That's kinda mean. Most of the people in entertainment are really nice. There are a few people who are stuck up and rude, but there are people like that in every department. She was probably mad because she comes back stage on a break and people still talk to her like she's working. CMs approach characters all the time (backstage, mind you) and ask for pictures with us while we're on break. So yeah, that's probably why she seemed snippy.

[coldfire409]

From the people that I see all the time in entertainment at the movie ride they all seem to be very nice. I'm sure there are a few that are stuck up, but I like most of them. At one time I thought that I never would want to be a charater, but now I may. The only thing is right now I only want to do shows, and nothing else. I may perhaps at one time decide to go to charaters, after all right now I'm mostly doing gangster and bandit on the movie ride, which when the ride first opened was Equity. Now it's considered ops because Equity didn't want to operate the ride vechile, but for about 80% of your show you are acting.

[Stduck]

This is kind of related to character missnomers

I was in the park with my family walking toward the castle (I think we were eventually going to the Matterhorn). Snow White is walking across the hub, some smart ass high school aged boys yell "Hey look its Pocahontas!" Snow White turns around and says "Where?", thinking Pocohantas was behind her. She turned to look at the boys and said "Me? I'm Snow White" We thought the boys were idiots but loved the way Snow White handled it.

[Zazu]

Most of the people in entertainment are really nice. There are a few people who are stuck up and rude, but there are people like that in every department. She was probably mad because she comes back stage on a break and people still talk to her like she's working. CMs approach characters all the time (backstage, mind you) and ask for pictures with us while we're on break. So yeah, that's probably why she seemed snippy.
I can understand that, but here's the question I can't get a consistent answer to: At what point is it proper to address a performer as a character and when as a "human"?

Obviously these folks should be addressed in character while on stage, and out of character when out of costume. But where is the line? When they are wearing the entire costume? When they are wearing most of it? Only when on stage?

Most of the stage actors I've dealt with put on the character as they put on the makeup and costume. There's sort of a transition phase as they get in and out. I don't sense any sort of transition in the Zoo cast.

So what is the proper protocol for such? Or am I just being entirely too anal (again).

[coldfire409]

At what point is it proper to address a performer as a character and when as a "human"?
It depends on the show. Whenever I play Mugsy, or Kid I only like to be refered to the charater whenever I'm on stage. But for a show more complex you refer to the charater when in prep backstage for going onstage.

Those are just some of the basic rules, but there are many more that I cannot think of.

[lovethefuzzies]

At what point is it proper to address a performer as a character and when as a "human"?
Unless it's on stage, we're humans. If no guests are present then people appreciate not to be referred to as their character. If you don't know the person and you're trying to get their attention, they'll probably answer to their character name, but they'll probably be annoyed. If somebody gets offended that you DON'T refer to them as their character offstage, then they're one of the creepy people who lets it go to their head, in which case they shouldn't be encouraged. We do have some of those people. They're scary :shock:

[Jessica Rabbit]

meh at disneyland the characters tend to not care what you call them, and all answer to character names.

[GMC]

well they all pretty much stay together in the same little group, but i love watching them intereact onstage, even though they sometimes ignore me. my favorite character experience was at areils grotto, Goofy came and sat at our table, while our food was being served, and we'd informed him that we were CM's, right away he definatly relaxed his act, and made it seem like he was our co-worker Goofy, (not out of character, but not in Full on Guest/tourist entertainment mode) which was most delightful for us, and made our night great. that wasn't really relavent, but if ever i talked to a character backstage that i didn't know, i'd hope they'd be ok with me calling them by thier character name, in much the same mannor that someone micht yell hey trains guy/conductor, if they missed my nametag, i mean that's how you're dressed, and paid to be dressed, besides much the same way, that once my name tag was noticed, i'd be called by my name, i'd call them by they name they gave me.

[lovethefuzzies]

meh at disneyland the characters tend to not care what you call them, and all answer to character names.
No, most hate it. I work at DL. It's really, really annoying. I only know one person who likes it and she's not really all there, if you know what I mean. :throw:

[lovethefuzzies]

well they all pretty much stay together in the same little group, but i love watching them intereact onstage, even though they sometimes ignore me.
Drop by and say hi. We're really nice. Onstage during the summer is intense and there are soooo many guests around it's hard to interact with CMs, but now it's dying down and we can play around more.

if ever i talked to a character backstage that i didn't know, i'd hope they'd be ok with me calling them by thier character name, in much the same mannor that someone micht yell hey trains guy/conductor, if they missed my nametag, i mean that's how you're dressed, and paid to be dressed, besides much the same way, that once my name tag was noticed, i'd be called by my name, i'd call them by they name they gave me.
If you don't know their name, to get their attention you can call them by their character name, but once you learn their real name, it would be best to address them by that. It can be hard because we don't wear nametags. The newbies always have a hell of a time learning everyone's names.

[Jessica Rabbit]

meh at disneyland the characters tend to not care what you call them, and all answer to character names.
No, most hate it. I work at DL. It's really, really annoying. I only know one person who likes it and she's not really all there, if you know what I mean. :throw:
lol well you guys dont have name tags on the out side of your costumes that say "John" or "Sally" like other cast members do, so if we are trying to get your attention we're going to call you by your character name if your in the damn outfit. Especially if we dont know your name.

[GMC]

Just like if i saw jessicarabbit walk by in her leather shop costume, i'd say hey, leather shop, and then try and catch the name tag. and yes I do try and interact with the character as much as possible, unfourtunatly now that the season i swearing off, hours are hard to get. but it was real neat one day When Jane and Turk (terke?, gorilla from tarzan) were sent over to help create a mob blocking entry to indy during a down time. it was even more fun when tom and huck showed up, even though nobody really knows who they are, i really only know because someone told be i should be whichever is the taller, tom i think.

[lovethefuzzies]

someone told be i should be whichever is the taller, tom i think.
Huck

[DLRFantasmic!Dan]

I actually met the person who played Huck. He was really cool. From what I seen there are two people so afar playing Huck and the guy I met was I believe is taller. I met him while doing Fantasmic! and he was out of costume, too. He looked so much different then when I saw him as Huck. Everytime I go out to do island for Fantasmic!, he is always there on the island interacting with the kids. He is great!!!

[lovethefuzzies]

I actually met the person who played Huck. He was really cool. From what I seen there are two people so afar playing Huck and the guy I met was I believe is taller. I met him while doing Fantasmic! and he was out of costume, too. He looked so much different then when I saw him as Huck. Everytime I go out to do island for Fantasmic!, he is always there on the island interacting with the kids. He is great!!!
There four who do it regularly (and others who are approved). Most of them are really, really nice (and good looking). Tom and Huck usually have the most opportunity to interact because so few people know who they are. It's fun to watch them.

[Jessica Rabbit]

Just like if i saw jessicarabbit walk by in her leather shop costume, i'd say hey, leather shop, and then try and catch the name tag.
and see I wouldnt mind that at all lol If you can get my attention that way awesome, it's better then hey you!

Edited by Polar33: Fixed error in BBCode.

[GMC]

haha, Tom and Huck had jane so flustered, and Turk wasn't helping. she also kept picking everyone's noses, it was magical for the guests, and for us who had been dealing with, "so what is open?" for the past half hour.

And Ms. Rabbit, if ever i find out what leather shop wears, i'll definatly be sure to call out to everyone i see wearing it... funny thing, i walked into the ER once, and two former cm's were behind the window, and instead of how can i help you i got "Frontierland?" (i was wearing indy w/ the lovely corderoy coat)

this is a florida topic, i'd almost say move this second half to break room or other place, but i think it's mostly dead, except this little three-way volley we have going on.

[Jessica Rabbit]

And Ms. Rabbit, if ever i find out what leather shop wears, i'll definatly be sure to call out to everyone i see wearing it....
lol go for it, its the green skirt, crimson tie and pladish shirt

[DisneySnowQueen]

I just came upon this site and i have 2 say it made me laugh!! yay for stupid people! im in entertainmentere at DisneyWorld hand i have PLENTY of stories to contribute! heh :D

[lovethefuzzies]

Hooray for entertainment!!

[GMC]

haha, i don't know if it's posted elsewhere on the site, but saturday they cancelled all snow white shows. So immediatly what goes around the train station is, yeah i bet dopey had a hang over... turns out, there had been quite the party the night before, and at least four drawves called in, as well as rumors that the queen, huntsman, prince and snow white were out as well. so the guests were told that there were no shows because the drawes were working overtime in the mines, and didn't tell anyone until the last minute.

[Stduck]

That's great!!! -is laughing so hard that my roommate is giving me strange looks- But shame on the snow white cast. With Fantasmic! being 101 for a while and only doing one parade a day and fireworks on Friday and Saturday only we need as much entertainment as possible.

[lovethefuzzies]

On the 29th dept 384 has our huge shindig, so there may be a lack of characters in the park on the 30th. It'll be interesting to see what happens.

[Main Streeter]

On the 29th dept 384 has our huge shindig, so there may be a lack of characters in the park on the 30th. It'll be interesting to see what happens.
:P Characters will be 101 on the 30th. No doubt abt it! Thanks 4 the heads up. This is funny :wink:

[GMC]

are attractions hosts allowed? i've heard that entertainment parties are more then fun, and sometimes turn into huge orgies, or at least involve people going home with each other.

[Polar33]

i've heard that entertainment parties are more then fun, and sometimes turn into huge orgies, or at least involve people going home with each other.
Hmm...if that's true it looks like I have one more thing to add to my list of things that Entertainment and Vending have in common.

[lovethefuzzies]

are attractions hosts allowed? i've heard that entertainment parties are more then fun, and sometimes turn into huge orgies, or at least involve people going home with each other.
Ha, yeah, it's along those lines. :oops: It's the CMs of dept 384 and they can each bring one guest if they want.

[GMC]

bring me bring me! i want to be 101 the next day too!!!!!!!!

[Main Streeter]

bring me bring me! i want to be 101 the next day too!!!!!!!!
LOL GMC U R a riot! Better get tight with a CM in dept. 384 fast>>>> ODV & Entertainment seem to equal each other as far as fun parties & 101 days. Don't actually know first hand, just "park buzz." GOOD LUCK :wink:

[GMC]

i'd get myself into some trouble at that party, i'd probly pull a super star limo... go 101 and never come back.... eep!

[Main Streeter]

i'd get myself into some trouble at that party, i'd probly pull a super star limo... go 101 and never come back.... eep!
Go for it GMC :idea: Isn't there a kind "Forgiveness Clause" in our CM contracts??? Maybe in the really fine print :?: One write up won't term you :P

[lovethefuzzies]

The real fun is at the after parties.

[Sweetums]

i've heard that entertainment parties are more then fun, and sometimes turn into huge orgies
I have to admit that it's true, but I never completely understood why. 8)
Me? I never went that far. But I have plenty of "gettin' frisky backstage" stories to last a life-time.
8)

[Chabobo]

mmm

[Chabobo]

Does anyone know what the new incredibles hieghts are?



_______________________________________
Can we plese just pretend Animal Kingdom Never Happend?

[GMC]

.... Nope.

[perfectlyperfect]

Okay so I had a character audition. I still have the invite. I am five feet tall. But my recruiter talked me out of it because she said she used to do it and it sucked. So...now I hear good things so somebody tell me does being a fur character really suck? The only thing that had me freaked out reallyis the heat.
Have a made a mistake?
Just curious

[kimpossible33]

How about Character mishaps, the other way around?

I was in Critter Country @ DL last August, sometime between 8 and 9:30 in the morning. My little cousin went to get Tigger's autograph, and to her dismay, he signed her map as "Pooh."

[Sweetums]

Okay so I had a character audition. I still have the invite. I am five feet tall. But my recruiter talked me out of it because she said she used to do it and it sucked. So... now I hear good things so somebody tell me does being a fur character really suck? The only thing that had me freaked out reallyis the heat.From somebody who did it for about 10 years, I have to say I never regreted a second of it. - The best 10 years of my life. Bare in mind that any job at Disney is going to have good days & bad days. But compared to any other position at Disney, you're treated like royalty! You have longer breaks, (and many more of them) and when you're having a bad day, you don't have to change your mood because a guest will never see your face. - Plus a lot of the guests are so happy to see you, it usually puts you in a good mood right away! Yes, the heat can be an issue, but think of how much good it will do you. You will constantly hydrate your body to the amount everyone should on a regular basis, your pores will be completely cleaned out from all the sweating, and you'll be in the best physical shape you'll ever be in your life! All that, and you get to play for a living. Never a dull moment in the character department, and the most fun loving people you'll ever meet. We get away with murder, and still gain the respect of all the cast members. If you still have the chance to take the job... DO IT! It will change your life forever.
:cool:

[hobie16]

My son was born with a laundry list of problems. He wears braces and even then he has to us a wheelchair to travel any distance.

A few years ago we were at DLR in Critter Country. My wife and the girls were in a store while us guys cooled our heels outside. All of a sudden Mickey appeared and was immediately surrounded by kids and their parents. It was pretty obvious that a wheelchair was not going to make it through the mass of humanity.

I parked my son away from the crowd and worked my way around to get next to Mickey. I asked Mickey when the crowd thinned out could he go see the kid in the wheelchair. Imagine my surprise when Mickey immediately did a Three Stooges spread out move through the crowd and went over to my son. Mickey only spent a couple of minutes with him but it was the highlight of his whole week.

You guys are the best!!

[lil.princess]

aww hobie thats a lovely story!!!id love to be one of the characeters

[joanna71985]

Me too! I plan on auditioning soon (either for Fall 2006 or the Summer Alumni program).

[darph nader]

This is'nt about a character,but years ago my dw and I were watching a mid-morning parade, a CM was riding a unicycle and biffed it pretty good. He was'nt hurt too bad thank goodnes, these two jayholes started clapping and cheering his fall, man if looks could kill those two jerks would be 6 feet under.( and i'm being polite about it ) :twisted:

[IdiotsAreEverywhere]

Arg. Some people are so idiotic nowadays with the characters. Some don't realize that they need breaks often but yet they still complain when there kid didn't get to see Mickey. What is a better scenario?

1. Mickey doesn't go on a break and collapses to the ground infront of the kids (what beautiful Disney magic that is :D: ).
2. Mickey goes in for a break, comes back later and is alive and well and ready for the pushy parents to have autograph books shoved in their face.

I'm sure many stupid guests would go with number 1.

[leftcoaster]

Arg. Some people are so idiotic nowadays with the characters. Some don't realize that they need breaks often but yet they still complain when there kid didn't get to see Mickey. What is a better scenario?

1. Mickey doesn't go on a break and collapses to the ground infront of the kids (what beautiful Disney magic that is :D: ).*cue up Ameriquest commercial from the Supebowl. Mickey is lying on a gurney, docter has an annoying fly buzzing around him. Doctor zaps fly with the deflibrating paddle, just as a mom and her daughter see Mickey. Doctor says, "He's dead now."

:eek:

[Sweetums]

(That was one of the funniest superbowl commercials I've ever seen, by the way.) ;)
If there's one character in the department you just never get to see and talk to, it's the poor guys and gals (mostly gals) who portray Mickey. They get stuck in a secluded area with a never-ending cueline, and never get to see the rest of their friends in the park. (Sigh.) The price of popularity.