AMA: Former Walt Disney World Character Performer

Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share
261

This is a great thread! I’ve learned a lot. I’ve got a couple questions about working at WDW. Im in high school at the moment, but I am seriously looking into working as a character for the park once I get out of school/as a summer job. Im a little confused about a few things regarding the cp and other general things.

  1. For the CP does the Character Performer role encompass Face Characters as well as Fur Characters?
  2. When auditioning, do you have to attend a Character Performer audition before attending a Look Alike audition? Or could I just skip to the Look Alike? As far as you know, is the look alike audition just like the character performer audition plus the awkward face analyzing or is it just the bit where a group of people stare at your face? As much as I would love to stand for six hours a day in a heavy, sweaty costume, I would really prefer to be a face character. I fit all of the requirements for a princess, so qualifying for the job shouldn’t be too much of a problem. Not to mention the fact that being a disney princess has recently become a huge dream of mine. (In all seriousness, I honestly wouldn’t mind if I were cast as a fur character, as long as I am working for disney and able to make hundreds of people’s days. But I would prefer face over fur)
  3. Do they train you how to deal with certain inevitable scenarios (i.e. a kid throwing up in you or passing out in front of you)?
  4. Would you recommend the CP over just a normal job as a character at WDW?
    Thanks for all of your help and for sharing your knowledge of the depths of the mouse’s lair with us! Much appreciated. :slight_smile:
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1. For the CP does the Character Performer role encompass Face Characters as well as Fur Characters?
Yes, “Character Performer” refers to both face and fur.

2. When auditioning, do you have to attend a Character Performer audition before attending a Look Alike audition? Or could I just skip to the Look Alike?
If you’re going the College Program route, I believe you must attend a standard character performer audition before the face stuff. It may be a different process for non-employees or non-Entertainment employees. However, let me say this: Do some serious thinking about whether or not you would be comfortable working fur 5 days a week for 6 months. If your happiness as a performer would be wholly or partially dependent on whether or not you were doing face, then being a character performer might not be for you. You need to be able to throw yourself into any situation and have fun with it.

3. Do they train you how to deal with certain inevitable scenarios (i.e. a kid throwing up in you or passing out in front of you)?
Unless I spaced out for that part, no, that sort of thing isn’t covered in training. In either of the situations you mentioned, and in many other situations that one could imagine, I would have simply stepped away from whatever the problem was, waved over an attendant and let them take care of it.

4. Would you recommend the CP over just a normal job as a character at WDW?
Yes. The college program is a largely hassle-free way to get a taste of the Disney bread without committing to the whole loaf. If it’s everything you’ve ever wanted in life, apply for full-time/part-time/seasonal, find a nearby apartment, and the rest is history. If it’s not your cup of tea, just ride out the program until it’s over, then go back to the real world.

263

Cryptic, have you seen this news story?

Two teenage girls pull on the White Rabbit’s tail. He walks over to one of them grabs her, and tells her “Don’t you ever do that again, or I’ll call security.” Then says “Don’t start that shit with me.” Is there even the slightest possibility he didn’t fired? And shouldn’t there have been an attendant nearby, if a costumed character was out & about?

264

I hope you’re still answering questions, this is incredibly helpful.

Do you know when the sessions start? By that I mean, first week in August, or like mid month?

Also, I found out that the character perfomer auditions will be touring this month, and I’d like to go at the closest city. My problem is that I haven’t reenrolled in school yet. I’ve been out of school for two years and planned on returning this summer. Is it a definite no-go to audition before you’re technically a student, even though you’d be one before the fall session?

Lastly, would I have to apply first and be accepted before I audition? Or can I just show up and try out?

Thanks so much! I read this whole thread, and the insight is great.

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Is anyone on this thread currently or very recently been in the character role? If so, how much does it pay now? I have not gotten confirmation or rejection, but I want to start saving up some money and would like a basic idea of what money will be like if I do make it.
Thank You!!!

266

Hi there, eMvee!

Do you know when the sessions start? By that I mean, first week in August, or like mid month?
When I was accepted, part of the confirmation process was to choose a start and end date for the program. Mine started August 12; I don’t remember what the other options were.

Is it a definite no-go to audition before you’re technically a student, even though you’d be one before the fall session?
I’ve got nothing for you here. It was smooth sailing for me since I was a full-time student when I applied. My advice would be to find a phone number and call it so you can get a definitive answer. All of my experiences dealing with the rat over the phone have been surprisingly pleasant, considering the size of the company.

Lastly, would I have to apply first and be accepted before I audition? Or can I just show up and try out?
I applied, selected roles of interest (I think I also indicated Costuming and Attractions), then was told to attend the audition because I had selected Character Performer. Here’s where I need to interpolate a bit: I believe that when a potential College Program enrollee auditions for Character Performer, they are first considered for that role, then if not chosen they are considered for the other roles in which they expressed interest, and if none of those work, the person is rejected. I could easily be wrong here.

Have you seen this news story? [link] Is there even the slightest possibility he didn’t fired? And shouldn’t there have been an attendant nearby, if a costumed character was out & about?
I hadn’t seen that story. If Entertainment management can definitively link a performer to the incident, it seems like termination would be unavoidable. Otherwise, he could still be working there. There should have been an attendant nearby, but s/he may have been busy dealing with other pissy guests. They can’t be everywhere all at once.

This story does have some validity to it, but the older story about the ‘racist’ White Rabbit was so utterly stupid I couldn’t even comprehend it. I don’t want to go off on a rant, but let me just say this: I would gladly hug someone of any race, gender, nationality, religion, whatever, without a second thought. I would also refrain from giving someone a genuinely special moment if they were being a dumbass, regardless of their race, gender, nationality, religion, whatever. Maybe the kids were screaming their heads off. Maybe they were cutting in line. Or maybe the performer was racist, despite having probably seen hundreds of guests from all over the world that day without any of them complaining. In the absence of any real evidence, which scenario seems more likely?

267

I decided to wait til the spring semester, but I kinda wanna just go to the audition at the end of this month to see what it’s like. Is that frowned upon? XD I mean, in the off chance that I do really well, I’d have to say “well…I’m actually not here for fall semester.” I’d haaate to waste their time and give myself a bad reputation.

268

So glad I found this thread! We just returned from our first trip with our 2 year old. She loved performances like Lion King, Nemo, etc and we were wondering if there is someplace online to find a list of the performers in these shows; for example acrobats, etc. Also, very interested in knowing if most people working there are college kids/retirees or those with entertainment training. Thanks!

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[QUOTE=eMvee]
I decided to wait til the spring semester, but I kinda wanna just go to the audition at the end of this month to see what it’s like. Is that frowned upon? XD I mean, in the off chance that I do really well, I’d have to say “well…I’m actually not here for fall semester.” I’d haaate to waste their time and give myself a bad reputation.
[/QUOTE]

Just go for it! You’re under no obligation to accept an offer from the rat or any other employer. And whether you get accepted or not, you might learn something that will be helpful for the real audition.

[QUOTE=Cheyloron]
So glad I found this thread! We just returned from our first trip with our 2 year old. She loved performances like Lion King, Nemo, etc and we were wondering if there is someplace online to find a list of the performers in these shows; for example acrobats, etc. Also, very interested in knowing if most people working there are college kids/retirees or those with entertainment training. Thanks!
[/QUOTE]

Hi! It’s almost certain that you will not be able to find a cast list for such performances, for two reasons: First, Disney tries pretty hard to protect the integrity of the characters, something they stress early and often in the training process. How does Mickey appear in so many parks around the world each and every day? He has a very fast car, of course! Second, in most cases, each performance position will have multiple performers trained to fill it at any given time. With some exceptions, there isn’t one of anything or anybody.

Regarding the demographics of entertainment folks, I have no idea what background constitutes the majority (or largest minority), but I can tell you that it’s a pretty wide spectrum. Some college kids with no performance experience at all (such as a handful of my Toy Soldier brethren), some college kids with a bit of theater experience (such as myself), some full-timers with a lifetime of dance training (such as Special K). I doubt there are many retirees working in entertainment (other than specialized roles such as Santa and Fairy Godmother), but the oldest performer I ever met was 60.

270

I am a Freshman in college and applied for the upcoming Aug-Jan semester of the DCP. I have auditioned for a character performer and am waiting to hear back. I am 5’9, black hair, dark skin, brown eyes, and kinda scrawny. I have dance and tumbling experience.

I have been pending since Feb 24, and got the “Thank you for your interest, call this number if we don’t get back to you by April 19” email on March 1.

I just had my audition on March 14th in Orlando and I feel like I did really well. I made it through all the cuts and didn’t mess up and smiled the whole time during the actual audition.

I was just wondering if I should be worried that they haven’t gotten back to me yet, as well as can I be any male face characters at 5’9 and scrawny or am I kind of out of luck for face characters? Also am I tall enought to be a Mover/Parade Dancer/Performer?

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Hey there, Bobby!

**I just had my audition on March 14th in Orlando and I feel like I did really well.
I was just wondering if I should be worried that they haven’t gotten back to me yet. **
Nah, it’s way too early in the process for you to start fretting. I auditioned on 20 March 2009, and the first time I heard back was an email on 3 April, which said “At this point you have been placed in a Character Pool for further evaluation.” Then on 4 May I got my invitation.

Can I be any male face characters at 5’9 and scrawny or am I kind of out of luck for face characters? Also am I tall enough to be a Mover/Parade Dancer/Performer?
Regarding face characters, this post may be helpful. Regarding parades, you should be fine.

272

Thank you so much! So I mean obviously you can’t guarantee anything cuz you’re not the one deciding haha, but I just shouldn’t be worrying, yet at least?

and Since im right in the middle of 5’7 and 5’10 do you think they might let me be go either way, or do you think that’s maybe kind of a dead height for guys? (I read the other post I’m just kinda trying to llook a little more into it haha)

273

I spent most of last night reading most of you blog. Love it. My son is going to WDW on the college inter program and we are all psyched up. So I have a few more questions about the WDW experience.

  • Is there transportation from Airport to Disney for employees when you first arrive?
  • If I read correctly… it cost $85 with 6 roommates per apartment. How is that handled? With 3 bedrooms each, with two of you in each? How about privacy?
  • How much more for the next level up and how many roommates with that one?
  • Also what about groceries? Is that at a Disney discount also?
  • About salary… It was my understanding that the character parts paid more than the other jobs, is that true and how much more? Also I heard that if you were in the parade you again got more money?
  • Are there banks nearby?
    *Also if we visit him, I understand we only get in free if he is with us? What if we would like to visit for three days? Would he need to take 3 days off?
    *If he wants to pursue this as a full time job, can he still live in the Disney apartments? Also he has one class to take that will finish his associate degree, can he go back after that? Or will he have to do the whole process over again and take his chances?
    *Finally, what are your thoughts on getting on a cruise ship?

Sorry this was so long. There is just so much to ask.

Thanks fo ryou honesty.

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I just shouldn’t be worrying, yet at least?
Correct. I also highly recommend not worrying ever. It’s a lot less stressful.

Since im right in the middle of 5’7 and 5’10 do you think they might let me be go either way, or do you think that’s maybe kind of a dead height for guys?
I have heard of performers being nudged up or down to get into more useful height ranges, but they’re not going to pretend that you’re 5’7" and 5"10" at the same time. The worst case scenario is that you don’t get a lot of variety in who you play, but that’s not such a bad thing. You really get to know your character and your costume that way.

Hi, Disneymom!

  • Is there transportation from Airport to Disney for employees when you first arrive? Rental cars and taxis.

  • If I read correctly… it cost $85 with 6 roommates per apartment. How is that handled? With 3 bedrooms each, with two of you in each? How about privacy? Correct, 3 bedrooms with two dudes apiece. Not sure what “How about privacy?” means. There are doors.

  • How much more for the next level up and how many roommates with that one? I don’t remember the entire pricing structure, as it varied by location and by apartment size. It has probably changed since I was there anyway. I do remember that there are apartments for 6, 4, or 2 people.

  • Also what about groceries? Is that at a Disney discount also? Heh, no. Groceries are bought at groceries stores, such as Walgreens and Walmart. They were easily accessed by car or bus, but no discounts to be had.

  • About salary… It was my understanding that the character parts paid more than the other jobs, is that true and how much more? Also I heard that if you were in the parade you again got more money? When I did my CP, despite my best efforts, I could not find any correlation between the hourly wages of my cohorts and their roles, or any other factors. College Program workers do not get paid well. That much is certain. Regarding parades, you heard wrong. Character performers earn more when they’ve been around a while, not by being in parades. It takes hundreds of performers to staff the parades, and most of them do fur as well. There are exceptions for highly specialized roles that require advanced training or certification, but those are usually staffed by Equity performers anyway.

  • Are there banks nearby? Yes. Orlando, contrary to popular belief, is a real place, and people do live there.

  • Also if we visit him, I understand we only get in free if he is with us? What if we would like to visit for three days? Would he need to take 3 days off? Correct, he would need to be with you to get you into the park. He wouldn’t necessarily have to take 3 days off. CPs get two days off each week anyway, and some shifts aren’t very long.

  • If he wants to pursue this as a full time job, can he still live in the Disney apartments? Also he has one class to take that will finish his associate degree, can he go back after that? Or will he have to do the whole process over again and take his chances? No, CP apartments are for CPs only. After the program is over, he would need to find his own place, though it’s not hard to do. A manager would be better person to ask about finishing his degree. I’m sure there are ways to make that work, possibly involving Seasonal status, but I was never interested in anything like that so I didn’t bother asking about it.

  • Finally, what are your thoughts on getting on a cruise ship? I’ve never done it. I can understand the appeal, but it has never seemed to be worth the money. Maybe when I’m an old barber I’ll go on a cruise. Old barbers love going on cruises and then telling their customers about it.

P.S. This isn’t a blog, it’s a forum thread. :stuck_out_tongue:

275

Were there any especially touching moments you experienced that made you choke up a bit or even tear up? i would imagine that making a kid’s year happens often, and that some tears on their part are not uncommon.

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[quote=“Cryptic_C62, post:274, topic:597830”]

I just shouldn’t be worrying, yet at least?
Correct. I also highly recommend not worrying ever. It’s a lot less stressful.

Since im right in the middle of 5’7 and 5’10 do you think they might let me be go either way, or do you think that’s maybe kind of a dead height for guys?
I have heard of performers being nudged up or down to get into more useful height ranges, but they’re not going to pretend that you’re 5’7" and 5"10" at the same time. The worst case scenario is that you don’t get a lot of variety in who you play, but that’s not such a bad thing. You really get to know your character and your costume that way.

Okay cool! Thank you! One last question though. I understand they wouldn’t pretend that I’m both but do you think that they would bump me up or down at all? Like do you think they would ever let me be friends with Terence or Peter, or Eric or Aladdin, or do you think I’ll most likely get beat out by other people or just flat out not allowed?

277

:smiley: So I got accepted for Quick Dining Services, BUT I auditioned in Orlando and made it past all the cuts. I can’t remember how they said they would let us know if we made it or not so I was wondering:

1.) Will I recieve an email or something EITHER way, or only if I am cast as a performer?

2.) Since my acceptance letter said quick-dining services, does that mean that’s that or is it still possible that I could be moved to character performer?

278

**Were there any especially touching moments you experienced that made you choke up a bit or even tear up? i would imagine that making a kid’s year happens often, and that some tears on their part are not uncommon. **
The Muslim woman that I mentioned in this post made me choke up. The slightly longer version of the story: I was working as Tigger at Pooh’s Playground when a group of 3 or 4 women wearing headscarves came up. They were all giggling uncontrollably, perhaps even nervously; it seemed obvious to me that they had never done anything like this before. We hugged and took pictures, and afterwards, one of them leaned in close to me and whispered “You make people happy every day. God bless you for what you do!” That really touched me. A lot of people have fun interacting with the characters, but the thought had never occurred to me that this was somehow a service to humanity. If I ever hear anyone making some bigoted remark about all Muslims being terrorists, I think back to that woman. She’s got her head and her heart in the right place.

While I was in training, one of the trainers told us this story: A manager walked into the character base and called over all of the performers there. He explained that a Make-a-Wish family was planning to visit WDW, but on the flight down, the child’s condition worsened, and he was brought to a nearby hospital. The doctors estimated that he would only live for a few more days at most. The manager asked if anyone would be willing to go perform at the hospital for the family, and a trio of performs packed up costumes and hopped in a van. Once at the hospital, they took turns alternating between playing with the family and crying their eyes out in their makeshift changing room. They went on like this for several hours before eventually packing their gear and heading back to base. The child died later that night. Wish granted, with only hours to spare. :frowning:

BobbyDev25, I don’t want to burst your bubble, but I believe that you’re no longer being considered for a Character Performer role. I think you should assume that you’re not going to hear anything else about it, and either accept or decline the offer based on that assumption. I could be wrong, and you could probably call someone in Casting to get a more definitive answer. In any case, congrats on getting into the CP! I hope you accept, as it’s an amazing journey regardless of what role you end up in.

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My son auditioned in Austin on 3/23. This was the last audition. He had already been accepted for Fall. You can accept a position, and still be selected for character performer. At the audition they told them that they would let them know by April 19. If accepted for character performer, they will change your role. Good Luck. :slight_smile:

Cryptic…Thanks for this thread. I have enjoyed it greatly, and shared it with my son as he has gone through this process. Made it through the audition, is 5’11", and now we wait :slight_smile:

280

Like everyone else has said this has been so helpful!!

I was just wondering if you ever met anyone who had worked internationally and then moved to one of the US parks?

I’m auditioning for Paris very soon but I would eventually like to move to the US… I’ll find a way of doing it anyway but I was just curious!

Thanks :slight_smile: