Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
acters in these features are as real as next-door neighbors; never mind that they are
simply drawings on plastic. In recent years, the theme park personifications of Dis-
ney characters have likewise become real to us. For thousands of visitors, it is not just
some personinamouse costume they see—it isreally Mickey.Similarly,runninginto
Goofy or Snow White in Fantasyland is a memory to be treasured, an encounter with
a real celebrity.
About 250 of the Disney animated-film characters have been brought to life in
costume. Of these, a relatively small number (about 50) are greeters (the Disney term
for characters who mix with the patrons). The remaining characters are relegated ex-
clusively to performing in shows or participating in parades. Some appear only once
or twice a year, usually in Christmas parades or Disney anniversary celebrations.
CHARACTER ENCOUNTERS
CHARACTER WATCHING
has developed into a pastime. Where families were once con-
tent to stumble across a character occasionally, they now pursue them armed with
autograph books and cameras. For those who pay attention, some characters are more
frequently encountered than others. Mickey, Minnie, and Goofy, for example, are
seemingly everywhere, while Thumper rarely appears. Other characters are seen reg-
ularly but limit themselves to a specific location.
The fact that some characters are seldom seen has turned character watching into
character collecting. Mickey Mouse may be the best-known and most-loved charac-
ter, but from a collector's perspective he is also the most common. To get an auto-
graphfromMickeyisnobigdeal,butDaisyDuck'ssignatureisarealcoup.Commer-
cially tapping into the character-collecting movement, Disney sells autograph books
throughout the parks.
One Unofficial Guide reader offers this suggestion regarding character auto-
graphs:
Young children learn very quickly! If they see another child get an autograph, then
they will want an autograph book as well. I recommend buying an autograph book
right away. My 4-year-old daughter saw a child get Goofy's autograph, and right
away she wanted to join the fun.
PREPARING YOUR CHILDREN TO MEET THE CHARACTERS
Because most small chil-
dren are not expecting Minnie Mouse to be the size ofa forklift, it'sbest to discuss the
characters with your kids before you go. Almost all of the characters are quite large,
and several, such as Br'er Bear, are huge! All of them can be extremely intimidating
to a preschooler.
On first encounter, it is important not to thrust your child upon the character. Al-
lowthelittle onetocome toterms withthisbigthingfromwhatever distance thechild
