Characters

[LisaBi]

Hi All - I've been reading the "character moments" thread over on the Theme Parks board. It sounds like lots of people have had some great interactions with the characters, both with typical and special kids. We haven't really (some special hellos during a parade, Mickey leaving the line and coming to Connor, but no real interaction.) I got to thinking maybe it is my fault. I'm usually encouraging Connor to "hurry, give a hug and say good-bye" as soon as he gets his book signed and I get a picture. My thinking is that I don't want to be hogging more than our share of time. Should I lighten up? I'm not in a hurry - I just don't want anyone thinking that we are taking advantage. Will the characters and/or handlers call time, or are they looking to me for that? Connor would "play" with most characters for hours if we let him. (He was age 11 last trip, and has Down Syndrome). We plan to go again this September, and he already can't wait (although he has no concept of how far away the trip is).

Thanks for your thoughts,
LisaB

 

[BroganMc]

I'd say lighten up a bit. Usually the handlers are efficient at moving the line along. But these character moments usually come at the most unexpected times.

I fell into a special audience with Cinderella for my 3 yr old Princess-Loving niece last year because the CMs heard me phone my brother with directions to the princess. I was in the beginning of a long line and the CMs wanted to help my niece see her heroine. They pulled me aside, offered to escort my brother off the train and bring my niece into the rear exit for the audience. The whole time they were well aware of Cindy's schedule and told me she'd have to leave in X amount of time whether or not my niece arrived. But it all worked out and was magical.

One thing tends to encourage magic moments. If your child loves a particular character more than others, let the character know he/she is his favorite. Heroes just love spending time with their #1 fans. And handlers want to make it a magic moment.

Also, when in a big line with the character needing to go soon, I tend to move along quickly in deference to the eager kids waiting behind me. Characters take breaks every 20 minutes or so. The handlers will warn you 5-10 minutes before. Then you have the option of waiting 10-15 for him to return or trying later. Many folks leave, but if you stay you'll be remembered. I've done that with Chip & Dale and had a great interaction with them. I think they would have followed me through the park they became so attached.

J

 

[BroganMc]

One other thing, it helps to get into character with the character. If you see Belle, ask her if the Beast is grumpier in the morning or the same all day. Tease Chip & Dale about hiding all the acorns. Compliment Mickey for building the best peopletrap a mouse could make.

If they see you guys are having fun, they'll want to too. Let the handlers worry about time management. That's one of the reasons they are there.

Oh, and some character moments are very brief. While I was waiting outside the restroom by the castle last week, Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum came up behind me exiting for a break. I knew they were there because one smacked my hat down on my head playfully. I looked up and said "Oh it's Humpty Dumpty" by mistake. You should have seen the looks they each gave me for getting the name wrong. I corrected myself and they put on a little show bumping into walls and such on their way out. It made all of us laugh (my nephews, nieces, etc.) It lasted all of 30 seconds, but was memorable.

 

[brownhaired_girl]

Hi,
I am also the mother of a Down Syndrome child. My daughter's name is Becky and she loves Disneyworld. She is 24 but looks much younger. When Becky has gone to meet the characters they have always been WONDERFUL. It has seemed as though they often take extra time with her. In the past I to have been very concerned about taking too much time with the characters but on this last trip I began to think that there are many opportunities Becky may not have in life, if the characters spend a few extra seconds with her maybe I should just appreciate it and say thank you. It truly is a magical place!!

 

[Donnask8pro]

last time we were there my son (8 at the time) was taken out from the curb into the parade in his wheelchair/stroller. It was the best.

 

[barrysprot36]

When at DLP in 2003, DS2 was invited backstage of the Winnie the Pooh show to meet all the characters together. This was a great magical moment for all of us.

Caron

 

[SandrainNC]

My son Ryan (4 years old) also has Down syndrome. We were at WDW this past November/December. At one point we waited to meet Genie at Epcot. I kind of got paranoid about people getting annoyed with us because Genie decided he was going to chase Ryan around and then grab his nose and try to get a hug and there were other people waiting. It wasn't the typical autograph then picture then quickly walk away. Everyone in line seemed to think it was funny, but at the time I thought we might be taking up too much time. From now on I will also let the handlers worry about the time limits. I just wish I would have had the video camera out for all of it.

Sandra