4 Things Disney World Character Attendants Want To Tell You But Won't Cause They're Too Nice

Ever dreamed about what it’s like to work at Disney World? It’s certainly a unique job; not many people can say that their boss is a mouse. Well, today, I want to talk about a very specific type of Cast Member: the Character Attendant. These people have a FUN job, but what’s it really like to work so closely with THE Mickey Mouse? I’m glad you asked!

Mickey Mouse

When you meet a character in Disney World, there will ALWAYS be a Character Attendant nearby. A Character Attendant is not the same thing as the character itself; the Cast Members wearing the blue polo shirts are Character Attendants (a.k.a. “blueberries“). These Cast Members are there to help! Need a pen for autographs? Need someone to translate Mickey’s “Happy Birthday” message? That’s the job of a Character Attendant! As a former Character Attendant, I know what it’s like to monitor the line, keep an eye on character interactions, take photos, and keep an eye on the time…all at the same time. Now that I’m a Regular Person and am no longer a Cast Member, I’m spilling some secrets! Ever wondered what a Character Attendant WISHES they could say?

Cast Members are generally super friendly, kind, and understanding. They know Disney World can be stressful, and they know how expensive it is to come to the parks and resorts. It’s their job to be the magic! But every once in a while, Cast Members are put in uncomfortable situations. Here’s what they WISH they could say.

It’s Donald. Not Daffy.

You don’t need an encyclopedia-level knowledge of Disney characters to come to Disney World. Don’t worry — there’s no test where you’ll have to name all seven dwarfs on the spot. But after working in Disney World for a long time, I noticed there are some characters people tend to confuse. Joy, from Inside Out, for example? You wouldn’t believe how many people used to ask, “Who is that?” People confuse poor Joy for the Tooth Fairy (yes, really) and even Tinker Bell.

Joy at EPCOT!

I also heard this a lot: “Look! It’s Daffy Duck!” And don’t even get me started on the Goofy versus Pluto mixup. If you’re waiting in line to meet Pluto…and you call him Goofy. Ouch. Don’t hurt Pluto’s feelings like that!

Inappropriate Shirts Just Make a Cast Member’s Job More Stressful

I’m not here to tell you what you can and can’t wear to Disney World. But if you try to meet a character with an inappropriate shirt on, all you’re doing is putting people in an uncomfortable position. It goes against the Disney brand to have a Disney character posing next to a non-family-friendly image, and Cast Members can get in serious trouble if someone is spotted taking an inappropriate photo.

Hey Minnie!

When I was a Cast Member, the hardest part of my job was enforcing the rules when people were unwilling to cooperate. Even if it’s meant as a harmless joke, it can cause real stress for Cast Members.

They Can’t Control Character Interactions

Character Attendants may work closely with characters, but they’re not the ones who decide how your interaction will play out. If a little one has a bad reaction to Mickey Mouse, don’t worry! The best thing to do is say goodbye and try again in the future. Don’t force it!

Mickey and Minnie Mouse

We’ve all seen those photos of the crying child sitting on Santa’s lap. Trust us — it’s not worth the trauma!

Shh! Learn to Keep a Secret

Every once in a while, Disney will host pop-up character meet-and-greets in the parks. You don’t know when, where, or how long these surprise events will happen, but that’s part of the fun. In other words, don’t spoil it! When we say, “This is why we can’t have nice things,” this is a prime example. Pop-up meet-and-greets ONLY work if the event is kept under wraps. If these character paloozas attract too many people, the meet-and-greet won’t work.

A Character Palooza in action!

I’m not saying you shouldn’t text your BFF if you spot a surprise meet-and-greet happening in EPCOT. But just don’t broadcast that kind of information to thousands of people, OK? It’s for your own good.

You never know who you might meet!

I had so much fun working as a Character Attendant — it was a dream job! But if you’ve ever wondered what I was really thinking when someone mistakenly called Joy the Tooth Fairy….well, now you know. In the meantime, we’re always on the lookout for the latest Disney news, so stay tuned for more.

NO LIE. We Only Go to These 5 Disney World Restaurants For Their Appetizers

Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe!

WE KNOW DISNEY.
YOU CAN, TOO.

Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation.

Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever!

Who is your favorite character to meet? Let us know in the comments!