Disney World/Land Face Characters

Question

Hi,

I have gathered a lot of info on the auditioning process, but I'd like to hear from some people who have gone through it. I've always been a huge fan of Disney and would love to work there. I'm going to be graduating this upcoming year, so I'll be free to go to college. I'm willing to go anywhere, so I want to also hear from everyone, DisneyLand or DisneyWorld? Which has a better character program, and which is better to work with? I’m currently in Georgia, but I’m up for anything if it’s for my dream. I am 18, so I am old enough to hold this job. I will also be eighteen at the time I graduate High School.

I am very serious in this. That’s why I'm so apprehensive about it. I know it takes ALOT to get into the character department.

I've been a Disney fan since I first saw the Lion King. I can tell you just about anything about Disney. My cousin went into animation, and I would love to pursue that career, but it is quite difficult to get a good job in animation, or so I hear. I'm currently studying photography, and I do costuming on the side.

My dream is to play Alice or Belle. Both are my dream characters. As said, I don't know if when you get a character role if you do everything or only certain things. Do you participate within the plays, parades, and character greeting, or are you just assigned to certain things?

I'm including a photo of me, if you think I could be accepted as a character within the program, please tell me which.

Thanks for your time and answers~!

My Photo: http://i248.photobucket.com/albums/gg162/veganpirana/l_fa5e2af1b3e0e58ce77b60c9883b21c9.jpg

Answer 1

If you are in a college they have recruitment programs for these jobs.  You may want to go to a local college even if you aren't attending when the recruiters show up  they usually anounce the date they are coming

Answer 2

I have never been in anything like what you're going through, but I would like to help you out as much as possible. :)

If you want to be a character in either of the parks, I would suggest, especially for you, to go to Florida's Disneyworld. Because it is closer to your home and it would be easier for you to travel (etc)

I think you would do very good as Belle :)

And when I went to Disneyland, not Disneyworld, about 2 months ago, I saw Belle in a parade, so that might mean that you have to as well.

(If you get the job, in this case, I hope you do)

I do know that you have to audition for it, try your best and good luck.

And always smile! Disneyland people LOVE smiles. If you work there, they TEACH you how to smile! (My brother used to work there) Lol.

I think that you do greet people, take pictures with them, depends on how long you work. Again, good luck! I think you can make it :)

Answer 3

I have never done this but i would love to help, because i know many people that have gotten jobs with disney.

1st off: Disney likes collage kids, so i suggest trying to get into their collage program you can find any info about it here: http://www.wdwcollegeprogram.com/sap/its...

2nd: With the collage program you can be a character , or you  you can be a character helper, to do either you need to pass these requirements

  Character Performer

Responsibilities may include:

    * Portraying specific costumed character roles

    * Working in hot, confining, heavy costumes with limited range of vision

    * Communicating non-verbally to Guests

    * Signing autographs and posing for photographs

    * Interacting with Guests outdoors and in dining establishments

    * Potential to perform in parade and/or puppeteer roles

    * Must pass audition for this role. (please review the information below for additional information)

    * Due to costuming requirements, special consideration will be given to individuals 4' 8" - 5' and 6' - 6' 3".

How To Apply, Interview, and Audition

You must first complete the "Role Checklist" and online application and attend an on-campus presentation or E-Presentation.

You will be scheduled for an interview following the on-campus presentation or you will schedule a telephone interview following the E-Presentation.

After your interview, you will be provided with additional audition information.

You must attend the audition to be considered for an Entertainment position.

Character Attendant

Responsibilities may include:

    * Providing Guests with information about show schedules, Character locations, and visitation times

    * Providing audience control, including handling challenging Guest situations

    * Ensuring the safety of Character Performers and our Guests Partnering with Disney's Photopass® photographers

    * Maintaining show quality and Character integrity

    * Setting up and removing stanchions, ropes and poles

    * Assisting Character Performers with putting on costumes

    * Retrieving and arranging strollers

    * Maintaining cleanliness and order in work location

    * Standing for extended periods, working outdoors

do sign up for more info go here:

http://www.wdwcollegeprogram.com/sap/its...

if you become a character these are the rules:

These are the guidelines you will follow when you are working.

All College Program roles are "Costumed".

Cellular Phones and Pagers

Personal pagers, cellular phones, and personal digital assistants (i.e., Palm Pilots, etc.) may not be worn or carried during work hours. If extenuating circumstances exist and no other accommodation can be made, a pager may be allowed with management approval. Even with approval, pagers worn by costumed Cast Members must be concealed and operated on silent mode. Company-issued pagers or cell phones will be allowed if they are required for a specific business need.



Costumes

Costumes should be clean and neat at all times. If a costume change becomes necessary during your shift, you should report immediately to your Costuming location after consulting with your leader. Costumes must be worn as they are designed. For example, they should not be worn too loose, too tight, low on the hips, etc. Any questions pertaining to the fit of a costume should be addressed with Costuming to make sure the appearance meets the requirements for the "Disney Look."

As a reminder, you are responsible for the proper care and handling of all costume pieces issued to you. If an item is misplaced, altered by you, or damaged due to negligence, you will be required to pay for it. Costumes issued to you remain the property of the Walt Disney World® Resort and must be returned in good condition upon request or at time of termination or transfer.

When wearing a costume off property, remove your nametag and do not wear your costume for personal use. Your costume is not to be worn when visiting Walt Disney World® property as a guest.

Fingernails

Fingernails should be kept clean. If polish is used, it should be complementary to your skin tone. This includes deeper, richer shades of polish. Polishes that are not permitted include extremely bold or bright colors such as coral, hot pink, true red, neon, multicolor, gold or silver tones. Charms or decals on fingernails are not permitted. Fingernails should not exceed one-fourth of an inch (approximately 6 mm) beyond the fingertip.



Hair Confinement and Accessories

In keeping with the Disney Look and costume theming, the following guidelines for hair accessories apply:

    * A plain barrette, comb or clip no larger than one inch (approximately 2.5 cm) wide and four inches (approximately 10 cm) long is acceptable. Headbands, hair ribbons or "scrunchies" are acceptable provided that they are no wider than one inch (2.5 cm).

    * All accessories must be a neutral color (silver, gold, tortoiseshell, black, clear or pearl) or a solid color that matches the costume.

    * No more than three small barrettes or combs may be worn at once.

    * Hair accessories are for the express purpose of holding the hair away from the face and may not be worn as a decorative addition to the costume.

Headwear

The only hats and sun visors that may be worn are those issued by Costuming as part of the costume. Check with Costuming for the proper positioning of the hat.



Jewelry

    * Rings, earrings and a classic business-style wristwatch are permitted.

    * Necklaces, bracelets and ankle bracelets are not permitted. A medical-alert necklace, bracelet or ankle bracelet is acceptable.

    * Earrings must be a simple, matched pair in gold, silver or a color that blends with the costume. One earring in each ear is permitted. Earrings may be clip-on or pierced and must be worn on the bottom of the earlobe. Post earrings may not exceed the size of a quarter. Hoop earrings no larger than a dime are also permitted.

    * Aside from earrings as listed above, jewelry may not be worn in any visible body piercing. See previous section on "Body Alteration or Modification".

    * Only one ring on each hand is permitted, with the exception being a wedding set. A ring may be worn on any finger.

Footwear

The required shoes for a costumed area differ based on the role and the theming of the costume. Cast Members should check with management prior to purchasing their work shoes and hosiery to ensure proper style and color. It is recommended that slip-resistant rubber-soled shoes be worn in food areas as a safety precaution. Approved shoes and socks are required the first day in costume.

    * For areas requiring a dress shoe (most skirted costumes), women are required to provide their own leather pump-style shoes with a plain toe (no loafers, buckles or ornamentation). Flats are permitted, but platform shoes are not. Shoes should be polished and kept in good repair. Suede and canvas are not permitted. Unless otherwise specified, flesh-tone hosiery is required at all times.

    * In areas where a leather athletic shoe is required (with the exception of Disney's Wide World of Sports), shoes should be solid in color with no contrasting logos or markings. Suede and canvas are not permitted. Socks worn with a costume should also be solid in color with no logos or markings and must extend at least to the top of the ankle. Shoes and socks must be clean and in good condition.

    * While working at Disney's Wide World of Sports, a white or black leather lace-up athletic shoe is required. Multicolored stripes or logos are permitted on the shoe. Extreme styles such as platform shoes or shoes with lights, neon colors, wheels, etc. are not permitted.

    * In certain limited areas, a role may require (or have an additional option for) shoes such as hiking boots, solid black beach sandals (lifeguards), steel-toe shoes, culinary clogs, etc. For specific guidelines on these shoes, please check with the Costuming area at your work location.

Skirt Lengths

There are standard skirt lengths for each costume. Please check with Costuming for further information if needed. When a costume with a full-length skirt is worn, it should be no longer than ankle length.



Undergarments

Cast Members are required to wear appropriate undergarments at all times. Patterned or colored undergarments that are visible when worn under light-colored costumes are not permitted.

A solid white crewneck or v-neck undershirt is permitted under costumes with a traditional neckline. Undershirts should be only minimally visible at the neckline and should not extend past the sleeves.

hope i helped!

i think you would be good as Aurora or Belle and maybe Alice, i have never seen an Alice before though.

I believe you only work certain hours and parades some days. No characters are out during parade time except the ones in the parade.

more info i found out:

Company Identification Cards

To help ensure the safety and security of our guests and Cast Members, all Cast Members are required to follow the policy below regarding Company ID cards.

Costumed Cast: Cast Members in costume must have their Walt Disney Company photo ID with them at all times, but they do not need to wear it. While backstage in costume, your ID may be worn on a lanyard (if you choose) for convenience. However, to preserve the theming of our guest show, your Company ID may not be worn while onstage.

Rules for Non-Costumed Workers:

Hairstyling

Following are the Disney Look guidelines for hairstyles:

    * Hostesses should keep their hair neatly combed and arranged in a classic, easy-to-maintain style. Extreme styles are not permitted.

    * Hair below shoulder length should be confined if it falls forward over the face while working.

    * Conservative braided hairstyles without beads or ornamentation are permitted.

    * Hair products may be used to create a soft, natural hairstyle within these guidelines.

    * Shaving of the head or any portion of the head or eyebrows is not permitted.

    * Appropriate hair confinement should be used in food service areas where required by law.

    * Artificial hair is permitted if it looks natural and meets all of the above requirements.

Hair Coloring

The Disney Look does not permit extremes in dyeing, bleaching or coloring. If the hair color is changed, it must be natural looking, well maintained and appropriate to your skin tone. Subtle highlighting or frosting is permitted as long as it creates a uniform look over the whole head and meets all of the previously listed guidelines.



Makeup

If makeup is worn, it should be applied in a blended manner and in colors complementary to the skin tone.

If eyeliner and eye shadow are worn, they should be neutral colors that are close in value to your skin tone. Eye shadow and eyeliner should create a natural, blended look and should not extend beyond the natural eye area or the corners of the eye. Mascara may be applied lightly in shades of brown or black. If lip liner is worn, it should not contrast with the shade of the lipstick.

Answer 4

In  my opinion, I would try for a job at Disney World in FL, not only because it is closer to home, but also it is larger and you will have a greater oppertunity to have a character role.  As there are 4 parks at Disney World, they need many more characters.  The Belle that is walking around one area of the park at 1 pm may be a different Belle than was there at 10 am.  Plus the one in the parade may be another different one.  You may have to strive for other characters before you can become Belle or Alice (I think you would look great as either.  You have that quality in your smile from your pic).  The character training is extensive (my friend was in training to be Minnie at WDW for the Animal Kingdom area, before she broke her arm).  Be persistant about what you want.  If you can't get in to be a character staight away, accept another job with grace and hang out with the people who are characters and schmooze your way in.  Ask them how they got the position, how you can...  

GOOD LUCK!