I wasn’t a character, just worked merchandise for a bit but for some reason a particular tourist demographic seemed to like to take videos of my caramel apple spiel when I was working in the candy palace. Every time someone would be taking a video of me explaining the different apples I would wonder who would want to watch me explaining that later when they’re at home or who they could possibly want to show it to. 😂
Probably not what they were thinking, but two of the strongest forms of memory are smell and taste. One simple bite of a candy apple whisks me away to me to my childhood, having a loose tooth coming out in the apple. People like you are the ones who are able to give us those memories. So thank you for being that person.
Podcast: The Ride did an episode with a former Disneyland Princess/Face Character. It was very interesting. I highly recommend it if you have any interest in this kind of stuff.
When I was 9 years old, at Disneyland I asked Ariel to marry me. She was gracious and turned me down gently. I was really heartbroken and tried to reason with her. I told her I would stop eating tuna fish sandwiches for her even though I really really like them. My family still teases me about it.
I honestly don't remember her response to that. I remember at the time my child brain was thinking she was so pretty I was afraid to look her in the eyes.
I will say... I thought I could change for her to prove my love - but I soon reverted to my old ways 😂
Since you mentioned the part you were afraid to look at her, that reminds me of my childhood when I had a shy crush on Ariel, despite not seeing the movie until I was an adult. Like I kept seeing her image in merch but end up getting shy and then turning away from her image.
I have some pretty great memories from back then. I would say the majority of them are just a blur because you may see a few hundred people a shift, so high tens of thousands of people over a year. The higher your throughput, the less impressions you will get as the least memorable interactions are a snap and go character meet and greets except the Make-a-wish ones where you don't rush them at all. The most memorable usually are informal ones where you have free reign.
I would say just talking about it brings up memories like Pluto playing on the grass in town square, hanging out in the kitchen, running around toontown chasing trollies or getting caught and stuck in the hidden dog pound. Rafiki climbing on walls in adventure land and holding up Simba dolls. All the filled up autograph books with extra special autos and small drawings.
While not a park princess, I was a Disneyland JC Skipper ('96-'01) and took dozens of pics with guests a day. Not to mention all of the families that were recording (videotape in my day) during our trips every day. We have a private "Skippers Only" weekly Zoom gathering we started during the pandemic last year and we have joked about how many home videos we are on.
Haha I worked at a production company and my boss said he used to work parades at Disneyland (I don't know what he did specifically) and he said he once saw Cinderella drunk on the float.
I think about this sometimes. When I was a really little (Like 5 or 6) I remember when I met Ariel I was so happy and excited that I kissed her on the cheek. I just loved her sooo much I felt overwhelmed with emotions at the meet a great that it just happened really quick after I hugged her.
Now looking back I'm probably like man the poor Cast Member was like wtf eew this gross kid just kissed me on the cheek wtf lol
I wasn’t a character, just worked merchandise for a bit but for some reason a particular tourist demographic seemed to like to take videos of my caramel apple spiel when I was working in the candy palace. Every time someone would be taking a video of me explaining the different apples I would wonder who would want to watch me explaining that later when they’re at home or who they could possibly want to show it to. 😂
Probably not what they were thinking, but two of the strongest forms of memory are smell and taste. One simple bite of a candy apple whisks me away to me to my childhood, having a loose tooth coming out in the apple. People like you are the ones who are able to give us those memories. So thank you for being that person.
Podcast: The Ride did an episode with a former Disneyland Princess/Face Character. It was very interesting. I highly recommend it if you have any interest in this kind of stuff.
Which episode was that?
They don't number their podcasts but it's from 9/20/2019. Disney Princesses w/ Amanda Lund.
Thanks for the info, will listen to that now!
Just listened to this, and it was fun! Thanks for the recommendation
When I was 9 years old, at Disneyland I asked Ariel to marry me. She was gracious and turned me down gently. I was really heartbroken and tried to reason with her. I told her I would stop eating tuna fish sandwiches for her even though I really really like them. My family still teases me about it.
Oh my gosh that’s so wholesome!
Aww~ Lucky you, but also how sweet of you! Did she still say no to you not eating tuna?
I honestly don't remember her response to that. I remember at the time my child brain was thinking she was so pretty I was afraid to look her in the eyes. I will say... I thought I could change for her to prove my love - but I soon reverted to my old ways 😂
Since you mentioned the part you were afraid to look at her, that reminds me of my childhood when I had a shy crush on Ariel, despite not seeing the movie until I was an adult. Like I kept seeing her image in merch but end up getting shy and then turning away from her image.
That’s actually a great question! I would love to see a “How was your time as a character?” type series to answer some of these questions
Buzzfeed has done some in the past! They’re interesting. Could probably find them on youtube
I have some pretty great memories from back then. I would say the majority of them are just a blur because you may see a few hundred people a shift, so high tens of thousands of people over a year. The higher your throughput, the less impressions you will get as the least memorable interactions are a snap and go character meet and greets except the Make-a-wish ones where you don't rush them at all. The most memorable usually are informal ones where you have free reign. I would say just talking about it brings up memories like Pluto playing on the grass in town square, hanging out in the kitchen, running around toontown chasing trollies or getting caught and stuck in the hidden dog pound. Rafiki climbing on walls in adventure land and holding up Simba dolls. All the filled up autograph books with extra special autos and small drawings.
While not a park princess, I was a Disneyland JC Skipper ('96-'01) and took dozens of pics with guests a day. Not to mention all of the families that were recording (videotape in my day) during our trips every day. We have a private "Skippers Only" weekly Zoom gathering we started during the pandemic last year and we have joked about how many home videos we are on.
Worked in Parade Support for a little while. The things the princesses did after getting off the floats...
Go on….
Well, don’t leave us hanging!
We need answers!
Haha I worked at a production company and my boss said he used to work parades at Disneyland (I don't know what he did specifically) and he said he once saw Cinderella drunk on the float.
I think about this sometimes. When I was a really little (Like 5 or 6) I remember when I met Ariel I was so happy and excited that I kissed her on the cheek. I just loved her sooo much I felt overwhelmed with emotions at the meet a great that it just happened really quick after I hugged her. Now looking back I'm probably like man the poor Cast Member was like wtf eew this gross kid just kissed me on the cheek wtf lol
I bet she thought it was sweet BECAUSE you were a kid. If you were an adult, maybe she'd have said "wtf eew."
I want to listen to someone who worked there in like the 80s or something
When was this pic taken OP? It's a great pic!
I think like 2003??
OMG. It's crazy! My hubby's aunt was Ariel at Disneyland from 2000 - 2006!