Disney World Character"look-alike"?

Question

Does anyone have information on what it's like to be a "character look-alike" at a Walt Disney park? I've always wanted to try it as a summer job in college- does anyone have any experience (it would be AWESOME if that experience was yours) to share? Thanks!!

Answer 1

I've done the Disney College Program. I wasn't a look -alike, but I know a few. Disney's SUPER picky about that. You pretty much have to look EXACTLY like the character. scars, tattoos, and stuff like that, if it can't be easily covered up by clothes or make up...you may not be chosen. If you apply through the College Program, don't do it in the Summer. The only jobs open to College Students in the Summer are Quick Service/Food and Beverage and Custodial. Try for the Fall Advantage, Fall, Spring Advantage, or Spring Programs.

Answer 2

It's very hot. Most characters actually "work" "on-stage" for only 20 minutes out of every hour.

The audition process is grueling. You have to be able to demonstrate fluid dance movement, maintain your smile (even if you're going to be behind a mask), and compete with a lot of other people.

If you get hired, expect, as a new-hire, to be cast in the evening parade during the summer for up to six nights per week. You'll work from 6pm to midnight.

I've never done it. I worked in Attractions at the theme park, and therefore I did parade audience control, but I had friends who were characters...members of the world-famous "Zoo Crew."

If you're interested, check out the following link:

Answer 3

To audition, call 407-W-Disney.
They are consistantly holding open auditions for characters. Even "face" characters only make about $6.15 (IF that) an hour (and ofcourse have union fees and insurance and taxes after that) so be prepared!

Some find the audition process tough. I did work as a character for about 4 months. I couldn't afford to live WITH roommates and work as a character due to the low pay. I found the audition process to be similar to trying out for cheerleading in highschool and didn't find it to be hard at all.

Answer 4

I know numerous college student that have worked at Disneyworld, doing everything from food services, to characters. They all found about the opportunity through their university.

Answer 5

Here is an example of what Disney looks for in character lok alikes

Role(s)
Look-alikes from Aladdin: Male, 5'10"-6' and Female, 5'3"-5'7", strong acting and improvisation skills

Look-alike from Pirate's of the Caribbean: Male, 5'9"-6', strong acting, improvisation and characterization skills

Look-alike from The Sword in the Stone: Male, 5'10"-6', broad comedic acting skills, British dialect

Look-alike from Mary Poppins: Male, 5'10"-6', strong comedic acting skills, Cockney accent

Look-alike from Mulan: Female, 5'2'-5'6", improvisation and storytelling skills

Males (5'0"-5'3") and Females (4'10"-5'1") to portray look-alike roles from Peter Pan, and Males (5'10"-6') to portray look-alike roles from Cinderella, Snow White, Sleeping Beauty, and The Little Mermaid.
Disney Entertainment Productions, in partnership with the Hong Kong Disneyland® Resort, is seeking dynamic vocalists ready for a life-enriching experience in one of the world's most exciting and exotic locales. Excellent benefits include roundtrip airfare, individual housing with paid utilities, shuttle service to/from work, medical and dental coverage, paid vacations and sick days, PLUS a competitive salary and a daily living allowance. Six-month contracts begin September 2007.

Role Descriptions
Festival Of The Lion King
Simba – Male, pop tenor, Db to a high A, moves well; an African prince destined to become "King of the Jungle"; energetic, youthful and charming; performs "I Just Can't Wait to be King" and "Can You Feel the Love Tonight?"

Nala – Female, pop soprano, low Bb to a high D chest, moves well; beautiful African princess; youthful, playful, independent and strong, performs "Can You Feel the Love Tonight?"

Scar – Male, baritone/bass, low A up to high Gb; evil uncle to Simba; menacing presence; performs "Be Prepared"

Storyteller – Female, soulful pop alto with a powerful belt, low G up to a high Eb belt, must know how to adlib; African host who tells the story of The Lion King; engaging presence; performs "The Circle of Life"

The Golden Mickeys
Belle – Female, soprano, Low G up to a high D, 5'2"- 5'7", moves well; from the Disney animated classic Beauty and the Beast; performs "There's Something There"

Dapper Dans
Barbershop Quartets - Males, age 18-40; barbershop groups with existing repertoire; you must audition as a quartet

Answer 6

One of my friends went to work in disney, she said to be a character you had to be a certin height and look a certin way, sound a certin way depending on what character you wanted to be. She said that they are really picky! But it wouldnt hurt to try!

Answer 7

http://corporate.disney.go.com/auditions/index.html

They audition for the parts. Usually even the 'face characters' will also do work as a 'costume character' depending on what you are cast as shows, sets or parades.

Answer 8

Well... I used to be Pluto.. but now as Scooby at least I have my Scooby Cookies..