Characters come to Disneyland

Image: Disney

By the time Disneyland was set to open, a popular figure skating show using costumed characters called “Ice Capades” had been holding performances around the country featuring costumed characters. In 1955 when Disneyland officially opened, it was these costumes that were used to portray characters at the park, though perhaps as expected they came with some problems.

The most noticeable issue with these characters were simply that the costumes were made to be seen from a distance in an ice skating show, and not close-up walking down Main Street in a theme park. As a result of their use in the ice show, eye holes were clearly visible, and many of the costumes were quite obviously unrealistic. It may seem strange to point this out today, but guests visiting Disneyland on opening day likely believed that the characters were costumed actors. The park was not originally going to have costumed characters at all, and even once opening day was over the plan did not initially call for them to be there in day to day operations-- the only plausible reasons why better care was not taken to ensure that these costumes would be more authentic.

Image: Disney

By the early 1960s, drastic changes were made to the costumes, and the foundations of what we now know as character integrity began to form. Alterations were made to hide parts of the costume that would noticeably expose the human form, and height requirements were put in place to ensure that all friends of the characters would be coordinated with one another. Walt Disney’s own well-known ideas about the overall design of Disneyland in the 1960s also fit right in with the newly formed concept of character integrity.

Character integrity and the Florida Project

Image: Disney

While designing Walt Disney World, one element that Walt wanted to make sure was carried out was that the Magic Kingdom would be on the second floor. Having a series of tunnels (the Utilidor) below the park would not only make it easier to house storage space, offices, cast cafeterias, and a sophisticated garbage and recycling system, but it also meant that the cast members would not be seen walking into the incorrect areas of the park. Walt has often been quoted as being alarmed at the sight of a Frontierland cowboy walking through Tomorrowland in Disneyland to reach a backstage area, as the themes of the two different areas would then clash and take away from the guests’ immersive experience. And what could break immersion more than seeing Snow White or the Dapper Dans, or even an Adventureland cast member stroll through Tomorrowland at the Magic Kingdom today?

To meet the need for character meet and greets at Walt Disney World’s opening, about 200 future “friends of characters” were hired and trained under a new program that taught them how to accurately and consistently portray their roles. These cast members were responsible for learning which animated motions worked best without speaking, and signing autographs in a consistent manner for guests. And of course, by the Magic Kingdom’s opening day in 1971, the costumes on both coasts had reflected years of important changes, making the characters seem much more authentic. Guests would now see the character as his or herself, not as an imposter.

Image: Disney

As you’ve probably noticed, the characters have changed a bit here and there since 1971, however this is primarily the result of technological advances in costume design, and the changing ways characters are portrayed in animated features so that their appearances match the guests’ expectations. By 1976, official training handbooks were issued to entertainment cast members outlining what character integrity is, and how urgent it is for cast members in the entertainment department to preserve this specific kind of Disney magic.

Since then, great care has been taken to ensure character integrity throughout all Disney theme parks. When the afternoon parade comes down Main Street in the Magic Kingdom, you might notice Mickey taking a break from his usual character meet and greet at the Town Square Theater. We all know there is only one Mickey, and he can’t possibly be in two places at once. Character performers, or entertainment cast members are also under contract to uphold character integrity, a point that has become increasingly acknowledged in recent years due to the rise in social media.