Just Someone in a Costume? Not at Disney!

Throwback Thursday! One of my faves, enjoy!

Just someone in a costume? Say it isn’t so! Now, before I get in trouble for killing any magic, just go with me here for a minute. You know I try to keep things real, from a Disney Fans perspective, so stick with me on this thought!

From a logical, “grown up” point of view, meeting a character at any certain place, is meeting a person in a costume, pretending to be that character. Makes sense. We see this happen all the time, at many different locations. For example, we see Mascots at sporting events, Chuck-E-Cheese at his location, we can even meet and take pictures with a cow at Chick Fil-A on certain days. Sure, it’s fun, but it’s not a thrill, sometimes not even worth taking a picture of yourself with said characters. No big deal. So, why doesn’t this “no biggie” attitude apply at Disney Parks? What’s different?

If you’re a follower of my writings, then you know I’m always talking about Disney “magic” and all the awesome things it can do. No, I can’t put my finger on how they get the masses to feel the magic, but still, I’m in awe of it. That magic separates the difference in not getting excited for the Chick Fil-A Cow, but going nuts when seeing Mickey Mouse at a Disney Park. I know you know what I mean. You’ve seen it yourself, grown adults, standing on the sidewalk on Main Street USA, waiting for a parade to roll by, smiling, looking at their watches, tending to their kids, etc. Once Mickey Mouse’s float starts rolling by, that “adult” starts yelling, laughing, and WAVING at Mickey like it’s their favorite Rock Star. All that grown up business goes out the window. You don’t see anyone doing that at the chicken place, do you? That’s why Disney is magic, it can turn fantasy into reality, even for a short period of time.

I see this in my own kids as they are getting older. They know what’s real and what’s make believe, they are not believers in Santa or the Easter Bunny, you get the idea. However… when Disney Characters are involved, I see a change. When we stand in line to meet Mickey. Once they get to see the big “cheese” himself, they both run up to him, give him hugs and smile brightly for pictures. To them, that IS Mickey, and that moment is real.  My little one Aidan truly believes, and for those certain moments, so does Andrew. That’s what Disney Magic can do. I never seen them light up or ask the “cow” for an autograph, or “Paws” the Mascot at the Detroit Tigers baseball game. Disney is just different.

In our heart of hearts, we “know” the real side of things. Yes, someone is actually there, portraying our favorite characters, that’s reality. But, Disney isn’t about reality, is it? A true Disney Fan can feel the difference, the real world doesn’t matter, and to us, seeing Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Goofy, etc…. that’s a celebrity sighting for us. It’s a big deal. I always say, when it comes to Disney, “either you get it, or you don’t.” I also always say that you Main Streeters are “my people” because you DO indeed get it when it comes to Disney Magic, and I thank you for sharing that with me. I don’t know about you, but this “adult” will continue to wait in line to meet my favorite characters, stand by the side of the road and wave at Mickey on a parade float, and just cherish that magic for what it is. No, chicken restaurants, kids pizza places, and sporting events don’t get that same treatment, but then again, they’re missing that one thing. Disney Magic! So no, for us, it’s not just someone in a costume, it’s the real deal, it’s Disney, and it’s wonderful. As always, thank you for reading, and feel free to add your own stories and comments as well! ~M

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Michele

Michele Atwood is the Owner/Editor of The Main Street Mouse and it’s subsidiaries and author of the books “Moving to Main Street U.S.A.” “How Many Sleeps Till Disney?” and “How Many Sleeps Till Disneyland?” Michele also contributes Disney news to the Joe Kelley Morning Show on 107.3 WDBO in Orlando. She and her family made the move from Michigan to the Orlando area to pursue their Disney dreams. Michele is a life long Disney fan, and has two sons who have followed suit, each going on their first Disney trip before their first birthday’s. Part of the goal Michele has for The Main Street Mouse is not only to keep members informed, but to create somewhat of a Disney Family by relating to others through personal experiences and opinions. Also, Michele is making it a priority to share stories of inspiration and hope to other Disney Fans in an effort to share the Magic and hopefully make a difference in the lives of others.

~ I enjoy writing personal perspective blogs, doing TMSM Meet Ups for our readers, and keeping the constant interaction going with others, sharing the Disney Magic to people when they can’t be at their Happy Place.

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