Credit: DisneyDisneyland and the Walt Disney World Resort both feature a colorful cast of beloved Disney characters, but some visitors are “more than fans.”
The cast members of the Disney parks are some of the most talented and trained professionals on the planet, but you have the outright gift of performing as our favorite characters on a daily basis. It takes a very specific set of skills to play the likes of Mickey and the gang, but sometimes they could be a bit too talented.
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Many people visit the Disney parks because they are fans of Disney movies and experiences, but there’s a fine line between Superfan and obsessive. Loving the characters is one thing, but falling in love with them is another.
Disney World Character Fends Off Female Stalker
Unfortunately, a common thread in many of our Disney news feeds is multiple Disney characters facing harassment or hazing by certain unruly guests. If it’s not someone trying to get handsy with one of the Disney princesses, it’s a tiny terror toddler attacking one of the many furred characters.
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One Disney cast member shared a rather unfortunate behind-the-scenes report on TikTok, and things take a turn from super fan to Stephen King territory. Luke Skywalker might be wanted by the evil Galactic Empire, but @patricklyspeaking shares that stormtroopers and Sith Lords aren’t the only ones trying to hunt him down.
Warning: The footage below might not be appropriate for young fans.
@patricklyspeaking #onthisday character stalking at Disney. #disneyworld #disneyparks #formerdisneycastmember #disneybehindthemagic #disneycharacters #distok #formerdisneycm
There are truly some wizards at Disney’s casting department, and this writer will wholly attest that many of the face characters were practically born to play those roles. However, it’s important to remember that there are still human beings underneath all those costumes and makeup.
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Remember, kids, Mickey has to remove those ears at the end of the day. The illusion stops once the park closes, and fans can quickly turn into stalkers before too long.
Not a Good Look
Reports like these are what continue to give Disney Adults a bad rep, and this is the first time something like this has happened. In fact, many reports of Disney Princesses and other face characters being assaulted and harassed at the Disney parks have popped up on social media since the beginning of this summer.
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There’s a right way and a wrong way to do things, and instances like these not only spoil the magic for those trying to create it and those trying to enjoy it but also make one of the most treasured places on earth very unsafe.
As shocking as it is to have to remind people, cast members and performers are people too. They work hard to bring Disney to life for thousands every day, so it’s only right that fans show them appreciation in a way that’s as equally safe and kind.
This post originally appeared on Disney Dining.