Credit: Video Screenshot, Instagram, @magicfans.sebasA viral video shows Mickey Mouse collapsing after a child yanked the character performer to the ground at Walt Disney World Resort. Disney Parks fans slammed the child’s parents on social media for standing by as their child abused the Disney cast member.
Thousands of entertainment cast members help bring on-screen Disney magic to life at Magic Kingdom Park, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park. Each Disney character performer knows a set of subtle hand signals (or code words, for characters who can speak) to alert their attendant when they need assistance. Unfortunately, for one Mickey Mouse performer at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, a child’s attack was too quick for anyone to prevent.
Earlier this month, Instagram user @magicfans.sebas shared this video of a character meet-and-greet gone wrong at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Sorcerer Mickey Mouse welcomed two guests in for a hug when one of the children suddenly grabbed the performer’s arm and jumped, pulling the Disney character to the ground.
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The character attendant and Disney PhotoPass photographer responded quickly, checking on Mickey Mouse, who lay unresponsive on the ground. It’s unclear whether the Disney character performer was unconscious or simply stopped moving to avoid the risk of further injury from the heavy costume pieces.
The video amassed thousands of likes and comments. Many angry Disney Parks fans blamed the child’s parents for not disciplining their son or teaching him how to appropriately interact with character performers.
“The kid put his full weight on Mickey’s arm and knocked him TO THE GROUND!” @shelby_via_ commented. “If I was the parent, we’d be leaving immediately and not coming back. I just hope that the kid and parents apologized after they stopped recording.”
“Parents…Teach them manners!” said @nanubravo.
“You all do realize that 99% of the time that Mickey is played by a tiny woman… and if a 9 year old boy hung on my shoulder/arm like that it would hurt me… dislocate, sprain, pop…,” @rebwilsonwrote.
Still, some commenters defended the child, arguing that he didn’t know better.
“It wasn’t that bad!” said @nehuenproducciones_. “They’re kids.”
“The kid clearly didn’t have any intentions to harm Mickey!” @julianolivares argued. “The person portraying Mikey it’s a drama queen!”
It’s unclear whether Walt Disney World Resort imposed any consequences on the boy and his family. Unfortunately, Inside the Magic could not determine the status of the Disney character performer working with Mickey Mouse that day.
Should the child’s parents face consequences from Walt Disney World Resort? Share your thoughts with Inside the Magic in the comments!