I don't have anything that you could cite, but I can tell you the code of conduct for a six flags mascot.

Probably some kind of Disney fansite would be good.

Reddit has a pretty awesome "ask me anything" section of their site. You might want to search around there to see if anyone has answered questions like this before. And/or you can always put in your own AMA request.

I found these two which may have info that you're looking for, although they're from "cast memebers" and not from the costumed folks specifically.

http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/commen.....t_member_lets/
http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/commen....._disney_world/

Additionally, I read a fascinating article by a guy who played a Jack Sparrow in the park. It had a lot of detail about the behind-the-scenes goings-on of the cast members. I'm not sure if it'll help with your essay or not, but it's a great read regardless.

http://www.lamag.com/featuredarticle.aspx?id=7016

Hope that helps. :>

Dang. What a read. That is amazing.. and not really in a good way. >< You'd think they'd treat their people better, though I understand some of why they can't allow liberties. And I guess, from the other side, there's always *tons* of new people wanting a job there. That really sucks. He was a gorgeously done up Sparrow too. (even if there's dozens more out there..)

You can try searching for general mascot rules and use that as a starting point.

Both of my roommates used to work at Disney, now work at Universal. I can ask when I go home if they know the mascot rules.

This has an interesting article submitted on the first page, and some good info for a person looking to join the ranks. http://www.visionsfantastic.com/for.....rformer-25860/

Various interesting facts:
http://apforums.net/showthread.php?t=5375 <- Height requirements for characters

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2380207 <- Etiquette as a costumed character - albeit not the full, official version

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/i.....6133608AAt7kVQ <- Audition question. But, one of the responses lists responsibilities, etc. in very nice detail

http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-the.....st-members.htm <- Dress code (which applies even if you wear a character), and along the left is a bunch of other related articles for some stuff (why cast members don't point, for instance Oo)

http://corporate.disney.go.com/care.....tions_wdw.html <- You might try calling the Auditions hotline here, and they might be able to tell you where you could find, or get a copy of the character codes of conduct. Or send it to you or something.

http://micechat.com/forums/disneyla.....auditions.html <- This thread is particularly for face characters (non mascot), but apparently you can search threads, and there's a LOT of them regarding disney jobs.





I did find this in my searches as well. XD


" The crowd roared. Raymond heard a click, felt his chin strap slip and slacken. The Phanatic's head tipped forward, backward, a great big scoop of fuzzy green sherbet, about to tumble from a too-small sugar cone.

Forget throwing down. Raymond went to ground. Got fetal.

"Everyone thought it was because he was beating me," he says. "But I just didn't want the head to come off."

A professional mascot, Raymond explains, never loses his oversized head in public. Not even if he's being pummeled. Them's the rules. Which brings up a bigger point.

Mascots are pros. They have rules.

Who knew? "


Hope any of that helps. ^..^ It was an interesting read for me, I'll admit.

Fascinating subject, gets more interesting the more you read about the whole thing. Performers should be commended for all the shit they are able to put up with... As for material, all i could find was this, hope it helps:

http://www.wikihow.com/Get-a-Job-As.....cter-at-Disney

I see discussion about cast member auditions and conduct on Micechat.com quite often.

Here's an interesting (albiet brief) look at molestation charges with an emphasis on the limitations of costumes - http://www.snopes.com/disney/parks/molest.asp

If you have the time, maybe try contacting Disney corporate? http://corporate.disney.go.com/auditions/

I'd like to clarify that I'm not a fursuiter; just a Disney nut.

Have you considered contacting someone at one of the parks and asking them? Even posing like you are interested in employment and asking a hireling department for materials to see if you are suitable for the job?

I'm aware of a person or two I know of on YouTube who work (worked?) at Disney, and may be able to offer some insight without losing their jobs.

If you go onto irc.anthrochat.org #fursuit channel, Sniffer may help you out. He works for Disney

Behind the scenes video from 1983:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bTNglBDYenY

Especially at 08:40. It's too bad they weren't allowed to show the specialized character training parts...

I've got the mascot handbook for the Universal Cheer Association, if that would help. I mascotted for Kent State for 2.5 years and got the program ranked up at 13th in the nation