As a Walt Disney World fan at the beginning, I like that Imagineering has created distinctive characters for the theme parks. This can be a salute to these characters with no connection to Disney’s animated or stay motion movies, however are as a substitute authentic mental property created for the parks. (Up to date June 22, 2024.)
Don’t get me flawed–I get pleasure from Disney and Pixar animated movies. I simply have a a lot higher affinity for the theme parks, and the worlds Imagineers construct inside them. Plenty of this most likely stems from the points of interest I loved as a child, and the way a number of of them featured glimpses of characters and kernels of persona, permitting me fill in the remaining with my creativeness.
As an grownup, I nonetheless actually respect the characters that exist solely (or not less than primarily, as there’s now some crossover) for the parks. At Walt Disney World, there are a variety of characters like this. These authentic theme park IP characters do the perfect job of conveying the theme, temper, and emotion of a selected attraction or land, most likely as a result of their entire existence is based upon furthering the expertise–as in comparison with characters from the animated movies, usually injected into parks for the sake of synergy…
After I first sat all the way down to make this checklist, I had about 25 concepts bouncing round in my head, so I made a number of arbitrary “guidelines” to slender issues down. First, one entry per attraction. That’s obligatory so half the spots on this checklist aren’t Nation Bears.
Second, solely characters presently in use within the parks. No extinct points of interest or retired characters. (Sorry, Dreamfinder.) Lastly, the character have to be seen–no omniscient narrators. (Sorry, Ghost Host.) Even then, we’ve a number of honorable mentions and this checklist will most likely turn out to be a high 15 within the not-too-distant future.
I believe that about covers it, so let’s get began on the ten (or so) greatest authentic theme park characters at Walt Disney World…
T10. Mother – With a listing like this, it’d be straightforward to say “the Solid Members” as a cop out. Whereas they undoubtedly (together with friends, I suppose) play an integral function within the expertise, they aren’t a single, outlined function. Besides when they’re. Mother at 50’s Prime Time Cafe is the perfect instance of a clearly-defined Solid Member ‘character.’
Whereas the assorted Mothers have the power to advert lib to reinforce the expertise, you already know that Mother is a stickler for guidelines and a strict disciplinarian, however with a little bit of a wry humor plus a smidgen of cynicism (most likely from coping with all of us whippersnappers). With out Mother, 50’s Prime Time Cafe would simply be an overpriced, pretty “meh” restaurant that persistently wouldn’t be absolutely booked. Mother does the closely lifting, which earns her a spot on this checklist.
T10. Outdated Invoice – Pirates of the Caribbean is an iconic attraction that’s a fan favourite due to its characters, and the way rapidly Imagineers handle to convey their personalities by way of voices, gags, and little traces of dialogues. If you concentrate on it, it’s truly exceptional how a lot you glean simply from fleeting encounters.
At its coronary heart, Pirates of the Caribbean can also be an ensemble act–like a number of of the points of interest on this checklist, truly–making it troublesome to decide on a single character as a result of there’s no star of the present, it’s all supporting gamers. (Kinda like a P.T. Anderson or Robert Altman film, however in experience kind.)
Apparent selections could be the Redhead or the Auctioneer, and I wouldn’t fault anybody for selecting the latter. He most likely has essentially the most good dialogue within the attraction, together with essentially the most different pirates interacting with him. (I personally suppose the brand new Redhead’s dialogue leaves quite a bit to be desired; I wouldn’t select her or Jack Sparrow/Johnny Depp for a similar cause.)
As a substitute, I’ll go for a deeper minimize right here: Outdated Invoice. For these unfamiliar with the character, Outdated Invoice is the pirate making an attempt to influence a kitten to have rum with him, after which subsequently admonishing mentioned cat for being too feisty. It’s such a short and fleeting vignette, and but it encompasses the whole lot that’s nice about Pirates of the Caribbean.
The humorous gags, lightheartedness, and the way in which it (largely) spoofs the shenanigans of pirates in an innocuous method. Although he’s “solely” a supporting participant, I’d argue there are a number of bit elements in Pirates of the Caribbean that give the attraction its coronary heart and levity.
T10. Lari the Armadillo or Mondo the Frog – As mentioned in our Tiana’s Bayou Journey Journey Evaluation: Failure, Flawed or Implausible?, that is proving to be essentially the most polarizing and controversial attraction in Walt Disney World historical past. For a variety of causes past the scope of this submit, it’s sure to be divisive for years to return, with some followers hating it and others loving it.
Two issues about it round which the fandom can unite are Lari the Armadillo and Mondo the Frog. Whereas it’s nonetheless early, these scene-stealing characters have already emerged as fan favorites. Each seem thrice within the experience and go away friends wanting extra. Mondo is a size-shifting musician, enjoying bongos and simply vibing out, basic. Lari is a kleptomaniac who’s unbothered by all of it, and simply needs to steal in peace.
Whereas there are many legitimate complaints about Tiana’s Bayou Journey, character design actually is just not considered one of them. The attraction is brimming with cute critters, a number of of which may’ve made this checklist. Their worldbuilding extends to the close by reward outlets, however we’re nonetheless left wanting much more of all of them.
(Since Tiana’s Bayou Journey continues to be brand-new and the mud hasn’t but settled, I’m making an exception and together with each Lari and Mondo for now. Over time, I’ll hone my opinion and select a favourite among the many two. Mondo is at the moment the frontrunner.)
9. Lagoona Gator – Here’s a character who was born out of a want to promote plushies…however one which failed spectacularly. That is most likely why I like him a lot. When Blizzard Seashore opened, it had a enjoyable mascot in Ice Gator. Accordingly, Walt Disney World made enhancements to Storm Lagoon to offer it associated a mascot: Lagoona Gator. He had an entire line of merchandise and a meet & greet character…all of which is now gone. Apparently, water park friends aren’t within the temper to tug alligator plushes into the sand or wave pool? Who may’ve recognized?!
Whereas the revenue motive for Lagoona Gator would possibly’ve been a bust, a ton of particulars had been added to the park to justify his existence. (Some would possibly name this Disney pulling a “Reverse Duffy.”) Lagoona Gator is the resident surf ace of Storm Lagoon…and he’s additionally a film star, rock star, artist, and extra. You possibly can nonetheless go to his seaside shack within the Board Room below the clock tower, the place his bed room and kitchen stay fully-furnished.
8. Orange Chook – The Florida Orange Chook was created particularly for the Walt Disney World the place he was the consultant of the Sunshine Pavilion, which included the Tropical Serenade (recognized right this moment as Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room) and the Sunshine Tree Terrace, from the opening of Walt Disney World till the mid-Eighties. Round that point, the whole lot that made the Sunshine Tree Terrace particular started to vanish.
Not like lots of Walt Disney World historical past that entails eradicating distinctive and authentic ideas for film IP (or nothing in any respect), this one has a contented ending. Throughout the final decade or so, all of this injury has began to be undone. It began with a fortuitous fireplace damaging the ‘Underneath New Administration’ Tiki Room. From there, the unique model was restored. Little vestiges of the previous Adventureland began being fastened. (There’s nonetheless work to be executed on this one.)
Orange Chook was not solely introduced again, however his presence was expanded past Magic Kingdom to EPCOT festivals. He’s now in Disney Springs and on a wealth of merchandise, and even has books about his cute little pursuits. Orange Chook has a bubbly persona, childlike curiosity, and innocence–very similar to the #1 character on this checklist. Now let’s hope his meet & greet character is the following factor to return!
7. José – Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room is a legendary present that’s some of the historically-significant points of interest at Disneyland, Walt Disney World, and Tokyo Disneyland. Selecting a chook to focus on from Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room is actually a troublesome activity, because it’s an ensemble act with 4 hosts plus different memorable characters. There’s additionally the truth that the music by the Sherman Brothers does lots of the heavy lifting within the attraction.
Nonetheless, we’ll go along with José. He’s voiced by Disney Legend Wally Boag, the “Clown Prince of Disneyland.” José is the funniest chook and the one with essentially the most persona. His efficiency incorporates a ton of vary, from tongue in cheek zingers to a good Bing Crosby impersonation.
6. Madame Leota – As soon as the Ghost Host is dominated out, it’s a bit tougher to decide on a ghost that defines Haunted Mansion. They’re actually far and wide in tone and design, and plenty of don’t have any dialogue. Circumstances may very well be made for the singing busts or any of the hitchhiking ghosts, however I believe these seem so late within the attraction and are much less fleshed out that they aren’t as impactful.
Alternatively, Madame Leota is a personality encountered close to the start of Haunted Mansion, and he or she resets expectations for what’s to return. She’s additionally simply flat out cool, providing some persona that’s showcased in a fascinating sensible impact–so fascinating that you simply deal with her longer than some other ghost in Haunted Mansion.
If this had been a Disneyland checklist, we’d be inclined to offer consideration to Hatbox Ghost. Nevertheless it’s not and his presence in Magic Kingdom’s Haunted Mansion doesn’t make a lot sense. When you get previous the thrill of the brand new Audio Animatronics, there’s little to like about that addition.
5. Lieutenant Bek – Created for Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, this character is a Mon Calamari Communications Officer answerable for Resistance recruits who operates from a secret base inside historical ruins on Batuu. You’re the “predominant character” of Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance as you reside out your individual ‘Star Wars’ story, and Lieutenant Bek is basically the Obi-Wan Kenobi to your Luke Skywalker.
Lieutenant Bek is your sage mentor, the one who guides you all through the expertise–and the regular hand when stuff’s hitting the fan. He’s sensible past his years (no clue how previous he’s), but in addition provides humor to the expertise. There are a ton of big-name Star Wars characters within the attraction, however Lieutenant Bek is its emotional core.
By the top, there’s a sure camaraderie with him, as a result of we’ve been by means of some stuff collectively. This is the reason we’ve been saying that Lieutenant Bek is the True Hero of Star Wars Land. Sorry, Chewie and co., nevertheless it’s true.
4. Sonny Eclipse – For the longest time, I feverishly defended Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe, and it was our most-visited restaurant in all of Walt Disney World for years. That was for one cause: Sonny Eclipse. (Actually, two causes: Sonny Eclipse and the toppings bar.) Whereas the menu leaves one thing (okay, lots of issues) to be desired, entertainment-wise, no different restaurant in Walt Disney World can compete with Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe, and that’s all because of Sonny Eclipse.
Mr. Eclipse is from the planet Zork (Yew Nork, particularly) and he performs the Astro Organ, with back-up vocals from his superb House Angels. He performs a twenty-some minute loop of music that’s infused with corny jokes that’s actually entertaining, throughout which period there’s a ton of character growth. Even when typically they’re typically courtesy laughs, it’s a enjoyable and humorous set. For me, Sonny Eclipse like a cross between Uncle Joey and somebody from the Max Rebo Band. What’s to not love about that?!
3. Progress Dad – One other attraction with a solid deserving of recognition for its ensemble work, Carousel of Progress resonates with so many long-time Walt Disney World followers as a result of the Carousel of Progress household seems like precise household. The characters aren’t simply boring MacGuffins for showcasing expertise–if something, the expertise highlighted is sort of immaterial to the attraction. Carousel of Progress is beloved as a result of its characters have a lot character.
Of those characters, Progress Dad (John) is the one with whom audiences are most acquainted. His typically cringe-worthy jokes give new which means to “dad jokes,” however audiences love him simply the identical. Different characters, together with Rover and Uncle Orville, steal some scenes, however John guides the viewers in direction of what Carousel of Progress is definitely about: rising previous with a household over the course of a condensed period of time. Yep, Walt Disney did the entire Boyhood idea a long time earlier than Linklater, and didn’t earn a single Academy Award nomination for his efforts.
2. Large Al – Plenty of the issues mentioned about Carousel of Progress may very well be mentioned about Nation Bear Jamboree. Each are clearly ensemble points of interest, and if I didn’t restricted myself, not less than 4-5 characters from Nation Bear Jamboree would have made this checklist. Not solely do every have personalities evident by means of the music, however all of them current entertaining gags and have good character design.
Finally, it’s straightforward to decide on Large Al as the perfect Nation Bear. When viewing Nation Bear Jamboree by means of the prism of social satire or parody, Large Al’s look is what seals the deal. His efficiency is such a hoot that you simply can’t assist however giggle out loud. Even when earlier musical numbers hit just a little too near residence (and as a reformed hillbilly, I can relate), Large Al is the purpose at which the present enters a sure realm of absurdity–when you have even a morsel of a humorousness, he will get to you.
Right here’s hoping that Imagineers acknowledge this and Large Al doesn’t fall from the #2 spot as soon as the reimagined Nation Bear Musical Jamboree debuts.
1. Figment – Figment is my favourite Walt Disney World character. At all times has been, and all the time might be. Should you solely know the present-day model of Figment, you would possibly discover it perplexing that so many EPCOT Middle followers nonetheless adore Figment. Why is that grating character from such a boring attraction so beloved?!
Fairly merely, Figment is just not the identical character right this moment that he was through the Eighties by means of the mid-Nineties. Then, Figment was Dreamfinder’s sidekick on their Flight of Creativeness, with the latter being the literal embodiment of a childlike sense of marvel, curiosity, and (sure) creativeness. Should you had been a toddler of the Eighties who visited EPCOT Middle, you recognized with this character. It actually was so simple as that. Not solely did he carry out the perfect in you, however he was simply actually cool. He obtained to be an artist, performer, astronaut, and extra–all whereas being a pleasant purple dragon.
The Figment of 1983 could be #1 on this checklist by such a big margin that the hole between #1 and #2 may very well be measured in Grand Canyons (sorry, Large Al). The Figment of right this moment manages to keep up the highest slot, even when he largely coasts on nostalgia. Nonetheless, these of us who knew him earlier than see these flashes of childlike marvel in him right this moment, and desperately cling to the notion that sometime, simply possibly, the actual Figment–and Dreamfinder–will return. The way in which these two characters resonate with so many lifelong followers and lightning-in-a-bottle high quality of the unique experience is why It’s Time to Reimagine Journey into Creativeness.
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Your Ideas
Which park-specific Disney characters are your favorites? Any that we missed? Do you agree or disagree with our rankings? Listening to your suggestions about your experiences is each attention-grabbing to us and useful to different readers, so please share your ideas or questions under within the feedback!
