Disney Character Actors Face On-The-Job Injury

Walt Disney World has long been known for its character actors. These employees of Disney don costumes of popular Disney movie characters and walk around the grounds of the theme park, delighting children of all ages. However, according to recent figures released by the Occupational Health and Safety Administration, these character actors are facing more dangers on the job than meet the eye.

The majority of these dangers stem from the large weight of the costumes that are worn. Some character costumes are larger than others. For example, Winnie the Pooh and Mickey Mouse costumes both have extremely large heads compared to the body which can place high amounts of stress on the neck, shoulders, and back. Overall, a costume can weigh up to sixty pounds, which is more than a third of the average actor's total body weight. Having to lug around sixty pounds of material for thirty minutes shifts while battling the weather and excited children has taken its toll on many character actors at Walt Disney World in Orlando.

According to an analysis conducted by the Orlando Sentinel, there were enough on-the-job injuries at Walt Disney World in 2005 to affect more than a third of the 1900-person character actor workforce. The heavier costumes were blamed for a third of these total injuries, causing lower back and neck injuries. Other issues with the costumes stem from the high average temperatures of Orlando and the stifling nature of the costumes. Rashes are not uncommon due to profuse sweating under the costume material and in some cases, heat stroke has occurred. Bruising and cuts have occurred due to contact with overzealous children or parents who run into the actors or tug on them. Vision is also a problem in the large costume heads, and poor visibility has been responsible for a 2004 death. A character actor in a Pluto costume was struck and run over by a parade float in the course of the incident.

Measures have been taken in an attempt to reduce the number of on-the-job injuries for character actors at Walt Disney World. Researchers from NASA and military organizations were approached by the Disney Corporation to learn about new materials that could be used for the costumes. Also, an information exchange has occurred with military researchers who study the effects of heat and heavy weights on soldiers in the field. Several apparatuses have been implemented in an effort to reduce the overall heat inside the costumes, but often these devices have merely added to the already bulky weight of the material. Disney has also introduced weight limits on the costumes since unionized reports of injuries increased over the past few years. Finally, warm-up sessions are offered to character actors in an effort to improve their flexibility and prepare them for the rigors of upcoming sessions.

These recent findings have revealed something that many of us probably don't consider when we see the waving Disney characters strolling about the streets. Being Mickey Mouse is a tough line of work.