Characters not signing Blank Vinylmations in Disneyland?

[disneyfan168]

From Mouseplanet:


...Disney's Vinylmation characters have become hugely popular collectibles, and the solid-white figures introduced earlier this year offers a blank canvas for aspiring designers to customize their own figure. Merchandise cast members at Walt Disney World collectibles stores quickly realized the 9" figure also makes a great way for guests to collect character autographs, and employees said they couldn't keep the $39.95 figures in stock once they began displaying the figure covered with signatures. Disneyland, on the other hand, issued a memo to their stores last week advising that Disneyland characters will not sign the figures, and telling stores not to sell the blank sculptures for that purpose.

[WDWTigger72]

Thats kind of dumb, I mean is the cast member going to ask a person they are selling the Vinylmation 9" figure ($39.95)..."Excuse me, What will you be using this blank figure for?" If they say they are going to have the characters sign it, is the cast member going to say "Sorry, We cannot sell this Vinylmation figure to you!"...LOL. They probably told their characters to stop signing the Vinylmation figures also, but still, you could always go online right to the Disney Store and purchase them before your trip...So, Its not like people cannot purchase the blank figure elsewhere. I would love to hear more the reasoning behind having their characters stop signing these figures, and also why they cannot sell them for visitors using as a character signing book. This seems a little awkward to me as to why they would take this stand...

[Vinylmickey]

I know when we bought our blank 3" vinylmation. The castmember told us the that the 9" could be used for charactor signing. That of course was a few weeks ago. I bought it for my daughter to design her own. I would think that anyone could sign the Vinylmations and say it was Mickey Mouse that signed it. There is different people in DLR that are Mickey and I am sure they sign the name differently. I would much rather have an artist that designed Vinylmation sign than a charactor. I could see for a small child it would be so cool to remember your trip to the park with the Vinylmation sign by your favorite charactors. What is Disney thinking??

[HT_NSU]

I just want to know what their explaination for this is? All their saying is that they're not allowing it, but I don't see a reason why. I think it's a great way to collect signatures. I was actually thinking of doing it myself. At least WDW is not only allowing it, but also promoting it. It kind of aggrivates me that DLR and WDW are not on the same page.

[ryanvalle]

I think that they just don't want the characters to sign it because a guest may not like the signature and ask for a refund. These vinyls are expensive and if such thing happens, it would be a loss for Disney.

It's kind of how Disney doesn't like to embroider Mickey ears from club 33. It all comes down to the money involved.

[HT_NSU]

I think that they just don't want the characters to sign it because a guest may not like the signature and ask for a refund. These vinyls are expensive and if such thing happens, it would be a loss for Disney.

It's kind of how Disney doesn't like to embroider Mickey ears from club 33. It all comes down to the money involved.

By that logic, couldn't the guests try the same thing with the autograph books? I think a simple "all sales final" sign would easily take care of that problem. Or at least a clause in the return policy that says once the figure's been marked on/opened there's no returns. I'm sure their return policy is printed on every reciept, right? That's how most companys are these days.

[Sledge]

Ryan makes a good point. :thumbsup:

Have you seen how smudged and faded some of the ones on the shelves look? The material isn't the best for certain markers, especially when being touched over and over again. That was the one thing stopping me from getting characters to sign. I'm wondering if this, along with the characters staining their costumes, is part of the reason.

[JEP]

I hope they still allow this at WDW. I might be going on friday and was planning on doing this.

[BlackHawkTraffic]

That just seems kind of bitter and petty really, I mean come one its a signature of a Disney character who cares where it goes, if thats what the people want who spent 40 bucks on a blank vinlymation let em do it.

[WDWTigger72]

I'm wondering if this, along with the characters staining their costumes, is part of the reason.
This was one of my intial thoughts also regarding staining the costumes, especially where permanent markers can run so easily on those vinylmations. Although, I would imagine the same thing happens when they sign guestbooks, although the ink is less likely to run on paper. I am sure the characters still get the marker all over their paws when just holding the marker. So, My argument about the cost of the costume and cleaning the marker out sort of went out the window.



It kind of aggrivates me that DLR and WDW are not on the same page.

Grrr, This is one of my pet peeves when the same company cannot get on the same page. Although, Disneyland and Walt Disney World are operated under the same corporate umbrella, they are really two seperate individual entities regarding how things are run sometimes. I wish all the parks including international, although they are under a different corporate umbrella, would be more in sync around decisions they make. We have already seen just inside Walt Disney World where cast members are not on the same page with Vinylmation (including similar stores like Art of Disney - AK, Downtown, etc), see it many times with pins and pin trading too.



It's kind of how Disney doesn't like to embroider Mickey ears from club 33. It all comes down to the money involved.

Oh, I have one of these mickey ears, absolutely love it...Never really knew too much about Club 33 until a few years ago. I have some photos I have downloaded but they are from another site member from vmkforums. Good info, I didn't know they wouldn't embroider those mickey ears either...

[BigAl_PT]

I think that they just don't want the characters to sign it because a guest may not like the signature and ask for a refund. These vinyls are expensive and if such thing happens, it would be a loss for Disney.

It's kind of how Disney doesn't like to embroider Mickey ears from club 33. It all comes down to the money involved.
Sorry, but I don't buy that. it makes absolutely no sense to me. Once a figure signs it, the item has been defaced/altered voluntarily by the guest. At that point, Disney has no obligation to take the item back.

[VinylGreg]

Wow! This really has to go down as one of the more Byzantine of the Disney policies. I wonder if Disney will ever give the reasoning behind it. I could understand an artist not signing a blank one, but they do - don't they? I guess they just don't sign in the usual place.


I guess there's always the possibility of the characters making unauthorized Vinyls:

"Look! Pluto painted this Vinyl for me - and signed it!"
"Oh, really? I thought that was Parks #6 'Paw Marks Mouse'."

[MyGlassSlipper]

I'm not sure if it has anything to do with staining their costumes. One time, I brought down a picture frame that could be autographed and I got a whole bunch of characters to sign it. Although, I was in Disney World.:shrug:

[BigAl_PT]

I'm not sure if it has anything to do with staining their costumes. One time, I brought down a picture frame that could be autographed and I got a whole bunch of characters to sign it. Although, I was in Disney World.:shrug:
To me, that sounds more reasonable than people trying to just return thr figures. But, that being said, how come nothing like this has been reported out of WDW? :shrug:

[Wendy]

I love Disney but lets face it, if WE were in charge things would rocks. But Suits in a Ivory Tower run things high above us little people. People on the Diz Boards were making photo shopped personalized names for people going on cruises, for family tee shirts ect that could be printed and ironed on a shirt. Last year Disney sent all the designers threatening letters and half quit. There back at it now, but Disney now offers their personalized shirts (that I wouldn't buy). Same deal with the Fish Extenders (you cruisers know what I mean).

I had NEVER thought of a 9" with park sigs all over it, but what a wonderful idea! Made me want one for my kid. Lets run around and collect them all. And they killed it.

Suits....every last one of them. :doh:

[ryanvalle]

Sorry, but I don't buy that. it makes absolutely no sense to me. Once a figure signs it, the item has been defaced/altered voluntarily by the guest. At that point, Disney has no obligation to take the item back.

It may seem like that but since the guest buys the product on Disney Property and they have a Cast Member sign it, a guest could complain and if they aren't satisfied with the product, which of course is a possibility, especially since its tougher to write on these figures over a regular writing pad.

Of course, this is just my thinking and not an exact reasoning to disney's choices so just take it with a grain of salt and not literally.

[SorcererDonald16]

Disney has some strange policies. Couple years ago I was at a Spring Training game there, and players were signing autographs. Only thing I had on me at that moment was a Disney Autograph Book, so I mosied over there and politely held it out and asked said player if he could please sign this. To which the player said: "Sorry, Disney told us we're not allowed to sign those. I can sign anything else, though." Grabbed a program from a relative, and got his autograph, but... to this day, I'm baffled by that.

It's an autograph book, it's on Disney property. It's my business who I get to sign it. Why the heck would Disney specifically tell them they couldn't sign that?

[BigAl_PT]

I love Disney but lets face it, if WE were in charge things would rocks. But Suits in a Ivory Tower run things high above us little people. People on the Diz Boards were making photo shopped personalized names for people going on cruises, for family tee shirts ect that could be printed and ironed on a shirt. Last year Disney sent all the designers threatening letters and half quit. There back at it now, but Disney now offers their personalized shirts (that I wouldn't buy). Same deal with the Fish Extenders (you cruisers know what I mean).

I had NEVER thought of a 9" with park sigs all over it, but what a wonderful idea! Made me want one for my kid. Lets run around and collect them all. And they killed it.

Suits....every last one of them. :doh:
What was wrong with the t-shirts? Do you have a pic of one?

[vinylFLIP]

Getting signatures on a blank vinylmation does ruin the whole concept and what they were meant for, but then again not everyone thinks the same.

If it all comes down to money, marketing and business, Disney should enjoy people getting signatures on them so that it creates my hype and increases demand.

[BigAl_PT]

Getting signatures on a blank vinylmation does ruin the whole concept and what they were meant for, but then again not everyone thinks the same.
You mean the concept that people should customize them how they see fit? :shrug:

[WDWTigger72]

Disney has some strange policies. Couple years ago I was at a Spring Training game there, and players were signing autographs. Only thing I had on me at that moment was a Disney Autograph Book, so I mosied over there and politely held it out and asked said player if he could please sign this. To which the player said: "Sorry, Disney told us we're not allowed to sign those. I can sign anything else, though." Grabbed a program from a relative, and got his autograph, but... to this day, I'm baffled by that.

It's an autograph book, it's on Disney property. It's my business who I get to sign it. Why the heck would Disney specifically tell them they couldn't sign that?


This may sound stupid, but I partially understand why they told the players not to sign Disney autograph books. For many years, I worked for a large financial firm, and did technology work where we implemented many cutting edge products (Company ABC) that where brand new to the industry. Then Company ABC would publish our logo on their website, or put our name in their documentation, etc as someone who has purchased their product. Our legal team immediately go involved to have it removed because they didn't want their name published. Although, Company ABC probably had good intentions and wanted to market their product more by saying look who has purchased from us, our company didn't want their name out there in case something bad happened with Company ABC. This has happened numerous times where Company ABC gets into some legal trouble and its published all over the internet, newspaper, news, etc then all the companies they have been publishing as purchasers of their product look more like partners. What happens is that the fallout from Company ABC sometimes hits those companies they listed, although there is no affiliation between them except they bought a product. This probably sounds stupid, but its definitely happened quite a few times to companies who have partnerships, purchased products, sell products, etc. where the effects trickle down. Doing technology and legal technology type work has definitely brought some light to this area...

I would only imagine that Disney didn't want a professional baseball player signing their official "Disney" autograph books in case something happened with that player and was associated to Disney. Without going into specifics I could think of quite a few circumstances where Disney didn't want their name involved. Also, I don't know what they players contracts state and some players can only sign certain objects, although this wasn't your situation sometimes they won't sign certain objects. This never use to be the case when I was a little kid, but nowadays with big business being involved things have changed.

[vinylFLIP]

You mean the concept that people should customize them how they see fit? :shrug:

The general concept would be "Art" or "Animation" such as the Vinyl"mation" not Vinyl"graph".

Hahaha....but Vinyl"graph"s would be so cool. In fact that's how Urban Vinyl or Designer Toy collectibles started...by graffiti artists which in fact draw up tags which are like artist autographs.

Wiki: "Designer toys is a term used to describe toys and other collectibles that are produced in limited editions (as few as 10 or as many as 2000 pieces) and created by artists and designers. Designer toys are made of variety of materials; ABS plastic and vinyl are most common, although wood, metal, and resin are occasionally used. The term also encompasses plush, cloth and latex dolls. Creators of designer toys usually have backgrounds in graphic design, illustration or self-described low brow art; some are classically trained in art and design, while others are self-taught. Designer toys first appeared in the 1990s and are still in production today."

Wiki: "Urban vinyl is a type of designer toy, featuring action figures in particular which are usually made of vinyl. Although the term is sometimes used interchangeably with the term designer toy, it is more accurately used as a modifier: not all designer toys can be considered urban vinyl, while urban vinyl figures are necessarily designer toys, by virtue of the way in which they are produced. Like designer toys in general, urban vinyl figures feature original designs, small production numbers, and are marketed to collectors, predominantly adults."

Read more here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Urban_vinyl

[wvugrrrl]

Although the edict seems strange, I'm going to go along with the theory that they're ruining costumes, and tack something else onto that -

Perhaps the rule against Vinyl signing has something to do with the fact that characters have a hard enough time signing blank, flat pieces of paper, let alone a small, not-easy-to-grasp-with-giant-paws, Vinyl mouse. Kind of like the characters that will only sign with stamps - Figment and Buzz Lightyear, for example - or thick markers/pens that they can easily grasp.

So besides the smearing of the ink on the costume/potential ruining of the Vinyl itself, you also have to run the risk of it slipping out of the characters hands, falling on the ground, getting scuffed or broken in the process?

That's just my 2 cents, for what it's worth.

[tropicalaqua]

Although the edict seems strange, I'm going to go along with the theory that they're ruining costumes, and tack something else onto that -

Perhaps the rule against Vinyl signing has something to do with the fact that characters have a hard enough time signing blank, flat pieces of paper, let alone a small, not-easy-to-grasp-with-giant-paws, Vinyl mouse. Kind of like the characters that will only sign with stamps - Figment and Buzz Lightyear, for example - or thick markers/pens that they can easily grasp.

So besides the smearing of the ink on the costume/potential ruining of the Vinyl itself, you also have to run the risk of it slipping out of the characters hands, falling on the ground, getting scuffed or broken in the process?

That's just my 2 cents, for what it's worth.

What about those that don't have costumes? Well that keep it difficult for those to sign their signature. Say for example: Cinderella or any of the princess' or aladdin....

[BigAl_PT]

But, I pose this question...has anyone heard of them issuing the same instructions to Disney World Cast Members?

[blaidddrwg42]

Although the edict seems strange, I'm going to go along with the theory that they're ruining costumes, and tack something else onto that -

Perhaps the rule against Vinyl signing has something to do with the fact that characters have a hard enough time signing blank, flat pieces of paper, let alone a small, not-easy-to-grasp-with-giant-paws, Vinyl mouse. Kind of like the characters that will only sign with stamps - Figment and Buzz Lightyear, for example - or thick markers/pens that they can easily grasp.

So besides the smearing of the ink on the costume/potential ruining of the Vinyl itself, you also have to run the risk of it slipping out of the characters hands, falling on the ground, getting scuffed or broken in the process?

That's just my 2 cents, for what it's worth.

This is exactly what I was thinking. To be honest I was surprised the characters were even able to sign them in the first place. I mean it's a great idea to have them do that, but it just seems so difficult for the characters to do.

[wvugrrrl]

What about those that don't have costumes? Well that keep it difficult for those to sign their signature. Say for example: Cinderella or any of the princess' or aladdin....

In that instance, I would say it has more to do with a message of uniformity across the boards. Perhaps it's so parents won't want to have to explain why character X will sign their Vinyl, but Y won't.

[smallpkgtnt]

I discovered Vinylmations after I was in Disney for a few days. I wish I would've seen it sooner and my kids could've gotten theirs signed by the characters. Although, that is a HUGE autograph item to tote around all day!

[Eric]

What a strange policy. i don't buy that it is to protect costumes, as numerous guests have shirts, pillow cases, etc. signed by characters using markers. In fact, on our last trip, I saw a little girl getting signatures on a cast on her arm.

But again, that was WDW, not DL. I've heard some stories of less than spectacular service from CMs at DL, but have never really observed this first hand.

[Panzee]

i can probably answer this question myself, but i'm assuming that if they have character signings at the D23 expo that they're not going to sign vinylmation figures

[BigAl_PT]

But, I pose this question...has anyone heard of them issuing the same instructions to Disney World Cast Members?
Again, i pose the question, has anyone heard of them issuing the same instructions to Disney World Cast Members?

[wvugrrrl]

Again, i pose the question, has anyone heard of them issuing the same instructions to Disney World Cast Members?

I think the answer is a resounding "No."

[Mouseman74]

It seems to be a Disneyland thing. I checked with some of my contacts in merchandise here and they have not been told or heard that the characters are not to sign the blank vinyls. And, in some locations, they have the blank on display with character signatures to show it as an idea.

[Panzee]

wish i could buy that signed one that's on display, would save me so much time :-P

[mesaguy]

Wow, I never thought of having the characters sign the blank vinylmation. We're going in October, and I hope they let the characters sign them, would be so cool....

[Gentleman ArRi]

thats why you have to do things the shady way. like when people buy drugs, slip them some money and theyll sign it for you. no one seen or heard anything. :rofl:

[disneyfan168]

It seems to be a Disneyland thing. I checked with some of my contacts in merchandise here and they have not been told or heard that the characters are not to sign the blank vinyls. And, in some locations, they have the blank on display with character signatures to show it as an idea.

I saw the blank with the characters signatures on it at the AOD on Main Street, it looked pretty sweet.

[Panzee]

thats why you have to do things the shady way. like when people buy drugs, slip them some money and theyll sign it for you. no one seen or heard anything. :rofl:

i don't know if handing off a 9" vinyl is as easy to do :shrug: :-P

[Gentleman ArRi]

i don't know if handing off a 9" vinyl is as easy to do :shrug: :-P

sure it is just give them a piece of the VM then reattach it later :rofl:

[ScottNWDW]

Just yesterday while working in Character Spot at EPCOT, I am a PhotoPass photographer, 2 sets of guests came through with the 9" Vinylmation for autographs. The characters signed them with no problem.

I have seen guests come through with t-shirts, baseballs, baseball caps, plush figures, picture frames and/or picture mats for signatures. I have seen characters refuse to sign casts or body parts.

As far as why Disneyland won't sign, well I can see where the guests probably didn't like the way a character signed it and would want to get it replaced. It may sound ridiculous, but trust me it happens. People put up a stink to trya nd get something for nothing over the dumbest reasons. My favorite so far was when a lady called to complain that the curtains on the one side of the window hung a half inch longer than the ones on the otherside. She was demanding a full refund of her room charge (Grand Floridian). Basically she was told that most people that come to Disney World don't care about the length of the curtains, but if was going to be that traumatic for her we would be happy to send housekeeping up to change them for her. We had housekeeping go up at 10:30pm since he called around 10:15pm and change out her curtains. BTW, she did not get a refund or a credit.

[mesaguy]

So does anyone know for sure if this is an official policy at Disneyland or not...Planning to go back in October, and really wanting to get one for the characters to sign it...

[mt1234]

we the customers are paying for the vinyls so i feel that we should be able to do what we want with it. if anythin just tell the characters not to sign it, but dont deny people from buying the vinyls.

[BigAl_PT]

we the customers are paying for the vinyls so i feel that we should be able to do what we want with it. if anythin just tell the characters not to sign it, but dont deny people from buying the vinyls.
No one is preventing anyone from buying them. That's not the issue. Apparently DL management has informed cast members characters NOT to sign the blank 9" figures.

[DisneyForever]

I was just in Disney World in Sept. and bought one of the 9" Vinylnation and I have the fab five sign it! They never said anything to me, that they could not. So that's really odd to me that Disneyland will not let people do this, maybe they will change their minds.:shrug: And here I was going to take it to Disneyland this June and have like Chip & Dale and Daisy Duck sign it! I guess I will just bring it and give it a try!

By the way it looks way cool, I love it!!!

[VinylGina]

Maybe this is because some of the costumes make it difficult to hold the vinylmation? I mean I could see that if pluto (just for this example, I don't think pluto is one of the characters with weird hands) could barely hold your figure it MAY lead kids to go "whats wrong with his hands" and all that stuff you don't want them to say when meeting a character. Or they may be planning a vinylmation specifically for autographs (to capitalize on this) so they may not want you using the white ones... just some theories.
Ludacris if you ask my opinion :shrug:

[butterfly_kiss]

wow that's kind of lame. i cant believe that. people should be allowed to do what they want with their blank vinylmations. oh well i'm sure they have a good reason for it.

[HitchHikingGhostFangirl]

It is pretty lame. I dont see what the issue is, if people want to get them signed and are willing to buy the blank ones, why stop them?

[toogoofy]

Just yesterday while working in Character Spot at EPCOT, I am a PhotoPass photographer, 2 sets of guests came through with the 9" Vinylmation for autographs. The characters signed them with no problem.

I have seen guests come through with t-shirts, baseballs, baseball caps, plush figures, picture frames and/or picture mats for signatures. I have seen characters refuse to sign casts or body parts.

As far as why Disneyland won't sign, well I can see where the guests probably didn't like the way a character signed it and would want to get it replaced. It may sound ridiculous, but trust me it happens. People put up a stink to trya nd get something for nothing over the dumbest reasons. My favorite so far was when a lady called to complain that the curtains on the one side of the window hung a half inch longer than the ones on the otherside. She was demanding a full refund of her room charge (Grand Floridian). Basically she was told that most people that come to Disney World don't care about the length of the curtains, but if was going to be that traumatic for her we would be happy to send housekeeping up to change them for her. We had housekeeping go up at 10:30pm since he called around 10:15pm and change out her curtains. BTW, she did not get a refund or a credit.


I agree, some person who thinks they are intitled to everything has probably ruined it for the rest of us. As far as the curtain lady, they should have sent Stitch up to her room for 5 minutes, bet the length of the curtains would be the least of her concern.

[HawaiiCanuck]

In response to people talking about how it might be hard for some of the characters to hold the Vinyl (especially the ones with the larger gloves), when I was at WDW last month and had them sign my 9" I would actually hold the Vinyl for them and they would sign it that way. This way they don't have to worry about dropping it or trying to hold it. For example when I had Mickey sign it, he signed the top of the head while I held onto the bottom half of the Vinyl. Characters that didn't have the gloves, like the Princesses and the Fairies would just hold it themselves and sign it that way.

[masonduo]

Just yesterday while working in Character Spot at EPCOT, I am a PhotoPass photographer, 2 sets of guests came through with the 9" Vinylmation for autographs. The characters signed them with no problem.

I have seen guests come through with t-shirts, baseballs, baseball caps, plush figures, picture frames and/or picture mats for signatures. I have seen characters refuse to sign casts or body parts.

As far as why Disneyland won't sign, well I can see where the guests probably didn't like the way a character signed it and would want to get it replaced. It may sound ridiculous, but trust me it happens. People put up a stink to trya nd get something for nothing over the dumbest reasons. My favorite so far was when a lady called to complain that the curtains on the one side of the window hung a half inch longer than the ones on the otherside. She was demanding a full refund of her room charge (Grand Floridian). Basically she was told that most people that come to Disney World don't care about the length of the curtains, but if was going to be that traumatic for her we would be happy to send housekeeping up to change them for her. We had housekeeping go up at 10:30pm since he called around 10:15pm and change out her curtains. BTW, she did not get a refund or a credit.

:lol:
This so funny. It's sad to know that people do this. And it does not surprise me one bit. There's always a couple of people out there who ruin stuff for everyone else. BTW thanks for sharing the story. It's always nice to hear stories from Disney Cast Members.

[BeachGurl]

My favorite so far was when a lady called to complain that the curtains on the one side of the window hung a half inch longer than the ones on the otherside. She was demanding a full refund of her room charge (Grand Floridian). Basically she was told that most people that come to Disney World don't care about the length of the curtains, but if was going to be that traumatic for her we would be happy to send housekeeping up to change them for her. We had housekeeping go up at 10:30pm since he called around 10:15pm and change out her curtains. BTW, she did not get a refund or a credit.

WOW. That is just insanely ridiculous. She must have a really bad case of OCD. :bonk:

[CrustyJuggler]

My only guess is that Disney corporate is already planning to release Vinylmations with character autographs and they don't want people to obtain them on their own. Either that or they don't want Vinylmation autograph seekers clogging up the lines to see the characters (not that there's alot to worry about). Regardless, it's a pretty dumb rule. If it makes Disney money and keeps the people happy and in their park, then what's the problem?

[Knev1]

I know when we bought our blank 3" vinylmation. The castmember told us the that the 9" could be used for charactor signing. That of course was a few weeks ago. I bought it for my daughter to design her own. I would think that anyone could sign the Vinylmations and say it was Mickey Mouse that signed it. There is different people in DLR that are Mickey and I am sure they sign the name differently. I would much rather have an artist that designed Vinylmation sign than a charactor. I could see for a small child it would be so cool to remember your trip to the park with the Vinylmation sign by your favorite charactors. What is Disney thinking??
I agree!! You bought it - well then it should be signed. Come on!! You paid admission - you want a napkin signed - the CM should sign it.......

[ScottNWDW]

My only guess is that Disney corporate is already planning to release Vinylmations with character autographs and they don't want people to obtain them on their own. Either that or they don't want Vinylmation autograph seekers clogging up the lines to see the characters (not that there's alot to worry about). Regardless, it's a pretty dumb rule. If it makes Disney money and keeps the people happy and in their park, then what's the problem?

I don't see how it would clog up the lines, with all the autograph books and other crap that guests bring in to have autographed. Actually, it could be a case where the ink may rub of on the costume parts and some inks are hard to get off in the laundering process. Since WDW has a larger more sophisticated laundering facility I don't think it's as big a problem there. I do know that character attendants and photopass photographers were asked at one time to stop having specific sharpie colors because those colors were hard to get out if they got on the character. However that was a while back and I have not heard of anything since.

[CrustyJuggler]

I don't see how it would clog up the lines, with all the autograph books and other crap that guests bring in to have autographed. Actually, it could be a case where the ink may rub of on the costume parts and some inks are hard to get off in the laundering process. Since WDW has a larger more sophisticated laundering facility I don't think it's as big a problem there. I do know that character attendants and photopass photographers were asked at one time to stop having specific sharpie colors because those colors were hard to get out if they got on the character. However that was a while back and I have not heard of anything since.

Yeah I saw their laundry/costume facility on a tour and it was pretty elaborate and amazing. It would suck getting sharpie markings on any piece of clothing - especially the masks.

[BigAl_PT]

Again, nothing presented on this thread explains why there is the disconnect between Disneyland and Walt Disney World. If there was a problem with costumes getting dirty in DL, wouldn't that also be the case in WDW?! :shrug:

[coolmommy]

Perhaps you al down in WDW are just pain neater then those of us on the weat coast. I have not tried to have the characters sign the 9" but I am tempted just because I still haven't read why they can't. At least anything that makes any sense. Just seems like Disney is once again shooting themselves in the foot. :nono:


Again, nothing presented on this thread explains why there is the disconnect between Disneyland and Walt Disney World. If there was a problem with costumes getting dirty in DL, wouldn't that also be the case in WDW?! :shrug:

[JEP]

Yeah I saw their laundry/costume facility on a tour and it was pretty elaborate and amazing. It would suck getting sharpie markings on any piece of clothing - especially the masks.

Gonzo and Camilla thought it was Walt Disney's Laundry Land in The Muppets at Walt Disney World. :lol:

[ScottNWDW]

Again, nothing presented on this thread explains why there is the disconnect between Disneyland and Walt Disney World. If there was a problem with costumes getting dirty in DL, wouldn't that also be the case in WDW?! :shrug:

As I stated in a previous post, I beleive it might have to do with the laundering facilities here in Orlando, which are more elaborate and larger than in California. Given that the facilities here do all the laundry for over 20 hotels, 4 theme parks, 2 water parks, Downtown Disney and let's not forget all the character costumes, security, transportation etc. Maybe the facilities and processes that are in Florida have a better capability of getting the ink stains out than what they have in California.

[STP03bluesi]

maybe the DL ones need to learn to sign better...hahahaha.

[stitch1085]

I was always under the impression that characters were allowed to sign anything but human SKIN. They can sign shirts, hats, sweaters, pieces of paper, maps, photos, postcards, why not VINYLS? I think the smearing idea might be right tho because all of these materials absorb the ink fairly quickly so theres no smudging or staining. The vinyl might take a bit of time to dry.

[startedwithamouse]

The explanation I was given was that generally the characters are discouraged (note: discouraged) to sign personal property other than autograph books and photos. Personal property includes tshirts, hats, and any Disney memorabilia including Vinylmation figures. Casts and skin are not allowed as well. That measure has to be taken in precaution of guests selling said items on eBay for higher profit if signed by, let's say the big cheese himself, Mickey Mouse. It sounds unlikely for us die-hard Vinylmation collectors since we would want none other than to keep these prized autographed figures for ourselves. However, there are Disney fanatics out there who would put up an auction for a napkin signed by Mickey and make some profit from it. Thus, that is what the Disney company is trying to prevent from my understanding. It's disappointing, I know, and would have been a much more creative way to collect character autographs. If you happen to visit any of the parks please keep this in mind.

[Theporembskis]

Ok, this explains a lot. We went to Disneyland for the first time last year and we brought a 9" white blank for signatures along with a pack of different colored Sharpies. Yes, it was a pain to lug around and we got some scuffs on it here and there but I'm glad we did. As for signatures, we got a couple of the Princesses (Mulan & Aurora), Pluto, Chip, & Minnie. Goofy refused. He wasn't rude and because he couldn't talk he couldn't explain why. I felt like an idiot because at first I didn't understand and thought he just couldn't "see" it, then he kind of waved us off (I thought it was because of the odd shape and how the other characters struggled a little in signing a legible autograph, or else because I, the dad, was holding it at first).

Anyway, we have LOTS of blank space on this (and the pens still) and when we hopefully have scraped up enough pennies to return to the World, we'll get our blank Mickey filled out nicely.

As far as the scuffs are concerned, they rubbed right out with a damp magic erase.

[rpc94]

Sorry if i'm repeating anything, but does this include WDW too? Because I was thinking of doing something like this on my next trip in August....

[mikedanger]

first off, let me apologize for necroposting in my very first post here, but after doing a google search as to why some characters wouldn't sign our VM's i found this thread

my brother took his family to WDW earlier this month and came back will all sorts of great signed items, including the 9" blank VM's that his daughters took around the park and had signed. we stole this idea for our trip to DL last week and picked up 2 blank VM's at our local disney store before heading out. we were first declined by goofy who gave us a simple head wave and a finger wag implying that he couldn't sign it. well crap...so we took a pic so we didn't feel like total tools and chalked it off. next up was chip or dale, whoever has the reddish nose...same thing. i text my brother kinda pissed that we bought these things, packed them in our suitcases and brought them all the way out to DL for nobody to sign. the next morning we had a breakfast scheduled at ariel's grotto so we though we would give it one last try...maybe the human characters would sign it and SUCCESS! all of the princesses at the breakfast signed it so we thought we were in business! we head out to the park with our new found confidence and see aladdin and jasmine signing so we wait in line and ask jasmine to sign it...she refuses telling us that mickey has asked her not to sign those and she is sorry. at that point we gave up and left them in the hotel room for the rest of the trip.

i, like many others, am just confused as to the different policies from park to park. i assume that when you pay $50 a head for some scrambled eggs and bacon, policies go out the window and that's why we were able to get the sigs at breakfast

thanks for listening

mike

[Rescue Ranger]

I can see it being to protect the characters outfits/dresses if the ink rubs off easy and gets all over them???

[Vinyl~lover]

I was just there 3 or 4 weeks ago and they still had them signing them. I Hope they still do sign. I am goiing in november and december. :/