Disney Tips Your Guide To A Great Disney Vacation
A recent TikTok video has reignited an ongoing debate over theme park etiquette. A child was caught on camera punching and shoving two beloved characters at Walt Disney World Resort. One performer even stepped away from the scene to “cool down” after the encounter.
Donald Duck and Pluto Targeted in Startling Guest Interaction
Credit: Disney
The video, originally shared by Noelle Jajo (@adventureawaitstravelco) on TikTok, highlights two instances of misconduct during a character meet-and-greet. The footage shows an elementary-aged child suddenly punching Donald Duck in the stomach while the costumed character was dancing. Moments later, the same child forcefully shoved Pluto from behind, leading the performer to walk away to regain composure.
@adventureawaitstravelco Friendly reminder to talk to our kiddos about @Disney character interactions and what is/isn’t appropriate before visiting @Disney Parks #disneycharacter #disney #character #pluto #donald #kids #disneyresort #disneymom #disneyworld #bad #reminder #parents
The guest who shared the video urged parents to educate their children about proper Disney character interactions before visiting the parks.
“Parents, please have a conversation with your kids about Disney Character interactions before visiting,” the Disney Park guest pleaded.
Pluto Signals for Help and Steps Away
Unlike face characters, costumed Disney characters—such as Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, and Pluto—cannot verbally communicate with guests. Instead, they rely on emergency signals to discreetly alert their character attendants when they feel unsafe, unwell, or need assistance.
Credit: Disney
After being shoved from behind, Pluto used one of these emergency signals to indicate a problem and then stepped outside to consult with a cast member before returning to greet guests.
“It was sad to see! Pluto was really upset and went outside to talk with a cast member to let them know about the situation,” the TikToker recalled. “But what’s worse, is the kid still kept running around bothering them.”
Disney Fans Slam the Child’s Parents
The video quickly sparked an intense discussion online, with Disney Parks fans overwhelmingly blaming the child’s parents for failing to intervene.
Credit: Disney
“What little brats!” @hsarge0905 wrote. “That’s so rude of them to abuse a character like that. Shame on those parents for not raising & teaching them proper behavior.”
“Nah that family should have been removed from the parks, that kid is old enough to know that’s not okay, and the parents should be ashamed of this behavior, unacceptable,” said @ilied_itwastwice.
Several Disney Parks fans argued that if a child mistreats a cast member, other guests should intervene.
Credit: Disney
“We straight up saw a boy punch Cinderella & the mom LAUGHED,” @ladyzombie88 wrote. “I called her son & her a few choice words & she went to tell a cast member. I showed them the video of it & the CM escorted them out.”
“I saw a kid pull on poor Pluto once and I went to tell the nearest cast member,” @runitsanna added. “Hopefully something was done.”
Safety Measures for Disney Characters
Credit: Tokyo Disney Resort
Wearing heavy costumes with limited visibility, Disney characters must rely on subtle body language and hand signals to communicate with their attendants and ensure everyone’s safety. Encourage children to be gentle and make sure characters can see them before rushing into an interaction.
Disney character performers bring onscreen magic to life. In the comments, share your favorite character meet-and-greet memories with Disney Tips!
Yes, parenst fault First, and also the child fault for misbehavior. Remove the child and parents from the Park! No re entry for 1 year. If another instanced happens with bad behavior, expulsion from Disney Parks.
Protect Disney Property and employees (CAST MEMBERS)