Guests White Glove 1, White Glove 2, and Scott Aukerman talk about the challenges of being theme park fuzzies, including bad working conditions and mistreatment. They discuss getting lost at Disneyland, the hierarchy of performers, break room discomfort, and the love-hate relationship with Disneyland. They also explore finding fulfillment and the controversial treatment of passionate employees at theme parks.
Fuzzies in theme parks face challenges including humiliation, discomfort, and abuse, highlighting the need for better treatment and respect towards performers.
Theme park guests must respect the personal space and boundaries of fuzzy performers and refrain from inappropriate behavior or comments.
Deep dives
The Challenges of Working as a Theme Park Fuzzy
Working as a character performer in a theme park, or a 'fuzzy,' is not as magical as it seems. Many fuzzies face difficult working conditions, including humiliation, bad treatment, and physical abuse. Podcast guests share their experiences, including getting lost for hours in costume, enduring extremely hot and uncomfortable outfits, dealing with inappropriate guest behavior, and even facing injuries that resulted in permanent disabilities. Despite the challenges, some fuzzies still appreciate the opportunity to bring joy to visitors' lives and bond with their fellow cast members.
The Disturbing Behavior of Some Theme Park Guests
The podcast also sheds light on the disturbing behavior exhibited by some theme park guests towards fuzzies. It highlights instances of guests making inappropriate comments, touching inappropriately, or behaving disrespectfully towards the characters. Fuzzies recount incidents where they were subjected to sexual harassment or confronted with guests who seemed to forget there was a person underneath the costume. These experiences show the importance of respecting the personal space and boundaries of the performers.
The Hierarchy and Disparity Among Theme Park Employees
An additional aspect explored in the podcast is the hierarchy and disparity among theme park employees. Fuzzies are considered at the bottom of the hierarchy, often earning low wages and facing challenging working conditions. The podcast discusses the divisions between different types of characters, such as face characters (princesses) and show characters (such as Mickey and Minnie). Additionally, the podcast reveals that some employees unions exist, but they don't always adequately address the pay discrepancies and other challenges faced by the fuzzies.
Mixed Feelings and Fond Memories
Despite the negatives, some former fuzzies still hold fond memories of their time as theme park characters. They cherish the friendships forged among cast members and the joy they brought to guests. Many appreciate the skills and personal growth they gained from the experience. While acknowledging the need for better treatment, these individuals maintain a love for the parks and the opportunities they provided. Ultimately, the podcast presents a complex picture of the theme park fuzzy experience, combining both difficulties and cherished moments.
The theme park fuzzy. Costumed head-to-toe in a fur-covered, foam-lined, portable sweat lodge. Why do they do it? For money? For honor? Matt and Amanda seek to find out as they talk to a menagerie of chipmunks, donkeys, and of course, mice. Guests include White Glove 1, White Glove 2, Scott Aukerman, Jeff B. Davis, and Space Ranger.