How To Become a Disney Character

Ever wanted to play Mickey Mouse? Here’s how!

Credit: Disney

There’s nothing like a magical moment with one of your favorite Disney characters. And, while being a Disney princess is the goal of many aspiring young Disney lovers, it’s quite a hard gig to get. Especially if you don’t fit into the specific requirements — we can’t all look like Cinderella, after all.

So, if you still want to play a costumed character at Disney — like Pluto or Stitch — here’s how you can become one.

Character Requirements

Unlike playing a Disney princess, playing a costumed Disney character doesn’t require much — although there is still a height requirement that can be restricting. Here are the requirements for character performers at Disney:

• 18 years of age or older

• Slender, athletic build with full range of motion and high energy levels — guests can’t see your face and characters can’t talk, so you have to be able to interact using your body language

• Ability to wear large body costumes in hot temperatures

• Performers must be between certain height requirements to play certain characters. Disney commonly looks for performers between 4'7.5" and 5'0.5," 5'10" and 6'0," 5'11" and 6'4"

  • Characters like Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, Daisy Duck, Piglet, Lilo, Stitch, Chip, Dale, and the Seven Dwarves are all played by shorter performers

  • Characters like Captain Hook, Genie, Tigger, Goofy, Woody, Green Army Men, Mr. Incredible, and Chewbacca are played by taller performers

How To Apply To Be a Disney Character

The application process to work at Disney can be pretty grueling, but if you’re willing to try, here’s how to apply to be a Disney character.

1. Find current job listings on Disney Auditions or on the Disney Auditions Instagram.

2. Create a performer profile.

3. Upload your resume and any required photos.

4. Submit the first part of your application.

5. Now, head to Check-In and select your chosen audition.

6. Upload any required photos.

7. Submit the final part of the application.

Be sure to look out for any application deadlines and remember, you must submit both parts of the application to be considered for the role. After you submit both parts, you’ll wait to hear back if you made it to the next phase. If selected, you’ll hear from Talent Casting who will explain the in-person callback.

During the audition, you will audition for any open role — you do not get to choose which character you audition for. The callback could consist of dancing — if your character will perform in a show or parade — so be prepared for that. Because characters don’t show their faces or speak, the audition process is likely easier than the Disney princess audition process, but it’s still very competitive. You’ll go through multiple rounds of eliminations before Disney decides who can play their next Mickey.

After the Audition

If you’re lucky enough to be selected to play a Disney character, your onboarding will start. You’ll attend trainings that teach you how to play and autograph as the character, as well as basic Disney trainings (like learning about the 5 Keys).

Admittedly, it’s a lot of work to become a Disney character — and it’s a very sought-after job. But, if it’s one of your goals, then you should apply!

Because as Walt said, “First, think. Second, believe. Third, dream. And finally, dare."