Disneyland's Character

"Disneyland is an escape from reality and a chance to take you deep into fantasy, a place for everyone at all ages", describes Russell Robson, a performer at the Disneyland Resort Paris (formerly Euro Disney).

It was pure luck! Russell one day read the papers and had come across an ad that read, "Auditions for Disneyland". He auditioned and easily passed it! "I had always been in love with Disneyland. Sounds dramatic, but when I saw the castle in the distance, I decided that I was meant to be in this place, and here I am today, performing", he shares. "My first performance was in one of the shows called Mickey Show Time. At present, I do parades and play a character. This has made me meet so many great people, which gave me the chance to express myself in singing, dancing and acting. Personally, I love it".

In parades, Russell plays for Mary Poppins, Aladdin and Sleeping Beauty. "It's great that once in a while, I get the chance to alternate. However, I think that being a chimneysweeper for Mary Poppins is quite fun because you get to dance and get the audience involved. It's such an amazing thing to be performing for everyone", says Russell.

For character, he plays Pluto the dog, Tweedle Dee or Tweedle Dum from Alice in Wonderland, Chip or Dale and Tigger from Winnie the Pooh. "I like playing Tweedle Dee or Tweedle Dum and Chip or Dale because you always have a partner and have company the whole day. I tend to work well with my partner because we just go around and do silly things. These are naughty characters, but they're fun. They always put a smile on people's faces", he says. "However, I dislike playing Tigger! I have to admit that he's adorable, but he's too orange! Tigger can be seen from miles away because of his flashing colour and most of the time, he gets mobbed! It's also hard to see because he has such a long nose and can be quite uncomfortable. Apart from that, he has to bounce around all day, which can be really exhausting, but hey, Tigger's cool", Russell says with a smile.

Being a character isn't easy because people expect you to know every single detail on which you play at that time. "For example, if you play a prince, people expect you to be with your princess or you should be able to answer every question in relation to your character. You know, things like that", he says. "Also, each and every character have the same signature, so whichever Disneyland in the world you go to, you'll get the same autograph", he laughs!

What Russell likes most about Disneyland is that the characters are really taken cared of in terms of accommodation, food, pay and friends. "Disneyland has Disney Residences for the characters, lots of food backstage, great pay and it gives you the chance to meet friends! Social life is amazing, the Disney Village is life!"

Only at 23, Russell has accomplished so much in his life and he's not stopping! He does what he enjoys most, which is performing. "I've been with Disney for quite a time now and this I have to say…Disneyland is just not for children, but for adults as well. It is really an amazing experience one will never regret, so stay for a couple of days at least as Disneyland is relatively big. It's back to performing for me now, so I guess I'll see you there", he ends with a smile.