Blistering Heat, Low Pay as Disneyland Character All Worth It to See Sheer Terror in Child’s Eyes

Anaheim, CA – Brett Rawls clocked out after another long day at Disneyland where he works as a character performer for Goofy. Slowly removing his sweat-soaked costume, he noted that he made barely more than minimum wage in the role, all while subject to intense heat, angry parents and even the occasional thrown pizza.

"But it's all worth it," he said, "just to know that every day I get to be part of a child's magical experience here at Disneyland. The part where they scream in abject terror that a costumed character is coming to hug them."

Several of Rawls' peers agreed, noting the harsh conditions formed a sort of camaraderie among the group.

"None of us would be here," said Sandra O'Hara, who performs as the Evil Queen from the movie Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, "If it weren't for those moments of pure connection, where you just see the childlike fear in their eyes. Nothing compares."

Rawls is not content remain forever as Goofy. "I aspire to something bigger, such as Scully," the monster from Monster's Inc. or possibly Captain Hook. But he's also happy to perfect his craft as the humble Mickey Mouse side kick. "As we often say here, even the most humble character can inspire nightmares in children."