Former performers describe guest encounters while in Disney character roles

Two women who previously worked as Disney character performers said company rules prevented them from breaking character even when guests engaged in unwanted physical contact. The policy, referred to internally as "character integrity," ranks as a core requirement for the role, according to the women.

Both described situations in which they said they felt unable to respond directly while in costume.

Reported incidents Alyssa Klinzing, who portrayed Princess Elsa at Disneyland in Anaheim in 2018, said a guest extended a hug into prolonged contact and attempted to reach under her costume. She said she remained in character, later filed an incident report, and was told the guest had intellectual disabilities and would be permitted to return with a chaperone.

Klinzing stated she encountered the same guest on later visits and continued to submit reports. She also said she learned that other performers had filed similar complaints involving the individual. Hunter Haag, who performed as Rapunzel and Belle at Disney World between 2016 and 2021, described separate encounters that included gestures and comments from guests.

She said the same rule against breaking character applied during those interactions.

Additional workplace conditions The women said performers faced expectations about physical appearance and noted competition for roles. Klinzing said she left the company after seven years, citing the cumulative effect of the requirements. Some guest-performer incidents at Disney parks have led to police involvement, according to prior reports cited in the coverage.