Disney park mascot actors bring joy to visitors, but for the performers hidden inside the costumes, it's hard to feel joyful under harsh conditions. During an outdoor float parade at Shanghai Disneyland, an actor dressed as Tigger suffered heatstroke and collapsed due to high temperatures. Throughout the rescue and the journey to the medical room, the actor never removed the headpiece, causing many netizens to question whether the park’s regulations are too rigid.
During the parade at Shanghai Disney, the performer playing Tigger reportedly collapsed, possibly due to heatstroke. Visitors nearby rushed to help cool him off, but it’s believed that park regulations forbid removing the mascot head, so guests could only try to fan air in through the mouth opening of the costume, while park staff quickly intervened to handle the situation.
Although Disney's official response stated that the affected actor was sent to the park’s medical room within two minutes by wheelchair and received preliminary treatment from a nurse, the public continues to question the inflexible rules, asking: “If a life is lost, would such a rule still be reasonable?” because the actor never removed the headpiece from the moment he collapsed to being sent for treatment.
Later, some netizens called Shanghai Disneyland to inquire whether there is a strict rule prohibiting actors from removing their headpieces. Park representatives replied that the matter was awaiting further clarification by the relevant authorities and it was inconvenient to comment.
Shanghai Disneyland also emphasized that the health and safety of cast members is always a priority. They will dynamically adjust operations according to weather warnings, including simplifying parade scale, reducing staff outdoor work hours, etc., to ensure staff safety and balance the guest experience.
An actor told Jiu Pai News that he has worked in this role for two or three years, playing more than twenty characters. During the New Year, there can be eight performances a day, and he has worn mascot costumes for two or three hours straight on some TV shows.
He said different characters have different designs and weights, but most costumes are quite stuffy inside, and physical fitness is tested during auditions.
“This job requires a combination of physical strength, performance, and dancing. After each show, you’re soaked, and after work you still need to prep for the next appearance or dance rehearsal.”
He also noted that this profession isn't highly paid—most actors are “working out of love”—though for him, it brings joy.
“Every interaction and performance with every audience member or visitor is the most beautiful moment for me.”
He added: “Heatstroke usually happens when an actor isn’t in a good state, because we’re normally well-trained in physical fitness and dance. Generally, a single performance isn’t a problem for us. As for other accidents, like falls, getting hit on the head, or parts falling off, the park usually has emergency response plans.”