Pal Mickey
by Dave Marx, Author of PassPorter
Travel Guides
Who’s 10 inches tall and is
destined to become the most popular tour guide at Walt Disney World? Pal Mickey! Pal
Mickey is Disney Imagineering’s latest, plush innovation, a soft, loveable toy that
plays games wherever he goes, and becomes an instant tour guide whenever he enters a Walt
Disney World theme park.
Resembling a cross between Baby Mickey
and the fully-grown Mouse, Pal Mickey is programmed with over 700 voice messages and 100
minutes of audio. Thanks to a special radio receiver, he knows just where he is in the
park and can recite park touring tips and fun trivia for nearby attractions. He even knows
what time it is! "Say, ‘Fantasmic!’ will be starting in about an
hour," he might note while you tour Disney-MGM Studios, "If ya wanna see it,
now’s a good time to go grab a seat!" He also remembers where he’s been, so
he won’t repeat the same tip over and over again (frequent visitors beware, as
eventually Pal Mickey will run out of tips to share).
Mickey doesn’t just blurt out this
information, either. He’ll giggle and shake when he has something to share, and
usually won’t speak during shows. Squeeze one of his hands or press his tummy within
15 seconds, and he’ll share his secret. If you want to repeat the message up to five
times ("Here Mommy, listen!"), just press his hand or tummy again within that
magic 15 seconds. Small children will probably want to carry him in their arms, but he
also comes with a nifty belt clip for hands-free adult touring. He’s also designed to
be easily cleaned and stand up to typical small-child and theme park hazards.
While we didn’t have a chance to
take Pal Mickey for a walk, we’re itching to try. Everyone will have a chance very
soon. Disney will start rolling out its new creation this week, starting at the gift shops
in the deluxe resorts. He should be available in theme park shops by the time a month has
passed.
Pal Mickey can be purchased for $65. Rentals are no longer available.
Pal Mickey’s creators are looking
forward to many more Pals, designed to cater to a variety of ages and interests.
Dave’s hoping for a Pal Jessica Rabbit, but the toy's creators (and Jennifer)
aren’t sure Dave’ll get his wish.
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Updated 12/29/06
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