Wipeout! Toddler Crashes Into Iconic Disney Character

One of the most magical parts about visiting Walt Disney World Resort is being able to meet some of the classic characters you have grown up watching and loving. Being in the Magic Kingdom and giving Mickey Mouse a big hug is a special experience for both adults and children. Each of Disney’s four theme parks have different character meet and greets that people love, from classic characters like Mickey and Minnie to princesses like Elsa and Ariel, and unique characters like Figment in EPCOT.

In Disney’s Hollywood Studios, guests can meet some of their favorite characters from the Toy Story franchise, including Woody, Buzz Lightyear, Bo Peep, and more. In order to keep things organized, Disney cast members — called handlers — walk with the characters to their designated meet-and-greet location.

On their way to the meet-and-greet spot, the characters will wave to guests and maybe even do something silly for their cameras. However, guests are asked not to get too close, as the characters can’t stop for pictures.

Unfortunately, one group didn’t heed that message and let their toddler run to Woody as he was walking.

The little boy crashed straight into Woody’s legs and was knocked to the ground. The cast member playing Woody also lost their balance and nearly face-planted into the ground. Thankfully, they were lucky to right themselves at the last moment.

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The boy immediately got up and looked upset by what had happened. Cast members quickly leaned down to help him and make sure he wasn’t hurt.

Many of the comments on the video, as well as the creator’s description, did not feel bad for the boy at all. In fact, they were upset at the parents for putting the boy and the cast member in the position of someone getting hurt.

Woody could’ve seriously got injured and the child. Parents need to be more attentive

There were even some former cast members who commented on the video. They said that they had something similar happen to them. One even said that they saw parents encouraging their children to run up and give hugs, which can be very dangerous.

I used to be a character performer at a theme park and parents would throw their kids at me when I was walking to try and get pictures 😑

Related: 6 Disney Characters You Can’t Meet in the Parks

It is very important for guests to remember that behind the mask, there is a real person in that costume. In addition to that, those complex costumes are very difficult to see out of. Cast members in the costumes very rarely have a full range of vision, so they cannot always see if a person is approaching them, especially if it is a young child.

Guests are encouraged to follow the characters to their meet-and-greet locations. Once there, the character will gladly interact with you and your family when it is your turn. Cast members and PhotoPass photographers will be happy to take photos of the interaction. PhotoPass photographers will even be able to upload your photos onto your MagicBand and you will be able to see them almost instantly!

Have you ever seen a child put a character or themselves in danger in the parks? Let us know in the comments!