The secrets of being a Disneyland princess: Smile constantly, never sit down and always remain in character, but you'll still be forced to retire at 27

A former Snow White has revealed the tough demands that Disney places on its 'face characters'
Actors have to conform to rigid body types and can't be taller than 5ft 7 inches
Those lucky enough to be selected are expected to remain in character at all time

PUBLISHED: 23:59 EST, 10 April 2013 | UPDATED: 16:06 EST, 11 April 2013

A former Disneyland princess has revealed the tough demands placed on the real-life actors playing classic animated characters including Snow White, Alice In Wonderland and Tinkerbell.

Known as ‘face characters,’ the princesses not only have to look the part, they need to remember quotes from their movies, stay in character at all times, and know how to sing and dance.

A former Snow White actress, known only as Reddit user doublenn recently held an Ask Me Anything Q&A session in which she revealed how tough it can be working at Disneyland.

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Former Snow White face character Doublenn has revealed the tough demands placed on the real-life actors playing classic Disney characters

In order to play a Disney princess an actor must have the right body type, the right age, and have the right temperament, reports Business Insider.

According to doublenn, becoming a Disney princess requires a long and drawn out audition process.

First the girls are checked to see which character they could potentially look like, then follow several other tests including dancing, acting in character and an interview.

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There are certain height restrictions involved as a Disney princess is typically between 5ft 4inches and 5ft 7inches, although for fairies such as Tinkerbell, Alice and Wendy must be more petite - between 4ft 11inches and 5ft 2inches.

Age is another important factor. Most girls are between 18 and 23, some last until they are 27, but it is almost unheard off for a princess or fairy to be played by someone over 27.

Being a Disney princess looks easy... but is it?

Disney face characters are required to stay in character at all times and always smile

Once chosen, the lucky actors go through an intensive five day training course during which they study Disney movies so they can quote lines said by their character.

Each day requires a lot of preparation for the actor to become their character. Doublenn told Reddit that it would take her an hour to get read, including 20 minutes just putting on Snow White’s dress.

Throughout the day she was then required to touch-up her makeup to ensure she always looked her best.

Doublenn also revealed that being a face character isn’t a lucrative career and during her time as Snow White she started on $13.50 an hour which increased to $16.

Actors playing Disney princesses go through a tough selection process and their careers are over before they become 27

Disney also has lots of rules for its actors to follow, with the main one being that princesses need to remain in character at all time.

Other rules include not being allowed to sit down while working, always smiling, always doing the character's voice.

Doublenn revealed that as a result of straining her voice to sound more like Snow White over several years she developed inoperable vocal nodes.

However she also says she enjoyed her time at Disney and made some long lasting friends with the other princesses.

Rules for Disney princesses include always smiling and always talking in the voice of their character

A Former 'Snow White' Dishes About Life As A Disney Park Princess

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Can't be taller than 5ft 7 inches?? Good grief!

- Pat Barton , Rising Fawn, United States, 12/4/2013 03:29

Click to rate Rating 1

EbonyQueen: that's because Bonnie is their owner since Toy Story 3 came out!

- Guinevere81 , Austin, 12/4/2013 01:28

Click to rate Rating 4

I went to Disney world last year in Orlando and I yelled "Andy is coming" to some of the Toy Story characters.... and they did nothing, sigh. They used to stop what they were doing and drop, lol.

- EbonyQueen , Houston, 12/4/2013 00:38

Click to rate Rating 38

I would love to do this, though at 28 I am over the hill :) how I would love to escape from my mundane office job.

- Emily , London, 12/4/2013 00:26

Click to rate Rating 20

It's a tough life..................

- stephbk123 , London, 12/4/2013 00:19

Click to rate Rating 8

never sit down? DM says it like you are standing all day. you work 30 mins in character then 30 mins break to rest, eat etc

- skyepup , bonnybridge, United Kingdom, 11/4/2013 23:47

Click to rate Rating 18

never sit down? dm makes it sound like you are standing all day! you work 30 mins on(in character) 30 mins off to have a break, eat etc

- skyepup , bonnybridge, United Kingdom, 11/4/2013 23:43

Click to rate Rating 4

Could you imagine meeting excited children all day? It would be hard to not smile constantly!

- Bea , Manchester, United Kingdom, 11/4/2013 23:19

Click to rate Rating 47

Dream job! Low pay, always in character which harder than you think and she strained her voice beyond repair. To top it all off she is out of job at 27 with what kind of future with all that "experience".

- Hummingbird , London, United Kingdom, 11/4/2013 23:18

Click to rate Rating 31

I'd do it for free!! Best job in the world!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

- Meg Appleford , Ipswich, 11/4/2013 22:47

Click to rate Rating 34

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