Team field guide · El Paso, Texas

THE CAT IN THE HAT
Costume Character Tour

Friday, October 23, 2026 · Mountain Daylight Time (MDT)

5:20 AMFirst arrival
7:00 PMScheduled conclusion
13h 40mTotal day window
Patricia OrdunoCostume handler / team lead

Full schedule

Costume Care & Safety Instructions

Manufacturer guidance for the Thing 1 and Thing 3 performers and costume handler. Review before the first appearance.

Important: Avoid rain, snow, high humidity, and wet conditions. The costume may absorb moisture. Watch for overheating and breathing difficulty, and have a helper assist with putting on and removing the costume.
Safety & performance
  • Inform the supervisor of allergies, illness, or health issues that could make costume use unsafe. Performers should be physically fit for the activity.
  • Review the animation/activity plan in advance and test the necessary movements beforehand.
  • Keep costumes clean; they directly contact the performer’s body.
  • Stay away from heat sources and open flames. Do not perform under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
  • Costumes restrict movement, vision, hearing, and breathing. Move carefully and be mindful of bystanders.
  • Manufacturer guidance specifies indoor use or outdoor use for no longer than 20 minutes; avoid rain, snow, and high humidity.
  • Avoid intense jumping, running, and excessive physical effort. Driving any vehicle while wearing a costume is prohibited.
Putting on & taking off costumes
  • Always have a third person assist when putting on or removing a costume.
  • Do not suit up while overheated. Monitor breathing, mobility, and comfort throughout use.
  • Check loose components and report fraying, tears, or other damage to the supervisor.
  • Consider whether planned actions could injure the performer or bystanders.
  • If anything presses painfully or causes discomfort, correct it right away or tell the handler. Pay particular attention to visibility, breathing, and hearing.
  • Fasten zippers slowly and carefully; avoid sudden movements when putting on the costume.
  • Check that the footwear grips properly inside and provides stable, comfortable footing.
Heat, ventilation & airing
  • The manufacturer recommends airing the costume every 15 minutes.
  • The performer must monitor the temperature inside the costume; notify the supervisor immediately if overheating develops.
  • After use, air the costume and apply a certified footwear/clothing disinfectant as directed by the manufacturer to help prevent odors.
  • For longer storage, hang the costume on a rack or stand when possible.
Fan system & AA batteries
  • Before each appearance, inspect the fan system, battery compartment, and batteries.
  • Use AA batteries, inserting them with the polarity shown in the battery compartment.
  • Never mix old and new batteries or batteries from different manufacturers.
  • Keep batteries away from water, shocks, perfumes, alcohol, and corrosive or cleaning chemicals.
  • Remove batteries when not in use for a long period. Recycle/dispose of used batteries in an appropriate battery collection container, not regular trash.
Cleaning, packing & storage
  • Store costumes in clean conditions and inspect them regularly; report any needed repairs.
  • Never crush or force a costume when packing or shipping.
  • Pack in a plastic bag during transport to protect against rain/snow, only after confirming the costume is dry.
  • The manufacturer specifies cleaning with soapy foam and a sponge or soft brush at temperatures up to 30°C (86°F).
  • Dry in the open air; do not machine-dry or use heating devices.
  • For general cleaning, use a soft, dry cloth. Do not spray thinners, alcohol, or other aggressive substances.
Manufacturer warranty information
  • The manufacturer states a 12-month warranty.
  • Mechanical damage, stains, discoloration, improper use or maintenance, and use in unsuitable conditions such as rain or snow are excluded.
  • If damage is visible upon delivery, make a complaint in the courier’s presence.
  • For a claim, the manufacturer states a 7-day filing period with a description and photographic evidence; the manufacturer states it will review within 3 days of receipt.
  • For confirmed manufacturing defects, the manufacturer may request return shipment; it states it will provide a repair assessment within 3 working days of receipt and reserves 14 working days for repairs.