NYC Mickey

I just got back from visiting NYC over the weekend. For those of you that have been there before, I'm sure you're aware of all the street performers - especially in times square. There are multiple people dressed up as Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse walking around. Sometimes they were walking around right in front of the Disney store.
I was wondering if anyone knew anything about this. How are they allowed to do this? I don't understand how Disney doesn't call the police / sue them. They are clearly not official characters (their suits aren't as good of quality) but I wouldn't put it past some people to think they are - especially kids. What makes it even worse is that they ask for money after taking pictures and I've seen them walking around without their "heads" on.
Can anyone with more knowledge of NYC / copyright laws shed some light here?

This gets really dicey. It also is on a case by case basis. Also it plays into it if money is made from the sale or rental of the costume. You will see many hand made character costumes even at the Halloween party in Disney.

Making a Minnie costume and offering them up for sale, from my understanding they will get you! Renting out the unofficial costume I believe will land you in trouble with Disney. Now wearing a hand made one on public property even if it is in front of a Disney Store, I don't think that is an issue. I have a Disney purchased Snow White adult costume. Thinking I can march around the streets of NYC anytime in that. I also made from a name brand pattern company a Minnie and Mickey Costume for my DH and I. It carried the Disney copy right logo. So if Disney sells these rights to Pattern companies and we make them to wear not sell, I'm thinking that is OK. I did the same for a Teenage Mutant Turtle costume for DS when he was very small and TMT's were at the Studios. Now they are at Universal I believe. While I am a very good at sewing, you can tell these are not store purchases.

My guess is anything that Disney has sold patterns to can be worn any where local laws allow.

Homeless i think thats why thay want money. i have been there and i think i lookd at one Minnie Mouse that was a guy.

alot about their costume is way off and prob why they dont get in trouble for stuff, hate seeing them every time i go to the city