Cynical 6 year old

[tjevans]

I remember a post some months back about someone lamenting that there child realized that characters were, some allege, CM's in costume. I stated that it didn't bother me that my DS realized that. What does bother me is, as we were talking about our upcoming WDW trip this past weekend, he indicated he had no interest in "meeting" characters.

That was always one of the highlights of my trips, at least up until I was around 11 years old. Granted, children these days are, they say, more "enlightened" on the ways of the world, but this little bit of cynicism on DS's part makes a part of my heart cry. Maybe he will change his mind once he gets there, but DS, who has never been to WDW, already says things such as "Magic Kingdom is for babies," and that he's too old for Mickey Mouse. (I thought about disowning him after that last comment.)

Have any of you been "disappointed" in your children's reaction to Disney?

 

[VSL]

I wouldn't worry too much - if he hasn't been yet, he doesn't know what he's talking about!

My BF's cousin (also 6, I think) who has been to DLP numerous times but never to WDW keeps saying that she doesn't want to go, but she has no idea what's actually there. I'm sure things will change when she arrives (she's staying in AKL).

Remember, he's only 6. Kids and teens (hey, I can say that now that I'm 20!) are probably the most fickle people on the planet!

[I don't think I would have been that interested in character meet/greets either - at any age!]

 

[WVParkfan]

Have any of you been "disappointed" in your children's reaction to Disney?

I think we've been on the other end of the spectrum. Our DS 11 constantly surprises us at WDW. As he becomes a pre-teen, he tries to show how "grown-up" he is at home... but at WDW this summer, he just acted like a kid, getting excited over seeing characters. Neither he, nor our DD 5 get very excited over Mickey, but they really enjoy seeing characters from movies. This summer we saw Mulan and Mishu (sp?) at Epcot, Lilo and Stitch at AK, and most of the characters from Robin Hood at the MK.

Perhaps your kids would be more excited seeing characters from their favorite Disney movies, rather than the classic characters. Getting to see Hercules, Buzz Lightyear or the Incredibles might be more enjoyable for them. Having them get autograph books and seek the unique characters can also be a lot of fun.

Good luck.

 

[MickeyMouseGal]

In all honesty, I hope that my future kids don't get too into the characters. I've read posts about kids who get obsessed with them and turn into commando autograph seekers, all the while missing all of the other Disney magic. So, when I do have kids and take them to the park, I'm not going to push the characters.

 

[mmccoy]

There's an interesting article about Disney in today's (Monday, 10/3) USA Today Business section. The article discusses the challenges ahead for Mr. Iger as he takes over as CEO. One of the challenges the article states Disney faces is the early age at which children turn away from characters like Pooh. The article says children are exposed to much more "sophisticated" entertainment (e.g., Harry Potter, Gameboy) at ever earlier ages, which makes simple pleasures like Pooh less palatable.

The article also talks about the challenge Disney faces in maintaining a family atmosphere while, at the same time, maintaining relevance for teenagers who aren't necessarily looking for "family" fun when they go to an amusement park. The article doesn't mean it in a bad way - just a commentary on teens' focus on thrills, as opposed to "themes".

Unfortunately, I think Disney's challenge is symptomatic of the challenge our society faces in general.

 

[mattsdragon]

Do you know the official answer to the question "How many people portray Mickey Mouse at all of WDW?"

Zero, Mickey portrays Mickey, and he's a Mouse.

The biggest problem in today's world is that for some reason, some parents don't want to be parents. I'm not really accusing anyone on here of doing that, because all of us on this board are here because of our love of that Mouse. I think that aids in parenting if the adult looks through the eyes of the child. But too often, too many parents, either through apathy, or some sense that thier child will end up warped if he believes in Santa, the Tooth Fairy and Mickey Mouse, thinks that telling the truth about everything is synonmous with honesty. The post about game boys and Harry Potter is pretty close to the point. Kids are exposed to way too much than they should be. Nobody every went to jail because they believed in Mickey Mouse.

We should let kids be kids. Childhood is over way to early as it is.

And, yes Virginia, there really is a Mickey Mouse.

(Now sing with me. . .
Who's the leader of the club that's made for you and me. . .)

 

[aspcamhreditor2]

My 6 year old gets that characters aren't "real" but she still LOVES the concept of seeing her favorite characters, meeting them, etc. She's totally psyched that we got a resv. for breakfast at CRT this trip. She's presently torn between what she wants to do first .... got to Toontown to find Cinderella or ride the Tower of Terror.

I have NO problem if my children still believe in Santa, the Tooth Fairy, Mickey or whoever until their are 80. Heck ... I still believe in them!

 

[goofy's friends]

When we just went last week, my DD9 adopted this attitude and it came out of the blue when we saw Pluto coming in the gate. I took her aside and said if she wanted to feel that way and she could believe what she wnated, but please don't say anything in front of her siblings again (DD7 and DS4) as it could ruin it for them. Her sister caught wind of her feelings, and tried on occasion to act like she was too big, but she just couldn't help herself and got lost in the excitement. Even the oldest, who didn't want to waste time going in the Pooh room in Toontown can be caught smiling in all pics and would you believe, hugging in two. (eeyore and Tigger). So, they may try to act big, but they are just kids and given the opportunity will act like kids!!!

 

[henrylovespooh]

My kids are only 2 (almost 3) and 4, and they love Pooh. But I wonder how many of my 4 year old son's friends do. His best friend at school is going to be Darth Vader for Halloween. My son has not seen Star Wars and won't for awhile. He knows who superheroes are because we call them by name, but he hasn't watched a show. I'd like to hang onto the innocence for as long as I can, especially since I love Pooh, Mickey, Donald and Mary Poppins.

It may come to families with teens choosing to split their vacation between WDW and Universal to keep everyone happy.

Mickeymousegal -- I know what you mean. Our kids like the characters, but if we didn't ask them if they wanted to go see them, I'm not sure what they would do. I let them make the call. I have not gotten them autograph books and am not sure I will. We met a family in line during our last visit, and the teen in the group not only got character autographs, but he asked CM's to sign it as well.

 

[roliepolieoliefan]

Don't know if you're talking about us, but I posted a while back about my 4 year old DS at the time, telling me on the way from MCO to The Poly how he knew Mickey Mouse was a man in a costume.

MY DS will sometimes get pictures with the characters. He loves Max and Goofy and even asked to stand in line for a pic with them this past trip. Not happy with the princesses though. I wanted a pic with him and his sis ter and he didn't give me much lip. I just don't think its his age though, I think his age, combined with the many times we've been to WDW. He still gets excited about other things. I'm taking him for a mother/son birthday trip in May, and he is already counting down the days and we just got back Saturday.