HELP Did we ruin the Magic?

[familydisney]

Kids are more aware than we think...I remember the first time we went to WDW and were taking our DS(then 5) on Haunted Mansion. We were worried he might freak out as he was a little sensitive. Before we went on I said, "It's ok. Nothing in Disney can hurt you". I'll be darned if he didn't say back to me, "I know, mom. They're just holograms." Now how did my 5 year old know what the word hologram even was??? Here I was trying to preserve something that my astute preschooler had already figured out. And he had a great trip, people in costumes, holgrams and all!

 

[disneyfanfamily]

My DS's 10 & 8 knew that they were not real. However, they had fun getting their pictures and autographs. (Maybe because I get all giddy when I get my pictures taken with them... )

My DD6 just told my a few days ago that the "furry" characters are not real. But she said she still wants to see them and give them hugs and kisses.

 

[the Fidge]

Don't Worry! Often I think we worry too much, the kids don't! Anyway, DS 10 I am sure knows but always loves to play with the characters! His fav is stitch and if he doesn't see him the trip is not a success. When they see them it is entirely different how they react. It is just part of the magic, all that they see and do is magical and having parents to share in their excitement is the best!

Happy Planning and have a great trip! The phone calls are great too, DS loves the wake up and Birthday calls!

 

[taximomfor4]

Really, kids are aware much earlier than we think. I would guess it is a VERY rare 7 yr old who truly still believes. A huge mental leap that kids make around preschool age (in average cognitive development) is the difference between real and make-believe. I would venture to guess that most, if not all, cognitively average children KNOW that characters are people in costumes by Kindergarten or 1st grade. Many of the kids that "say" they still believe after age 6 or so are pretty likely to just be appeasing mom/dad.

In our family, we don't like to lie to the kids so we don't say one way or the other. If they ask us for the truth, we tell them -- but have NEVER seen their faces fall once the truth was out. Why? Because they apparently already knew already. We then bring them in on the magic-part. They get to help keep it magical for other kids who don't yet know. Of course, on Christmas morning, my kids presents just have their names on the tags -- no name is in the "From" part...they can draw whichever conclusions they feel like!

 

[LuvOrlando]

I guess its up to the kid and the parents...I think the kids will believe whatever their parents say for a very long time and its up to you when to remove the magic. To each there own but to my way of thinking my kids will believe in Magic for only 10 years or so and spend the next 70 years of their lives being realists, I'm in no rush to move them along.

As for different looking WDW characters (and Santa for that matter) , they are clued in that even magical beings need a rest so sometimes they send in helpers. Of course 'little kids'' don't know this so its all top secret we told them not to tell anyone. DS8 is still convinced that he met the REAL Star Wars characters at last years Star Wars weekends. DD7 is still a firm believer that Ariel really lives near her Grotto and that Alice really visits with her duing the Tea Party. I know they have moments of doubt but they still WANT to believe so they accept it.

If I were you I'd just speak directly with DD about what she overheard and let her know that you and Grandma were talking about the helpers not the REAL princesses. I'd be very suprised if she wasn't waiting for a 'reasonable' explanation anyway.

 

[twinkletoesmom]

I know she may not completely believe it all, but I think to have adults confirm it can be very sad. I remember when my mom finally fessed up about the big guy I was so upset I cried eventhough I suppected it for a year or two. DD hasn't said anything else so I think we'll be okay. Thanks for the encouragment.

 

[twinkletoesmom]

Thanks Feraleg!!!!
My DD just got the postcard Feraleg sent from cindy! Thank you Feraleg, She was very shocked. She was so excited, I could hear that excited crackle in her voice as she yelled through the house to show her brother. She also did not question it at all, She is thrilled. Thank you again for the postcard.

 

[Feralpeg]

Thanks Feraleg!!!!
My DD just got the postcard Feraleg sent from cindy! Thank you Feraleg, She was very shocked. She was so excited, I could hear that excited crackle in her voice as she yelled through the house to show her brother. She also did not question it at all, She is thrilled. Thank you again for the postcard.

You are very welcome!