Kids curiousity about characters

[joannek]

We have a 6 year old who is asking "is someone inside the costume?"

How should we respond so we can keep the magic?

 

[aprilgail2]

I would tell them the truth...won't take much to figure it out on their own when they get up close to them anyway. Last time we were at Disney I told my 5 year old...Oh look there is mickey mouse...she looks at me and said "mom, you do know they are just people in costumes don't you"....I was shocked LOL...

 

[browneyes]

I'd say yes, and I'd also say that the person inside wished they were the character on the outside. That that's why he/she is dressed up in that character.

 

[Aidensmom]

I would tell them the truth...won't take much to figure it out on their own when they get up close to them anyway. Last time we were at Disney I told my 5 year old...Oh look there is mickey mouse...she looks at me and said "mom, you do know they are just people in costumes don't you"....I was shocked LOL...

I completely agree. My son, when he was 3, told me the exact same thing! No magic is ruined though, he still loves them (he is 4 now). Funny thing is, he does think the princesses are real. He plans to marry Cinderella or Sleeping Beauty, he cannot decide.

 

[PixieDust32]

Yeap! My DD8, knows that too, but she still think that it is Mickey or Goofy themselves! She hugs them and you can just tell but the look on her face!

 

[MinnieM3]

DS6 has never even mentioned it. I'm kinda glad!!

 

[ASFCurly]

If they ask, I would just ask them what they think and go from there, if they say that they think it is a person, then you can have a conversation about it and why they think they are dressed up or whatever, but if they think they are real, they you can leave it at that, kids can come up with some pretty cool ideas about it on their own.

 

[palmtreegirl]

If they ask, I would just ask them what they think and go from there, if they say that they think it is a person, then you can have a conversation about it and why they think they are dressed up or whatever, but if they think they are real, they you can leave it at that, kids can come up with some pretty cool ideas about it on their own.

That's exactly what I always do & my mom used the same response when I was little.

 

[Saffron]

Hey, I'm 47, know there is a person in there, but I still feel the magic when I see Mickey or anyone else.

I like the advice given to you so far, all of it. I would just be truthful and upbeat about it and let them know that even "IF" Mickey is just a person in a costume, it doesn't matter, it's still magical.

Have a great trip!

 

[clh2]

My DD, (now 11) loved the characters when we were at WDW 2 years ago. She's known for ages that they were people in costumes. There was no less magic in it for her when she was dancing with Eeyore and Winnie the Pooh at the Crystal Palace.

 

[Traumawolves]

We haven't crossed that bridge yet. I would tell them the truth, nonetheless.

 

[nemo1987]

I dressed up as Clifford for my preschool class this past winter. It was really funny because when I walked in there I couldn't bend down or the head would fall off so I was sitting in one of the chairs that are really low to the ground and one of the little boys walked up to me and said "Sarah are you in there?? Oh my gosh! Clifford ate Sarah!" and the look of astonishment on his face was hilarious. I tried my best not to laugh, but it was very hard. The teachers were beside themselves with laughter and when I left the room to change, I came back and he ran up to me and hugged my legs and said "I am so glad Clifford didn't really eat you!!" I will never forget that day!
-Sarah

 

[simba928]

So you mean Mickey isn't real?

Seriously, as another poster said, I would ask them what they think. The magic is still there regardless of whether you know or not. I don't think the DIS would exist if the magic left as soon as you find out that the characters are just people dressed up.