Mickey's Mouth Question

[Bangerang]

My almost 4 year old DS was watching the Disneyland Sing Along video the other day and asked why Mickey's mouth doesn't move when he talks. I was at a loss for what to tell him and mumbled something as I walked out of the room.

Does anyone have any suggestions that will answer his question yet not kill the magic for him (and me).

 

[KristinU]

I'm watching for responses - DS noticed on our last trip that the characters weren't talking...I told him something I had read here about saving their voices since they would get a sore throat if they talked all day. But IIRC, they "talk" during the parade on the floats, and in the sing along videos like you're talking about. I'm sure this question will come soon enough in our house!

 

[tadamom]

Curious to see how others respond. I haven't had to deal with this at our house yet but who knows when the subject might come up!

 

[graygables]

My now-18yo said on her first trip to WDW when she was 5 that Mickey couldn't smile and move his lips at the same time, so he just smiled. Mickey the Ventriloquist...

 

[pezpam]

I've noticed that sometimes when kids ask that question, they've either sort of figured it out or are really close to figuring it out.

For now, a simple, curious-sounding "I don't know. Hm, you're so smart, I never thought about it." with an 'I'm so proud of you' hug and a change of subject (or room) might do it. Distraction and redirection work wonders. <grin>

FWIW, once DD figured it all out, it was a big deal to her that she not say anything within earshot of younger kids - discussions were mainly limited to the hotel room, but you get the idea. In an odd way, it kind of added to the magic she felt because she felt like she was keeping the magic alive for other kids.

 

[lclark0621]

I have a 3 year old, and am hoping he does not notice for a while.

When my brother was younger he asked my Grandparents why the character's mouths did not move & why they did not talk. My grandparents said "Because even though this is the real Mickey, as you know Mickey is a cartoon so he needs his words written."

Even I, who was much older, stopped to think about that for a second.

And it made sense to a 4 year old, at least for another couple of trips.