Non-speaking Characters

[MissLiz]

Hi everyone!

How do you explain the non-speaking characters to your children? I would like to prepare my DD4 for our trip in two weeks, but knowing her, she is going to ask why they don't talk and I just can't think of a good story for her.

Since she is still believes all the characters LIVE at WDW, I don't want to have to tell her the "real" reason.

Thanks for any help!!!!

 

[2dogmom]

My girls have never asked. The characters do so much non-verbal communication that it never came up.

 

[#1 Pocahontas]

I need a better story but here is the one I have used in the past with other children. Mine hasn't asked yet.

I say that because there are so many people visiting them they woul loose their voice if they talked to everyone. They must save it for the parades and shows. So far no one has asked me why the Princesses and other "face" characters talk. I have no idea what I would say to that.

LOL Told you I needed a better story.

 

[MissLiz]

I have been considering the "losing their voice" story as well.

My DD is just that way.....she asks a lot of questions about things and people, so I want to be prepared.

 

[Tnkrbelle565]

If you ladies do a search...there was a long thread on this before with some really cute ideas..

One was to say that they are so thrilled to be meeting YOU that they are speechless. I thought that was sweet.

 

[MissLiz]

I tried the search and couldn't find it....I'll definitely try it again.

 

[Minnie824]

I also said they'd get tired out talking to everyone. My DD4 is smart, and she thought abit after I said that, so I need something better too.

Not to change subjects on the thread, but when did/do your kids find out the truth of the characters?

 

[Tnkrbelle565]

I don't know for sure but a co-worker brought her 6 year old and was so disappointed when her daughter clearly pointed out that these weren't the "real" princesses and that Mickey is some college guy in a costume! So I'm really trying to get in as many trips as possible before the magic is gone

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

I don't know. My little ones never asked but recently my 3.5 told me the characters were not real, they were in costume. I will take it that she thinks like me and will assume that she notices they look nothing like the cartoon. She still loves them anyway.

 

[Tnkrbelle565]

Ironically, my DD brought this up last night after watching the planning video for the 900th time! And DH came up with a really cute answer for her (which frankly shocked me since he isn't even remotely as disney obsessed as I am). He told her that Ursula stole their voices...I love it.

 

[tchrrx]

I also told my DD6 that the characters voices would wear out if they talked to every kid all day long. She didn't seem to care that some talked and some didn't.

One other possibility to be ready for....how come Belle looks different in these two pictures that we have of her? I explained it by saying that we saw Belle on two different days and one of those days was super hot. And, just like I don't wear as much make-up on the really hot days b/c it'll just melt off, Belle wasn't wearing as much in one picture and that's why she looks different.

 

[mamato2princesses]

I also told my DD6 that the characters voices would wear out if they talked to every kid all day long. She didn't seem to care that some talked and some didn't.

One other possibility to be ready for....how come Belle looks different in these two pictures that we have of her? I explained it by saying that we saw Belle on two different days and one of those days was super hot. And, just like I don't wear as much make-up on the really hot days b/c it'll just melt off, Belle wasn't wearing as much in one picture and that's why she looks different.

Good One! I didn't even think of this happening .
Excellent Ursula response. With my luck, though, DD's next response will be "But she's dead!"

OT: I took my DD to the mall for Noggin Day. Moose was there with Zee attached to his arm. Every picture I have is of DD looking UP into Moose's nose. When I asked her about what she was doing, she responded, "I was looking at the lady inside"

Shannon

 

[newtowdw1]

For questions I do not want to answer with the complete truth, I have taken to just saying, "I don't know. Hmph. That's a good question. What do you think?"

And both of my kids know that the characters are... you know. However, they both still want autographs, hugs, etc. It's amazing the magic the WDW parks create!

 

[seashoreCM]

Maybe one of these days Disney will give the costumed characters voices from remote entourage members, much like the way Push the Trash Can speaks.

 

[MissLiz]

Oooh, I like the "Ursula stole their voices" idea!

I'm hoping we don't get the question, but I'd like to be prepared if the DD does happen to say something.

 

[Tnkrbelle565]

Oooh, I like the "Ursula stole their voices" idea!

I'm hoping we don't get the question, but I'd like to be prepared if the DD does happen to say something.

Isn't it cute...sometimes DH surprises me! Looks like you are going the same time we are...have a great trip!

 

[RumpleMom]

How about the characters only speak English and some children speak different languages, so rather than speak a language a child might not understand they communicate with hugs because everyone understands that?

A character would have no idea if a child speaks another language and which one it might be.

 

[dopeysgirl]

my ds was 4 1/2 when we went last year, but hes a very smart, attention to detail kid, so after the excitement of our first few hours in the park, he picked up on the non speaking characters. and i too used the excuse that its so hot and they have to talk to sooo many kids that they and their voices get tired so they just wave. it worked, but i agree with the person who said it was all about the magic! disney magic works wonders on young and old- i still get excited when i see dopey!
ps i like dd too! (old school though! =)