Silly question...How do you explain to your child WHY Mickey/Minnie, etc. can't talk?

[disneynerd420]

I for one would like to be able to remember what I thought when I was the child in the scenario. Can any of you remember when you started questioning the characters? I'm sure I had to have realized that they were not real before I got too old, but I don't remember how I reacted. I think I will have to ask my mom.

 

[kirkson]

I've wondered why more kids have not asked this in the past (fully anticipating the question from my own DDs), but I think the characters appear so expressive in their movements that they leave the impression that they did speak aloud.

its true, I have a distinct memory of meeting Mickey at DL when I was 3 and he spoke to me and said my name, in that classic high pitched Mickey voice. Of course, he DIDN'T but I remember it like it was yesterday.

 

[DisneyDork1969]

I have always told children this: Because DL/WDW is visited by so many people from ALL AROUND THE WORLD, in order to avoid any 'language barrier' issues the characters do not speak any language to any guests...I say Mickey can't speak Spanish, French, Italian and so forth...I say that a HUG is the international sign that means I LOVE YOU...and if the children still wanna 'talk' to the characters, then say they have to save thier voices for TV, films, parades and such....LOL!!!

Jon C