You may have to hurry if you’re planning on having a conversation with Micky Mouse at Disney World’s Magic Kingdom. According to several online reports, which have been updated with a specific date in the past week, Mickey Mouse is expected to lose his voice in May of 2018.
Currently, guests have the opportunity to chat with Mickey Mouse at the Town Square Theater located off of Main Street. The experience was one of those special ones that set Disney World apart as guests could chat with Mickey Mouse, often times in their native language.
Here’s an example of a meet and greet with talking Mickey:
Not all of the interactions with talking Mickey were perfect, but many offered a unique experience with the star of Disney World. Personally, we had a great interaction with Mickey and will always remember having a chance to chat with him. Seeing children light up when they actually hear him talk was a special experience. It’s a shame that’s being removed.
It’s believed that Disney is making the change to a silent Mickey Mouse due to budget cuts, though that hasn’t been officially confirmed.
The timing of this change is a bit puzzling considering Disneyland was testing out talking versions of Minnie Mouse and Donald Duck to go along with Mickey Mouse just a few months ago.
Talking characters seem to be the direction that Disney should be going across the board. They provide a richer, more authentic experience that guests carry with them long after they’ve left the park. Unfortunately, it’s likely that budget changes have claimed a fun experience.
