Mickey Mouse is now talking to guests when he meets them at Disney World

© Steven Liebman

Usually when you approach Mickey Mouse to get his autograph or take a photo at Disney World, he mime’s his way through a conversation. But, no more.

Now, Mickey is speaking with guests inside the Backstage with Mickey Mouse attraction at the Magic Kingdom, according to a report in the Orlando Sentinel.

A video posted on Disney’s YouTube channel shows Mickey Mickey saying “Hi there” and Come right in,” as well as counting down for a photograph.

This Mickey’s mouth moves when he speaks and his eyes blink. The company would not discuss the technology behind this nor would say if this would be rolled out to other meet and greet sites in the parks.

“We are always looking for ways to surprise and delight our guests, and we’re excited about how much our guests are enjoying this new experience,” Kathleen Prihoda, a Walt Disney World spokeswoman told the newspaper.

As the new Magic Band technology progresses, those wearing a band (which would contain people’s names) soon might have Mickey addressing them by name as they approach.