Sometimes it is about what you give...Stories anyone?

[Tinkerbellie16]

I've read a lot of tips on how to 'get' things in Disney and someone always starts talking about what they have given. I am interested in hearing stories about what you have given away and how you handled it.

I have done things like give away extra fastpasses and the most memorable is letting my kids give away the glow or light-up items I bring in bulk to the parks. I let them choose who they would like to give it to. They love giving away the light up glow cubes to other children that they see doing something nice for others (like one girl who gave up her bus seat for an elderly person). Sometimes we end up walking and talking for a bit and sometimes they disappear into the crowds, but it gives us all a good feeling! :goodvibes

[P&L@WDW]

I always buy lots of glow bracelets at the 1$ store prior to my trips. I get the fun of wearing them during the evenings in the park, and throughout the night (and on the bus trip back to the resort), I give them out to children who are behaving really well.

Or, on the bus, I give them to children who are tired and/or cranky. The look of sheer relief and appreciation on their parents faces when they stop screaming and start playing with the glow bracelets are so worth it!

[Tinkerbellie16]

When our family was waiting for dinner reservations on a very busy night at the Poly, there was another family there waiting to be seated that had a bored child and he was trying to find some excitement! The parents were obviously frustrated and trying so hard to contain their child. Of course, we understood their feelings completely!

We had glow cubes (I just love those things!) and plenty of extras so we got one out and started playing with it and mesmerizing this child. After we all got a good chuckle out of our magic trick and talked to the other parents, we gave the child the glow cube. He was fascinated and played with it and sat there so good that you could feel the parents sigh of relief. Such a small thing but it made this family's night and ours as well!

[reservations4five]

When we checked out last summer we passed on to a family checking in a double stroller that we had decided we didn't want to haul back to Ohio. That and a cooler full of beer and wine :banana: It was nice just to see the reaction and give a little magic.

[michele2042]

I always buy lots of glow bracelets at the 1$ store prior to my trips. I get the fun of wearing them during the evenings in the park, and throughout the night (and on the bus trip back to the resort), I give them out to children who are behaving really well.

Or, on the bus, I give them to children who are tired and/or cranky. The look of sheer relief and appreciation on their parents faces when they stop screaming and start playing with the glow bracelets are so worth it!

I love this idea! We will be going to Disney for the first time in years, meeting our adult son and his girlfried (who we have NEVER met!). I read somewhere about someone handing out Dum Dum lollipops and had considered that because I always have bagfuls of Dum Dums, but I wondered how parents would react because it is "candy from a stanger", but the glow bracelets, that sounds perfect! I love doing random acts of kindness and this is a great idea!! Perfect Disney Magic!

[missfigment]

On the last day of our trip...we had some disney balloons as a surprise from some CMs....and we passed them on to a little girl and her little sister. She was so happy. I dont know if dad was all that happy though...thinking "crap now we have to lug around balloons all day!":goodvibes

[Tosie]

We've given away lots of fastpasses - the best was when we gave them to 2 young guys who hadn't ridden Everest yet and the standby line was loooooong. They were so appreciative!

This good will came back to us on our next trip - a family gave US fastpasses for Kali!

Another time we starting talking with a family who had never been to AK and we took them the sneaky way to Everest after rope drop. We all walked right on and they were thrilled!

Last May ds and I went to ride Splash before the 11 pm Spectro and dh and dd gave out glow bracelets to some young kids waiting for the parade to start.

Ds once gave a pin each to two little girls who had pretty naked lanyards - they had just started their collections.

We used some extra CS credits at Earl of Sandwich and bought lunch for a man and his mom. That one stands out because the guy was flabbergasted and couldn't stop smiling!

Another thing we ALWAYS do is visit Guest Relations with the names of CMs who have made our day particularly special.

Spreading pixie dust is always a highlight of our trips!

[DisTwix]

Through fluke luck I happened to have one of those teeny eyeglass repair kits when the toddler behind us wrecked his Mom's prescription glasses. He's apparently been pulling them off her face over and over and the screw had gotten loose, and he yanked and the stem came right off!

I actually had a screw that was the right size and fixed them right there in line. It was their first day in the parks, on their very first trip and I'll tell you, it made my trip to just happen to have the right thing to fix the situation!

I also give away whatever fast passes we don't use.... and been on the receiving end too.... LOVE that.

[brekin67]

We have given our left over QS on check out day and walked up to people standing in line to pay. We have given a case of beer, water, and coolers to people DH has met at the bar, on check out day. Seems like we always have a FP to give away. We have also given airline vouchers away. Oh, and we give Disney some of our money every year.

[Tinkerbellie16]

I always buy lots of glow bracelets at the 1$ store prior to my trips. I get the fun of wearing them during the evenings in the park, and throughout the night (and on the bus trip back to the resort), I give them out to children who are behaving really well.

Or, on the bus, I give them to children who are tired and/or cranky. The look of sheer relief and appreciation on their parents faces when they stop screaming and start playing with the glow bracelets are so worth it!

The kids and I just checked all of our glow & light up stuff and we've got so much that we will do this too!

When we checked out last summer we passed on to a family checking in a double stroller that we had decided we didn't want to haul back to Ohio. That and a cooler full of beer and wine :banana: It was nice just to see the reaction and give a little magic.

Excellent! We are bringing a stroller this time 'just in case' but there is no way I'll need one after this trip so I'll hand mine off. I'm not sure if we'll have any leftover beer :rotfl: but I'll let my husband give that bit of magic to another dad!

[rcortese711]

We were at Cindy's castle for dinner with a reservations for two. We were waiting to check in when we saw an older couple, who didn't have ADRs, trying to get in. The host told them no, that there was no room. They were celebrating their 50th anniversary. My fiance and I told the host to give them our ADR's. They were sooooo happy. We ended up going to T-Rex that night.

This is such a nice thread to have!

[TotalSnowWhite]

Of course, we've given away the FPs and the glow bracelets, but what seems to really get parents is stickers. I have no idea why! :laughing:

DS3 carries around a Nemo ziploc full of shimmery stickers of Disney characters. Princesses, Cars, Fab 5, etc. When he sees someone that looks like they need a sticker (even grown-ups), he looks through his bag, pulls out the one that fits that person (girl in Snow White dress gets Snow White, guy with Goofy hat gets Goofy, etc.) and hands it to them. The looks on their faces are priceless!! It makes him so happy, too. Sometimes when he's starting to get icky himself, I'll ask him if he wants to share his stickers, and that pulls him right out of it. Who'd have thought a few bags of dollar stickers would have so much power? :goodvibes:

[HGD24]

We were at Cindy's castle for dinner with a reservations for two. We were waiting to check in when we saw an older couple, who didn't have ADRs, trying to get in. The host told them no, that there was no room. They were celebrating their 50th anniversary. My fiance and I told the host to give them our ADR's. They were sooooo happy. We ended up going to T-Rex that night.

This is such a nice thread to have!

Ok - you just made me cry! What a wonderful thing to do!

DH and I have given away FP's and last Oct, DH helped a family find their 14 yr old DD who got separated from her family in AK.

[RMAMom]

Last year it was our last night of our trip and EMH at MK. This also was the middle of Jersey Week so it was starting to get really crowded. There seemed to be a lot of families all telling their kids "No I am not buying any glowing things!" of course the carts are everywhere and with two or three or more kids these things really add up. My girls had all of the glow necklaces and bracelets that we had left. They had the bracelets from their wrists to their elbows and had several necklaces. Whenever they walked past a kid having a meltdown they would hand him a bracelet or a necklace, this usually prompted several siblings to ask for one also. The smile of the kids and the relief of the parents added so much pixie dust to our trip! It was great.
I am going to order them in bulk this year so we will take them just for the girls to hand out.

[Ronni]

I haven't given anything away yet (besides candies at MNSSHP), but I plan to when I go back this summer. I can't wait! :)

One night when I was there last, I was in the Everything Pop gift shop. A lady walked up to random children with stuff she'd just bought and started giving it away. It made me smile.

I got so much last year when I was there for my honeymoon; stuff from guests and from cast members. It was amazing. I can't wait to do the same for others. I think my little Aidan will enjoy giving stuff away, too.

[Tinkerbellie16]

We were at Cindy's castle for dinner with a reservations for two. We were waiting to check in when we saw an older couple, who didn't have ADRs, trying to get in. The host told them no, that there was no room. They were celebrating their 50th anniversary. My fiance and I told the host to give them our ADR's. They were sooooo happy. We ended up going to T-Rex that night.

This is such a nice thread to have!

That is such a kind gesture!!! It's going to make me cry too! :hug:

Of course, we've given away the FPs and the glow bracelets, but what seems to really get parents is stickers. I have no idea why! :laughing:

DS3 carries around a Nemo ziploc full of shimmery stickers of Disney characters. Princesses, Cars, Fab 5, etc. When he sees someone that looks like they need a sticker (even grown-ups), he looks through his bag, pulls out the one that fits that person (girl in Snow White dress gets Snow White, guy with Goofy hat gets Goofy, etc.) and hands it to them. The looks on their faces are priceless!! It makes him so happy, too. Sometimes when he's starting to get icky himself, I'll ask him if he wants to share his stickers, and that pulls him right out of it. Who'd have thought a few bags of dollar stickers would have so much power? :goodvibes:

I've never even thought of stickers. That's great and I'm going to try that this next trip. What a cheap, easy, and fun way to spread the magic! :wizard:

[Ashton7]

The last time we went to Animal Kingdom a couple of months ago, I was wearing a lanyard with a bunch of pins on it for trading. I'm fairly new to trading pins but have been learning quickly. We were waiting to be seated for an ADR when I noticed a little boy looking at me and specifically my lanyard. He had on a lanyard and one Mickey Mouse pin. I gestured him over and invited him to look at my pins. He came over with his mom and he told me that he had just gotten his first pin. He was so excited and so interested in seeing mine. I had several earmarked for trading so I took off a Mickey Mouse pin and told him "Now you have TWO pins." He lit up like a light bulb, thanked me, put it on his lanyard and ran to find his father to show him. Within a moment or two, he came back dragging his dad and his father asked if they could have a photo of me with their son. I thought that was just the sweetest thing.

[nooneshome]

I am a firm believer of fastpass karma so I go out of my way to give away spare fastpasses. The looks you get are priceless. Some people are so happy to get them while others think you are trying to rob them.

During our Mardi Gras trips we load up each morning with beads and hand them out as soon as possible. Who wants to walk around with heavy beads on all day? Once we were sitting at the French Bakery when a little kid fell and started to cry. My son gave him a couple of nice beads and the little kid quit crying. The parents were so appreciative. After several Mardi Gras trips to WDW I still haven't gotten one Disney princess to "earn" her beads the "Nawlins" way!!! :lmao:

[DearDaisyinDurham]

On the last day of our trip...we had some disney balloons as a surprise from some CMs....and we passed them on to a little girl and her little sister. She was so happy. I dont know if dad was all that happy though...thinking "crap now we have to lug around balloons all day!":goodvibes

We did this too w/ the Tink punch ball balloons we had decorated the room w/ as well as a pink Mickey balloon, they were big hits w/ the little girls we gave them to. as PP's mentioned, it's funny how something you picked up @ the dollar store (purple & pink Tink balloons) seem to make :wizard:

[tinkerlisa]

I have stocked up on glowing things and stickers for my next trip as I wanted to "pay it forward".

Last time we were there, A CM gave my son a Buzz Lightyear Sippy cup!

[tinkerlisa]

That is such a kind gesture!!! It's going to make me cry too! :hug:



I've never even thought of stickers. That's great and I'm going to try that this next trip. What a cheap, easy, and fun way to spread the magic! :wizard:

They had some for a dollar at Micheals today. They were glittery and over by the cash registers in a spinning bin for anybody that is interested! I thought they were confetti at first but quickly realized they were stickers when my 7 year old started begging for them!

[kristytru]

We went all out one year and made up business cards that had pics of characters and sayings like "a bit of Capt. Hook's treasure" with Peter Pan or "a jewel from Cinderella's crown". Then we used a hot glue gun to attach or "jewels" (actually decorative stones for fish tanks). My kids had a lot of fun handing them out. A lot of times, they would put them on a table while the child was at the buffet or bathroom. My son especially enjoyed being "sneaky" about it. As we were leaving we placed them on strollers parked outside of rides. the kids had a great time giving them out.

[Tinkerbellie16]

We went all out one year and made up business cards that had pics of characters and sayings like "a bit of Capt. Hook's treasure" with Peter Pan or "a jewel from Cinderella's crown". Then we used a hot glue gun to attach or "jewels" (actually decorative stones for fish tanks). My kids had a lot of fun handing them out. A lot of times, they would put them on a table while the child was at the buffet or bathroom. My son especially enjoyed being "sneaky" about it. As we were leaving we placed them on strollers parked outside of rides. the kids had a great time giving them out.

This is a really innovative idea! And what fun to be able to create them with the kids and get them involved!

[fers31]

We went all out one year and made up business cards that had pics of characters and sayings like "a bit of Capt. Hook's treasure" with Peter Pan or "a jewel from Cinderella's crown". Then we used a hot glue gun to attach or "jewels" (actually decorative stones for fish tanks). My kids had a lot of fun handing them out. A lot of times, they would put them on a table while the child was at the buffet or bathroom. My son especially enjoyed being "sneaky" about it. As we were leaving we placed them on strollers parked outside of rides. the kids had a great time giving them out.

This is a great idea. I bet your son had a great time doing that. My wife and I use the baby swap. She normally goes on the ride first and then when it's my turn, I have the baby swap ticket which allows the rider to bring 2 (or possibly 3) more people with them. I normally look for a nice couple who's either waiting in line or about to get a fastpass and offer to bring them through the fastpass line with the baby swap ticket. It's great to see people's faces when you offer to give them a little extra magic. Reading all the stories about the glow bracelets, I think I may have to go out and buy some this weekend. I know when I was a little kid, I loved those.

[jenn-n-okla]

Everytime we go, I always give our double stroller to a family just coming in for the day/evening. I always pay for the whole week so I figure why not. They are making pure profit off the things anyway.
You have to return them to the same place you pay for them basically so it is always nice to find a family that can get use out of it. We leave around noon each day and then return for the evening.
People have "payed it forward" to us with various things too (seats on bus (dd7 wears oxygen so this was a biggie to us, stickers for the kids, handi-wipes, laundry soap)
It never hurts to pay it forward, because you never know when you will be the one getting the gift.
Jenn

[englishteacha]

What fun ideas! I love the sticker idea. Everyone loves stickers! I wonder, though...DH and I are childless...would people think I was creepy if I gave a sticker to a sad child?

[Tinkerbellie16]

What fun ideas! I love the sticker idea. Everyone loves stickers! I wonder, though...DH and I are childless...would people think I was creepy if I gave a sticker to a sad child?

Most people wouldn't think that at all. Sometimes reactions are 'are you crazy to give away something?' to 'is there a catch to this?' but once you tell them it is just your way of spreading the magic, they are fine. While my kids will give something directly to another child, I always ask the parents first because I don't want them thinking I am luring them with treats but they have always been fine with it :flower3:

[dgrissom17]

Reading all these posts have literally brought me to tears! What beautiful acts you have all performed! It's good to know there are still giving people in the world. :flower3:
And we can see it doesn't take much to bring a smile or a bit of relief to kids and parents!

[extreme8]

I'm big on giving away the glow bracelets.
I usually order 1,000 before our trip and do a pretty good job of getting rid of them during the week we're there. My kids enjoy sharing them before a show like Fantasmic! or waiting for Wishes or Illuminations. We also give them away at home - night ballgames, fireworks, all kinds of events.
People seem to have a hard time believing that we're just giving them away, no strings attached. Many confused looks.
I'm sure you've seen the look. It's the same one you get when you try and give away fastpasses :confused:. Sometimes we need to try 3 or 4 times before someone takes left over fastpasses from us. They give you a weird look, decline, then wait in the standby line while the next lucky group takes my passes and walks on. I don't get it.

On our last trip, just before Fantasmic! the sky opened up and it just POURED. The show was canceled and needless to say, there were many soggy disappointed kids on the bus ride back to the resort.
about 5 minutes after the bus left MGM (it was still MGM then) I broke out the glowsticks and shared them with every kid - and most of the adults - on the bus.
I have some connectors that allow 8 or 10 of the bracelets to be put together like a little beach ball, about 8 inches around. I made a couple balls and let the kids pass them around the bus during our ride.
The atmosphere turned about 180 degrees in minutes. From soggy, quiet and dejected to laughing, talking & playing. It was great.
When I got off of the bus everyone was thanking me, shaking my hand, then they all applauded.
Now, I'm sure there has been applause when I've left places before but they're usually kind enough to wait until I'm out of earshot. :laughing:

If you want to share the magic, you can usually get the glow bracelets on Ebay, or illuminationz.com between 4 and 6 cents per piece.

[Mick West]

I am retired military. We normally stay at AK or BC but on every trip we make at least one visit to the Shades of Green resort. That's a "military" resort on the property. As an ex enlisted guy that, at one time, could only go to Disney because of this resort, and really had to pinch my pennies on these past trips, I have an appreciation for this palce and those who stay there. Not rich now, but I do have a few more pennies. So the wife and I are very good at spotting some young, enlisted family and buying them a meal, having a meal with them or buying their children something when we see them in the gift shop. It's very easy to do this in a way that makes them feel good, normally it's just a matter of telling them how much we appreciate what they do. They really appreciate this - but the wife and I get more out of it than they do.

[newtowdw1]

I buy glow bracelets in bulk, and DH carries a tube in the park bag. I've noticed that part of the joy is the 'cracking' of the glow stick. My kids give them away all night long.

My DD is a master. She usually ends up with a dozen little ones surrounding her, she asks their parents if she may give them glow bracelets, then leads them through 'cracking' and 'attaching' them. She is the sweetest child. :lovestruc Future careers? Preschool teacher, home daycare, Disney princess.

My son is much more straight forward. Finds a guy his age (or pretty girl of any age), taps them on the shoulder, and hands over a glow stick. Nods knowingly, and moves on. :rotfl:

We've given out Purell wipes, fast passes, safety pins, 2 quarters and a penny to the longing... really anything we have extra is up for grabs!

[cannonballer]

That and a cooler full of beer and wine.

I hope we run into you on our trip. ;):rotfl::woohoo::3dglasses

[SassyTink213]

I'm so going to do the glowstick give! I just found tubes of 12 in each tube (bracelets) at Target in the dollar bins right when you walk in. There were also pirate and princess stickers if anyone is looking. I love sharing the pixie dust! Can't wait to make ppl smile!

[reservations4five]

:hug:I am retired military. We normally stay at AK or BC but on every trip we make at least one visit to the Shades of Green resort. That's a "military" resort on the property. As an ex enlisted guy that, at one time, could only go to Disney because of this resort, and really had to pinch my pennies on these past trips, I have an appreciation for this palce and those who stay there. Not rich now, but I do have a few more pennies. So the wife and I are very good at spotting some young, enlisted family and buying them a meal, having a meal with them or buying their children something when we see them in the gift shop. It's very easy to do this in a way that makes them feel good, normally it's just a matter of telling them how much we appreciate what they do. They really appreciate this - but the wife and I get more out of it than they do.


Aww- that is soooo awesome! :thumbsup2 :hug:

[Tinkerbellie16]

I am retired military. We normally stay at AK or BC but on every trip we make at least one visit to the Shades of Green resort. That's a "military" resort on the property. As an ex enlisted guy that, at one time, could only go to Disney because of this resort, and really had to pinch my pennies on these past trips, I have an appreciation for this palce and those who stay there. Not rich now, but I do have a few more pennies. So the wife and I are very good at spotting some young, enlisted family and buying them a meal, having a meal with them or buying their children something when we see them in the gift shop. It's very easy to do this in a way that makes them feel good, normally it's just a matter of telling them how much we appreciate what they do. They really appreciate this - but the wife and I get more out of it than they do.

This is such a kind gesture! :flower3:

[P&L@WDW]

I am retired military. We normally stay at AK or BC but on every trip we make at least one visit to the Shades of Green resort. That's a "military" resort on the property. As an ex enlisted guy that, at one time, could only go to Disney because of this resort, and really had to pinch my pennies on these past trips, I have an appreciation for this palce and those who stay there. Not rich now, but I do have a few more pennies. So the wife and I are very good at spotting some young, enlisted family and buying them a meal, having a meal with them or buying their children something when we see them in the gift shop. It's very easy to do this in a way that makes them feel good, normally it's just a matter of telling them how much we appreciate what they do. They really appreciate this - but the wife and I get more out of it than they do.

As the daughter of an ex-military enlisted man (for 27 years), THANK YOU. My family never got to visit Disneyworld until my sister was 20 and I was 21 because we could never afford it. I can imagine how much your gesture means to these families - almost as much as the simple 'Thank you, we appreciate what you do.' means to them!

[MEG&MINNIE]

The last few times dd and I have visited we have enjoyed passing along the Magic!
We have passed out Glow Sticks from the Dollar Store to a few kids each nite we were there (with their parents permission ,of course).
We have bought those tiny little wedding bubbles from th Dollar Store too, and passed them out to fussy/overtired kids. Once we had a long wait with other families at Crystal Palace for seats and the bubbles were a nice distraction while waiting outside.
DD has given away her Arcade tickets on each trip as she really was too old for the little prizes that you could trade them in for....but she stilled liked playing the arcades !
We have also given away Fast Passes,sometimes to someone just entering the park ...and it feels so nice to Pay it Forward !:flower3:
Can't wait till August !

[MEG&MINNIE]

We were at Cindy's castle for dinner with a reservations for two. We were waiting to check in when we saw an older couple, who didn't have ADRs, trying to get in. The host told them no, that there was no room. They were celebrating their 50th anniversary. My fiance and I told the host to give them our ADR's. They were sooooo happy. We ended up going to T-Rex that night.

This is such a nice thread to have!

So Sweet....what a nice thing to do!:thumbsup2

[3_disprincesses]

While planning our trip for last fall I ordered a rain cover for our umbrella stroller. As time got closer we decided to take the larger stroller so ordered the larger rain cover. Thank goodness we had the cover...it rained terribly on us one afternoon. I carried the extra cover with me every day and it just so happened on this storming afternoon there was another family exiting the monorail just in front of us with a child in an umbrella stroller with nothing to shield her from the rain. They were astonished when I told them to wait and I pulled the cover from my backpack to give to them. The adults were all getting soaked but the princess was dry and comfortable! It helped me feel a little better about the day knowing I had helped this family. They offered to pay for the cover but I asked them to just pass it on to another family before they left for home.

[Indychick]

We have gone to Disney more times than I list on here. I have taken everyone in my family that I can take. I cannot begin to count the fast passes I have given away. We have also given up our spot in line many times to those behind us who appear to be worn out or who appear to need a "cut" in line. It is so magical to see the looks of gratitude on people's face when you do something nice for them in the parks! I don't think you can share the magic enough!:hug:

[acourtwdw]

Last fall, we ran the EE race in Sept. The swag includes a one day pass to either EP or AK. As AP holders, they don't have any value for us. One afternoon as we were leaving AK, I asked a man in line to purchase tickets what he was getting. He said a 1 day AK pass. I told him he had answered correctly and handed him ours. He wanted to pay me for them but I told him just to pay it forward :)

[dissybroad]

howdy! how do i give away a stroller i don't need, i mean, how do you find someone who needs it? what's the etiquette? i'm a die-hard freecycler so the idea appeals to me.

[The Hendies]

Don't forget CM's! When we went for my B'Day so many CM's wished me a Happy Birthday that I began glancing at their names so I could say "Thank You ______ ! The following year I collected a bunch of dollar coins (Sacajawea) and CM's who where particularly helpful, giving (YOAMD) or kind, I gave them a coin. It's true that is is more blessed to give than to receive!!

[mary0305]

We handed out cards to CM's who did something special or looked like they could use a smile. We also left one with each tip for our servers at meals. Every CM was really amazed and thankful for this small gesture from us and our children.

I printed 8 on a sheet of card stock (this made each card business size) and then cut apart and decorated with small Disney stickers that I got from the Dollar Tree.

Example of what I put on the card.

"Thanks for making our trip Magical" or
"Thanks for the Magical Moment"

Special Thanks from
The Smith Family
Franklin, TN
October, 2008

[Tinkerbellie16]

howdy! how do i give away a stroller i don't need, i mean, how do you find someone who needs it? what's the etiquette? i'm a die-hard freecycler so the idea appeals to me.

Well - there are several approaches. We just got back from WDW and my husband was trying to give away extra fastpasses and NO ONE wanted them! They gave him that 'what are you selling?' look :lmao: So we went over to the fast pass machines and offered them to some folks who hadn't gotten them yet, they were skeptical then realized there were no strings attached!

For a stroller, I'd like to hear what the other person on this post did as well. I have left a stroller but I left all the gear in the room and let the hotel know that it could be passed on. I'm not sure that was the best thing to do but you never know! I figured at the very least, maybe someone working there needed some of these items or that the hotel would honor my wishes that the gear be passed on to a guest who called asking where they could find one.

[AmberHeartsDisney]

i surely enjoyed reading all these!

Would i look weird if i handed out stuff with no kids? I love the paying it forward idea, but i have no kids.

[JeMarie6]

howdy! how do i give away a stroller i don't need, i mean, how do you find someone who needs it? what's the etiquette? i'm a die-hard freecycler so the idea appeals to me.

You can donate the strollers and other items to Give Kids the World...1-800-995-KIDS....I understand that someone will come pick it up from your resort....www.gktw.org

[turkeymama]

Last year, we drove to WDW instead of flying. I forgot that I left a huge bag of Mardi Gras beads in the back of my truck. We never really thought about giving them away at first. We all just put several strands of beads on and headed out to the parks. It turned out to be a conversation starter with some people (I think from Wisconsin) and we handed them a few of our beads. It made them so happy. From that point on, we gave beads out to almost anyone and everyone we talked to, including a few CMs. This was during the Food and Wine Festival, so we also gave some to the people who were there in the Louisiana booth. It really was a lot of fun.

[P&L@WDW]

i surely enjoyed reading all these!

Would i look weird if i handed out stuff with no kids? I love the paying it forward idea, but i have no kids.

Nope, not weird at all! I don't have children, and have never had issues with giving things out. Just be sure to check with parents before giving something to their child(ren).

[CarolinaGirl453]

My husband loves pin trading. So every year he scours ebay to find small lots of pins to use as give-aways. He loads his lanyard up at the start of each day. When some child on a bus or monorail or in a restaurant asks to look at his pins, he lets them pick one they like and gives it to them.

One of our favorite give-aways was to a little girl (about 3 years old) on the monorail. She was dressed like tinkerbelle. He just happened to have a tink pin that day to offer her. Her mother cried. :tinker:

[magicaldisney11]

I would just like to say to all of you and everyone like you, THANK YOU!! Your all a great group of people and coming from someone who has to scrimp and save to bring their kids to WDW and some of the extras once were there are a "no" it is really appreciated. You all ROCK!!:thumbsup2

[magicaldisney11]

I would just like to say to all of you and everyone like you, THANK YOU!! Your all a great group of people and coming from someone who has to scrimp and save to bring their kids to WDW and some of the extras once were there are a "no" it is really appreciated. You all ROCK!!:thumbsup2

[minniebeth]

We've given lots of things away throughout our stays, ie fast passes, pins, etc. but on our last trip the two things that made us feel nice to pass along were:
It was the end of our trip and we hadn't used our 30min arcade card that comes with the WDW package. My DS had just been to DisneyQuest, so he was arcade-ed out and found a family in the resort lobby with a young son and asked the parents if he would like to have it. DS was so happy when he saw how excited the boy was!

We were all situated in front of the castle one night waiting for Wishes and we were sitting next to a family with a little girl who was crying so hard because she had a headache. I took out my backpack a.k.a. 'everything and the kitchen sink backpack' (my kids call it that because I have tons of wipes and antibacterial soap in it) and took out a bottle of Children's Tylenol for her. I would be leary taking medication from another person I didn't know but the bottle wasn't opened yet and was still sealed. They were very much appreciative.

It's the little kindnesses that go a long way and make a difference and there are so many kind people out there at WDW!

[Tinkerbellie16]

On our most recent trip to Disney, we had some friends come visit us at the hotel (Poly). We didn't necessarily give them things (ok, a couple light up sticks) but we did give them a fun time! They don't usually go to Disney (even though they live in St. Cloud, it is expensive for them and they certainly wouldn't stay at a resort since they live so close) so it was a treat for their kids! We went swimming then watched the fireworks and EWP from the beach. It was great to see our friends again and their kids had such a nice treat!

And we received a lot of stickers from cast members last time too. My kids LOVED the stickers so thank you to the CMs and to all the people who give these away! Such an inexpensive way to make the kids happy.

[rosiep]

I've given away FastPasses and Ponchos, offer to take family photos and occasionally paid for the meal or snack behind me but my favorite way to give magic is to simply engage people.

On one trip I noticed an older woman with her grown daughter and her daughter's family. This woman looked so pretty: well groomed with a matching necklace and earrings...so I tapped her shoulder and said I just had to comment on how nice she looked. Well.....her eyes got a little teary and she proceeded to tell me that her husband recently passed away and since he usually accompanied the family on their Disney trips she was hesitant about going alone...she gave me a big hug and said that every morning her husband would tell her just how nice she looked and that she "knew" my remark was his way of telling her that he was still with her.

I felt like a million bucks...so simple...just to reach out.

Thanks OP, for starting this thread!

[Scooby3x1y]

I can't wait to read the whold thread, but I firmly believe that what goes around comes around. Random acts of kindness not only make you feel good, but the giver can get more out of the gift than the receiver.

We have also give out fast passes, my teen boys are great at holding doors, and we've walked all the way to cars (opposite direction of where we need to go) to help people who need assistance.

I love to take pictures for families so that they can all be in the picture. We all have those pictures where one member of the family is missing ;)

I will randomly walk up to anyone taking a picture and offer. Most times if we want a picture the same place that I will offer to take there picture if they willl take one of my family. I don't think I've ever been turned down.

[Tinkerbellie16]

I've given away FastPasses and Ponchos, offer to take family photos and occasionally paid for the meal or snack behind me but my favorite way to give magic is to simply engage people.

On one trip I noticed an older woman with her grown daughter and her daughter's family. This woman looked so pretty: well groomed with a matching necklace and earrings...so I tapped her shoulder and said I just had to comment on how nice she looked. Well.....her eyes got a little teary and she proceeded to tell me that her husband recently passed away and since he usually accompanied the family on their Disney trips she was hesitant about going alone...she gave me a big hug and said that every morning her husband would tell her just how nice she looked and that she "knew" my remark was his way of telling her that he was still with her.

I felt like a million bucks...so simple...just to reach out.

Thanks OP, for starting this thread!

This just brought tears to my eyes! It never hurts to compliment people and this is just extra special.

[rosiep]

This just brought tears to my eyes! It never hurts to compliment people and this is just extra special.

It really was an amazing moment and I'm not sure which of us benefited more. It made me so happy that I could have that kind of impact....we all can in fact. I make sure that I try to do so everywhere, everyday...because sometimes it's as easy as offering a smile, or holding a door... such simple gestures can change a persons whole day from rotten to better. :hug:

[S. C.]

This just brought tears to my eyes! It never hurts to compliment people and this is just extra special.

Mine too!

[S. C.]

We always do the glow bracelets too. We always take people with us to the GM/Test Track lounge and then to the front of the line. Love it when we come across families who have never been on it before.

[smkiya]

On one trip I noticed an older woman with her grown daughter and her daughter's family. This woman looked so pretty: well groomed with a matching necklace and earrings...so I tapped her shoulder and said I just had to comment on how nice she looked. Well.....her eyes got a little teary and she proceeded to tell me that her husband recently passed away and since he usually accompanied the family on their Disney trips she was hesitant about going alone...she gave me a big hug and said that every morning her husband would tell her just how nice she looked and that she "knew" my remark was his way of telling her that he was still with her.

I felt like a million bucks...so simple...just to reach out.



:littleangel:

You just made me cry....

[mmiller711]

We also have handed out extra fp and so on but the time that had the biggest payoff for me didn't cost me a dime.

We were sitting waiting for Fantasmic to start and since my mom was with us in her wheelchair we were in the back. There was a little girl next to us in a wheelchair and I asked her if she was having fun at Disney. She of course said yes and I asked about her favorite ride, park and so. When we were done talking her mother came over and thanked me. She said everyone talked "about" her but no one talked "to" her. I work with physically disabled kids so I didn't think it was a big deal but to that mother it was important.

[dukehoopsfan]

I am the planner of the family - telling everyone the fastest way to get around the park, which counter services are the best, how to "do" the rides so we can get them all in etc - yes, basically visiting the parks commando style. We were at the Beach Club Villas a couple of weeks ago, and I told the family it was going to be a non-commando trip and instead go with the flow. Well that resulted in not using all of our counter service meals (we were on the quick service dining plan). The day we were leaving my husband went to the Marketplace (as the rest of us were getting in a last swim and shopping) to "buy" lunches for people (he had 10 meals left!). He is a teacher and a college coach - so he loves to meet and talk to people. For the next hour or so - he had a blast talking to people and then getting them lunch. He told me that he enjoyed spreading the "Disney Magic"!

[DaughteroftheKing]

Wonderful thread!

When we go in October, we're having lunch at T-Rex and letting ds do the build-a-dino. I plan on buying a gift card and giving it to another little boy (whoever randomly is in there at the time) so he can build a dinosaur too.

We may give away our Planet Hollywood $15 voucher.

I bought a tube with some extra glowsticks for at the fireworks. ;)

[Mom2SamandJames]

Last trip we bought an extra swirly sucker and shared it with a little girl sitting beside us watching the parade. Her smile was worth every penny. This trip our son wants to make special little treat bags with personalized labels on them. We are putting different things in the bags. Our son is helping me make disney shaped sugar cookes and picking out candy and stickers. That way we can share our Disney magic with anyone we desire from CMs to other families.

I am proud of my son for wanting to do this as he is only 4. I hope this means we are raising him to think of others.

[disneymom2003]

We are season pass holders here in California. This year they are giving away 50 prizes a day. My 19 year old daughter was with her friends there when she won front row tickets to the parade. Since she has already seen the parade she gave the tickets to a family with two small children. They all were thrilled.

[miraged]

When we were last there this May, 2009, we were eating popcorn and feeding the ducks as we walked. A nice mommy and her two children were sitting by the water at Downtown Disney, she didn't wish them to feed the ducks, but I asked if if could give her children some popcorn and she kindly said yes. So we all shared and it was nice.

[disneycountrygirl]

:confused3:confused3Last time we got the free passes that you hang around your neck for only select people that the CMs hand out if you happen to be at the right place in the park at the right time, (can't remember if it was for extra hours or fastpasses to a whole bunch of rides), we tried to give them to someone else cause we had to leave the parks and wouldn't be using them, and for some reason people were leary. I think they thought we were trying to sell something!! We said something like, "hey, we are leaving the parks and we received this from Disney as a freebee, do you want it?" And about 3 parties actually said, "no thanks" or "not interested". Finally the 4th party took them, but seemed really skeptical with just an "ok" and an extended hand. I bet once they discovered they were actually valid (and required nothing of them as we were long gone) they were probably happy about it.

We were suprised people were so hesitant to take something free. I guess people maybe are thinkikng that nothing in life is free...and if it's too good to be true, it is :confused3. But sheesh, those rules should go out the door at Disney!

[dizmom2mwjk]

On our last trip, it was dd and I, and I got sick and couldn't eat, so had extra meals on our meal plan, and took a family of 3 through the CS line to order meals for them. They couldn't believe someone would just give away meals like that...but I wasn't going to get the chance to use them, and would rather not waste them...so I found a family who could use them...

[jmkford4]

Love this thread! We are going in a month for our first trip, and we bought glow sticks to hand out. I think I will buy extra stickers as well. Keep them coming!!!!

[polkadotsuitcase]

Aw, what a wonderful thread! Makes me happy just reading it...and now I guess I *must* schedule a trip this year, just so I can try to spread the happiness, too!

[butterflygirl3]

Of course, we've given away the FPs and the glow bracelets, but what seems to really get parents is stickers. I have no idea why! :laughing:

DS3 carries around a Nemo ziploc full of shimmery stickers of Disney characters. Princesses, Cars, Fab 5, etc. When he sees someone that looks like they need a sticker (even grown-ups), he looks through his bag, pulls out the one that fits that person (girl in Snow White dress gets Snow White, guy with Goofy hat gets Goofy, etc.) and hands it to them. The looks on their faces are priceless!! It makes him so happy, too. Sometimes when he's starting to get icky himself, I'll ask him if he wants to share his stickers, and that pulls him right out of it. Who'd have thought a few bags of dollar stickers would have so much power? :goodvibes:

Love, Love, Love this idea! My daughter would probably love to do this! She likes giving stickers to anyone and everyone! Thank you very much!

[crystaldawn]

We've given away many fastpasses for rides that my older ds chickens out about lol... We get them and he seems so thrilled and then he realizes that we actually have to go ON the ride and he decides NOT to lol...

We have also done the glow bracelets. It's one of my favorite things to do actually. We buy tons of them when we go and let our kids give them to other kids around us. It's funny because it really makes it feel like we're their with friends. Once you give something to someone there is a bond created and it just seems more fun. We've also had many ppl offer us things in return, like snacks or holding our spot etc since we've befriended them.

I wish that I could financially give more. I would love to offer to pay for someone character breakfast or an extra day in the park etc... Maybe someday.

[MissRoseDarrensAngel]

I left 1 unopened bottle of powder (for chafing etc), 1 unopened spray on sunscreen in a bottle and a bottle of sunburn relief in a dresser drawer at Pop Century.

Hopefully someone who needs them, will find them there and use them, or perhaps pay it forward, and leave some items for another person.

[Missytara]

I give the magical experience - the first few years, I went alone and you pay 175% of the room price if you are one person. To me, it is still a very reasonable trip by myself.

The last few years I have taken friends, and I tell them, I am still going whether you go or not. So I pay for the gas, the parking and the tolls to the airport and back, and pay the bulk of the room. All I ask is they pay for the remainder of the room and their tickets, food, etc.

This year, I am taking two college aged women who work at the restaurant I go to all the time; they are each only paying about $400.00 plus the dining plan. One of them has been twice, but never stayed on-site; the other one has NEVER been at all.

I already have three people that have asked to go with me next year!

It is so much fun to share the experience with someone that means so much to you! They take such good care of me at the restaurant, so I always like to be able to do something for them.

[tinkbutt]

every time I go to animal kingdom I stop off at a game that I always win the medium stuffed animal..... then I spend the rest of my day looking for the right little girl or boy who is having a break down. I then make my entrance and ask the parent if it would be OK if their kid can have the stuffed animal. it usually gets the kid to calm down and forget what they were crying over. it is a nice 4-7$ way to help out a stressed parent.:goodvibes

oh yeah I usually make sure they have a stroller so the parent doesn't get stuck carrying the stuffed animal ;)

[Tinkerbellie16]

:confused3:confused3Last time we got the free passes that you hang around your neck for only select people that the CMs hand out if you happen to be at the right place in the park at the right time, (can't remember if it was for extra hours or fastpasses to a whole bunch of rides), we tried to give them to someone else cause we had to leave the parks and wouldn't be using them, and for some reason people were leary. I think they thought we were trying to sell something!! We said something like, "hey, we are leaving the parks and we received this from Disney as a freebee, do you want it?" And about 3 parties actually said, "no thanks" or "not interested". Finally the 4th party took them, but seemed really skeptical with just an "ok" and an extended hand. I bet once they discovered they were actually valid (and required nothing of them as we were long gone) they were probably happy about it.

We were suprised people were so hesitant to take something free. I guess people maybe are thinkikng that nothing in life is free...and if it's too good to be true, it is :confused3. But sheesh, those rules should go out the door at Disney!

It is funny how sometimes it is hard to give away things! But I have to admire people for being a little cautious :)

We've given away many fastpasses for rides that my older ds chickens out about lol... We get them and he seems so thrilled and then he realizes that we actually have to go ON the ride and he decides NOT to lol...

We have also done the glow bracelets. It's one of my favorite things to do actually. We buy tons of them when we go and let our kids give them to other kids around us. It's funny because it really makes it feel like we're their with friends. Once you give something to someone there is a bond created and it just seems more fun. We've also had many ppl offer us things in return, like snacks or holding our spot etc since we've befriended them.

I wish that I could financially give more. I would love to offer to pay for someone character breakfast or an extra day in the park etc... Maybe someday.

That is such a win-win situation. You can't use your fastpasses and you don't want to force your children so instead, they can feel good about giving the fastpasses away - awesome!

every time I go to animal kingdom I stop off at a game that I always win the medium stuffed animal..... then I spend the rest of my day looking for the right little girl or boy who is having a break down. I then make my entrance and ask the parent if it would be OK if their kid can have the stuffed animal. it usually gets the kid to calm down and forget what they were crying over. it is a nice 4-7$ way to help out a stressed parent.:goodvibes

oh yeah I usually make sure they have a stroller so the parent doesn't get stuck carrying the stuffed animal ;)

I love this idea. I was really upset one visit to MK when everyone is walking in and in awe & laughing & loving the park but there was a dad that was yelling at his daughter because she was crying. I don't know the situation at all, but he kicked her in the behind as he yelled at her to stop crying! I was mortified and felt so bad for the family. I know a Disney vacation (or ANY vacation) can get stressful at times and it is so wonderful that other people try to step in before things get too heated for parents and children. We just want to enjoy Disney World and have wonderful memories with our children/families/ourselves! With people like you (and all the people on this thread), these melt downs can be avoided or just a magic moment is made. Everyone remembers these kind gestures. And I am taking them all to heart when I visit!!

[figment3258]

every time I go to animal kingdom I stop off at a game that I always win the medium stuffed animal..... then I spend the rest of my day looking for the right little girl or boy who is having a break down. I then make my entrance and ask the parent if it would be OK if their kid can have the stuffed animal. it usually gets the kid to calm down and forget what they were crying over. it is a nice 4-7$ way to help out a stressed parent.:goodvibes

oh yeah I usually make sure they have a stroller so the parent doesn't get stuck carrying the stuffed animal ;)

Thats a really great idea. For the last two years we won the jumbo size so we have two large turtle here but we will try your idea this trip. Good one!

[Tinkerbellie16]

We had extra fast passes one year we visited and tried to give them away at the front of MK. No one would take them, they definitely were suspicious! And it was hard to know who might want them. Well, we were able to finally give them away (after my husband asked about 20 people!) but this year, we found that it was much easier to give away the fastpasses near the rides. So if you know you aren't going to use them, try giving them away near the rides if not right outside of the ride (maybe to that family where the little boy insists on going on Big Thunder and the parents are looking at the 2 hour wait with trembling fear in their eyes - ha ha!)

[Pirate Chica]

This is such a nice thread. I too experienced something similar...

Two years ago, I was checking in at CS and while I was waiting for our room key, a gentleman came out of nowhere and gave us two resort refillable mugs. He said he had just checked out and didn't want to take them home. We gladly took them and used it! Then when we checked out, we gave them to another family that was just checking in. They were so surprised and grateful.

I spread my own Disney magic. :hug:

[darkkskyzz]

This is such a nice thread. I too experienced something similar...

Two years ago, I was checking in at CS and while I was waiting for our room key, a gentleman came out of nowhere and gave us two resort refillable mugs. He said he had just checked out and didn't want to take them home. We gladly took them and used it! Then when we checked out, we gave them to another family that was just checking in. They were so surprised and grateful.

I spread my own Disney magic. :hug:

Great idea!!! :cheer2:

[Tinker_]

I love this thread! We are like most of you and pass out glow sticks, stickers, and share our extra meals and snacks! The great thing about having extra snacks is you can go to the candy store and stock up on suckers to share!

[ninecrayons]

This is a wonderful idea. I am big believe in karma and paying it forward.

I am going with some friends to celebrate my birthday in October. I'd love to take a little something with me to give away to people who wish me a happy birthday. I was thinking something like stickers or whatnot. I feel like it's the least I can do for people who make my special day better!

However I am little worried that as a young woman without kids, parents/people are generally going to find it a little weird if I'm trying to give stuff to them. Any thoughts on the best way to approach that?

If I'm picking between giving out glow bracelets or stickers, which would you pick? I know I can easily get glow bracelets at 12 for $1 at our local Michaels.

[Aunt Stepody]

Last year my entire family went to WDW. It was my 2 year old nephew's first trip. My sister kept telling me that she really wanted to buy him a set of Mickey ears, but she couldn't really afford them along with the cost of the trip. So, my DH and I bought an arrangement from Disney that had the Mickey Ears with his name embroidered on the back, a character autograph book and pen, and a rice crispy treat. We had it at the front desk to be given to her at check-in. She was surprised and greatful.

On the same trip, I received a Tinkerbell pin that I received from a CM while visiting with her while the family was on Stitch Escape. I had my DH take my picture with her and my pin.

We also received 4 Year of a million Dream fastpasses for my family of four at Epcot from the nicest ladies. I wanted to hug them. Actually, I think I did. My boys were SUPER excited. They really wanted to "win" something from the Dream Team. They knew that our "winning" was much better. This really made our day. We've kept the remains of those fastpasses.

We, like others have mentioned, have given up fastpasse, and places in line, and seats on the bus many times.

I hope to do something different this year.

[pixiefairy]

When we were at WDW last June, we "paid it forward" a bit here and there, as well. While getting FP's for TSMM, there was a CM helping to make the process go faster. He took my 6 kttw cards, fed them through, grabbed the FPs and sent me on my way. As we walked back to meet my dh, my ds and I counted through to make sure we had 6, since the CM didn't grab them each as they were spit out. I told him that if there wasn't enough, I'd stay out with the baby and the rest of them could go. As I counted, I realized we were given 11 FPs. So, instead of saving them and letting my family go on without me and our youngest, we scanned the crowd for a family of 5. I had my teenager go over and give them to the dad, who was rushing over to get FPs for that very ride. They were very thankful. Made us both feel good.

We celebrated my dh's birthday and my ds's 13th birthday while we were down there. I ordered cakes for both of them. The first one, a white chocolate cake with white chocolate/milk chocolate swirled ganache, came from the GF at 1900 Park Fare. It was SO good. We had so much left (my kids had started to raid the dessert buffet before the cake came out) that we started to offer pieces of cake to the surrounding tables. Everyone partook, and we didn't have much left. I didn't want to waste a $35 cake, so I was thrilled that everyone wanted to share, lol. For my dh's birthday, we were at Cape May Cafe and this table of three elderly ladies had joined in singing happy birthday to him, so we gave them the remaining half of his cake to take back with them to their room. Again...we were going to a park, no fridge in our room...$35 cake...they were happy to take it. :)

We were passed an extra umbrella stroller in the lobby of POP...so we used it at night when our dd was sleepy to get back to our room. We passed it on when we left. I've known friends to pass on a cooler they purchased down there, as well.

In February, my dh found it amusing that I offered to take pictures for so many families so that they could ALL be in the photo. We have no personal photos of all of us, just photopass, so I know how important that is!

[LovesTimone]

When DD was little-I have given, juice boxes, capri suns, and gold fish to other kids at the pool. But we always asked mom first.

I was a single mom so my budget was tight, I had a really nice family give me their bench one year during the parade and I was holding DD who was more than tired but who wanted to see the parade.

Since no little people at home only college aged DD.I really haven't thought about this. So when we go on our girls only trip in Oct. I think I will bring along some glow things and give away them in the parks to help other parents, pay it forward like another poster said.
Thanks.

[Tinkerbellie16]

This is a wonderful idea. I am big believe in karma and paying it forward.

I am going with some friends to celebrate my birthday in October. I'd love to take a little something with me to give away to people who wish me a happy birthday. I was thinking something like stickers or whatnot. I feel like it's the least I can do for people who make my special day better!

However I am little worried that as a young woman without kids, parents/people are generally going to find it a little weird if I'm trying to give stuff to them. Any thoughts on the best way to approach that?

If I'm picking between giving out glow bracelets or stickers, which would you pick? I know I can easily get glow bracelets at 12 for $1 at our local Michaels.

As the poster below states, they ask the parents' prior to giving the kids any type of food (speaking as a mother, thank you for asking with regards to food!). So for food items, I definitely say ask first but you are wondering about stickers or glow bracelets. As a mother and as someone who likes to give stuff away, I try to ask the parents first. If that is not possible, I say to the child that I'd like them to have this if their folks say it is ok and I look at the parent(s) for a nod or whatever. But really, CMs give the kids stickers directly so I don't see any harm in offering that and if there is an issue, the parent will give the 'that is so thoughtful but no thank you' and that's it. As long as you are doing it with a giving heart, that is what will show through and that is all that matters :)

And for those of you wanting to buy glow/light-up stuff in bulk, go to glowsource online. I get the light up ice cubes in bulk - they are so much fun and reusable. Mine usually last a year or two!

When DD was little-I have given, juice boxes, capri suns, and gold fish to other kids at the pool. But we always asked mom first.

I was a single mom so my budget was tight, I had a really nice family give me their bench one year during the parade and I was holding DD who was more than tired but who wanted to see the parade.

Since no little people at home only college aged DD.I really haven't thought about this. So when we go on our girls only trip in Oct. I think I will bring along some glow things and give away them in the parks to help other parents, pay it forward like another poster said.
Thanks.

[delaneyc52]

This is not a huge deal, but on our last day, we give away our pool noodles. We've also given away our fastpasses. But more than the material things, I think just giving away a smile and good vibes is the best ... especially to the moms and dads on that late bus with cranky kids!

[Ms.Mouse]

Sometimes, we have lots of snacks and CS left so on our last day when we are in line at the CS for breakfasts, we will offer the people around us their meals/snacks. They love it!!!

[cindyd1@optonline.ne]

I have read this whole thread!:flower3: It just put a smile on my face. I knew there were good people out there, I just didn't know that there were so many!!!!:) Its amazing what the Magic of Disney can do! Thanks to all of you amazing people :)

[GoofyMam]

Love this thread :goodvibes Looking forward to putting some of these ideas into practice during our trip in December.

[Tinkerbellie16]

I like to spread the magic all year round too so I've been finding Disney things in Target's dollar bin when they go 75% off!! I get cute pens, pencils, notepads, stickers, temporary tattoos, and even ice packs for 25 cents each!! I like to give these out to the kids' friends or my nieces and nephews. I also send this stuff to my brother (he is mentally retarded - well, the pc word now is 'challenged' but that makes him sound ok and he's not) and his group home. These guys are in their 40s and many of them have been abandoned by their families and their stuff gets "lost" so often (i.e. stolen) so they love getting ANYTHING. I love the bright smiles when they see this stuff and they are so happy because Disney is such a happy company. I just wish they were well enough to travel to Disney but most of them just aren't (and even if they were, they don't have a cent to their names).

[Tinkerbellie16]

I'm traveling right now for work and it has been so tiring with no 'loving' family or friends around me. My job is 'fixing' things for others and finding out why things don't work or if someone has questions. I only get talked to when something is 'wrong'. But today, I actually had someone smile at me and say 'thank you' for all that you do. Sometimes a simple 'thank you' can make someone's day so I'm going to try harder to say thank you at Disney World and the rest of the world.

[bobbie0253]

I was nursing my little guy in "stroller parking" and there was a dad with his young daughter (about a year old) she saw the little link toys on Matthew's stroller...the oval bright colored kind that link together to form a chain. She kept saying "keys" her dad kept trying to distract her. She kept saying keys. LOL I took a couple off and then handed them to her. We had plenty to share. She was sooo happy to finally have her "keys".

We have also given away fastpasses.

[rosiep]

I'm traveling right now for work and it has been so tiring with no 'loving' family or friends around me. My job is 'fixing' things for others and finding out why things don't work or if someone has questions. I only get talked to when something is 'wrong'. But today, I actually had someone smile at me and say 'thank you' for all that you do. Sometimes a simple 'thank you' can make someone's day so I'm going to try harder to say thank you at Disney World and the rest of the world.

You're so right. I always say "thank you" to bathroom custodians....It's such a crappy (pun indended) job and I'm sure that no one compliments them. It usually takes them by surprise..but they always smile and say "you're welcome".

[Tinkerbellie16]

You're so right. I always say "thank you" to bathroom custodians....It's such a crappy (pun indended) job and I'm sure that no one compliments them. It usually takes them by surprise..but they always smile and say "you're welcome".

So I told my coworker that I appreciated her 'thank you' and about me writing it on the DIS and it turns out, she's a Disney nut too! So I'm glad I shared my story here and let her know how much it was appreciated because I have one more Disney friend now :goodvibes

[DisneyDahling]

My husband and I are kid-less so we always try to hand out things to the kids we see that are having a child-meltdown. We usually stock up throughout the year for dollar items that are disney related and pass them out. We have struck up amazing convos with the parents and the smiles on the kids faces are amazing and uplifting.

We are part of the glow stick give away party too!:)

I always have my bag of "just in case" emergencies and on our last trip a poor little guy fell on Tom Sawyer's Island and there were no CM in sight. Daddy and Gma were trying everything they could to keep the little guy together while on the phone trying to find Mom. I got my bag out and asked the Gma if I could help. So with my Mickey Band-aids and antiseptic wipe, I got his knee all fixed and with a Mickey Pin from my husbands over stuffed lanyard, got a smile back on his face. :)

It was soooo worth the lashing I got from my DH about how that was the pin he was saving for the trip! Whooops! LOL. But he was happy to have spread the magic too!:wizard:

[JoShan1719]

I've given away FastPasses and Ponchos, offer to take family photos and occasionally paid for the meal or snack behind me but my favorite way to give magic is to simply engage people.

On one trip I noticed an older woman with her grown daughter and her daughter's family. This woman looked so pretty: well groomed with a matching necklace and earrings...so I tapped her shoulder and said I just had to comment on how nice she looked. Well.....her eyes got a little teary and she proceeded to tell me that her husband recently passed away and since he usually accompanied the family on their Disney trips she was hesitant about going alone...she gave me a big hug and said that every morning her husband would tell her just how nice she looked and that she "knew" my remark was his way of telling her that he was still with her.

I felt like a million bucks...so simple...just to reach out.

Thanks OP, for starting this thread!

Ok, that one got me. Such a beautiful moment!

[giginator]

What a wonderful topic to write about. I loved reading the stories and leave for our own magical trip in two days and can't wait to spread the Disney magic and pixiedust myself!!!

[Tinkerbellie16]

Well, Disney does know something about giving. I was totally curious about the DVC and signed up for a webcast. They sent me a mousepad, notepad, and a pin along with some documentation. It's so true how excited we get over the little things and my daughter was just loving all the 'stuff'!

[HappyCamperToo]

Last trip we left later in the afternoon and our checked luggage was long gone with Disney's magical express. On the bus ride back to our resort, we offered our unused water bottles (it's so much cheaper to buy by the case than to buy them in the parks) to other guests on the bus, including the bus driver. And when our bus to the airport arrived, we offered our leftover bottle of sunscreen to the incoming guests. My DD's were embarrassed, but the man who accepted it was grateful.

[Carriemel]

My dh, lil princess: and DMIL spent the last few days in Disney. We were leaving on Friday morning and hadn't yet used the arcade vouchers in our package. I saw a young boy...I guess about 10 years old...asked his mother if they would like to have the vouchers... man, that kid's eyes lit up like it was Christmas day and he got a brand new car, computer AND puppy.

[tinkerfan1]

I love giving as much as receiving. What a neat thread. I always try to teach my children that it is so important to give. My youngest son loves to collect pins. He has given pins away a couple of times. The first pin he ever got, and what got him into collecting, was given to him by a Disney CM. The time I remember most with my son was when he saw a little girl once who was interested in his pins. She did not have any but she did have, if I remember correctly, a lanyard. My son went over to her parents, asked if it would be ok for her to have one, and offered her one of his pins. He had gotten a set that had Minnie Mouse in it so the little girl loved it. It made the little girls day and it made my son's day, not to mention his mother proud. We have also given people desserts before. With the meal plan you automatically get it and we certainly can't always eat it. You aren't supposed to share but they've never stopped us from giving somebody else our dessert. We have also given fast passes. I know how much fun it is to get those so it certainly is nice to give them, too, if you aren't going to be able to use them. We did that one time when we were going to be leaving before our time for Lights Motors Action. In fact, we still have yet to see that and we've been a ton of times!!! Oh well, we'll get there.

[Tinkerbellie16]

I love the idea about the pins! My kids really got into them the last trip. I think I will try what other people have suggested and buy them in bulk on ebay (for less money than for new ones that is!)