Whats the NICEST thing that has happened to you at WDW??? [Archive] - The DIS Discussion Forums

Jen D

07-27-2002, 10:08 PM

Our first trip to WDW was last fall and it was like we led a charmed life. We got there and promptly received for my dd's birthday: a signed Cinderella picture and a lanyard with a pin on it, and a balloon; and for me and my dh's anniversary, a Micky/Minnie picture frame. (We were renting dvc points from a friend and she might have tipped them off.) That night we went to Illuminations and my daughter got to "start" the show. When we went to Belle's storytime my husband got picked to play the Beast.

This is a weird one, and "magical" is a strong word, but my first Pixie Dust encounter was at my very first Disney theme park visit; I went with my daughter to Disneyland about three years ago. We had driven a long way (our hotel was in Pasadena) and arrived mid-morning, and I was feeling frustrated I hadn't made it to an atm yet, but I assumed they'd be in the park. I pulled in and saw the parking booth and the guy said $7. I said "Pay now or at the end?" "Now" he said. I said, well, never mind, I have to turn around and find a bank, can you tell me where to find an atm? And smiled he handed me a validated parking ticket and told me to enjoy my day. It took me a while to understand he was waiving the fee. Now that I am familiar with Disney accomodation and hospitality, it doesn't seem that surprising, but at the time I was amazed. He just smiled and waived the fee! He wanted to make sure my Disney Day got started as happy as it could! It was then I knew I wasn't in Brooklyn anymore.... ;)

slstorey

07-28-2002, 12:21 AM

There is usually something special or magical that happens on every trip - probably what makes us come back so often.

The most memorable moments were both on our honeymoon:

1. We at dinner at Cinderella's Castle and when we got to the table they had sprinkled mickey confetti all over the table and gave us a free bottle of champagne with 2 wine glasses that had Cinderella's Castle logo on it.

2. Deafining applause greeted us as our car swung out toward the exit on the Mr. Toad's Wild Ride. Still to this day I don't know how they got everyone in line so organized to clap at the same time. I immediately went beet red but loved every minute of it.

Both of these were before I had visited this board and started planning so much but luckily my husband knew about the Mickey and Minnie bridal hats and bought them for us.

DISNEYDADINOREGON

07-28-2002, 12:27 AM

This past trip we just got back from was pretty magical! My son was picked to close MK on e-night on the 12th. The park closed @ 1:00am and we waited aroung til the park was cleared of all guests and he got to wear a Disney Security hat and called the last monorail. We got a picture with the security guard and a certificate. He felt very special. When we went to go check out the Epcot passholder lounge, we met a really nice german CM that gave my wife a 4th of July scarf and told us some great stories about when Epcot 1st opened. She was sooooo nice! When we ate at Rose and Crown the CM there was so nice and told my son about hidden Mickeys. The CM that waited with during the rain/lightening storm at Blizzard Beach for about 90 minutes and made sure we were all safe.Genuinely nice people. That is what Disney is all about. Not free stuff, but making people feel special and plain sincerity. I feel sad to be at home:(

PrincessAli

07-28-2002, 06:13 AM

This was the most important 'nicest thing' that has happened to us, last Sept 15th, we checked into a nearly deserted Coronado Springs Resort only to be upgraded to a suite for $65.00 a night. What a surprise that was.

VMS

07-28-2002, 06:34 AM

Years ago we had for our last morning there ressies for a character breakfast, and then we were headed to the airport. I discovered that my camera battery had gone dead, and had hoped to get some good charecter pictures with my children. It was before any shops were open, and we were very busy packing up two children for the flight home. Anyway, I called the front desk to see if they had any solutions, and through a series of phone calls they made, they arranged for a CM to get into a shop that was closed at the resort where we were having breakfast, and get us the battery we needed. The battery was waiting when we got there. Disney at its best!

mskani

07-28-2002, 09:39 AM

Truly enjoying this thread--here's mine...

1) Another WDW visitor giving my family and me special passes to sit in the reserved section for Fantasmic.

2) Riding in the front car on the monorail (twice).

BostonTigger

07-28-2002, 11:34 AM

I've always wanted to ride in the front of the monorail. How did you manage to accomplish mskani?

steven

milmore104

07-28-2002, 01:18 PM

To Bostontigger
It is easy to get in the front of the monarail. When you get there ask the CM standing there if the seats up front are avalible. If htey are you can sit up there. But they do go fast and you can only have 4 people up there.

JDY

07-28-2002, 02:33 PM

My DW and I were eating at Whispering Canyons at WL on our honeymoon trip. A CM asked me to stand up, I thought she was going to say something about us being newlyweds.

"We have a celebrity here today, folks! Mr. Robert Downey Jr.!"

Everyone turned, looked, and applauded. I may look like him but I'm not. I turned beet red. She got such a kick out of it that she gave us our meal for free.

When we checked out later that week there was a bottle of wine waiting for us. I think it was from this wonderful CM. :) :) :) :) :)

dislov2000

07-28-2002, 02:49 PM

I tell you I was in WDW for my birthday and the whole daywas special!!! We were getting ready to stand in line for Peter Pan and the cast member pulled us aside and said " I am going to let you guys in here ......and it's faster than the fast pass line!!" the original wait was 20 minutes.......!! we got right on the ride!! she didn't even see my birthday pin!! and then my nephew wanted to ride on barnstormer and when we got there Goofy was there!! I got to ride up front with Goofy on my 45 birthday!! What Magic I had that day!!!

dislov2000@aol.com:bounce:
92 more day to Disney!!

Talking Hands

07-28-2002, 04:07 PM

I have had so many magical things happen at Disney.
Last March on my birthday I went to Hoop Dee Doo. It was fantastic. Even more fantastic was when the girl asked me about my birthday and I could not understand her soft voice. Not at all. The interpreter realized this and came down and interpreted for me. WOW!
I is scary when you can't understand a person and I had not yet gotten my hearing aids. In fact that was one of the reasons I was forced to admit I needed to break down and get them.

HookdonWDW

07-28-2002, 04:51 PM

Great thread!

Here's one of our magical moments:

DS (7) lost his wallet in Epcot when we were at WDW this July 4th. He had put his child's room key in his wallet. We figured the wallet was lost for good. The next evening, we got a call telling us that someone had turned in his wallet! The magical part was the look on ds' face when the CM at Lost and Found not only had him sign for his wallet, but for the $23.00 he had stored in it! Since it took ds two and a half months to save that money, he was so happy! Where but WDW would someone not only turn in the wallet, but leave the money in tact. Our kids really learned a lesson about integrity and kindness that day, and dh and I were reminded of why we think WDW is such a magical place.

Corl4

07-28-2002, 05:47 PM

Back in June, we were spending the day in Epcot. My DS who is 12 was goofing around throwing a small football he had just gotten. My husband threw it to him and when he jumped to get it, he slipped (the pavement was wet) and fell on his knee that already had a huge scab from a baseball game. Needless to say he was bleeding all over the place. It was amazing how many people stopped to help with bandages, wet wipes, ect. It was very heartwarming to know that so many people cared and took the time to stop to see if we needed anything!:)

TDC Nala

07-28-2002, 08:36 PM

In 1992 I visited WDW with friends from California and their daughter, who was 10 (she's 20 now) who was a big Ariel fan. She was also collecting autographs from characters. This was before Ariel's Grotto was established at the MK and she really wanted Ariel's autograph. After we saw the Little Mermaid show at MGM we went to a CM working at the building and asked her if there was a place to meet Ariel. The CM said no, Ariel couldn't meet the public because she was getting ready for the next show, but she's sure that Ariel will be happy to give an autograph...She took the kid's autograph book and entered the building, and when she came out Ariel's autograph covered a whole page in a lovely calligraphic hand, with drawings of fish and bubbles and hearts. This made the little girl's entire trip.

Girls Scout Leader

07-28-2002, 09:14 PM

I have posted this before, but since it's so special, I'll do it again.
In 2000 we were staying at FW: DH, DS, DD & Me. Due to limited funds, my DD ( 11 yrs)had bought only one pin and had it on her shirt. ON the bus ride back late one night to FW, a nice lady and man sitting accross from her said "I heard you had a Mr. Potato Head?" She turned in her seat and they struck up a lively conversaion about all the pins and lanyards they had.. DD was trying to haggle to trade for one of thier pins. They gave her a hard time, in good fun, and ended up trading aTigger for it. When their stop came, and they stood up to leave, the husband dropped into DD lap five different Mickey pins, attached to a lanyard with the Millinium card attached, complete with her orriginal Mr. Potato Head pin. All he said is "I'll get her another one" and they were gone into the night before we could stop them. DH knew whick stop they had gotten off of and we looked for them for the rest of the week, but never saw them again.

Piglet203

07-29-2002, 07:49 AM

Hmmmm let me think about this, this is a hard one :D I'm going to have to go with being proposed to in MGM this past May!!! That was by far the greatest and nicest thing that has ever happened to me period.....but in WDW too :)

PLibster

07-29-2002, 09:15 AM

:D
This really makes me smile!!! In February 2000 my son was 5yrs old and diagnosed with Guillian-Barre syndrome, which paralized him from the neck down within 3 days. He was in the hospital for 5 days and was out of danger, so they sent him home to learn how to walk again through physical therepy. We were told it would be 6 months to 2 yrs before he would walk again.

We had already planned a trip for that May. We weren't sure if we should go or not, but we figured we needed to get away with all the stress we were under.

So basically, my son began to walk by the end of March!!! We went to WDW as planned and when we were at AK, he was chosen to be in the end scene of The Lion King where all the kids march around the stage and play the instruments. What a blessing to see my little boy skipping and smiling and having the time of his life!!!! I have it all on video and will never forget how hard I cried with joy!!

kathymc

07-29-2002, 10:00 AM

this is an awesome thread!

so many little things have happened, but from our last trip in Dec, this one stands out. After a long first day at MGM , DH, mom and dad and I went to Epcot to catch Illuminations. Checked in at rose and crown to see if we could get in for dinner and maybe a patio seat. They told us about a 45 minute wait and no guarantee. DH told them it was my bday (it was). 15 minutes later our beeper goes off and they walk us out - front and center on the patio! It was the perfect ending to a wonderful day!

renessa

07-29-2002, 10:48 AM

About 8 years ago my little sister got sick on the way to Easter dinner at 1900 Park Fare (GF). When had gone to the ladies room and washed out her dress, and left her in her full slip as we dried the dress. Well we got called before it dried, and the hostess inquired about the dress as we were seated. They took the dress, washed, dryed, and ironed it, and returnded it in time to get pictures with the characters for Easter. My little sister doesn't remember it, as she was too young, but we still remind her occasionally!

Being literally "part of the show" at hoop dee doo this year! They made us get up and dance for our honeymoon, and the blonde remembered my new dh's name. She used "Brian" throughout the show and had him beet red. Wonderful memories.

melindaandrob

07-29-2002, 11:59 AM

I thought having achieved tickets for breakfast at Cinderella's was the best until we arrived in the park and had Main St. all to ourselves. As we walked towards the castle who came skipping out of the entrance? Minnie and Mickey, holding hands. Dd (7) is a HUGE Minnie fan and with her ears on she ran right to them, they hugged her, kissed her head, it was incredible felt like a commercial!

I don't know how we are going to top our last trip, when we entered MGM dh and I were squabbling about what to do first and how we were going to attack the day, the kids were jumping up and down. Walking towards the board to check times etc. a CM looking very official approached and asked how we were doing, had a nice conversation with him. Then he asks if we want to be the Grand Marshalls in the parade. What a great time!!

TaraPA

07-29-2002, 02:08 PM

Everything about Disney is special, but the one thing that I think was a wonderful guesture was our trip last September....we were there the week of 9/11 and had to stay 3 extra nights because we couldn't get a flight out. There was nothing anybody could do, we were all pretty much stuck there (what a nice place to be "stuck" at a time like that!) but 2 months later Disney cheerfuly refunded the entire cost of the 3 extra nights that we had to stay beyond our original departure date. Now THAT was special to me!

Disnsyncey

07-29-2002, 03:27 PM

these stories are the reason I went to Paris last week for 3 days and one of them was spent in Disneyland :)

I love Disneyworld and nothing can ruin it....all these stories are just making me feel so much better about it :)

People give me grief about believing the magic there, but I'm allowed to be a little kid when I'm there, aren't I?

Well, onto my story......

I had gone to WDW for my graduation present 2 summers ago for a week and we spent our last day at Typhoon Lagoon and I had spent $150 of my OWN money on a dress and a bathingsuit from there......my mom left it in the World Of Disney store on the floor and we spent so much more time looking for it all over everywhere and we even were going to try to buy another one if we could find it......we drove home and within 24 hours Disney had found the bag and sent it back to us! :) I thought that was cool :)

Another story, not as much nice as it is procedure, but I had never had it happen to me until last week.....

Me and my cast member friend and 2 other of my friends were in Spain for the month of July (I just got back saturday haha) and we wanted to go to Paris for a weekend......he could get us a CM discount on the hotel room and he could maingate us for the day :) go us haha

We got the CM rate for Hotel Cheyenne (about a Moderate here from the looks of it) of $114.....we got to the hotel and we were checking in and they said there was a problem and they had to bump us up.....to the 4 star wing of the 2nd biggest hotel in Europe, The Newport Bay Club (like the Yacht and Beach club) so we got 3 nights at $114 and then we wanted to extend our stay one night and we didn't get the CM rate, but when you extend a stay there, you get 50% off! so it was $139 for the last night......and the rest of the people in the hotel got it for more than double the amount we paid!! I had never gotten bumped up in WDW, so it was extra special when we got bumped up at DLP! :)

Oh! and then my coolest experience!!! I got to narrate Jungle Cruise, my FAVORITE RIDE EVER (Disneyland Paris is severely lacking cuz they don't have it) one night :) it was the coolest :)

:bounce:

roque

07-29-2002, 05:36 PM

this is a great thread:) i was getting a little weary reading all the posts of disgruntled CM's. Disney is magic. This past year i ordered the Guest of Honor badges and everywhere we went CM's and guest addressed us by name it was kinda cool. Another fun moment i had made PS for California Grill and we sat next to the nicest couple, we talked with each other the entire meal and definitely made the trip memorable. I'm from dallas and this would rarely happen hear (texas friendly...yes, but just wouldn't happen) We never got the couples name we just chatted up a storm...just fun and enexpected. ;)

lovespugs

07-29-2002, 09:12 PM

DH and I made a very quick, unplanned trip to WDW last December. I was sent to Orlando on business, I flew in on Friday night, worked Saturday, and flew out Sunday afternoon. Being the crazy Disney people we are, DH decided to use frequent flier miles to join me late Friday night. Our plan was to head to Epcot after I got done working since it was open the latest, but what I was working on took longer than expected, and it was 6:00 by the time we got there!

We were at the back entrance by the World Showcase to buy our tickets, and decided to ask if they had half-day or after 4:00 tickets. The CM said that they didn't. We said oh well, we didn't figure there was, and we didn't mind spending the $100 (two one-day tickets) for a few hours of Disney happiness.

Then the CM reached down and grabbed something and said, "Here, I just happen to have one of these." And he handed us a complimentary ticket! So we only had to purchase one ticket and enjoyed a beautiful, wonderful 3 hours of Disney. I was so surprised!

DVCajun

07-30-2002, 08:09 AM

I have thoroughly enjoyed reading all of these wonderful stories.

A couple of years ago, before DS came along, DH and I were there for the Millenium celebration. On our scheduled day to go to AK we woke early and decided on a whim to see if we could get into Donald's Breakfastasaurus. We didn't have PS's, but figured it was worth a shot. We got there about 7 am and asked the CM at the gate about breakfast. She went to check and a minute later returned to tell us we were in luck and told us to wait over to the side. A few minutes later another CM came over and asked us to follow her. She led us through the waking AK and encouraged us to take our time to enjoy the beautiful morning before anyone entered the park. It was truly beautiful. The walkways were freshly washed, the birds were having their breakfast, the mist was on the lake. Breathtaking. She even let us take photos. When we got to the AK they took our picture before we went into the restaurant. I walked in before DH and stopped dead in shock-- Mickey himself was standing in the greeting area! I thought we had just lucked out and caught him unawares before the crowds arrived and I almost tore my backpack up trying to get to my camera so I could capture the moment. The wonderful CM who walked us through the park offered to take our picture with Mickey. While we were posing with Mickey, Donald showed up, followed in short succession by Pluto and Goofy! By this time we had figured out that they had planned this magical moment for us. We had about 10 minutes with the characters before the regular guests arrived. They gave us a certificate marking the occasion with our name on it, signed by all of the characters. Each of them also signed the Dinoland Daily newspaper for us. Both of those items are now framed and hanging in my Disney bathroom. :) We have some great pictures from that day-- I have never seen my DH look so joyous. We both became children again for a few minutes. It's a treasured memory.

A few other magical things have happened-- sweet DS charmed a CM at the sporting goods store at DD so much that she gave him a little nerf ball! He turned 1 on that same trip, and a birthday card and signed picture of Mickey was left in our room with a little balloon bouquet.

Love that Disney magic.

mom-2greatkids

07-30-2002, 12:52 PM

DH, DD (3) and I were boarding Aladdin's Magic Carpet ride in January 2002. Just before the ride started Jasmine walked up to us and asked is she could ride in our carpet. DD spent the entire ride looking at Jasmine with the biggest smile on her face. Afterward we asked her if we could get some pictures. We followed her off the ride and got some great pictures of her and DD. For the rest of the trip all she could talk about was riding with Jasmine.

I hope DD doesn't expect it again this year!

PrincessAli

07-31-2002, 05:29 AM

Thanks everyone for your posts, and to think some people question why we return to WDW several times a year!!!

roque

07-31-2002, 12:47 PM

hi talking hands, i think we were in WDW at the same time this year during gaydays. i did look for you and my friends were like who are you looking for and I said "Talking Hands" non-disers did not get it. anyway, i did not see you and was wondering if you had in fact gone during that time...or was i looking in vane?? i looked everywhere for the lime green ribbons (i had mine) and didn't see any. oh well.

CanBeGrumpy

07-31-2002, 01:52 PM

Some sweet person left a Mickey balloon in one of our strollers! I was reluctant to let the kids have it, since I thought it must have been left there by mistake!!! I finally let them have it, which turned this nice gesture into a nightmare because then they fought over whose stroller it got to go on!!! (we put them in 2 single strollers). They finally "shared" it, so all was well!

scarlett873

07-31-2002, 03:03 PM

very cool thread...

disney is just pure magic!! i don't have a "magical" story like these for WDW, well, not yet anyway...get back to me after my honeymoon/wedding trip in sept...

but i do have something for disneyland...it has nothing to do with CM's either...

i met this guy way back in 1988..fell head over heels in love with him..dated for about 2 years..my parents had actually taken over legal guardianship of him so he lived with us...well, things happened, he moved back to iowa (we had recently moved to arizona), and we inevitably broke up soon after...we saw each other summer of 92, but he was married with a child at that point...lost track of each other...until 2000. he found me on the internet. we e-mailed and chatted for about a year and a half before realizing we still had very strong feelings for each other...planned to meet up in anaheim, ca to see each other for the first time in many many years...wound up spending one day at disneyland. that was the most magical day...it was that night, as we stood on main street with his arms wrapped around me watching the fireworks, that we realized this was real and it was meant to be. about a month later, we reunited. that was last october...we are getting married in sept and what better place to begin the next chapter of our lives together but WDW...

i hope to have other magical moments to share with you when we get back!!

Tulip

07-31-2002, 03:38 PM

We were stayed at the ASSports in November 2000 and we're not the neatest couple. One day after returning from the park we discovered that Mousekeeping had folded all of our clothes from the floor and placed them on a chair. We thought it was great! We made sure we kept the room tidy after that. Plus every day we got a new "sculpture" made with our facecloths. :D

49rt67

07-31-2002, 03:57 PM

Tigger is my favorite. Last November at Animal Kingdom, a CM let me have my picture taken with Tigger, even though his appearance had ended. Tigger was really nice to me too. He gave me a big hug and a kiss. :)

Girlie Goofy

07-31-2002, 04:29 PM

The nicest thing that ever happeded to us, ever, was during our first trip to DW in1995. We had never been to DW, and didn't realize how much there was to see. We only booked 3 nights at the WL. After many discussions with our travel agent we dicided to book another 2 nights. However, the WL was full, so we decided to try the CB. We arrived at DW, ran our legs off for two days, and realized me needed even more nights added on to our stay. We went to the front desk and talked to this really nice young man. He not only got us rooms for the WL for two extra nights, but traansfered our reservation from CB to WL, and gave all four nights and the same rate as the CB!

inaminute

07-31-2002, 06:16 PM

scarlett873 -- I'm a sucker for romantic stories, and that is just about the nicest one I've ever heard!

I have to go find a tissue to wipe away the tears now. Thanks for sharing!

twinz

07-31-2002, 06:30 PM

I know this is a Disney post but I wanted to share our experience at Universal Studios...we were there in December 2001, and it was very empty. We went on the Men In Black ride, and loved it. Needless to say we kept going around and around. Finally a CM (Is that what they are called there?), said to us "why don't you two use baby swap" We of course said "OK" then he told us if they give us any problems tell them _______(can't remember name) sent you. So for like the next hour there we were going on MiB over and over. They even let us go "against" each other. It was an awesome experience.

scarlett873

08-01-2002, 10:55 AM

Originally posted by inaminute
scarlett873 -- I'm a sucker for romantic stories, and that is just about the nicest one I've ever heard!

I have to go find a tissue to wipe away the tears now. Thanks for sharing!

hey inaminute...if you want the whole sappy story...click on our picture! it'll take you to our website. it's not anywhere's near done yet, but we've gotten it started...it'll be updated fairly soon!!

KLAIT

08-01-2002, 11:22 AM

DS (3), DH and I were in line at County Fair to see Pooh and the gang. We were the first in line and the CM let us through. I noticed that no one else followed us although there was a long line behind us. When we walked into the character area, you could tell they were really surprised to see anyone enter-they must have been starting a break or something.

Anyway, Pooh and Eeyore each took one of my son's hands and they skipped back with him to the place where we could take pictures. All 3 characters spent all their time with him. He was so thrilled!

PrincessAli

08-01-2002, 07:33 PM

All of the reports have been great--isn't it nice to read about GOOD things instead of what we were unhappy about!

laurieny

08-01-2002, 09:32 PM

We were at Epcot last summer at the Pin Pavillion (I think that is what it is called). I was going crazy over all the pins and did not notice my DD had sat on one of the ledges and slipped off. She ended up scrapping her back a little. The CM helped her up, cleaned her off and brought her to me. I thanked her and we walked away. When I looked at Hannah she had 3 new pins. I asked her where she had got them and she told me the CM gave them to her when she fell. We went back to thank her but she was on break and we never did catch up with her.Those are still her favorite ones.

CarolynK

08-02-2002, 12:20 AM

My husband, daughter (6), son (4), and I were eating at Rose & Crown last year. My daughter has this habit of not sitting on a chair all the way. This time, it slipped out from under her and she fell to the floor, causing a pretty big scene. She was fine, but embarrassed; two CMs came over to see if she was ok, and then asked if my kids wanted to "start" Illuminations.

In Disneyland two years ago, we were in line to ride Rocket Rods and had gotten all the way up to the front when we were told our son wasn't tall enough to ride (my daughter & husband rode). One of the CMs asked us which ride Mikey & I would like to ride instead, and I said Astro Orbiter. He personally escorted us over there and let us go to the front of the line.

When I would get my backpack checked at the entrance to the parks, all the guards played along with my daughter when she wanted her "purse" checked as well.

We took the Magic cruise back in 1998, and left the ship a little upset at the lack of character greetings (I'm sure it's gotten better). We decided to swing by Cape May Cafe for their character breakfast before our flight, to satisfy our character cravings. The problem was, our flight was at noon, and we got to WDW at about 10 a.m. We told our server our story, and she made sure Goofy, Chip & Dale came to our table very quickly. So great!

Deb & Bill

08-04-2002, 08:18 PM

We decided at the last minute to watch Illuminations last Sunday night. My 9 yr old son decided to go with me and my husband decided to stay at the BCV. So we walked over to the International Gateway and then over to the bridge between France and Great Britain. We were there only about 5 minutes when the show started. My son started to complain that he couldn't see the things going on at the water level, but I told him that we had gotten there late, so we would have to be content with the arial views. From behind us, a nice fatherly voice stated "How'd you like to sit up here with us?" I turned and found a nice couple sitting atop of one of the concrete columns on the bridge. I lifted my son up and he sat between the two nicest people of the evening. They said they had teenaged sons who would rather stay at the pool meeting girls. My son, who was celebrating his birthday, had a great view and we met some nice folks.

all4fun

08-04-2002, 10:15 PM

As a special treat to our seven-year-old nephew, we decided to take him along on our trip to WDW last September.

Our vacation was scheduled to start on the 4th, with our return flight on the 11th.

On our "last" day, we visited the MGM studios.

At about 12:30, we attempted to enter Star Tours when the CM covering up the fastpass machine informed us that the park was being evacuated due to "terrorist attacks across the country".

The CMs helped everyone evacuate the park and helped ensure that everyone remained calm. Even though people were uninformed and very unsure about the situation, the CMs managed to keep empty the park without an incident that I was aware of.

As we had planned to return home, we had already checked out of our DVC resort (BWV). When we arrived at the airport to find out that the civil aviation system had been closed, the first call I made was to member services at DVC.

They assured us that there was a place for us to stay and that we could return "home".

When we checked back in at the Boardwalk, the CM was very sensitive. She explained that because today was a "special day", there would be no charge for our room.

Because all the parks were closed, that evening, Disney had several characters in the greenspaces between the resort and the boardwalk. It really helped settle the kids down and put people at as much ease as possible.

The next day, a CM at our resort replaced the passes that we used on the 11th. They also informed us that any phone calls we needed to make from our rooms frpm the 11th to the end of our stay would be complimentary regardless of frequency or duration. (As we had our nephew with us, there were many calls home.)

After a couple of false starts, we were finally able to return home on Saturday the 15th. We only had to use DVC points for Friday night.

Disney and DVC really showed what a class act they are and turned up the magic to make a horrible event less traumatic.

lfwebb

08-05-2002, 09:07 AM

We were staying at POFQ. Our ongoing issue with our children is that they are the world's pickiest eaters. Well, the only thing on the menu that they would eat was the peanut butter and jelly sandwich. When we got the sandwich, it was kind of a sandwich pouch, rather than an actual sandwich. My older son decides he won't eat that because it doesn't look like a sandwich. My younger son follows along and then he starts to cry because he's hungry and they don't have any good food. I try to reason with them about how this is just like a sandwich - even better because it has no crusts to cut off. A CM was walking by and obviously overheard our conversation. Without our even asking (or being aware that he had overheard us), he shows up at our table with real bread, peanut butter, and jelly. I could have hugged him.

PrincessAli

08-08-2002, 09:00 PM

Thanks again for all the posts, Ü.

Girls Scout Leader

08-08-2002, 09:00 PM

This is just too good of a god thing to not bump it back up. As a previous poster noted, it's nice hearing something other than the grumblings. And keep the hankies handy....some of these are real tear jerkers. Thanks!!

mykidsmom

08-08-2002, 10:33 PM

My daughter (6 yrs) grudgingly agreed to go onto Star Tours even though she was afraid. She was very nervous and on the brink of tears when she entered and sat down. Right as the CM was about to shut the door, she lets out a loud long cry. Apparently, the person who sat in the seat before her had lost their gum and it fell in her seat. It was a sticky mess. The CM helped her clean it up and was so apologetic. She actually enjoyed the ride and forgot about the incident. But the CM caught up with us in the exit store and gave her a gift certificate for a free Minnie hat. She was so excited. That was something so unexpected but something we will always remember!

The Duchess

08-09-2002, 09:51 AM

We went to WDW for our honeymoon and it was unbelievable. There were all sorts of suprises in our room each evening when we returned...flowers, a Boardwalk canvas tote bag, nice Boardwalk blue/white quilt, champange, Mickey music globe and a few others I can't remember. The concierge was always available for any PS requests.

We visited the big Disney store at Downtown Disney and bought a large ceramic picture frame. When we told the woman at the counter we were on our honeymoon, all the salespeople in the store signed the back of the frame and gave it to us for free.
It was really nice!

Jen D

08-09-2002, 12:33 PM

All4fun, that's a great story. I was really impressed with what I heard about how Disney handled things that week.

SHB

08-09-2002, 09:14 PM

These are such great stories. I am sitting here crying my eyes out. I cry quite frequently over the Disney magic.

DS, DD and I went to WDW last week of May. We drove down all day Wed. and slept at the HoJo on Hwy 192. We got up very early to check in to All star movies. We arrive @ approx 7:00 am. As I was checking in, Clint, (the CM) ask my DD if she had ever worked at a hotel. She responded "no" (we are very puzzeled at the question). He asked her did she want to work at a Disney hotel she said sure. Clint told her to come behind the desk and check us in. We of course I begin to tear up and half way tear up my backpack to get out the camera to take a picture of DD checking us in. Clint let her go over all the details the property, assign us a room and print out key. When she was finished checking us in, Clint gave DS and DD and lanyard with a pin on it. This just made my trip. It was the first time we stayed on property as we usually stay at our timeshare. My kids always ask me why I cry over disney stuff. I told them this was the reason.

One the same trip, I left my camera at AK. Of course, I don't realize it till we are heading over to MGM. I decided that I would find it. On our last day at MK, I stopped at the lost and found building. I asked the CM if he could check for a black, minolta camera turned in on a Friday. He check the computer. All he had was a black camera checked in on Sat. I told him that was probably it. It was. Again, I start crying, the kids are rolling their eyes. I told the CM that WDW is just the perfect place. It started off magical and ended magical. My camera had the pics of Mk parade.

SheDaisy0088

08-10-2002, 07:43 AM

My sons a very talkative person. Loves people and talks to everyone!! Well, we were at the gate to Fantasyland before it opened that day. He was talking with the CM that was there!! Well, she asked us if we were going to be around for awhile. I said yes. She said they needed a little boy to help open Fantasyland. She asked if I minded if he did it. I said no... it was fine with me!!

He got a certificate and a wand that he used to open it.

He likes collecting pins. Well, a CM at The Land in EPCOT saw him and gave him a pin. My son tried to trade and he said no... he keeps a few for little kids!! My son just beamed at that!!

So many magical memories!!

:bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce:

Alice42

08-10-2002, 10:40 PM

This story is about something magical that happened during my last stay at WDW. Sadly, my grandfather passed away last December. My fiance and I were at WDW May 25-June 1 of this year and my grandfather's birthday would have been May 31. It had been raining off and on that day. This was our last day at WDW and rode our favorite ride TTA at MK over and over and then we magically saw 2 bright, glowing rainbows hovering over Space Mountain and CR!! I hadn't seen a rainbow in I don't know how long and to see one on my late grandfather's birthday and my last day brought immediate tears to my eyes. I felt his presence and it was truly magical and undescribable:)
I will never forget that moment!!:wave:
Laurie:p

PrincessAli

08-11-2002, 07:55 PM

I'm bumping this up--there has GOT to be more good things to read about!

tkldisney

08-11-2002, 10:13 PM

When we celebrated our anniversary in WDW we walked into our room at the Contemporary and there were balloons, a picture frame along with camera, and autographed picture of Pooh. Very nice. Also got champaign from FF on our actual anniversary date.
On a personal note, I was standing in line with my nieces to get Baloo's autograph and I started singing Bear Necessities and he (Baloo) stopped what he was doing and came over and gave me a big hug and handed my camera to another person in line for a picture. This was a special moment for me (my favorite movie). The other people along with children were surprised.:Pinkbounc :bounce: :Pinkbounc :bounce:

pixie dust magic

08-13-2002, 09:36 PM

Last Sept. we took our three kids for the first time. We were standing first in line at M.K. for our early p.s. at the castle with the princesses, when a c.m. came over and asked if my daughters would like to open the park that day. They brought the girls behind the gates and asked them to say a magic word that would open the gates. The girls said their words and then everyone was let into the park-it gets better-the girls were given candy filled wands and certificates+++it gets even better+++we were then escorted down main street in the fire engine to the castle! That was the very moment I fell in love with Disney. I cried like a baby. I am not sure if anything can top that on our next trip. Truly Magical.:)

TaraB

08-14-2002, 09:58 AM

Last October, we decided at the last minute to see if we could eat at Cindy's Table. It was about 5:00 and they said they had immediate seating-I about fell over. As we walked into the castle, where Cinderella sometimes greets guests-Cinderella was the only person in the room. My boys, 2 and 3 at the time ran up and gave her a big hug and kiss-got wonderful pictures. Then for the really special moment-she then invited the boys and us to ride up the elevator with her to the restaurant. What a special treat-I will never forget the look on my boys' faces!

2vets

08-14-2002, 05:41 PM

Wonder if anyone is still reading this thread...

DH and I were married at WDW in January, 2001 - which was certainly nice. Here is the unbelievable part - we were at Downtown Disney one night, browsing through Art of Disney, and a CM started talking to us...she was from Iowa, but we couldn't ever remember her name to send her a thank-you note!! She found out about our wedding and wished us well while we bought a few items and signed up for hotel delivery. Two days later, we received our purchases at our hotel...as well as an additional item - a hand-sketched Minnie and Mickey bride and groom on official Disney cel paper - with our wedding date written at the top and signed by the artist!! I am not a very sentimental person, but I lost it when I saw this...bawled like a baby. We have it framed in our foyer. I later found out that as this was an "official" sketch, it is actually worth quite a bit of $$ - not that that would matter one bit, as that sketch really commemorates the magic, love, and optimism of the entire trip in a way that our formal album just doesn't.

I have always loved Disney, but this is the event that really turned me into a full-fledged freak for WDW. Where else in the world would someone just DO something like this...just because!! I wish I knew this CM's name...she is the very epitome of all that is Disney!!

Pzor

08-14-2002, 09:42 PM

I have thoroughly enjoyed reading all the posts and wiping some tears too!
I posted this once before to the BC forum, but it's appropriate for this thread.
In September 1995, my husband and I were married on Labor Day weekend. There was no discussion as to where we would spend our honeymoon - we both love Disney and had never been there together. Our flight was the day after our wedding, so we got about 2-3 hours of sleep. (Of course, we needed the earliest flight so we could see Mickey right away!) We got to BC about 11am and were told the room was not ready, but to check back in an hour or so. We checked, room still not ready. We were falling asleep on the couches in the lobby area, because we were so exhausted. Check again, and we are told the room is still not ready, but the suites take a little longer to clean. My DH and I look at each other thinking, "Suite? we only booked a waterview room." Finally, the room is ready and the CM says congratulations on your honeymoon, I knew it must be a special occasion for you to get the best room in the house! As the bellhop is taking us up, he's telling us how Bruce Willis and Demi Moore stayed here, Ed McMahon, etc. We walk down a long hallway and see double doors with a doorbell. We're thinking, "no, can't be." Sure enough, it was our room - they gave us the Presidential suite! We opened the door to a marble foyer, living room with fireplace, dining room, two bathrooms, huge bedroom, marble bathroom with stall shower and jacuzzi tub. There was also a balcony that wrapped around the whole suite.
On the foyer table was a gift basket with a note congratulating us on our wedding. I started crying, thinking this doesn't happen to people like us. The first thing we did was call our mothers! Every morning I would have coffee on the balcony - I could tell people were trying to figure out who I was, and I enjoyed every minute of it. For one week I got to see how the other half lives and what more perfect time than my honeymoon.
That was the best week of my life!

DVCajun

08-15-2002, 06:43 AM

Wow, these are great stories! And YES, we're still reading! :)

2vets, I bet you could still find out the name of that wonderful CM. You know where she was working and you know she was from Iowa. What are the odds that there were a crowd of ladies from Iowa working at the Art of Disney that day? I bet if you called Disney and explained the situation they could tell you who it was. That really was very special.

Thanks for sharing, everyone! This is Disney magic at it's best!

NandP

08-15-2002, 10:17 AM

As we attempted to make our way from Epcot to MGM via the Waterwy, we met a wonderful "off duty" CM, she happend to be Jasmin, in MGM, we had an exciting conversation of how great WDW is, and how the CM's were so delightful... Well, the captain came on th PA to announce the next stop is MGM, but if your looking to see Fantasmic, the line ast the mauin gate is out to the dock, and there is limited standing room only for the show. Well, "Jasmin told us to stick with her.... the 5 of us were swept through the CM entrance to MGM, escorted to a side entrance to Fantasmic Statium, handed off to a second delightful CM, after our goodbyes and thanks to Jasmin, we were escorted to a row of seats, half way down the stadium, rightinfront of a water screen... What a wonderfully Magical experience!!!!

Hollymom1229

08-15-2002, 10:31 AM

We were resting next to one of the cigarette butt recepatcles outside of Test Track when smoke started pouring out of it and we could see flames. A CM came running up, but he had nothing to take care of the fire with. We offered him our water which he poured on the flames and put out the mini fire. As a thank you for the use of a our water he gave us immediate use passes for Test Track, our fast passes were still over an hour a way and we were able to walk right on. It was great, but only one of the many magical moments on that vacation.

rav4lcrv

08-15-2002, 07:33 PM

On our first group trip we had made reservs. for the character breakfast at GF with Mary Poppins (1989) for 7:30a.m., than we realized no transportation was running than, We called the front desk (Fort Wilderness cabins) and a CM said no problem. What time do you want to be picked up? there was a very pleasant CM waiting with a maxi van to take us to the GF at 7:00a.m..

My niece remembered she left her wallet on the bus as soon as we entered MGM, DW & her went right away to get it and it had ben turned in with all $126.00 inside.

Last March we were on the Rapids ride in AK, there was no one in line so the CM kept waving us thru, never got off just rode around 3 times, we were pretty soaked by than and glad to get off

UKAnnie

08-15-2002, 08:03 PM

DH and I are not pin collectors, but we stopped by the pin cart in England in the WS on our last trip, and got chatting to the CM running the cart. He had his lanyard on with the pins the CM's swop and I mentioned my love of Pooh and Tigger. I also noticed that he had some pins on the back of his lanyard (you could just see the pin backs) and asked what they were and he told me they were 'mystery' swops and I wasn't allowed to see them until I was ready to swop. I had only just bought a couple of pins from the cart and he confidentially told me that if I 'just happen to choose that pin there' (and pointed to a mystery swop), I would be in for a delightful surprise. So I did the swop and received a lovely Christopher Robin/Pooh pin.

Then he took us over to another CM who was trading pins and asked her to swop another 'mystery pin' for one of mine and I received a Tigger! He then told me that they were both very rare Japanese, Winnie the Pooh pins and I'd done very well and to hold on to them!

Well, I don't know if they are worth a lot or not, but they are priceless to me because they represent the Disney magic and the kindness of CM's and I will never swop them because of that.

I don't know if the CM would get into trouble because of his kindness, so I am kind of glad I don't know his name!

Annie.

DVCajun

08-16-2002, 02:39 PM

What a lovely story, UKAnnie! I don't think CMs get in trouble for their random acts of kindness. That is, after all, the biggest part of Disney magic!

More stories! More stories!!

:)

sonicworld1

08-17-2002, 11:03 PM

I'm soooo glad this thread was started as I have a memory I will never forget and have wanted to share. It was the first time I ran across a character in one of the theme parks, it was Tigger. I ran up and asked if I could have my picture taken and he nodded yes. After the picture was taken I hugged him and said thanks. He gave me one of THE BEST hugs back I have ever experienced. I've often wondered if it was a guy or a girl in the costume but irregardless shall remember that hug forever. Kinda silly I suppose...what can I say???

Juliepoohgirl

08-18-2002, 02:35 AM

When we were at WDW this past July my son was turning 5. We were at MGM the day before his birthday and in line at the Great Movie Ride. My son and his coiusin got in line while we were parking the stroller. When we got to the front of the line a CM brought over a b-day card for him that was signed by some of the cast members. It also had a personal message about him going to Chef Mickey's the next day on his b-day. Hr loved it! I wondered how she knew all this. Evedently my son and neice had told her while we were parking the stroller. it was probably a less than a minute conversation. But, this CM went the extra mile to make the day special for him. Julie

eeyore0062

08-18-2002, 11:45 AM

Actually, we just returned, and our nicest thing was when DD was waiting with DH at Tower of Terror when we were doing the kid swap. They were waiting in the area where you can purchase ride photos and my DD was very interested in the locked door that supposedly was to the old dining room. There was a CM named Josh, who spent a good 20 minutes with my daughter exploring the mysteries behind the door. He took her to the gift shop and got one of the souvenier keys to see if it would open the door, they tried magic words to see if it would open, they knocked on the doors, only to have the door knock back at them. They discussed the menu that was by the side of the door. Josh said that DD was a great detective, and gave her a Mickey detective pin from his lanyard. He truly showed her the Disney Magic and made what could have been a very boring wait into an event he will never forget! It was Josh's last night as a CM as his stint in the College Program was ending. He said he was going to school to be an English professor. Some school is going to be very lucky to have him!

LindaBabe

08-18-2002, 06:48 PM

on the patio at Rose and Crown, my husband looked across the table at me and said "I think we should sell the boat and buy into the DVC"

In May, I took at girlfriend who had never been before. Because she's a cancer survivor and i'm lucky to have her, I wanted everything to be magical. We were lucky - breakfast with the princesses, with no PS!

A couple years ago, I took my 74 yo neighbor. The dapper gentleman greeter at GF flirted with her. The pooh Charactors at Crystal palace were great with her. She glowed.

I've been really lucky in my choice of traveling companions AND the magic that's happened to us.

PrincessAli

08-19-2002, 07:01 PM

Its great that so many people have had such great memories--I know that there have got to be more out there-Ü

Brier Rose

08-19-2002, 10:06 PM

We were visting during the Christmas season,our favorite time of year,and to go along with our festive mood decided to purchase those reindeer Mickey ears.We hadn't had them very long, when our daughter lost hers on Splash Mountain.As we were exiting the ride a CM overhead us talking about losing them,and told us to wait where we were.A few minutes later,she came back with a card for us to receive another pair,for free!!! my DH stuck the card in his pocket and we set out again,enjoying the evening thinking the whole time we would just pick up a pair on the way out .Well, closing time came and we checked every shop on Main Street,no Ears.Finally another CM informed us that they only had those left in Fantasy Land,which was now closed.Instead of leaving it at that, she called a manager who promptly walked to Fantasy Land ,in the rain, opened a shop and brought us the reindeer Mickey ears!!! I still makes me want to cry when I think of how much trouble they went to, to replace something that WE lost

DVCajun

08-20-2002, 06:19 AM

Limmer

08-20-2002, 10:07 PM

The best thing that happened to us was we met a family from these boards on our honeymoon trip in Oct (our 1st trip). We had been chatting and when we met them at Epcot they had a stuffed animal, a photo album and a badge of honour with my screen name on it for us. Later when we met them on our cruise they had a Mickey and Minnie wedding Christmas ornament for us with our wedding date on it. We had dinner with them at the Coral Reef and I can honestly say that our best day in WDW was the day we spent at Epcot with wdwgoose and her family.

scroot

08-20-2002, 11:28 PM

I love this kind of thing. So nice to hear great stories. Here are two more. We were in CA for our wedding anniversary a few years back. I had written a letter talking about how tough our year had been and asking if we could get into club 33 for dinner sometime during our stay. Guest relations called on our anniversary and got us reservations. It was a perfect meal and watching the DL fantasmic from the club 33 balcony was nice as well.

At WDW we were going to Victoria and Alberts for our anniversary. We took the bus from the Swan to MK and were going to get on the monorail to go to GF. The bus driver asked where we were headed so dressed up? We told her and she drove us and a bus load of folk out of her way to GF. I often wonder what the other passengers thought about it. It was special for us and not having to push DW's wheelchair up the monorail ramp of death was nice too.:p

DianeS

08-21-2002, 06:53 AM

We were riding the train heading to Mickeys Toon Town. My 5 year old nephew's Mickey ears blew off his head. He was upset but the conductor told us to wait. When the train came around again, he has the Mickey ears in his hands. What a smile my nephew had! And we have it all on tape!

leelee1971

08-21-2002, 09:22 AM

I was married in 1994. My husband and I booked the Grand Floridian with the parks and food for a week. Well, about two weeks before our wedding, we get a call saying that they accidentally overbooked, and would we be willing to switch resorts? I was saying, "It's my honeymoon. I'm so disappointed, but what did you have in mind?" They told us that they would put us up in a one bedroom suite in the Key West Resorts (formerly known as just the Vacation Club resort) - and it wouldn't cost us a penny! All we had to do was fax over our credit card bill, and they would take care of it! And, they did. My honeymoon didn't cost us a penny (we had booked air, food, resort, parks, etc., through Disney Club and had one bill). When we got to the Key West Resorts, the manager from the Grand Floridian was there to speak with the Guests who were re-routed, and gave us $50 disney dollars!! We got to our room, and it was full of flowers, bags of food, the refrigerator was stocked, and of course, a Mickey/Minnie frame. They more than made up for their booking error. I was blown away...

DVCajun

08-21-2002, 11:16 AM

golly!!

yoopermom

08-21-2002, 01:21 PM

This is small, compared to many, but when we were there a few weeks ago, I was using a scooter and not going on many rides because my back was flaring. I ended up spending a large part of my time waiting at the exits of the ride for DS, so, instead of having a big pity party, I tried to talk to as many CMs as possible. Every single one that I met told me so many interesting things, and was so very pleasant to me, it still brings tears to my eyes. Many asked why I wasn't riding, and then explained how that ride was accessible to people with disabilities, which was so kind and understanding of them. I especially appreciated the nice CM from England who was at the exit of K. Safari, because she kept reassuring me when it took my family *forever* to get through the ride, and I was sure that I had lost them! Disney CMs are magical, one and all...
Terri the Yoopermom

gravymom

08-21-2002, 03:53 PM

Our family went to WDW when I was 34 weeks pregnant with my third child (what was I thinking??). We went to MK with the two little ones and my son, not quite two at the time, wet right through his diaper. Of course, he was wearing a one-piece romper and of course, I had failed to bring an extra change of clothes (lesson learned!!). I thought, no bid deal, we will just go buy him some shorts and a tee shirt. So I proceed to waddle from Buzz's Spaceranger spin to Main Street to look for shorts for him. None to be found. Then we decide to go the Fantasyland, thinking, kids, kids clothes, right? wrong! Plenty of tee shirts - not a pair of shorts to be found. We finally run into a castmember at Startraders who spent quite a bit of time calling around looking for shorts, to no avail. It was not that big of a deal - the child could have gone around in just his diaper but I felt odd about that. Well, since we had spent about 1 hour traipsing around looking for shorts and since there were none available, this CM gave us a tee-shirt for my son. We tried to pay her for it but she insisted. It really made our day!

The other good thing that has happened was getting upgraded to the 14th floor concierge at the CR. What a treat.

charlie11364

08-21-2002, 06:52 PM

Originally posted by Girls Scout Leader
This is just too good of a god thing to not bump it back up. As a previous poster noted, it's nice hearing something other than the grumblings. And keep the hankies handy....some of these are real tear jerkers. Thanks!!

I'm not a CM at WDW, but I am a CM for one of the companies Disney owns - I hear a lot of grumbling, but to be honest, I've worked for a bunch of companies in my field (computer programmer), and it's not a bad place to work.

DonnaDavid

08-23-2002, 05:50 PM

Disney CM's are the best.
When we went to WDW in August, my DD really wanted to ride Test Track. My DS (5) also wanted to ride it for the first time. We went over to Epcot hoping to get FP's; however, they were gone for the day. Since my DD really wanted to ride it and she has ridden it before, I let her go in the single rider line by herself. However, I wouldn't let my DS go by himself. Unfortunately, I didn't realize that the single rider line had a 45 min. wait. While we were waiting, my DS decided that he REALLY wanted to go on the ride, and he was willing to wait in the over 1 hr. standy line. However, we were going to miss our PS for dinner if we did that. To cheer him up, I took him into the store outside of the ride (InsideTracks?) to get a toy and a pressed penny. While I was there a CM named Bob asked Jacob if he was going on the ride, and I explained he really wanted to, but the line was too long. He reached into his pocket and pulled out 3 tickets to ride TestTrack without waiting in line. We grabbed my DD as soon as she got out, and Jacob got to ride TT for the 1st time (and loved it) courtesy of a wonderful CM named Bob.

colleen costello

08-24-2002, 09:29 AM

I just got a package from Disney yesterday and had to let you all know about it! When we visited in early July, we had a picture taken of the kids outside the new Journey to Imagination (or whatever it's now called...) The children are photographed and then superimposed with Mickey and Minnie with fireworks -- it's adorable. We didn't want to squish it so we had them send it for pickup at International Gateway.

Unfortunately, at International Gateway there was NO picture waiting. I stayed there a while while a nice CM called around and saw to it that they printed up a new one and sent it right to our room at BCV the next morning. They did, and included an extra copy because of the mixup.

So yesterday, here comes a package from Disney. I thought it was DVC paperwork but it was my original picture! After almost 2 months I guess it turned up SOMEWHERE, and intead of tossing it, they took the time to address it and mail it home to us in Indiana.

I thought this was very special and am pleased to have yet another copy of the great picture.

Hunzi

08-24-2002, 06:04 PM

We have had lots of really nice little moments, but this one really stands out.

We had gone over to Ft Wilderness for the campfire and the movie, and then walked back to the bus stop, but after waiting 45 minutes and watching many buses go by without stopping, we were wondering how we were going to get back...it seems they had run out of busses, and the Hoop de Hoo Review had just ended, filling all the busses before they got to our stop. A Ft Wilderness CM stopped after a while (there were about a dozen people waiting at the stop) and tried to find out what was going on with the busses. Everyone else at the stop was staying at Ft Wilderness and some decided to walk back. We decided to take the next bus that stopped no matter where it was going. Caught a Boone bus that stopped, and he took us to TTC. The driver was very nice!

Next we caught a bit of Disney Magic: It was nearing 11pm now and we had just been dropped off at TTC, only to see the Downtown Disney bus pulling out as we arrived. So we walked to the stop and waited for the next one. There was one other couple and a little boy waiting too. A driver who had just parked his bus for the night, called over to us and made sure we knew that we were at the Downtown Disney stop, I replied we were headed for the Swan, and knew we could get a transfer at DD. He said, "That's gonna take you more than an hour....and he turned around and said "Come on." He unlocked his bus, and we got aboard. The other couple asked is the Swan was anyplace near their resort: All Stars. The driver said "no, but I'll take you there". He took us right to the Swan then left to take the other family to All Stars. I wish I had gotten his name. What a sweetheart!

Always ;-)
Hunzi

ZPT1022

08-26-2002, 09:05 PM

I'm always amazed at stories like this-- these CMs are at *work*! It's not a magical vacation for them, it's their job, something they do day in, day out, and yet they manage to keep such a great attitude and seem to understand that it may be just a moment to them but it's a lifetime memory for a guest. Wow.

I worked in Epcot at the outdoor food carts one spring as part of the college program- and I have to say, how you get treated by a CM has a lot to do with how you treat them! I was never mean to anyone or anything, but people who were nice got extra special treatment- like the older gentleman who came up to buy ice creams for his family and he tried to buy one for me since it was such a hot day (about 95) and I was stuck outside. How sweet was that? I gave them their whole order "on Mickey". I met some really incredible people when I worked down there, and if there was something I could do to give back, you'd better believe I did :D

DVCajun

08-27-2002, 06:45 AM

How does that work, ZPT1022? Does Disney give CM's the discretion to give things away 'on Mickey' on a limited basis-- that is to say, are you given an approximate dollar amount per day or something?

Sweet story. ;)

ZPT1022

08-27-2002, 08:47 AM

Well, DVCajun, you don't get a preset amount of "free" things to give away or anything, but you do have the discrretion to be able to do things like that when you want to. Obviously, it can't be for everyone you come across, but Disney wants you to keep people happy. You would always give a replacement if something happened, for example, there was a problem for awhile (maybe still????) where the seagulls would dip down and steal the hot dogs right off the buns when people would get them. It was pretty funny actually, and everyone would some back like "You're not going to believe me, but......" People's birthday's (get the button:)) and other things, it was pretty much at your discretion to make people's day (or try to!).

BCV23

08-27-2002, 12:15 PM

So many moments of magic but one I think I'll always remember happened just this June. One of our sons is unable to speak but LOVES to draw. I had brought several tablets but we were in the room more than usual and he was running out. I had checked the shops at MGM and MK as well as the Poly, GF and Contemporary...no luck. So I went to guest services at the Poly and asked if I might buy a ream of paper. The pleasant young lady told me she didn't know but she would ask. She came back with a ream of paper, a pencil, and a little note book and told me there was no charge! I was so surprised I didn't even get her name...something I try hard to do. It was sooo magical for us!

rbuzzotta

08-27-2002, 05:55 PM

We just returned from 15 days at WDW. While in the store at WL, my DD's were shopping (yes, they are already shopoholics!!).

My youngest was holding one of the Pooh lights and I told her she already had one that I was not buying another. She whimpered a little and contined to pick out her postcards.

A gentlemen say this and asked her if Pooh was her favorite. She replied yes and he went into his Pin bag and handed her a Pooh pin. My middle DD was standing watching and then he asked her and she replied Minnie. He then handed her a Minnie pin.

Both girls were beaming with smiles. This gentleman turned to the CM (whom he had been pin trading with) and said, "Those smiles are worth millions".

To whoever this gentleman was........THANK YOU!!!!

Talking Hands

08-27-2002, 07:17 PM

I was at MGM and got an ice cream cone. Unfortunately it had a hole in it and was getting all over my t-shirt. I asked a nearby castmember to dump it for me as I didn't want to show up at my hotel and meet my Tupperware manager with a shirt full of ice cream. Well instead he took the cone and replaced it with another without a hole in the cone. Thank you.

tonilea

08-27-2002, 08:57 PM

Date - Dec 2, 2001
My 31st (uggghhhh) Birthday

DH and I were watching MVMCP Parade. At the end of the parade Santa is waving and shouting "Ho Ho Ho! Merry Christmas!" Just as he passes us, he points to ME and says "and Happy Birthday to You!" I felt just like a little kid! I was amazed! (Yes, I did have on my B-day button... but who thinks of something like that when Santa Clause tells you happy birthday?) As silly as it sounds, that meant more to me than any "free" thing they might have given me!

We were also escorted to the front of several rides and allowed to ride a couple twice in a row that day..... It made up for turning 31... :rolleyes:

DisLUV

08-28-2002, 02:43 PM

I guess I will share also...

December 1999 - our Disneymoon at WL

It started on arrival to our room where we had wine and chocolates waiting.
Then our package came with a photo session in any park of our choice. We chose the MK and it was awsome. First we got to take pictures on one of the balconies overlooking the park (not normally accessable) and then we took pictures in the barber shop and as we were coming out of the shop we ran into the dapper dans and they sang to my new wife and I. WOW!!
That night we went to the hoopty doo and they gave us front stage seats and then they had the Harpers (us) get up and slow dance infront of everyone. There is so much more that happened but those are the 3 highlights:p

charlie11364

08-31-2002, 06:10 PM

This past Thursday, I had the backstage tour of the railroad. It starts EARLY - like 7:30 am - no transport is running. The cab I took from AKL drops me at the Transport center. Now, HOW do you get from the transport center (at 7:05 am) to MK at 7:30am? - Mind you, there was another gentleman trying to get there at the same time - They ran a special tram for us!!!

Whichever CMs did this - THANK YOU

PrincessAli

09-05-2002, 07:13 PM

Any more NICE things happen to anyone?

DVCajun

09-06-2002, 03:32 AM

Oh poop-- I got all excited when I saw this was bumped. Thought I'd see some more nice stories.

CamColt

09-06-2002, 05:55 AM

I lost my bracelet there a week ago and just got it returned int he mail yesterday.

CMs let us skip the line for Test Track by singing out in front. ;)

Jjacqjob

09-06-2002, 06:24 AM

We just returned from an 11 day trip and are still impressed with how hard the CMs work and how so many go out of their way (even though there are times it must be difficult).

Our 2nd night there it began raining quite heavily while we were in Tommorowland. I was pulling out our ponchos and my daughter's was all torn around the hood ( I brought the wrong one). A male CM all of a sudden hands me a new one and said he would recycle the torn poncho with no charge.

The following Sunday, after a wonderful breakast at Cindy's, we went to the Winnie the Pooh ride. As we came off the first time, we saw Pooh, Tigger and Eeyore getting on with people. My mother got all excited because we saw Eeyore ,her favorite. I asked a CM at the ride if we might be able to get a ride with Eeyore- we had just enough time before the characters needed to go to Toontown. My mother had a grin from ear to ear the whole time as she rode with him. Luckily, as we left the MK that morning to head to Epcot on the Monorail we were picked to ride up front. All in all, the best day of our trip!!

Kudos to CMs at WDW!!

Pigsty333

09-06-2002, 11:38 AM

:Pinkbounc We have had more than one magical moment.

We were having Christmas Dinner at the Contemporary Resort (The Jolly Holidays Dinner) which they don't offer anymore. My husband was wearing his prescription glasses and we got up to leave, inadvertendly leaving his glasses on the table. Needless to say, the tables were cleaned and the next dinner show began (they would seat 1500 people). When we got back to the room that night he realized his glasses were missing. We contacted Guest Services and they advised that they would make some phone calls and see what they could do. The next day we went to the Magic Kingdom and upon returning to our room we had a message waiting for us. They had located our glasses. That night arrangements were made to deliver us to wherever we would be.

#2 - Same trip - I had my 1 yr. old in his stroller and it was a warm Christmas Day. I removed his jacket and put it over the back of his stroller. The next day I realized that it was missing. I then called Lost and Found and began to describe it, when the CM said to me, we have it and were trying to track you down. My son's name was marked inside the jacket. That was also delivered to us.

#3 - Christmas 92 my husband decided that we needed a DECORATED TREE for our room and ordered one from the florist. When we got back to the room that night there was a 4 foot christmas tree sitting on the table, all decorated with disney xmas ornaments and santa tree topper. It was beautiful. We realized when we were checking out, that we could not box it properly and take it on the plane with us. We contacted the front desk and advised them of our dilemma. A short while later a CM came to our room, took possession of the tree and related that they would mail it to us. The tree was FedEx the next day and we still put it on a small table in our house every year.

#4 - in 94 we were staying at Dixie Landings (now Riverside) and where swimming. My husband, Mr. Accident prone, broke his foot coming off the slide. This was a bummer because we had reservations for the Polynesian Luau in less than 2 hrs. The CM transported my husband to the hospital (in a soaking wet bathing suit), a van picked us up and took us to our room, waited for us and took me and the kids to the Luau, since my hubby said there was no reason to miss the show. They called ahead and told them to hold our seats and that they were not sure if my husband would make it in time. We were driven there and escorted to the front of the line. Got a table in the middle (full unobstructed view) of the luau, my kids were brought on stage and they danced with the members, got cookies on the way out and even though my hubby missed the luau, they reimbursed us for his dinner. We got to the room and hubby was waiting for us with a leg in a cast, propped up by pillows and ice packs on it (all done by cast members) and a wheelchair for our use during our stay.

#5Xmas 96 - we were at the HoopDeeDoo Review Dinner show when the lights went out. Everyone thought it was part of the show but I kept hearing whispers behind us and cast members were just singing all kinds of xmas carols. I looked out and saw that the GF and the area surrounding it, was in total darkness. After about 15 minutes we were advised that there was a power failure and the show was cancelled. This was a total disappointment because it is very hard to get tickets as this show is so popular. I commented this to the Guest Services department the next day when I tried to see if we could get seats again. We were given seats for that night's show, first table in the front and my kids were part of the show. We laugh everytime we look at the pictures of them with the reindeer ears and noses as part of the cast.

Magic Lives.

Returning on 2/14/20 - AKL

mickeyluv71

09-06-2002, 01:09 PM

My younger sister is a CM at WDW, and my parents had made arrangements to visit her at Christmas 2000. Well, my daddy couldn't bear the though of me alone, so he got a plane ticket for me to join them. Christmas day itself was fine ~ other than plane issues with my parents, but we'd only planned to do Downtown Disney that day so all was good.
The day after Christmas, we were going to be at EPCOT all day topped off with Tapestry of Nations, dinner at France, and Illuminations. All started well, but it quickly became apparent that the child I'd held in the nursery on Christmas Eve had indeed been coming down with something as I got violently ill waiting for Universe of Energy to start. The CMs there were incredible ~ one was very motherly and even held my hair back so it wouldn't get gross. A younger one went and got water, a cool, damp cloth, and some peppermints for me. I thought all was well, but it wasn't. So off to EPCOT first aid for a coupld of hours and everyone there was wonderful! Not only to me but to others who came in with varying problems. Again, we thought everything was well, but my sister ended up taking me back to the Courtyard (probably the last time we'll stay off property) for the rest of the day ~ meaning I missed all the special stuff that afternoon. When the family got back to our room, Daddy had a present for me...they'd stopped to see our pictures we'd had taken at Spaceship Earth and decided to purchase the one of the whole family. Well, turns out the CM helping them was the one who took the picture to begin with. He asked what happened to me, and they explained that I was sick. He'd taken one of my sister and me, and sent an 8x10 for me in the little EPCOT frame!

The next day I was feeling better, so we went to MGM. Lunch was at the 50's Prime Time Cafe, and i managed about half of my salad ~ we somehow missed the chicken noodle soup, which would have been perfect. Our "cousin" started to tease me about not finishing my food, and my mom and dad explained that I'd been really sick the day before and that was pretty much my first meal. Our "cousin" immediately said, "Oh, let me go and explain it to Mom!" She came back in about a minute and announced that "Mom" said considering the circumstances I had earned a "clean plate club" sticker as well and gave me that plus a large peppermint stick!

I'm back to WDW in roughly 40 days, and can't wait! Even though I don't want to get sick ~ and I'm hoping I can have a new non-sick nice things story to share ~ I know that I can count on Disney and their awesome CMs to even make being sick magical!

~Beth

Pigsty333

09-06-2002, 01:17 PM

:Pinkbounc In case everyone is wondering, I put the wrong year on my previous post - it should be 03 not 20.

Tulip

09-06-2002, 01:34 PM

Originally posted by Pigsty333
:Pinkbounc In case everyone is wondering, I put the wrong year on my previous post - it should be 03 not 20.

I'm glad. I thought I was waiting a long time until my next trip Feb 04 but 2020 is WAY too long! :) :D

ahoff

09-06-2002, 09:44 PM

We had a great experience on our last trip (Nov 01). We were in one of the shops in MK one night, and my wife and daughter were talking to a man who was literally covered in pins. They had developed an interest in pin trading that trip, and were asking him many questions about his. Then he asked us how we were enjoying our trip, and then said, "Let me make it more magical". He reached into one of his vest pockets, and produced a stack of fastpasses. Turned out he was an off-duty CM, and he gave us a set of passes for every MK ride. Another magical moment from a generous Cast Member!!

JeanGenie

09-06-2002, 09:44 PM

Compared to all these wonderful stories, our nicest thing seems so minor. But here goes: My son and I were waiting with another family for Mike and Sully to come out. After waiting a little
while, the other family left. My son still wanted to wait. So we sat a little longer. After about 15 minutes, a CM came out and ask if we were waiting for Mike and Sully. She said they probably would not be out again that day. But they would come out just to see my son and then go back in. She left for a few minutes and when she returned, she said to follow her into a door that was marked for CMs only. Inside there was Mike and Sully waiting for my son. What a thrill for him!!

Jjacqjob

09-07-2002, 05:48 AM

JeanGenie,

There is no feel good story that is too small because it has significance to the people who remember it. With life the way it is today, small moments certainly count for alot.

Jacquie

DVCajun

09-07-2002, 05:51 AM

I agree! Keep telling those stories! :)

DISPOP

09-07-2002, 09:22 AM

We have had numerous magical touches. Here are a couple of more memorable ones:
1. DW, DD and DS were already seated near the front for the Pocahontas show. I bought two soft serve ice creams for the kids before joining them. The CM at the entry informed me that I could not take them in due to the use of live animals in the show....makes sense so I threw them away. When we exited the show, anither CM asked "Are you the ice cream man?" and gave us free coupons to replace the discarded ice creams.
2. Minnie and friends paid very special attention to DS sleeping in a stroller during lunch at Hollywood and Vine (much to the delight of DD). They pushed him in the stroller and mimicked his sleeping for DD. This went on for well over 5 minutes.

The CM's have a very special knack of giving these extra touches without being asked! Its what keeps us coming back.

montessori

09-07-2002, 09:39 AM

Ok, here's my story... http://www.gamers-forums.com/smilies/contrib/guus/kerstsmiley.gif
It was Christmas week, 2001. We were staying at the Boardwalk. :) We had seasonal annual passes so we could not enter any of the parks. :(
We figured we would find plenty of other things to do. After all, it was Christmas, we were at The Boardwalk, we were happy! http://216.40.241.68/otn/holiday/areindeer.gif
Although I must admit that it is a little difficult being so close to Epcot, our favorite park, and not going inside.
Our 2nd morning there, we were having breakfast at Spoodles. We had requested our favorite waiter and we were enjoying the delicious coffee and breakfast platter.http://www.uniquehardware.co.uk/server-smilies/otn/tongue/yum.gif
Our waiter asked what our plans were for the day and we explained our situation a little and told him we were heading up to Winter Park for the day. (Winter Park is a beautiful city and shopping area...worth an afternoon if you have the time).
We were in for quite a surprise when our bill arrived! The waiter had given us two CM park passes, these are one day PARK HOPPER passes. We were awe struck and very grateful, of course!
We enjoyed a full day at the parks, saw the Candlelight Procession with Gary Sinese narrating, and the Osbourne lights at MGM.
We would have a had a fun time no matter what we did but this unexpected gift made our holiday extra special!

Staying at the Boardwalk is our new Christmas tradition and we have premium annual passes now, no more blackout dates for us!
http://www.gamers-forums.com/smilies/cwm/cwm/spin2.gif

Pigsty333

09-07-2002, 12:48 PM

:jester: Something similar like that happened to us. Normally the beast, because of his big hands, does not sign. My kids were a little disappointed but one of the CMs told us to hang around until they went back and everyone was gone.

A short while later they took their autograph books and had it signed. I guess Beast must have taken his furry paws off and then they were asked to come back with them and they had individual pics taken.

I have never had any really bad experiences with Disney except for our stay at All Star Sport during xmas 2000-2001.

lisajl

09-07-2002, 10:41 PM

These are all wonderful stories.

The two times we have been there we ran into wonderful people also.

When my daughter was two my inlaws insist that we go to WDW.
It was my first time.

We did everything my inlaws wanted to do. We were at a show, when my m-i-l said the parade was starting.
We got out of the show so late there was no place left in front to watch the parade. A nice older gentleman said, "Here bring her up here." My daughter and I got to see the parade from the street. When she saw Mickey coming down the route, she was so excited! She said, "It's Mickey'!
Guess what? Yep...Mom started crying! I thanked that gentleman several times.

We went again when she was four and again...late for the parade...do you see a pattern?
We walked up to an area that was "being saved" for family.
I started talking to the woman saving the spot and she worked at WDW. Her friend said there was no room for us there and to keep looking. The other woman said, " yes there is". We started talking about where we were from and she had been in my hometown several times. We even talked about the speed trap!~

Nice woman....nice people.....nice place!
Lisajl

Gabrielle

09-08-2002, 09:37 AM

My husband, kids and I were rushing to get on Splash Mountain.

I stopped briefly to ask a CM how long we would wait. She pulled us aside, asked us where we were from and then took us through the back way, to the head of the line.

What a nice person!!

:D

PrincessAli

10-28-2002, 06:43 PM

Just wanted to try this again--I know LOTS of nice things have happend to NICE people!

mark & sandra

10-28-2002, 07:52 PM

May 30th, 1986- While vacationing with my girlfriend in WDW, and riding the speedway, we met a couple of cute guys. Turned out he lived near me and we started dating. We're now married with 2 great kids and visit WDW at least twice a year. Sometimes really nice things happen at WDW.
ps- my DH refers to our visits as returning to the scene of the crime.

raelee

10-28-2002, 08:37 PM

Our second trip to WDW- 1st day at the parks- my DS and I were playing in the Boneyard. He pulled one way and I pulled another and I fell backwards him on top of me and hit my head on a rock.

Didn't realize I was really hurt until a lady looked at me kind of horrified and asked if I needed help- that's when I noticed the blood. CM's were called and they were so nice- had an ambulance and paramedics there really quickly, gave my husband and myself new t-shirts (mine was ruined and he had whipped his off to stem the bleeding- what a guy!).

Anyway, they arranged a free ambulance ride for me, a pvt. shuttle back to the hotel for Dad and two boys, and then after I was done (6 stitches-OUCH), they arranged for a car to come get me and take me back to FW.

Everything was handled so professionally and everyone was really, really nice. If you have to get hurt on a vacation, I would recommend WDW-LOL.

PS- looked the last time we were there at the Boneyard and they have repositioned "the rock" so that an adult falling off the ledge wouldn't be able to fall onto it.

Steph

roque

10-29-2002, 09:10 AM

PRINCESS ALI, great job starting this thread again, it is one of my favorites and i was wondering if i would see it again.

other favorite moment. we were there august 2001 (yeah, i know the heat) and went to see BLAST with PS (dinner combo thing) got my tickets and noticed the CM helping me was from my home town. El PASO, TEXAS asked him if he was really from there and yes he was we talked for about 20 minutes and realized we knew some of the same people. kept running into him that day and we just said "HI el paso" nothing major but i thought it was really nice :D

Eljay

10-29-2002, 07:01 PM

I took my 13 yr. old neice to WDW for her first visit this summer. While getting Pooh's autograph at the British Pavillion in Epcot, the Beatle look-alike band British Invasion started to play. Pooh grabbed my neices hand & they had a dance in front of the crowd. Just one of those sweet magical moments. Yes, we have pictures!;)

MinnieGi

10-29-2002, 07:33 PM

What a sweet thread!

Just wanted to add a few memorable cm moments from our last trip:

DD (14 months at trip time) and I were greeting and talking to Pooh, Eeyore, and Tigger in Toontown. Our friends who were next in line took our picture and then they went up to greet the characters and I was going to take their picture when DD runs back to Pooh with her arms outstretched and a huge smile on her face. Pooh saw her and bent down to receive her hug and gave her a great big kiss. Then Pooh, Tigger, and Eeyore played with DD and our friends DS (2yo at time). It was so cute to see how gentle the characters were holding their hands and letting the children pat them and explore their fur. Of course I and my friend took a bunch of pictures, only wished we had the camcorder with us.

Last day of trip DH, DD, our friends and their little boy and I were eating at the Ohana character breakfast and had some awesome character interaction again. All four characters Mickey, Goofy, Chip and Dale came by to interact with us at least three or four times each. But what was really memorable was Dale feeding DD her bottle!!! So cute!

Hopefully we'll have some more memorable cm moments coming up real soon!! :D
Gi

AngieBelle

10-29-2002, 08:47 PM

I've got a few. :)

I was not feeling well for most of my WDW trip this past May. I spent about 2 hours lying in MK first aid with 2 of my friends who were with me. The CMs were super nice, but the best part was getting a visit from Mickey. :) Also, two different times I sat on the floor of a shop and a CM offered to get me a drink of water when we mentioned I wasn't feeling well.

One of my fav stories is the time I was in the Exposition Hall in MK singing to myself as I often do. I was singing "Some day My Prince will Come." Dopey overheard and wanted me to sing the whole thing. Next thing I know, I have about 3 or 4 dwarves listening to me as if I were Snow White in the film! Dopey even sat down and swayed. Then he took my hand and pulled me over to Snow White and the prince and had me sing it again for them! Even the guests applauded and the character greeter cm asked if I was a professional singer!

Here's a twist- guests can create magic for CMs too! I was on the college program in 2001 and often it was the guests who made my day.

One day, I had been giving out mickey stickers to kids. We were just about to close and I was sitting on the floor straightening jewelery when one little girl I had given a sticker to earlier came over to me, said bye, and gave me a hug!

Once I was working the Buzz Lightyear cart during e-ride night and it was sooo slow. Then these 2 girls, about 10 and 4, and their mother were looking at stuff on the cart and started chatting with me. The girls were sooo funny! The older one took one of the woody dolls, put him on her shoulder, and started singing "Mr. Woody on my shoulder!" The little one performed some cute songs for me that she'd learned at school. As they left, the mother thanked me for putting up with them, but I told her I had really enjoyed their company. :)

I loved chatting with guests who were waiting for people on Space Mountain or Alien Encounter. Once I had a lady tell me she could talk to me all day. Another time, I cheered up a little boy who was upset that he was too short to ride Space Mt. Soon he was happily chatting about everything he had done that day. The mother even took a picture of me with him. hehehe.

nkjzmom

10-29-2002, 10:39 PM

Okay, here goes. Three things, same trip....

*First night...PS at Chef Mickey's. We had bought 6 Magical Moments pins ($100 total) and DS set them on a table to get Goofy's autograph and forgot them. We called the front desk and within 15 minutes they were back in our room.

*I don't know if this happens all the time but to my 3year old it was the HIGHLIGHT of her trip. We had just walked back into MK after a rest at the resort and grabbed a place for the parade right below the train station. During each section they have CMs on bikes "illustrating" scenes/characters. Well, the first one that came by pulled his bike over to her and pulled off the page on his drawing board and handed it to her and talked to her for just a quick minute. She was floored!!! She would have jumped on that bike and never looked back had he asked her!

*This one is the highlight for ME!! We reserved a garden wing room at the CR. We pulled in to check in, my husband goes in, I wait in the van with kids. After a long while he comes back out and says he has good news and bad news. Bad news is our room won't be ready for a few hours........"YIKES" I'm thinking.....Good news is because it's a TOWER ROOM WITH A VIEW OF MK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! He had gone in...and after much research we knew to ask if it was possible to get a room upgrade, so he did. They gave him a tower room on the opposite side. He asked about a MK view and the CM checked and asked if we'd be willing to wait......who in their right mind would say no?!?! BTW, same charge as garden room..... So the CMs unload our bags, we park, jump in THE FRONT of the monorail, enjoy the ride all the way around, come back to find that our room is ready!!

It's just always been a dream of mine to stay there, much less sleep with the castle outside of my window! I grew up in FL and my grandma would take us there in the middle of the day for naps on those big round benches back in the day.....I thought only rich and famous people stayed there.

I never closed the curtains the whole trip. I just couldn't believe that I could see that castle....it just brings tears to my eyes thinking of it. I'm sure my kids think I'm crazy.

woody2

10-30-2002, 06:53 AM

I love Disney, it is a Magical Place.

My DS lost his pin lanyard in Epcot end of our first week. It only had 5 pinns on it as he had only just bought it. We said "Oh well never mind" and that was that. When we when back to Epcot 3 day later we went in to Guest Relations and was told if it was found it would now be at the lost and found at the TTC.

So on our last day we poped in to lost and found and they had it but the CM said to my DS "you haven't got many pins" (Disney Magic Moment number 1) and gave him a large handfull of pins to put on his lanyard. We were speachless, my DW quick as a flash said she had been looking for a Simba pin at all the Pin Carts but noboby had one. (Disney Magic Moment number 2) Jeff goes out the back and comes back with no less than 4 different Simba pins and gives them all to her !!!!!!!!!

Did we leave the world happy.... :p :p I would say.

After reading this tread I am so looking forward to the next lot of magic and magical people we well meet in 8 days

Paul & Rene

Scotfan

10-30-2002, 07:05 AM

My DS (7) was in AK on our last day before moving to the Gulf coast last Feb, he realised he had left his new Pooh beanie, dressed as a leopard, and his favourite teddy on the Dumbo type ride.
We went straight back and got the beanie but not the teddy ( it was only 3" high), he was distraught.
3 days later we phoned and it had been handed in so on our way back to Orlando Airport we took a detour to lost property and there it was.
The beauty of it was we hadnt told DS as we didnt want him to be upset if it wasnt the right bear, he didnt ask once why we were going to MK entrance.
A CM had even replaced the red ribbon round teddys neck!
One happy boy on our 9 hour flight home to Scotland.

Neish

10-30-2002, 08:19 AM

This thread is a great.
On our first family trip, while eating at Breakfastasaurus in AK, our waiter performed magic tricks for my brother and 4yo DS. Then he whispered to us and said he would tell the characters that it was my DS birthday (this was in Nov., his b-day is March). He went in the back and came back with a birthday card with all of the characters' signatures. DS was very happy. This could be a normal thing, but it was new to us.

Another cool moment was near the end of an E-night in MK and Chip and Dale were jammin', banging a beat on a trash can as if it was a drum. That was hilarious!

One more- Another trip when my SIL came with us. While eating lunch in Crystal Palace, our waiter really interacted with us. At one point he came back to our table and knelt down and started singing "Earth Angel" to me. I can't remember what caused him to break out in song, but it was soo sweet. Very memorable...My husband was a good sport too. ;) Just part of the magic that CMs help give.

Neish

montessori

10-30-2002, 10:08 AM

A lovely Alice in Wonderland knelt down beside my daughter so they could have their picture taken together.
Alice whispered in her ear, "You look just like me!".
I thought that was very sweet and my daughter was thrilled, of course.

goofyernmost

10-30-2002, 09:05 PM

A few years ago I owned a Residential Care Home that looked after physically and mentally challenged individuals. During that time I had the privilage of bringing an older gentleman that had Cerebral Palsy. He had difficulty speaking and could only walk with great effort. He hadn't had the opportunity to travel much and the look on his face while visiting WDW was incredible. He has since passed away but I managed to bring him to "the World" three times. Nothing in his life compared to the experience and he had commited to memory each date of our visits, the things he saw and had his bed literally covered with Mickey Mouse plush dolls.

:bounce: :Pinkbounc :bounce: :Pinkbounc

Talking Hands

10-30-2002, 10:30 PM

Two magical moments. In June I was in a cast. I went to MK the day we checked out by myself since my daughters wanted to go to MGM and ride rides. I had all sorts of problems including several people hitting my leg and missing the show I wanted to see. I was literally in tears. Well, somehow it got back to the castmember who sets up the interpreters. He came to find me at the parade to make sure I was ok. I was by then because I had already taken pain meds and been cheered up by the interpreters who also noticed I was down.

Second, in September I adopted a family so they could watch the parade with me. They had 2 young kids so I tucked them in front of my wheelchair so they could see. When the parade came by one of the artists gave me the drawing he was doing. I handed it to the older boy. You should have seen the look on his face. It was as if I gave him gold.

jillybeans

10-31-2002, 02:55 PM

It was our next to last day in Dec. 2000 - we were on our way back to BC to go swimming around noon'ish and happened upon the EPCOT Character caravan.... DD (4 yo at the time) got on line for all the characters, which that day happened to include the elusive Jiminy Cricket! She got his picture and an autograph - with a few hugs thrown in for good measure..... So far nothing out of the ordinary.

The next morning we had Breakfast at the BC with the characters and DD went out into the lobby area for a rather lengthy meeting with Minnie, her favorite character aside from Cinderella..... Since no one else was around Minnie spent some quality time with her. Before we left Minnie took DD by the hand and walked over to the check-in podium. The CM gave Minnie a piece of paper and on that paper Minnie wrote the following:
"Jiminy Cricket told me that he met you in EPCOT yesterday!!"
Well, DD was just amazed that Minnie knew this and it really made her day.....
DH on the other hand said "How could she possibly know that Jiminy met DD yesterday". I explained to him that Minnie and Jiminy probably "had dinner together last night" - it took him some time but he finally figured it out.
Me? I was amazed that with all the kids these CM's see in a day that Minnie/Jiminy was kind enough to remember my DD! Of course, she is a very memorable child if I must say so myself!:teeth:

We are heading back right after Thanksgiving and I'm looking forward to lots more magic!!!!!

MelanieC

10-31-2002, 03:02 PM

On our first trip to Walt Disney World. My DD was 3 years old. I had been debating the entire trip if we should buy her the EPCOT passport book. On the 2nd to last day we did. We had no idea that you had to go to each country to get it stamped. I thought it was just a book that she could put stickers in herself. So that evening, we got several countries stamped before the night ended. On our last night there, I went back to EPCOT after a day at MK. It was then, as I was running that I really learned how large this park was. I was trying to get to the countries to get the rest stamped before the park closed. Needless to say I only made it to one Country.

On my way out of the park, I stopped by the Customer Service desk. I explained to them that this was our last day, but I wanted to finish the passport as a souvenir of my daughters first trip to WDW. I asked if someone could get it stamped and mailed back to me. I was very skeptical that I would ever see it again. But it was worth a try.

About a week later, the passport showed up in my mailbox. Filled with lots of wonderful wishes and extra writings!!! I was very impressed!

On our last trip to WDW, we were waiting at the train station in Mickey's Toon Town Fair. The Conductor let my daughter wear his conductor hat, and was entertaining them while we waited. The kids had a ball and felt really special.

Also on our last trip, my DH lost one of our 6 day Stars and Stripes passes while getting a fast pass. We had 4 days left.
I was sitting on a street corner while he went to get the pass. He only came back with 3 passes, but yet 4 fastpasses. He immediately went back, and we still could not find it. We spent most of the day, going back to see if anyone had turned it in. We also checked with City hall to see if we could get it replaced. We went back to the Shades of green. Nope, everyone told us we would have to buy a new one because they use stock that is not associated with a name. That evening, when we got back to our hotel. I went to the front desk. Some really nice CM, printed me a 4 day complimentary pass that was good till the end of our stay. I thanked her so many times. She really doesn't know how much I appreciated not haveing to spend the extra money to buy another pass. It really was not in our budget.

This is a great thread!! Thanks for the smiles,

Melanie

zakatak

10-31-2002, 03:29 PM

THE nicest thing in my life happened at WDW! On February 14, 2002 at approximately 9:15am, a housekeeper at AKL found my lost 19 month old dd. :)

The 15 minutes of checking the pool, lobby, and bus stops was the longest 15 minutes of my life.

Thank you AKL staff.

Karen

ChesireMeg

10-31-2002, 05:57 PM

I think it's really nice when we get handed FastPasses while waiting in line. That has happened several times for us--it's the little things that count :)

ZPT1022

11-01-2002, 08:27 AM

We were at WDW for our honeymoon in September. We made one of those build a pins, the background said 2002 and we put a Minnie bride, a Mickey groom and a castle on it to comemmorate our honeymoon. Well, we had the pin on our backpack and it managed to get lost somewhere. We went and checked at Guest Services at the Magic Kingdom to see if anyone had turned it in, hoping that since it was only special to us perhaps they had. No such luck, but the really nice CM working there (Cheryl, I believe her name was)gave us a pass to go and get a new pin made and then she said since she had had so much fun talking to us that she would give us a "skip the line" pass to any MK attraction we wanted. We chose Splash Mountain, as it was about 91 degrees with 98% humidity. It was a great choice and che really helped to turn our day around! :)

Tulip

11-04-2002, 10:50 AM

I love all these stories!

LvsTnk

11-04-2002, 11:16 AM

Many Many magical things have happened to us while at Disney!

The 2 most memorable would be the awesome captain of one of the friendship boats that took DH back to the restaurant in Mexico at Epcot to get our camcorder.

We had finished our meal and DH was taking DS back to our room at the BWI while I took the older 2 to ride TT.

DH was just getting on the boat to go back when he realized he didn't have the camcorder. The captain told DH he would take the 2 of them over there on one of the small boats they transport the captains on. Well, they flew over there right through the lagoon (Illuminations was about to start)and to a dock right by the restaurant. Camcorder was retrieved and DS got the card that said he was the captain of the boat.

Second thing that was just awesome was that a CM at Hollywood and Vine (manager) found out it was DS's b-day and that his favorite thing at MGM was the Doug Show. She tried to find out if the characters would be in the park that day and when they weren't she arranged for DS to meet the characters after the show.

We lingered after the show was over and were told to wait by the front steps to the stage, sure enough they all came out. Doug, Roger, Skeeter, and Patty. They didn't rush and spent about 15min. with him.

Girls Scout Leader

11-04-2002, 01:38 PM

Does anyone mind if I bump this up? I mean, these are just too good, and I'l bet there are many more yet to come!!

roque

11-04-2002, 03:07 PM

:teeth: :teeth: :teeth: :teeth:
this is a wonderful thread. i'm glad it popped back up.
this should be required reading for the dis boards:p

Mouseteacher

11-04-2002, 05:29 PM

We were in MGM this past August. I already had a PS at the Brown Derby but not the Fantasmic dinner package. I approached the CM at the reception desk and politely asked if we could have the dinner package seating even though it was not a part of my PS. She was wonderful and tried many things on the computer. I insisted that she not put herself out - that I was just asking and didn't expect her to get in trouble or do anything that she couldn't. She said don't worry just give me a minute to work something out. She told us to return about 15 min. before our PS and ask for her - she would them be able to give us the card for Fantasmic. We did as she told us and all went as she said. She gave us the dinner package. She didn't have to go the extra mile but she did and I told her she spread pixie dust on our vacation and she embodied the Disney magic we all know! :D

Hsminnie

11-05-2002, 03:24 PM

Bump :D

Let's keep this going so I can add to it when we get back Dec 19.

Eljay

11-05-2002, 05:08 PM

I spent the day at Epcot with 2 friends & on a whim, we decided to have dinner at The Flying Fish. Well, that's such a popular restaurant, you don't just stroll in at 7:30 & think you're going to be seated but we took a chance anyway.
As we were on the shuttle boat that takes you from the International Gateway to the Boardwalk, we were in the front near the Captain. He was making small talk & asked us what our evening plans were & we said dinner at the F.F. He asked if we had P.S. & we said "no". He said, "I'm sorry to tell you , but you probably won't be able to get in tonight". At that point a lovely English couple with 2 beautiful little girls said, "We have P.S. for right now that we aren't using. You're welcome to them!" They told us the name the P.S. was under & we walked into the F.F. like we owned the joint! Now that was an adult Magical Moment!;)

dizfamily

11-05-2002, 08:58 PM

One trip about 2 1/2 years ago, when my dd was about 5 1/2, we were at Downtown Disney one night. We had just heard about pin trading before we left for the trip and I bought just a handful of pins to use for trading. The whole trip my dd was bugging me to do trades. A CM at one of the shops overheard my dd begging me once again to do a trade and said, "Wait right here." She went to the back and came out with 3 puzzle piece pins, gave them to my dd and told her they were HERS to trade for whatever pins she wanted! Of course, at that point they became special to her and she had a hard time letting go of them to trade! :D

The Duchess

11-05-2002, 09:02 PM

My most memorable Disney moment from my last trip was at the end of the Family Magic Tour. I won't give it away for those of you who have not done this tour, but it was very magical for me and hopefully for my four year old DS.

Pam Lau

11-05-2002, 10:15 PM

On our first trip to WDW my son was 1 1/2 years old and he picked out his first Eeyore. He now has about 120, but none quite as special as the original. On our next visit when he was almost 3 we had checked to see where Eeyore was appearing and when he did not come out with the rest of the Pooh Characters we asked the CM where he was. He told us that Eeyore was sick and unable to appear. So we asked where he would be the following day. The CM was gone for a few minutes and then returned to tell us that if we waited about 10 minutes Eeyore would be able to come out. Eeyore did come out and visited with us for a couple minutes before going back to the character area. As we left the park we stopped by City Hall to write a commendation for the cm who made sure that our son was not disappointed.

A special Disney moment for our daughter was appearing in a skit at the Comedy Warehouse in Pleasure Island.

Russell

11-06-2002, 07:09 AM

The CM's made our last trips so nice! Our DS got bronchitis on the last day of our trip. We went to the World of Disney on our way out for last minute shopping. The manager noticed he was feeling down and asked about him. When she found out he was sick, she gave him a Disney pin (one of the villain series of Prince John). He was so happy about that. We had a wonderful waitress at Norway who made our dinner there very special. The characters were all wonderful. Marry Poppins walked with my DD age 4 off of the merry-go-round hand in hand to the castle. If Disney has cut corners to make it in these hard times, they haven't cut back on the quality of their employees.

freecia

11-06-2002, 06:16 PM

When I was probably around 10 I went to Disneyland with my two cousins. One of my cousins decided to take a flying leap for his brother right in front of Cinderella's Castle. His head hit the stone wall instead. Being a brave kid and fairly athletic, he takes this in stride. My parents, however, were horrified they allowed their sister's child get hurt. He had a small gash on his head and it was bleeding.
We made a stop at first aid. It was determined that he would need to get stiches. While we waited for the ambulance, he was treated Wonderfully by a CM and even got a Pooh stuffed animal. Needless to say, I wish I had banged my head against the wall. He was showered with attention, taken to the hospital with one of my parents while we continued to tour the park. He came back to us with stiches and the Pooh.
I don't know if my cousin has a scar on his scalp or if he remembers, but someday, I'll remind him. Probably when we have our own children and I let his kid get in a scrape at a Disney Park. :)

texmom

11-06-2002, 10:50 PM

A couple of things stick out in my mind...

1) While waiting for Spectromagic, my son's Buzz spinner ran out of batteries. I had extras with me, but didn't realize that the lid for the battery spot was screwed on. (The Buzz one is the only one that has a screw, don't ask me why!) I went up to a CM to ask about getting a screwdriver, and after ten minutes of trying to help me get the lid off, the CM left, spent another ten minutes tracking down a pushcart that still had Buzz spinners left, and brought me a brand new one. made my son's day!

2) Same son, at Epcot. DH and I thought he wouldn't want to go on Test Track so only got two fast passes. After we were done, he wanted a turn (of course!) but all the FP's were gone for day and standby line was 60 minutes (park was due to close in 20). We had him measured to make sure he was tall enough and he barely made it, so we told him we would get FP's first thing the next day. You all know how well that works with a 4 year old! LOL Anyway, DS is bawling and we're trying to comfort...CM comes up and asks if he's scared, we say no, tell the story. CM walks away, comes back with a pad of paper and writes out a special FP for the three of us to go on together right then!

3) Test Track again, different trip. This time DH is in Orlando on business so it's me and three kids by ourselves at park all day. Okay, we have four people and cars seat six, three in each row. Not good, as of course none of my kids wants to be in a row by themselves. We decide to do two and two, only my oldest son gets in first and my 6 year old DD is stuck in the middle next to (gasp!) a STRANGER!!!!! She starts freaking out (of course, as nowadays we have to tell our kids so much about stranger danger trying to keep them safe)...DS won't switch, the entire line is waiting for us (you know the scene) so I make the executive decision that we just won't ride (not quite that calmly, unfortunately...even moms get grumpy sometimes:) We get out of the car with the whole line staring at us, CM comes up to ask what the problem is...I explain that my DD doesn't want to sit next to a stranger but my DS doesn't like the middle because it's just a lap belt, etc., etc. CM says "stay right there a sec" goes and talks to another CM, and the next time cars came to unload he saved the first one for just my family!!! No strangers and once again the day was saved due to CM's and Disney Magic!

Thanks to ALL the CM's out there, you are AWESOME!!! You are a HUGE part of the Disney Magic and the magic is what keeps us coming back!!

texmom

11-06-2002, 11:01 PM

Just thought of one more I had to share!!!

In Epcot, DS had just sliced open his toe and visited first aid (luckily no stitches but a nice cut). We went to the AP Lounge to rest and get a cold drink. While we were there Mickey and Pluto came in! My kids were the only kids there for a bit and Pluto got on the floor and played with the kids, Mickey colored with my DD, and then Mickey and Pluto both played hide and seek with my DS. DS hid behind the couch and Mickey went all over the room "searching" although everyone in the lounge could hear the delighted giggles coming from behind the couch:)! I took an entire roll of pictures and we still have the picture colored by Mickey...it is one of our prized posessions. How many kids get to go to Disney World and play hide and seek with Mickey?

And my DH still doesn't understand my love of Disney...maybe because he was working that day and missed the best magical moment ever!

crazyforgoofy

11-07-2002, 12:07 AM

Six years ago Gary and I accompanied my sister and her family on their first trip to WDW. It was a special trip to celebrate Joseph (then age 5 1/5) having finished a year of chemotherapy and weeks of radiation for rhabdomyosarcoma. He was still very weak and didn't have much hair. We pushed him around in a wheelchair loaned to the family by the Contemporary Resort. His older brother, Nate, was also celebrating his 8th birthday on this particular day. We went to the wheelchair entrance of Star Tours and waited for a CM. We waited for several minutes and were then ushered around a corner. Seemingly from nowhere Chewbacca appeared, hugged both boys, spoke "wookie" to them, and posed for pictures. I'm sure someone noticed Joseph's condition and his wheelchair but Nate was sure that somehow the Disney magic had worked for Chewy to appear on his birthday as he was his favorite Star Wars character.

On the same trip we had dinner at Chef Mickey's. Joseph's cap fell off his head as one of the servers was passing. She didn't say a word, just looked at him for a few seconds. Very soon all the characters came out, the music started and they danced around Joseph and eventually got him up to dance with them. My sister and I were crying like fools with joy that he had the energy to dance, that Disney Magic was once again afoot and that Joseph was grinning from ear to ear.

DVCajun

11-07-2002, 08:00 AM

http://www.stopstart.fsnet.co.uk/smilie/mecry.gif

ChiTownZee

11-07-2002, 12:54 PM

Oh me too Cajun! I lost it with that last one! :::::wiping tears:::::

Sneaky3

11-08-2002, 09:45 PM

Okay here goes for me this was so special. We went up to Disney to do Typhoon Lagoon. We do this every June or July just Water Parks. We decided to go and try 1900 Park Faire. After we left we went on the Monorail and decided to watch the MK fireworks. Since all we had were seasonal passes and they were blacked out we couldn't go in, so we watched the parade from the turnstiles. One of the CM's saw my then four year old trying really hard to look and let me and my son go inside to Main Street to watch the parade. I thought it was so nice to let us go in without passes but the best part was that after the parade was over I went over to him to let him know I was leaving, and he told me to take my family and enjoy the rest of the evening. It was the best and my son was soooo happy.

NandP

11-08-2002, 11:27 PM

I was at the counter of my local Disney store with my wife when I mentioned the DVC Discount. The nice woman next to us said she was a DVC Member too... we talked a bit about the DVC when I mentioned "I read alot about Disney online on bulletin boards"... she asked which do I use... when I said the DIS, she told me she was DVCREG a moderator for the DVC boaord!!!!

I was so excited I jumped up and down!! she must have thought I was nuts! I new her name immediately we had Emailed info back and forth and shared threads many times... We chatted a bit on how much info people can get on the DIS, what a great resource it is, some of the other DISers we've talked to and of course LIME GREEN RIBBONS..... She told us how beautiful the BCV's are and it made our upcomming trip in April oh so exciting!!

As my wife and I walked away I kept asking her: "Did I really jump up and down?" I felt like I met a celebrity! Not only a fellow DISer, but a Moderator, and one that I spoke to on the boards before... and right in my own back-yard (funny it was in a Disney Store).

That was a great experience, ... a little Disney magic right at my local Disney Store!

dizfamily

11-09-2002, 08:55 AM

I've got 1 more story! On our 2nd trip, when dd#1 was 3 1/2, we were at Chef Mickey's. Minnie came to our table. DD had the little princess figurines on the table and Minnie "quizzed" her on who they were. DD was grinning from ear to ear. Remember, Minnie is a non-talking character. But she leaned over and seemed to be whispering in dd's ear!! After Minnie left I asked DD what she said. "She said, 'I love you!" So sweet! I even got a picture of Minnie whispering in her ear!

AmyM

11-10-2002, 12:19 PM

I love this thread...we'll be in Disney in 12 days and this is the perfect way to get excited (not that I really needed that much help)!

Where to start we have had soooo many magical moments big and small.

Have been to Hoop Dee Doo twice. 1st time we were with another family of four who were explaining this is the part of the show where they pick people out of the audience and make fun of them (all in good fun) on stage. This was being said as a CM is walking up to my husband and taking him away. He was camcording the whole thing, I graciously grabbed the camcorder from him and took over as they hauled him away. LOL...it was great...and we got it all on tape!!!

2nd time, we were with the same group of friends. Had made reservations 1 year out and were sitting in the 2nd table of rows. It was my DS 7th birthday. He was picked to be the sheriff! The audience was laughing soooo hard because he was shooting the good guys instead of the bad guys!

Needless to say my kids want to go to the HDD every trip so they can be picked again!

A magical moment my little boy did for an elderly couple on Test Track....

Same trip, DS 7th birthday, had gone on Test Track about 30 times (or at least it seemed like it). Oh well, his birthday, he gets to pick. Anyways, he wants to go on Test Track one more time...the cue is 90 minutes!!!! So we ask DS if he wants to go in the single rider line. He is not shy at all and says SURE. He is very small for his age and while we are entering TT they announce over the intercom, "Hey all you single riders...you will be riding single...that goes for the little boy in orange too!" (DS was dressed in bright orange from head to toe). We get on the ride and DS is alone in a car with 5 others (the two others in sons row were two mature adults dressed up for an evening out), DD and I are in the car in front of him, DH is in the front of all of us. The ride is going and right before we are to go out on the track and go fast the ride breaks down!!! I can see my DS and wave to him a few times. We were stuck for about 15-20 minutes. After we got off, the elderly coupled thanked us for letting DS ride with them. He told them all about the ride and told them don't be nervous, this is Disney they'll get the ride going again. They told us we should rent out our DS for entertainment purposes. They said talking to him and seeing his enthusiasm for Disney made their day.

I have many more I'll post later and will hopefully have even more after our next trip.

Pam Lau

11-10-2002, 02:39 PM

A year ago, the first 2 times we went to MGM's Who Want's to be a Millionairre? Play It! My DH made it to the Hot Seat and the next time my DD (10) was in the Hot Seat. She couldn't stop grinning. It was so exciting.

heart4pooh

11-10-2002, 03:00 PM

Thirteen years ago I went to MK with XH and two stepdaughters and my DS, 2. I waited with my son while the rest went to 20,000 Leagues. After waiting a long time, I decided to take my son to Dumbo. I tried to get their attention in line but they couldn't hear me. I stepped away from the stroller - three steps - got their attention and told them my plans. I then took the stroller over to Dumbo. We watched the ride first so he could see what it was like then I went to park the stroller and get him out. He wasn't in it!!!!!!!!! I freaked out and ran back to 20,000 Leagues. There he was in the stroller with two CMs waiting with him!!! As I walked up. freaking out and feeling awful for taking the wrong stroller, one of the CMs said he knew somebody would come back for him 'cause he was cute and looked like a keeper. I was so shook up I had to sit down and recover! Later I wondered what people thought as I was talking to an empty stroller on the way to Dumbo!!!!

AmyM

11-10-2002, 03:15 PM

Here's another one...

My DH and I were on our 10 year anniversary. We had a patio table at Rose and Crown for Illuminations. Unfortunately it was a pretty bad table. We were way in back and had a huge post in front of us...oh well...we're at Disney!!! Had a great meal and wonderful conversation with our server. They brought us complimentary cake and then just as Illuminations was starting the chef came out and joined us and brought champagne with him. He said, "This is where you're watching Illuminations from?...follow me." They moved us front and center. Complimentary champagne and front row seats for Illuminations...PRICELESS!!!

Scottish_Maleficent

11-10-2002, 04:08 PM

I have 2 nice things.......

On our very first trip in 1996, my DH and I travelled with my DB, who is in a wheelchair. He was 14 at the time, and not really in to characters (so he told us anyhow).
We were in Epcot at American Adventure, and Chip n Dale were just standing around looking for kids. We decided to have some pictures taken with them , when a CM called Alice came up and started chatting with Dale and us. She asked where my DB autograph book was and he said he didn't have one........
So off she went to her Merchandise Cart and returned with an autograph book and pen, and gave them to him as a gift. The she had her picture taken with my DB and Dale was trying to sneek in the pictures and covering up their faces....it was a real hoot!

Then in 2000, our first trip with our 2 DS's, our older DS, age 2, in Toon Town, and we were meeting Pooh, Tigger Eeyore etc. When it came to Tigger, he walked up and just cuddle up to him and lay his head on his chest and closed his eys..........and within a few seconds he was asleep.:D
It was so funny.....but also very touching...I think i cried.....I think everyone in the room cried......Tigger then just stroked his face and head, and just let him stay there for a few minutes...........The Joy of Disney...........

WDWguru

11-10-2002, 05:03 PM

On our just-completed trip we had something truly incredible happen. I've been many, many times over the years, DH several times in the last five or so with me. We took MIL and nephew two years ago on their first trip, then this year took same MIL and nephew plus another nephew for his first time. First nephew is now 11 and second, first-timer, is 5.

We're at MK, it's hot and crowded and Splash is down! So we go over to Tom Sawyer's island to cool off and kill time. We get back over and Splash is still down. We discuss doing Thunder, but as we get close enough to see the line, standby is 45 minutes and FP times are more than an hour away. Just as we are deciding to go back to the hotel and swim, a character I've only seen once or twice is wandering by. Prospector Gus stops right by us and engages nephew #2 (the 5- year-old) in conversation. He thinks it's pretty cool and has a good time introducing all of us, answering his questions, etc. He tells him we were going to go on the "thunderstorm railroad" - which gives Gus a good laugh - but that the line was too long so now we're going swimming. After a few minutes, another kid comes up and begins talking to Gus, so we prepare to take off. Gus stops us! He says to the new kid "wait just a second son, I've gotta take care of my new friends here." He tells us to follow him.

Well, he takes us around to the back side of Thunder by where the unload, talking to nephew all the way. He's asking him if it's scary - acting like he's never been on it and like it's a regular train. We had been on it, and nephew had loved it, but went along and pretended it was a regular train. So, you guessed it, Gus takes us over to get on the ride!! Best part - he takes us to the very back car! After the next train unloads, we get on and Gus rides in the very very back with nephew #2. It was hysterical! The whole time, he's telling nephew #2 that he's in charge of the brake. He keeps yelling and screaming saying "hit the brake, hit the brake!" He had us all in tears!

After the ride, he walked all the way back out with us and signed autograph books and posed for pictures. It was quite a treat and something I've never had happen in all the years I've been going to WDW. Best thing is I got it all on tape! It'll be a terrific memory for all of us of his first trip ever. We thanked Prospector Gus profusely and will be forever grateful for the magic he created for our trip.

MinnieGi

11-11-2002, 09:23 AM

Although we truly had many wonderful Disney magical moments this past trip one truly stands out:

CRT - Princess Breakfast: (myself, DH, & DD (2yo)
I knew this was going to be a great breakfast as soon as the hostess led us to our table - against the tall windows overlooking Fantasyland!!!! An incredible view!!! :D

DD really likes the Princess characters and talks about them at home and likes to hear their stories read so she was in sort of a little shock with lots of excitement that here were the Princesses in the same room!!! However, when our first princess came over, Snow White, DD got a little shy. She looked at Snow out of the corner of her eyes and gave a shy smile. Snow was very gentle and soothing in talking to DD and then Snow gave DD a huge kiss on her forehead. It left two big bright red lip marks right on DD!!!!!!!! It was hysterical, soooooooo cute!!!!!:D Well then Cinderella came over and DD was a little less shy and offered Cindy some honeydew! (hehe) Cinderella fussed over Snow giving DD a big kiss and said she must leave one too! So Cindy left a pink lipstick mark on DD's right cheek!!!!:D Next we were visited by Belle and you can guess what happend - another kiss!!! Belle left a reddish-brown lip marks on DD's left cheek!!! It was soooooooooooo cute, three big Princess lip marks on DD's face!! :D What a picture!

DD also got extra attention from several servers b/c of the kisses and several cm's commented of the kisses while we were doing Fantasyland rides for the rest of the morning.

Gi

PrincessAli

12-15-2002, 02:43 PM

This thread is back and I'm hopeing to read some NEW great reports.

Talking Hands

12-15-2002, 09:30 PM

Most magical thing this trip. Candlelight Processional with Marlee Matlin and Angela as interpreter. Gives me chills just to think about it. It is so beautiful with all the choir members and the candles. And of course the story is timeless.

CdnDisneyFan

12-18-2002, 06:30 PM

Well, my mom and I stayed at ASMO for my birthday, and on the actual day, according to the printout we received at checkin, I was supposed to receive a bday call from Goofy, but never received anything, so I called down to Guest Services to find out, and he asked who my fave character was, and said he'd talk to the people who coordinated that thing, and not even an hour went by, when there was a knock on the door, and a cm was standing there with a balloon bouquet and an autographed picture card of Tigger and friends. We deflated the balloons before we left, and I now have a nice souviner of my bday!!

Jules

CdnDisneyFan

12-18-2002, 06:34 PM

I forgot another nice thing that happened. After riding the front of the monorail a few times, and them never having the co-pilots licence, we were at the monorail station at Contemporary, talking to one of the cm's there, named Michael from Monorail Lime, and I asked about the licences, and he offered to take down my name and address and send me one, but then he found some that he had stashed away, and gave both of us one, and wrote on the back of mine, happy birthday!! It sure made my day, what a wonderful guy he is!!

Jules

I'll probably think of more eventually, lol!

luvmy2sams

12-19-2002, 12:20 AM

After breakfast with Cinderella on 12/3, DH, DD (3) and I headed straight into Fantasyland. We spotted Bert coming up the path in front of Sir Mickey's and smiled a "hello" to him. He walked up to our DD & had a 5 minute conversation with her...totally uninterrupted by other people wanting autographs & pictures. It was quite amazing to us.

Later that morning, while waiting for our first ride on Aladdin's Magic Carpets, the Genie appeared and took a spin with one family. We were in the next loading group and were assigned the carpet next to where the Genie was standing. My DD stated that she wanted to ride with the Genie, and he promptly turned around and sat next to her. His giant blueness must have spooked her, though, because she immediately wanted in the back with mommy. DH ended up soaring the skies with him!

Lastly, the most magical thing for me this trip occurred on my birthday, 12/4. DH surprised me at Cinderella's Wishing Well with a scavenger hunt he'd arranged through Gifts of a Lifetime. It was such a surprise and by far the best birthday present I've ever received! :teeth:

erikthewise

12-19-2002, 08:37 AM

During our recent trip, I got selected from the audience to play Ebeneezer Scrooge in the Christmas Carol skit (the "silly version") at the British pavilion at Epcot! It was lots of fun, and when it was over the "real" performers gave me a button that says "Honorary World Showcase Performer". I will treasure it always!

Simba's Mom

12-19-2002, 10:18 AM

On my most recent solo trip, a CM did a really special thing concerning a pin trade. I'd been looking during the whole trip for a Figment pin on all the CMs' lanyards. On the last night I was in Toon Town, literally just going from lanyard to lanyard. Finally one CM said "No, but I think I know someone who does, so come back in 20 minutes. No promises, though" So I went and sat outside on a bench. Next thing I know she's found me and has a Figment CM lanyard pin for me and refuses to take anything in trade. I thought that was so nice.

jojomg

12-29-2002, 12:51 PM

We were leaving the magic kingdom after my dd's 5th birthday at cinderella's table, the park was closed so it was deserted and a cm was scraping gum from the sidewalk of main st, when we passed by him, dd was in a princess dress, he stood up and bowed to her and told her what a beautiful princess she was and called her your majesty.It was the sweetest thing,

PrincessAli

04-24-2003, 05:47 PM

I'm trying this again--I know thats LOTS more nice things have happened over the past few months!

tbear

04-25-2003, 11:51 AM

I read all these posts again, some of which touched me very very much.

Our last trip to Disney (May 2000) was exceptional).

First, through these boards, my family and I had made arrangements to go on an Illuminations cruise with another family from S. Carolina...these folks were wonderful(unfortunately lost contact with them...maybe they still post here??)

When we finally met each other, they had brought my kids each a goodie bag from their home state, which was so cool. Meeting folks from other parts of the country is cool enough, but for someone to be so generous was beyond our expectations.
(Hopefully, they still read the boards, and if they do...contact us!!
The few things that may help..we went on the cruise, then after we got the kids ice cream at the boardwalk...later in the trip, we came across each other in AK..you had just ridden one of the safari's I believe, and we were heading to one.You have(at the time)a son and a daughter, as do we...and I have a missing tooth from a biking accident...were from Mass.)

OK..enough of that..LOL
Well, during this trip, even though we know better, we got to the parade route very late....so late that there was no way we would see Spectro:( I then told the kids, well, maybe next trip, when suddenly a voice comes from the crowd, asking if it would be ok for my children to sit with this person...she was an elderly woman, and she said that she forgot to bring any grandchildren with her to enjoy the parade...so my daughter and son got to sit at curbside!!
What made this event even more special, is that as the parade rolled past, one of the "ugy" stepsisters saw my daughters "its my birthday" button, and started teasing my daughter, saying it was her(the stepsisters) birthday...that my daughter wasnt allowed to have a birthday that day, she would have to pick another day ...she really made a spectacle out of it..LOL...my daughter who had turned 5, just told her off..LOL..it was very cute.
Well, this was also e-ride nite...so off we headed into the night.
When we finally made our way to Space Mtn. (my daughters fav) we rode as usual, and when we got to the end, the Cm saw the button...asked my daughter if she would like to ride again, and of course my daughter said yes...the Cm brought us around this passageway, and took us to the front of the line!He then announced that it was my daughters birthday, and had everyone there applaud and cheer for her!It really made her b-day special, and she still talks about it to this day!!(Yes, we're gonna celebrate it all over again..she cant wait, as well as her other sister, who is celebrating her 5th this year!!!)

jaysue

04-25-2003, 12:04 PM

Well to be fair, this is not something that happened to me - it's something that I did.

It was nightime at the WL and DW, DS and I were walking down the ramp on the Artisit's Point (North) side after quite a full day at the parks.

Zoom by me comes a roughly 3yr old - someone else's DS and proceeds to go right out the door and running towards the pool area - he was in his street clothes.

As this was happening I looked back and saw a person that must have been his DM with a stroller and a baby in her arms trying to run down the ramp.

Without really thinking I went out the door and coralled that DS, picked him up and brought him back inside to his grateful DM.

Afterwards, DW asked me if I would have done that anywhere else or back at home - I thought about and said probably not in case the parent(s) thought I was kidnapping their child.

Anyways, I learned something about the magic of WDW that day.

Thanks
Jason

sweet7696

04-25-2003, 05:24 PM

These stories are all so wonderful!!!!! I've been smiling ear-to-ear while reading these! :D

Here is the magic we experienced while at Disney on our last trip (just fiance and I, last June). I made a late PS for CRT so we could see the fireworks. I thought that would really make the trip special for Shaun (fiance). So, we walk up to the podium about 15 mins early for our PS. The CM asks me if we are celebrating anything special. We had recently gotten engaged, so I told her that. She ushered us right in and we sat down. About 5 minutes later, the gentleman who rings the bell called my name and brought us to the stairs. He shook Shaun's hand and said "Congratulations! There should be a special seat for you!" We got up there and had a wonderful view of Fantasyland and the beautiful fireworks! We got Mickey Confetti too!! I felt so special! :D We will definitely be heading back to CRT during every WDW vacation! :D
Jess

TracyIdaho

04-25-2003, 05:58 PM

Well, this is from WAAYYY back, but here goes! :)

My dh and I decided to celebrate our graduations from graduate school with a trip to WDW in 1991. Back then, of course, researching a Disney trip was really different--no boards, no email groups, no websites, not even that many really good guide books. Well, I stumbled upon the Unofficial Guide and it became my Bible for the trip. :)

My dh thought I was nuts to think that we could follow the touring plans and really walk on to rides without waiting. I convinced him to at least give it a try. So on our first day onsite, we head to MK. The guide book says to take a shortcut before you reach the end of main street, and you'll see a CM standing at a roped-off area. You are now so-many-feet closer to Space Mtn than the throng of guests standing at the end of Main Street waiting for the official opening of the park.

So following the book's instructions, dh heads to guest services to get a map and entertainment schedule and I head to the roped off area to stake our claim. I'm absolutely giddy as I walk down Main Street, even if it is Memorial Day weekend and Main Street is packed out. I'm starting to have my doubts about the guide--there are SO many people. Well, I take the shortcut and sure enough, there are maybe 5 other people standing there chatting with the CM and ALL of us are holdling our Unofficial Guides!! My dh catches up and all of us are just cracking up and wondering if we can do the Space Mountain dash and be first on the ride.

Well, they officially open the park and the CM asks us to please be careful and not run anyone over (of course, I understand that now, they walk to ropes back to prevent running--good idea!) So we start walking fast, then faster, and before you know it we're jogging with everyone else! The hysterical thing was watching a 30 something dad with a six year old over his shoulder who was pounding his back yelling, "FASTER DADDY! FASTER!!"

We were one of the first rockets to launch that day and proceeded to walk on to everything else. I asked Mickey to sign my Unofficial Guide and he did so very reluctantly!! :)

Now we're in the thick of planning our first trip back since 91 with our two little girls and cannot wait for them to experience the magic!

Blessings,
Tracy in Idaho

disneyannie

04-26-2003, 08:44 AM

wow, reading all this really is what disney is all about. those who have never been will just never understand. my eyes are misting over just reading it all!!!!

on our first visit to wdw last year my dd was faced with the magic

1) she rode with "winnie the pooh" on two seperate days on his ride, once would have been good enough, but twice.......

2) she spent a day at animal kingdom dressed as princess jasmine. well she was treated like a true princess, from dawn til dusk by cm's and visitors alike.

i think she may just become princess jasmine for our visit in 8 weeks time!!!!!!

a magical place like no other

grinningghost

04-26-2003, 10:40 AM

When our DD was 7 years old, we were eating in the Plaza Pavillion in MK. A very kind older gentleman stopped by our table on the way out and said to DH and me, "You have a very well behaved little girl". We were floored, and quite proud of her. That was a random act of kindness which I will never forget.:D

tiggerzpalz

04-26-2003, 11:05 AM

Had a wonderful experience at the Animal Kingdom. We were there for Breakfast with Donald (party size of about 9) and were off to a rough start. Grumpy teenagers, uncooperative cildren, etc. Spirits were down, fighting ensued and low and behold we realize we have lost the youngest child's autograph book. Mom is crying, dad is angry and child is looking everywhere for it. The rest of us, well we were just content to leave. But disney came through. CM's witnessed our morning of misery. Had all the characters come at once, with an autograph book signed by numerous characters, to cheer us up. It was amazing. Within a split second our mood changed, everyone was happy and the rest of the day was great. They didn't have to do this but they did and it truly made a world of difference.

cajungirl

04-26-2003, 05:41 PM

This will sound silly but.......I started crying when checking into CSR last June. We'd overcome alot of obstacles to make the trip and I was so happy and relived to really be at WDW I just lost it.
The CM, Steven, was so nice. He probably thought I was nuts!
Anyway after going to MK that afternoon, we came back to the
room and there was a stuffed Mickey with balloons and a signed
card. I could not believe it!!! Of course I bawled again. DH and
I went back in January. And we leave for our third trip (to celebrate my 40th birthday!) on June 15th.

kayeandjim00

04-26-2003, 06:09 PM

Without a doubt the nicest thing that ever happened to me at WDW was my DH proposing next to Cinderella's Castle! WDW has always been special to us and we are returning in 20 days (CAN'T WAIT!) this is a trip we didn't think we would be able to manage so I think I'll cry as soon as I see the signs! I feel the Disney Magic already........

Capt Jazbo

04-26-2003, 06:19 PM

The best thing that happened to us was at MGM. We were lined up at the front of the rope drop first thing in the morning to head to TOT and RNR. My son, who was 7 at the time, was crouched down looking like a lost soul, wondering impatiently when they were going to drop the rope. A CM started to talk to him, asking him what ride he was going to ride first etc. and after a couple of minutes he tells us to follow him. We go thru one of the stores on the right and out the back door, behind the scenes. The CM ( his name was Glen and he works at TOT) took us behind the buildings until we came back out futher down the street (behind the buildings were a ton of wheelchairs in case you ever wondered what they keep back there). To make a long story short, we got to ride TOT alone with Glen, they took our picture and put it in a Disney Magic Moment frame and, as we left, we encountered all the people we were waiting with at the rope drop. This was the first time we had ever ridden TOT and we had to keep telling both my son and daughter how lucky we were to have this happen.

I still don't believe it happened since we never have that kind of luck.

anotherboardnposter

04-26-2003, 11:21 PM

The best thing that's ever happened to me is meeting Jim Henson. During the time when Henson was mulling a sale of the Muppets to the Walt Disney Company (it was early 1990, a few months before his death), he visited Walt Disney World. Coincidentally, his trip meshed with one by my family, so my brother and I, after my mom asked the security guards surrounding him, got to meet a legendary entertainer. He was charming, nice and very friendly. A picture of the 3 of us still hangs in the living room...

A close runner-up is being complemented on my dance skills by a variety of club-goers at Pleasure Island's 8TRAX. These were people who lived the 70s and 80s firsthand, and they admired my dancing abilities.

If that green ribbon is what I think it is, that being a sign that you're a member of the DISBoards, I'll have to wear one to Florida next year.

Could someone PM me about what exact purpose the Green Ribbons serve?

Sincerely,

John "anotherboardnposter" Kilduff

lbreen

04-27-2003, 08:24 PM

This is a really easy question for me, as these two events happened when our daughter was 4 and on her first trip to WDW (By the way, we are now DVC members and she has had several trips since then. She is now 11)

We started the day at the MK and wanted to take her to toontown to get autographs. She didn't quite understand the autograph concept. She thought that she was supposed to give her autograph to the characters. While she was standing in line for Pluto's autograph, I saw her furiously writing something in her autograph book. She told me I couldn't see it until Pluto saw it. She drew a picture of Pluto and wrote her name underneath. She was so proud of the picture and autograph she thought she was giving to him. I still have the autograph with the drawing. It's something I will always treasure.
Our second magical moment came on that evening while we were waiting for the parade. She was in awe and just absolutley in love with the princesses. Evidently, Snow White was able to tell how excited she was and she walked over to my daughter, took her hand and gave her a kiss on the cheek. Kristin was so happy that her eyes got teary. She just kept saying "mommy, she kissed me!!!" It was another moment I will never forget.

Lori B

TroubledStitch

04-28-2003, 11:12 AM

This is an excellent thread and has turned me from a reader to a poster.

I have lost track of the number of times that my wife and I have been to the various Disney places around the world. The first one we visited was Tokyo in 94. I missed the photo opportunity of a lifetime when there was a sweet little old lady in the full Japanese costume walking by It's a Small World. Being 5'11" and blond I stood out in Tokyo. I still remember being in the queue for Peter Pan and a cute little Japanese girl hiding behind her mothers skirt at the sight of this odd monstrosity. The Japanese have an even greater feeling for courtesy and service - and gift wrapping. If you bought three things in a store they put them in one bag but gave you two other bags as well. We had a lot of bags.

Last May I was in Disney by myself on a conference. I did my last day before the flight in MGM. I travelled back to the Dolphin by boat. I was sitting down waiting for the last few people to board. This lady gets on the boat and a beep goes off. Being post 9-11 the captain of the boat asks her for any metal items. She hands some over and steps back off the boat. As she steps back on again she still beeps. She digs in her pockets and hands over some loose change. She steps off and back on again. She beeps again. She is now shrugging her shoulders because she only has her clothes left to remove, then the beep goes off again. The captain was pressing a button each time she stepped through. It was cruel but it was funny! This captain kept us amused through the ride. He started talking to an elderly couple. When the guy said he had been many times before the captain said he remembered his face but the last time wasn't with the lady sitting next to him (clearly his wife).

Moosysmom

04-28-2003, 05:54 PM

Every memory I have is special, but these 2 are right up there for me.
My first trip in 1992, I had wanted to meet Mickey Mouse ever since I was a kid while watching the Mickey Mouse Club after school. A family vacation to Disneyland was never in the cards for me so in 92 I made my first trip as an adult. My dad gave me a hard time, saying that I was too old (the 30's) but there I was. I saved my visit to the Magic Kingdom til the day before I came home. I drove to the parking lot (my extra parents live 15 minutes from main gate) and took the boat over. I had tears in my eyes seeing the castle for the very first time. I wandered around the park (my first solo trip) and read in the map around Mickey's Starland. So I headed to Starland, stood in line with all the kids at Mickey's Theatre for my turn to meet Mickey. There he was. I gave my camera to the CM and Mickey took my hand and tucked it in the crook of his elbow and we posed for our picture. Afterwards Mickey kissed my hand, and I got my camera and walked out crying because I finally got the meet the Mouse. I had that picture blown up and have kept it on my desk at work all these years later.
My last trip to WDW in 2001, I was spending a month there looking for a full-time job as I had been laid off in August, and then there were the events of September 11th to contend with and it was the perfect place to be (altho' it was hard finding a job), and the first wonderful thing was in the American Pavillion at Epcot and I had gone to see the American Experience for the first time. And at the end, when the song comes up and the movie starts there is a shot of the World Trade Center Towers and the entire audience loudly applauded. I was a good feeling, but the next best thing happened again at the Magic Kingdom.
The day before I went, I found out that my sister at home had to be rushed to the hospital and was very ill. I had found out the previous weekend that she no longer liked Scooby but her new best buddy was Goofy. My rental car broke down on the way in so this day was not starting out well. I finally got the replacement car and headed in. I took the boat over and stopped at Guest Services to make my Dinner reservation (I did not know about priority seating) and asked where I could find Goofy so I could get his autograph for my sister. The CM told me to head to Toontown, (stopped for a FP at Pooh on the way) and got in the line. I kept asking about Goofy and not getting any answers and was finally told that Goofy was not available for photo's that day. When I got in the room for Minnie Mouse and Chip and Dale, I asked that CM about Goofy. I explained my situation that I had a seriously ill sister at home, and I wanted to Air Express a Goofy Beanie and a Autograph to her tomorrow. So she would have it before tests were starting on Tuesday. She asked me to wait (I was left alone in the room with Minnie and Chip and Dale) and came back with an Autograph for my Sister that Said Get Well, Love Goofy.
The express package so cheered her up when it arrived, and she kept Goofy with her for her tests on that Tuesday. That CM made my day, and I had a extra special lift in my step the remainder of the day.
Thanks, for letting me share, this is such a good thread.:bounce:

karenfm

04-28-2003, 08:53 PM

We were there two weeks ago and had just stopped at Downtown Disney to buy our annual passes. After coming out of Guest relations we decided to walk around a bit. The kids had their lanyards out and were anxious to make their first trades. They saw several cast members and ran up to them. My daughter had a hard time choosing between the 2 pins she wanted (she only had 1 pin she was willing to trade). The cast member (some supervious, I think), said to her, "which other one do you like" and then proceed to give my daughter a second pin for free! She then also asked my 2 sons to pick a free pin! What a great way to start our vacation!

PrincessAli

04-30-2003, 04:26 AM

Thanks for the replys--its fun to read about nice things for a change.

PrincessAli

05-08-2003, 05:57 PM

I wanna hear about more nice things! Thanks for everyones contributions to this thread. Isn't it nice to read about Happy times instead of complaints?

nanajoyx2

05-08-2003, 06:13 PM

Last summer my best friend joined me at WDW for 5 days at VWL. She lives in CA and it was her first WDW trip. We have known each other since first grade and were celebrating 50 years of friendship. I mentioned this to the cast member when we checked in, and the next day when we returned to our room we found balloons and two autographed pictures of Mickey and Minnie thanking us for celebating our 50 years of friendship with them. We were both very impressed.:Pinkbounc :Pinkbounc

OhMari

05-08-2003, 08:53 PM

I just bought a new pair of sun glasses. They were worth only $25, but I still liked them.

I put them in the crock of my shirt while on Space Mountain. Dumb me. I felt them fly off and I grabbed for them, but they flew off anyhow. I was bumbed.

When I got off the ride, I asked a CM what I could do. She said to go to Town Hall when the park closes, cause right before closing they make a sweep under Space Mountain.

I went there at 10:30 and they didn't have them. They gave me a number to call the next day and I did. I had to describe them to her and they found them. I could of went to Lost and Found which is the Dog Kennel out side the Magic Kingdom. I had no time to go there so I called back and they shipped them home to me. I received them last week.:bounce:

mickey'sbud

05-08-2003, 10:47 PM

Our nicest thing happens to be the most fun day we ever spent at WDW. It was in 1987. My husband and I were at Epcot in the United Kingdom. There was a group of improvisationalist (sp?)actors asking for people to participate in the street skit. My husband was chosen and needless to say I enjoyed watching him improvise his part more than he enjoyed acting. He was great. The group of actors were very entertaining.
After my husband's performance, we kept walking to each of the other showcases. When we arrived at Italy they were starting another improvisational skit. We decided since the last one was such fun that we'd stand around and watch this one...when all of a sudden a guy walks up to my husband and said that they needed him to play a part...my husband had to dance (Italian style, you know jumping all around shifting his feet) everytime a certain word was said. It was hilarious!!!
We couldn't believe he had been picked almost back-to-back for street skits. The thing is, he never volunteered either time and these were two separate groups of actors.
Well to top things off, we went to the Hoop-Dee-Doo that night for dinner. Can you believe my husband was once again picked out of the crowd to participate as an actor? He got to go up on stage. They dressed him up as Davy Crockett's spirit. He wore a coonskin cap, a pink to-to, and angel wings. He looked so rediculous....but it was such a hoot!
Why my husband kept being picked that day is beyond me:rolleyes: and I'm sure it was most unusal. However, in those days he was rather athletic looking in his late 20's, but the orange coaching shorts he had on may have played a part in it too! lol!
We can't talk about WDW without rehashing that crazy-fun day.:cool: If only we had it all on tape!:)

LAWalz23

05-09-2003, 12:57 AM

We got there last week only about 10 minutes before the show was to start and my niece wanted the wand with the star on it. A CM was out of it but he checked with several other vendors and brought it to us at our seats. When we thanked profusely he said it was part of his job and he enjoyed making kids happy. Needless to say my niece was thrilled and I was pleased.

E&B's Mom

05-09-2003, 08:29 AM

The event that I am about to describe made me truely realize that WDW is the BEST place to vacation! Last time we went was in late August 2000, when DD was barely 5. We had just eaten dinner in Epcot and were staying late (well sort of - late to us because DD is usually asleep by 8:15) to see the Tapestry of Dreams parade. It stated to rain a little, and we pushed DD in her stroller (she was very tired and didn't feel like walking anymore) into a special exhibit they hd about different nations for the 2000 celebration (forgot what it was called, but was a big tent-like structure). As we walked in a CM kindly told us that we couldn't push DD in the stroller, but we could keep the stroller with us as long as we folded it up. So, we told DD she had to walk and we folded up the stroller. Just before we continued on, the CM said "just a minute" and then dissapeared behind a door. We couldn't understand why we had to wait because we had folded up the stroller and she had said we could take it in with us, but we waited for about a minute and she reappeared with a towel. She had noticed that DDs legs were slightly wet from the rain, and said that she might get cold inside because of the air conditioning,a and she bent down and wiped DD's legs off. No where else in the real world would I expect to find kindness like that!

DISNEYLOVER70

05-09-2003, 08:42 AM

This was a loooooong time ago, 1986, I was 16 at the time. It was my first trip to Disney. My parents and I waited at the castle for the 12:00 performance/song & dance. Caught totally off guard, Goofy grabs me and drags me up on the platform and dances with me. I will never forget that. I was so embarrassed, my cheeks were red for hours after that, but what a memory!!!

A little more recent, our last trip, in 1998, my daughter was 5 and she was sooo sick. We found a shaded area that had a bench and some rocking chairs and tried to chill out with her for a while. Briar Bear ( I think that was his name) came over and started making some gestures to her. Next thing you know, he is rocking in the chair holding her on his lap patting her head. Even if it didn't cure her symptoms, her heart was jumping up and down. How sweet is that.....................

Gotta love Disney and all it stands for, the magic is amazing.............

spn

05-09-2003, 09:07 AM

Our event is probably common place but it was our first trip. DW & DD (5) are making their first trip to WDW Our second night we have PS for Garden Grill for dinner. It seems like it is taking longer than the 15 minutes we were promised to be seated. We are OK because we are at WDW. Time goes buy and we are the next to last group sitting waiting for a table. We get our table and sit down as the restaurant seems to be thinning out. As is the norm Mickey, Goofy, Chip & Dale come by for a visit. Lots of fun. A little while they are back. This time for a longer visit at the table. Goofy licks DD face. DD licks Goofy. Then Chip & Dale come by. OH MY. They caused quite a ruckus. Chip tried to get in DD backpack looking for food. Dale is teasing DW. Chip finds crackers and runs away. Comes back with sugar packets as payment for DD. About the best chip could find at that moment. DD was so excited. It was the thought that counted. We still have the packets in photo album. For about the next 15 - 20 minutes us and one other family had these 4 all to our selves. You knew it was time for the characters to go but they just kept coming back. Goofy was working the register, chip and dale tried to escape over a railing. It was

The disney magic was there that night. Anywhere else they would have had the characher (insertname, Barney, etc) leave at the specific time.

sneezy1956

05-09-2003, 09:23 AM

We were at WDW in summer 2000, my daughter managed to break her big toe while riding; don't ask me how I have no idea.

So she was stuck in a wheelchair, disney doesn't have crutches. We decided that we would ride the train around the park for a break. We got talking to a CM not much just chit chat and he asked us if we were going to watch the parade. We told him we normally don't stay for the parade because of the heat and the fact my son has asthma and heat causes it to flair.

We didn't think much of it and took our ride. When we got back he came over to bring my daughters chair over and told us he had a surprise for us. He gave us a pass that let us sit on the bridge between Frontierland and Main Street. We sat and watched the parade with some hockey player (sorry I don't watch hockey) and his family in the VIP area!

Needless to say that CM made a wonderful day for us. :tongue:

Oh I forgot we also got talking to the CM at the pin trading cart between Canada and the UK. She was looking through my sons bag and saw that he like Davy Crocket pins. She said something to him, which I didn't hear a few seconds later she handed him a bag and told him not to open it till later.

When we sat down later on to watch Illuminations he opened the bag and here was a limited edition Davy Crocket pin.

jenanderson

05-09-2003, 01:11 PM

The nicest thing that happens to us at WDW is generated by US! :D

I'll explain: Before we leave any park, we get a FP for a popular ride. As we leave, we will look for a family to give the FPs to. People are always so surprised and usually very thankful.

The best though - we get a double stroller each day and often leave the parks early because our kids are young. Instead of turning the stroller back in for the $1 disney dollar, we find a family coming in and offer the stroller to them (saving them $15)! We try to catch a family heading to the stroller rental area and tell them to use the $15 to get a treat for the family.

I think passing along this kindness and seeing how happy we make some families is one of the nicest feelings for our family. We love to do both of these items as often as we can. Pass the magic along . . .:)

jdonat

05-09-2003, 01:36 PM

Oh, heavens, where to start?

Getting a wallet back from Lost&Found after
my oldest lost it in the MK!

The greeting "welcome home" when you
get to your DVC resort!

Having my birthday at the character bkfst at
Ohana (except it wasn't called that then).
My mom called ahead (which I didn't know) and I got an Ice Cream cake for my BD from
Goofy, no less! All the characters there that
day came over to congratulate me on my
birthday... And the hotel kept the cake until
my M&D headed back to their house...
JED

JVL1018

05-09-2003, 01:52 PM

We were at H&V for a character breakfast when my duaghter was 10 months old. She had been walking for about 2-3 weeks but was still a bit wobbly.. The restaurant was relatively empty(no one anywhere near us) and as we were finishing up, Julia was standing next to the table before leaving. Pluto came over, sat on the floor and streched out his arms, Julia toddled toward him for a hug, then Chip & Dale came over and they all took turns holding out their arms for my daughter to walk into. :*)

We were there this past October..and booked one night in a standard wing room at the Contemporary before moving over to the Boardwalk. It was our 10th anniversary, which the person from CRO and I had talked about when I made the ressies. When I checked in, the CM at the desk asked me which side I'd rather, I said I didn't care. Imagine my shock when he gave me my room number and told me to just take the elevator on up--we had been upgraded to the tower..and when he asked which side, he wasn't talking about North or South wing, rather if we wanted to face MK or Bay Lake. We had a room on the 11th(?) floor facing MK. I literally cried when I walked in and saw the view.
That night we skipped the fireworks and sat on our balcony to enjoy them. Right after the fireworks, a knock on the door--balloons, a picture frame, and a Happy Anniversary card.
Magical.

disneyannie

05-09-2003, 01:57 PM

jen, that is lovely. your gestures don't cost, but they sure add to the magic. i will try to do the same with the fastpasses on my trip in june.:jester:

philaround

05-09-2003, 02:14 PM

The magic has already started for our next trip in 16 days. Just got our guest iternerary from WDTC and guess what? We have VIP seating vouchers for MK-FITS, EPCOT-ILLUMINATIONS, & AK-MICKEY'S JAMMIN' JUNGLE PARADE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

All I can say is wow

We'll be at the Harabe Bridge next to Discovery River at AK, the special fireworks viewing area at the Plaza Landing at MK, and at the Moracco Boat Landing at EPCOT.

Maybe I'll be able to post on the "Have you met any celebrities at WDW" thread when I get back.

doublewow

BibbidyBobbidyBoo

05-09-2003, 05:39 PM

This is a really great thread and I enjoyed reading every bit of it! Took me two days reading when I had time- but it was great! Thanks for starting it ... oh so long ago... and keeping it bumped up!

I really didn't think I had any stories to tell but in reading all the others I realized there WERE a couple of magical moments in the 2 trips we/I took. And focusing on those helps me forget the really bad moments while there (which I won't mention and bring down this thread LOL)

First one was our first trip and I didn't know about this board before then- it was a spur of the moment trip (decided and left for WDW within 3 days time!) so I didn't know ANYTHING about WDW. I just knew I wanted to go-I had wanted to go all my life- this was my first trip as well as the kids first trip (DH had been as a teenager before I met him).

Anyway, our second day- day after Christmas- we went to Epcot early and were just trying to find a place to have breakfast when we picked Norway- got to that area and it was blocked off by a rope at that time. We asked about breakfast at Norway and I guess he thought we had PS's (we didn't even know about PS's back then!) and let us through. We got to the restaurant and realized we had to have PS's but the CM's there (two of them- don't know their names!) said they'd try to get us in and they thought they had a table as long as we could sit at a table for 4 (we had 5 with us but our youngest used a highchair). We didn't even realize until later how special this breakfast would be or that it was abnormal to be allowed in AND get a table without a PS!
It was great meeting all the princesses and Mary Poppins was the best. She was just so sweet to my kiddos and talked to them the longest AND we'd been having problems getting our youngest to eat at all (she was just that way back then) and instead wanted a sucker- but Mary Poppins SOMEHOW talked her into eating some breakfast instead! It was awesome- and my son was awed by her the most. All my children were. I think because she talked the most with us and REALLY seemed like the REAL Mary Poppins to my children. They kept saying she's the REAL Mary Poppins mom! And at the end my son was whispering something to me and I told him to tell her- so I told her he had something to say to her and my then barely 5yr old son shyly told her that he thought she was the prettiest princess.
:)

(All on tape.... thank goodness!)

On the first trip, first day (Christmas day) at Magic Kingdom- everyone was exhausted and wanted to go back to go to sleep around 8:30am (even DH!) but it was my first day EVER at WDW and I hadn't had enough- and I'm definitely a nightowl.... not one to go to bed that early! So I went back myself and GUESTS there made it special because I arrived back to realize that a parade was going to happen within an hour because everyone was lining up on the curb. I found a spot and sat down next to a very nice couple from Oklahoma and talked to them a bit. I mentioned how I wanted a particular jacket that day but hadn't had a lot of time to peruse the stores for it because of the kids/trying to do stuff all day/etc and hadn't found it yet. They mentioned the stores across the street where we were on main street had them and offered to keep my spot for me while I went to get them! And that's exactly what they did. I got the jacket (ended up getting 2 kinds) and came back to my spot saved for me by this lovely couple! I videotaped my first WDW parade because of them (and took pictures too) -the first parade earlier we could NOT see at all because it was mega-crowded!

Another time was also a GUEST that made it special---- on the solo trip I had in Jan - I went to Epcot to get that picture etched on the stones thing? Anyway, as I got up there to pay and have it done another couple in front of me (the only other ones there) handed me a coupon to get it done FREE! Apparently they had it as part of their package or something and were doing it together so they didn't need both tickets. :) So now I get to go back in August and see myself etched there and it was done FREE because of their kindness giving me that coupon!

A bus driving CM also made one time a little more special for me on my solo trip because I was going to Coronado springs to go to that market to use one of those Q&C vouchers I had for going through the DVC tour... I was going to take a bus from ASMu to DD then take a bus over there but when I got on the bus I was the ONLY person on there and he asked me where I was going. I told him and he said he'd take me straight there instead of making me go to DD first. That was really great- I realized how great that was on the trip BACK because it took over an hour going from there to DD and then back to ASMu. LOL So he really saved me a lot of time taking me straight there earlier!

Also that trip was great because all the characters I asked to sign the autograph book Happy Birthday to my daughter's who's birthday was around that time but she wasn't with me- they all did and wrote extra things or kissed it with lipstick or wrote extra things in there for her. Some that were my SON'S favorite characters wrote things like "to my buddy"/etc. They were very accomodating in that respect. :)

Disbug

05-09-2003, 05:44 PM

We have several happy memories as well! I remember once I lost my favorite watch in the Polynesian Luau. I called that night and couldn't believe it when I was told they had it!

Another time our DD who was about 7 or 8 was chosen to be the "Temporary Ruler of the Realm". (You are chosen by Merlin to pull the sword from the stone behind the carousel ride at MK.) She is almost 15 now and still remembers that!

Our other DD was 6 or 7 (now almost 9), was given a flashlight and told to help direct the Tapestry of Nations parade. Then at the end, they gave her one end of the large rope which brings up the end of the parade and told her the family could all help. When we were done they gave her a special card which told her when she was 18 to come back and they would give her a job at WDW. Cool!

*I tell you what... I will miss that parade at EPCOT. It moved me every time I saw it. Can't imagine it not being there when we go back. Disney better come up with something terrific to replace it! I loved watching the grace of those tall puppets as they "danced around the World" with our children.

mrslane

05-09-2003, 07:03 PM

Granted this thread is about how happy WD has made us, reading all of the posts, I remember something I did back in the day as a former CM.

A college friend of mine sent me a forwarded elementary school project from this little 3rd grader in TX, I think. The idea was to write about the geography, etc. about where you were from and send it to someone else in another state or country.

As a CM, I went to MK before work with this little stranger's booklet and proceeded to get autographs from all the major characters. I also had pictures made of all the autographs and send them to the student. I sent a postcard of all the characters to let him know where his project was and then sent the book to the next destination, Australia. I never heard from the kid, but I know that his project was the best because Mickey & friends signed it. I had a BALL doing this and get teary-eyed thinking of bringing happiness to anyone. Now I'm a teacher. I tell WDW stories in the classroom. I try to bring magic to my students. I love the memories of helping guests feeling special. If we all do that for one another, we are all happy!

DEH3rd

05-10-2003, 12:47 PM

In 2000, we went to WDW during my spring break (teacher) with our the 4 & 2 year old daughters (their 1st trip). We just happened to stop by the castle & we found Cinderella signing autographs in her throne. We got in line, the girls had their picture taken & got autographs & talked for about 2 0r 3 minute. The big one told Cinderella how she wanted her baby sister to be named Cinderella b/c she was her favorite princess. They told Cinderella that they loved her, & we went on our way. but it gets better....

Later that night, as we were watching the main Street Electrical Parade by the Hall of Presidents, Cinderella came by, our children's eyes were as wide as saucers, Cinderella remembered them & called out to them by name! They (& all of the people around us) couldn't believe it! But it gets better....

3 days later at the easter parade, Cinderella comes by on the float, and again calls out to our daughters by name & asks them to come back to the castle. we were astounded. We check in a few times during the day & find her. She spends 15 minutes with my girls, then she asks me if we have reservations to the princess breakfast. We did. She said she would see us then. but it gets better....

We are seated at breakfast, waiting for the princesses, and upon her entrance, Cinderella sees us, crosses the entire room, and spends 10 minutes with my girls & our heads are spinning now). She tells us to let her know when we are leaving so she can escort the girls out. When we go to leave, she has gift bags for the girls with shirts, a magical memories certificate for each of them, and braceletts made by the Fairy Godmother with "fairy dust" so that whenever they wear them they will know about their special friends at Disney world. When we go downstairs, the Fairy Godmother is waiting for us & knows all about my girls. She spends about 10 minutes talking to them. But it gets better....

We Exchanged address & she took our phone number. She called a week later to check up on the girls & sent them a letter. We continued correspondence. When we went back, (4 months later...how could we not!?!?!) she set up a special meeting with them in the town hall and danced with them in the parade. She sets up these meetings with them every time we go now! She even calls them on Christmas morning to ask what santa brought them & sends them gifts through the year. but it gets better....

one of my daughters had to have emergency open heart surgery. Cinderella & the Fairy Godmother called the day before surgery to wish her well. Cinderella then called Children's Hospital of Philadelphia to find out her room number & called her in her recovery bed the next morning, and told her that the pain was from angels bumping into her heart, kissing it to make it all better.

we went back last year with 20 family members. They all wanted to meet this wonderful person. At first they didn't "get this whole disney thing." after meeting her, they get it now! Sorry this is so long, but she is a part of our family,and because of her our daughters (now 7,5 & 1) are living a fairy tale. Her name is kim, and she is truly special to us!

Disbug

05-10-2003, 12:51 PM

:eek:
And Double Wow!

If someone can beat that, I'd like to hear it!

Jordan's MOM

05-10-2003, 12:51 PM

OK, you made me cry!!

What a beautiful story.

Jordan's mom

Moosysmom

05-10-2003, 05:34 PM

DEH3rd
What a wonderful memory. Thank you so much for sharing.
That's the thing, it's truly Magic.

Sharby

05-10-2003, 07:17 PM

In late April 1999, DS19 and I went to the Living Seas in Epcot. It was a very warm day and we were very tired when we walked into the cool air-conditioned comfort of the Living Seas. The people in front of us skipped the pre-show movie and went right into the attraction. No one - and I mean no one - was sitting in the theatre seats for the pre-show movie.

DS suggested that we just sit down and rest in for a couple of minutes and decide what we wanted to do next. So we went 1/2 way down a row and sat down. A couple of other people came in - and ducked right into the Living Seas attraction.

The CM at the door (an older gentleman) then said something to us. As we were quite a distance from him - I thought he was telling me that there was no pre-show movie. I half-stood up to listen to what he was saying - but I only caught every third word. I thought he was telling me that there was no pre-show movie. I said, "Oh, that's okay - we just wanted to sit here for a few minutes." He then raised his voice slightly and this time - I caught every 2nd word. I thought he said something like: if we wanted to see the movie we'd have to wait until more people came. So, I replied, "That's alright, we'll wait until more people are here to see the movie - is that all right?" He nodded his head and gave me a wave.

As I was sitting down, I noticed he started talking on a wall phone (we figured out later that he was telling the greeter CM out front to hold people from entering). My son and I were talking quietly a minute later, when this same CM came down the row that was directly in front of us. He paused in front of us (his name badge said "Tom") smiled, and he started by saying something like: "Ladies and Gentlemen, Walt Disney World is proud to present. . . . " My son and I looked at each other in disbelief when we realized what was happening. Tom gave the entire introductory speech to the Living Seas Pre-Show movie to us personally. :eek: We were stunned. No one else was allowed into the Living Seas as the pre-show movie ran just for my DS and me. :D :sunny:

timbud1

05-11-2003, 12:10 PM

Just back! We were standing in line for opening of AK on Thursday, and a CM came by and asked us where we were from, calling DD's by their names from their GOH badges. She asked us if we wanted to be the first family on the safaris. UM, YES!!! We got our own jeep and personal attention. Plus the Magic Moments certificate that I proceeded to practically destroy by the end of the day. Very magical!!

snowflake82

05-13-2003, 05:00 PM

I am brand new to this board. I heard about it from some people we talked to while waiting for a table one evening at a local restaurant. We noticed a group who were all wearing some sort of Disney shirt. DH started a conversation with them and found out that they had all met each other here, and they recommended it to me.

Anyway, my story is from our trip last July. We had PS for breakfast at the Crystal Palace for 8:35 am on DS's birthday. We didn't want anything earlier than that because we would not have a car and were planning on using Disney transportation to get around. Well, we quickly figured out that, even if we were waiting at the dock for the first boat from WL to MK, we weren't going to get there in time. No big deal, we just planned to pay for the cab ride in order to make sure that we made it in plenty of time.

On that morning, we called the bell captain to order the cab just before we left our room. When we got down to the front of the hotel, I told the CM there that we were the family waiting for the cab to MK. He said, "Wait here for one minute. I am going to drive you over in our hotel van." He got the van, loaded us all in, and whisked us right to the front gate of MK via the service roads. It was a great start to the day (and lots of fun to walk up Main Street USA with almost no one in the park)!

sneezy1956

05-13-2003, 07:00 PM

Originally posted by DEH3rd
In 2000, we went to WDW during my spring break (teacher) with our the 4 & 2 year old daughters (their 1st trip). We just happened to stop by the castle & we found Cinderella signing autographs in her throne. We got in line, the girls had their picture taken & got autographs & talked for about 2 0r 3 minute. The big one told Cinderella how she wanted her baby sister to be named Cinderella b/c she was her favorite princess. They told Cinderella that they loved her, & we went on our way. but it gets better....

Wow I'm sitting her crying my eyes out! What a wonderful person!

laurabelle

05-14-2003, 04:39 AM

The first year we went to WDW was during the 25th anniversary. Dd #1, then 3 1/2 yrs old was in the parade and danced with Cindy & Prince Charming, her favs. at the time, priceless! :)

The following year we went in Dec. to MVMCP, and my youngest dd who was 2 yrs old had gotten very tired and cranky during the parade. A CM came up to us with a large box full of cookies, brownies all kinds of goodies to share with everyone around us (they had to stand there listening to her cry unconsulably too :o ) plus he gave us a coupon good for free treats and drinks to use the next day. Everybody was happy after that! Love that Disney magic! :Pinkbounc

laurabelle

05-14-2003, 04:43 AM

DEH3rd - Wow I have goosebumps!!! What a magical story!:D

DEH3rd

05-14-2003, 08:17 AM

we went back last year with my whole family (20 of us). During my daughter's surgery, her aunt gave her a book....she signed it "love, Pooh". in the note, "Pooh" said that he would have some hunny waiting for her the next time we came to WDW...this put me in a perdicament. When we got to Crystal Palace, I explained the situation to the manager, & gave him the pooh hunny that I bought the day before. Pooh made a big presentation to her...everyone was crying...she was speechless, that was cool.

AvonWuzzer

05-14-2003, 09:18 PM

We were staying at OKW on 9/11/01 with my DW, DD4, and DS2. We were at Typhoon Lagoon when they closed the parks. It took a couple of hours to get back to our room. As horrific as the day was and not wanting to watch TV in front of the kids, we went to the BC for dinner. King Louie and Pluto were in the lobby. There weren't a lot of people around and the characters played with my kids for about 15 minutes. We tried to leave and my son started to cry. King Louie and Pluto ran after us and picked up my son and hugged and played with my kids for another 20 minutes. It meant so much to us and the kindness they showed.

CourtasanSatine

05-15-2003, 02:05 AM

I'll share:)

1: The Spike look alike at PI(I'm pretty sure it was the bartender at 8 Trax,it's been a while).I was wearing silver earrings that looked like crosses and he made like a freaked vampire,which cracked me up and he told me people mistook him for James Marsters all the time:)

2.Epcot in France,I was trying my accent for MNSCHP and the waiter gave me pointers for the character(Satine)(and a not too bad:) )

3.I had gotten a t-shirt from HOB from the year before's Smokin Grooves tour and wore ot to MK the next day.CM's kept asking me about the tour or asked to see the back,very cool

mudman

05-15-2003, 07:21 AM

While on a WDW vacation with my extended family including m two young nephews. Our stroller and backpacks were stolen. When we reported it to a CM, she proceeded to do an incredible thing! We were asked what was in the backpacks she made a list then took us to a gift shop and told us to pick out things to replace what was taken (t-shirts, hats, sun lotion, cameras, autographs books, stuffed animals, etc...), it was an amazing turn of emotion for those two little boys who had thought they lost everything.

They did end up finding our stoller and most of the contents, but when we offered to compensate for all of our replacement items they said no way! and sent us off. I couldnt beleive the generosity that was extended to our family.

Michelle

jeannej

05-15-2003, 11:27 AM

We have had some really good experiences while staying at WDW.

The first time I satyed on property, my children and were staying at the CR Tower. After a three hour drive with cranky children, ticket fro speeding and just the overall stress of traveling on my own, I was thrilled to see the WDW gate. As I pulled up to the Comtemporary, I was complewtely surrounded by valets who unload my car, got my children out of their car seats took my luggage to where ever they take the luggage and escorted me to the lobby. (Can you tell I went on the off season:p ) This expereinec really set the tone for my entire trip and probably why I love the CR.

The last time the children and I went to WDW with dad, our last day was winding down into a diaster. Nothing truamtic just DAD counting the cost and not being a theme park person finally showing that he has enough. We had a tense conversation about attending the character lunch at the Garden Grille. WE did it. The CM that waited on us could sense things were tense. She was pleasant, fun loving and made sure we overdosed on character exposure. My children still talk about that lunch. My husband was even pleased by the experience.

jeannej :smooth:

ravengirl

05-15-2003, 03:21 PM

I have been reading this thread and I knew I had to post my story!:)
We were on holiday at WDW last September, and the flight over was really bad for me as I am not the worlds best flyer, I was so sick with nerves at Gatwick, Mark my Fiancee, really and sincerely thought it would be best to cancel this year, but somehow I made it and we were on our way to WDW!

Well, on our first morning of the holiday Mark had reminded me we had a character breakfast to attend at Tony's Tavern (the PS were made in the UK) and we could not let Eeyore down. I, still jet-lagged and bleary eyed. got ready though I really was not hungry at all. When we arrived we were seated right by the window looking out onto Main Street, it was a beautiful morning and I was feeling myself again.
Piglet was first at our table to say hello and pose for photos, when he moved on Mark left the table to nip to the Bathroom, so I sat there waiting for him to return hoping that no other characters would come over as he would miss them, He returned just in time for Tigger to join us, with lots of confetti he was tossing over our heads, I looked around at everyone else to find that he had drawn quite a lot of attention our way!
Then Piglet rejoined our group and joined in the confetti throwing, I thought perhaps maybe they think it is my birthday and it is not, but just go along with it until I can spot our server just in case the confetti belonged to someone else. Then Eeyore make a slow walk directly to our table, with tigger and piglet still throwing confetti and proceeds to hug us both and pose for seated group pictures with us, during his second hug his face blocked mine so I could not see, when he stepped back there was this perfect little black box in the middle of this pristine white plate, my first and immediate thought was that Eeyore had dropped something, Mark then stood up in front of everyone and asked me to marry him! My hands were shaking and I was a mess through tears and I said Yes, as he slipped to most beautiful diamond on my finger which caused more confetti to be thrown!
The manager came over to us and told us that breakfast was on him and everyone congratulated us as Pooh walked us out when we left, good thing I was not hungry as I could not have eaten a thing!
Mark had arranged all of this before we left from the UK, he was going to pop the question in front of the castle but he felt that was too much of an obvious choice. But then came something he and I did not arrange, 3 days later was returned to our hotel at POFQ in the afternoon, to freshen up for a late night a DisneyQuest, when we walked into our room, it smelled overpoweringly of roses, I turned to the right and on the table was one long stemmed rose an a photograph card hand written from Belle and the Beast, it read "To Ella and Mark, congratulations on your engagement, May all of your days together be Magical! Belle and Beast.
That was the most perfect holiday! it still makes me feel dizzy with glee when ever I think about it.:teeth:

eeyore65

05-15-2003, 03:50 PM

When my son was two - it was the opening weekend of the spectromagic parade. We got there - what we thought was early - but it was packed. We could only find a really obstructed view near the castle. My son could not see at all even with us lifting him. The parade starts and a large group of italian teenagers are madly waving at us to pass them our DS. We signal - that's okay. But they insist. We (reluctantly) pass DS over - they hold him up - where we can see him - for the WHOLE parade. The look on his face when those magical floats came by was priceless. They couldn't speak english and we couldn't speak Italian - but it was the most thoughtful thing anyone could have done.

What was really funny was DS kept talking to them through the whole parade - pointing out what he was seeing...and they were nodding and smiling and laughing right along with him - the universal language of Disney!

nkjzmom

05-15-2003, 04:34 PM

Stories like your's Eeyore65 are exactly why I love this thread!!! This is the perfect way to keep that pixie dust with us when we can't actually be there.

Thanks to everyone for sharing!!!

colleen costello

05-15-2003, 04:41 PM

Ravengirl hold tight to your Mark, he sounds like a keeper! What a wonderful way to propose. Will you have your honeymoon at WDW?

ravengirl

05-15-2003, 04:56 PM

Yep! he is definately a keeper!
I was so surprised by it all as I had NO clue, but he had been planning it for months!

We were thinking of getting married at WDW next year, but it could prove to be difficult planning from the UK but regardless there is no other place in the world I would rather honeymoon!.
Cheers!
Ella

Elisa J

05-15-2003, 06:09 PM

This past March my two daughters and I boarded a full bus to the Magic Kingdom. I was a bit overloaded with the backpack,stroller,and trying to hold on to the kids when an older gentleman gave his seat to the two girls and took my stroller to stand in the back of the bus.
When we arrived he had gotten off first and set up the stroller for us! So needless to say I was very thankful!

Stacy's a freak

05-15-2003, 08:04 PM

... my first WDW trip when I was four. It was only the MK back then, but we went there 3 days in a row (because Mom said we couldn't see it all in less :D ). I remember sitting on my dad's shoulders standing on some sort of line on a bridge over water (forgive me, it's hard to remember the real specifics after 25 years) and my brand spankin' new blue mickey ears fell off of my head into the water!! Obviously, I was crushed and cried! This wonderfully nice man climbed down the bank, waded in the water a bit, and brought my blue mickey ears back! I was soooo pleased! What a nice man! And the funny part is that my dad put the hat in his back pocket (so I wouldn't drop it again, I'm sure) and it ran all over his light colored shorts - hehehe.

I'll never forget that wonderful moment!

stinkerbelle

05-16-2003, 08:47 AM

ravengirl and Eeyore66 - what amazing sweet stories. thank you so much for sharing with us!

My fiance also proposed to me at MK...not nearly as special as ravengirl's...but it was special to me.

that whole vacation when he proposed was fantastic...we were chosen to sit in the lower seat at "Who wants to be a millionaire - play it!"...never got into the hot seats, but sitting down front on the floor was really cool.

then we got to be in the stunt-part of the Backstage tour...that was fun. :)

we're going back for our honeymoon this september...I can't wait!

disneygrrrl

05-16-2003, 09:27 AM

Oh, I have one!! Last year my DH and I were honeymooning there. We were at the MK...It was completely full!! The place was packed. We were going to leave and come back a different day when we were asked to be the Grand Marshalls during the "Share a Dream Come True" Parade at 3:00. It was the coolest thing to see all those people waving at us, and us waving back. They announced our names the entire way through the parade.

The best part? My DH got the entire thing on video. It truly was the highlight of our honeymoon.........

AllyGirl

05-16-2003, 11:08 AM

During one of my family's trips to WDW, before Animal Kingdom was built, my parents decided that we should visit Bush Gardens in Tampa for a day because my little brother was 5 years old and quite a fan of animal themed stuff. So, we left property and drove to Tampa, where I bought a Bush Gardens hat.

The next day at the Magic Kingdom, we were walking in front of the castle and a rather blustery wind blew my new hat right into the water next to the castle bridge/walkway. A very nice cast member saw me - a really upset 12 year old - and proceded to plan a Disney style search and rescue operation involving several other CMs, long poles with hooks, and milk crates. After about a half an hour of effort that attracted quite an audience, he managed to pull my hat out of the water. As everyone applauded, he looked at the hat and laughed, "It's a Bush Gardens hat!" He threw it back in the water, took my hand, led me straight to Tinkerbell's Treasures in Fantasyland, and told me to pick out any hat I wanted.

I'm 23, and I still have the hat.

colleen costello

05-16-2003, 11:39 AM

AllyGirl, that story is a classic... I guess you'll have that hat forever, huh?

lucillemcg

05-17-2003, 10:16 PM

We had lots of fun stuff happen to us because we were wearing our disney wedding hats--lots of little things like free coke at a stand, lots of cm handed us fast passes, free champagne at the resort and on the cruise, cake at almost every restaurant we ate at and on the cruise, etc. They really go out of their way when they see you coming with the veil and top hat:)

KathyFP

05-17-2003, 10:47 PM

We have only been to Disney three times, I am have dozens of wonderful special experiences. I think the the highlights were:

1. On our first trip, I was recovering from three recent surgeries. DD was at Alice's tea Party. It was a cold rainy day. I got very ill. Running a temp. I layed on a couch and slept. When it was time to go, I asked a CM what was the quickest way to get back to AKL. He asked if I was OK and I told him no that I was really sick. He called a driver and they drove us back to AKL. I was sooo grateful.

2. We had purchased DD a momogramed sweatshirt at Downtown Disney and had it shipped to the hotel. I asked if they would deliver it to the room and tell DD (who was 3 at the time) that Eyeore dropped it off for her. Not only did the grant my request, they brought her an autographed picture of all of the Pooh characters with a special message written to her. (Same trip).

DEH3rd

05-29-2003, 09:02 PM

I like this thread...so bump, bump, bump it up!

ElaineMarch

05-29-2003, 10:26 PM

We were at the last seating at Crystal Palace so the park was almost empty when we left. As we walked to the bus stop we asked a man how to get to Downtown Disney and he said to take a bus to any resort and then transfer buses. As we were walking to a bus, he called us back and said that it was kind of slow now so he called over an empty bus and we got a private direct bus ride to Downtown Disney. :)

OhMari

05-29-2003, 10:42 PM

Originally posted by lucillemcg
We had lots of fun stuff happen to us because we were wearing our disney wedding hats--lots of little things like free coke at a stand, lots of cm handed us fast passes, free champagne at the resort and on the cruise, cake at almost every restaurant we ate at and on the cruise, etc. They really go out of their way when they see you coming with the veil and top hat:)

When where you there, I saw a couple at Epcot on Easter Thursday, I thought that was the coolest thing.

RickinNYC

05-30-2003, 01:05 PM

I had posted my experiences on another thread under "The coolest thing that's happened..." about how I had been so personally effected by the events of 9/11. If you read that post and then the following, it might make a bit more sense (it's a long one, so I'm reluctant to quote myself. Don't wanna be too piggish about the posts!).

In any case, my parter, friends and I had gone to WDW a few short months after 9/11 to let off some steam and to gather our wits. We're NYC residents so it was extremely difficult to do so but we quickly managed. We had such a wonderful time due to fellow guests and cast members that my partner and I decided to return later in the year.

For a bit of a twist, however, we wanted to share our own feelings and magic in a Disney way. So we went to the massive Disney Store on 5th Avenue in midtown Manhattan and purchased dozens and dozens of the exclusive FDNY and NYPD Mickey pins. We had absolutely NO intention of trading them though!

When we arrive at WDW, we took between 5 and 10 of those pins with us when we left our resort each day to go to the parks. As we walked about, we would see a family, a child, a spectacular cast member, or a solo traveling guest. We zoomed in, introduced ourselves, and would hand over one of the pins. Sometimes one of each.

More often than not, we'd get a puzzled look and "But why...?" And we'd say that everyone across the country and throughout the world sent so many beautiful thoughts and prayers to New York City, where we were from, that this was our very small way of saying "Thank you."

It really made our trip all that much more meaningful! I remember one woman in particular who was sitting with her family just outside the Haunted Mansion. We were sitting next to her when on a whim, we decided to give her a pin. She accepted it and when we offered our explanation when she inquired, she got teary eyed and held our hands for a brief moment. It was difficult not crying and trying to smile with all our might.

She swore that that pin would never get traded ever.

We gave away 45 pins on that trip! We enjoyed it so much, we plan on doing the same this October!

colleen costello

05-30-2003, 01:42 PM

RickinNYC, what a great story! You've got me sitting here bawling. I grew up in Bayonne NJ and I can remember when I was a kid in the 1970's, seeing those towers go up. I can remember the cranes on top as they built higher and higher. I have lived in Indiana for 18 years now, but September 11th hit me so hard because I felt like "my neighborhood" had been hit. I have tons of relatives in NJ and all of them know a fireman, a security officer, a coworker who never came home that day.

I think you are right about all the feelings Americans had for NYC. My Dad has an NYFD hat my Mom bought him in the City at Christmastime and when he flew out here for Xmas, quite a few folks in the Indianapolis Airport wanted to buy it from him! I think people who don't live "right there" wanted to show their support for the people who do... I bet your pins meant a lot to the recipients .

Peace,

Colleen

DisneyCP2002

05-30-2003, 07:47 PM

I think the nicest thing I ever had happen to me was on my graduation day from the college program. I had decided that I wanted to have my picture taken with as many characters as I could with my graduation ears on. My first stop was Minnie Mouse. Minnie noticed my ears right away but motioned for me to stoop down which was interesting since we are the same height <g> Well she proceeds to fix my tassel to the correct position of one who has graduated. I hadn't even thought of that and here is Minnie Mouse fixing my ears for me. That made my day. Here is a pic of us once the ears were fixed.

http://pstr-m04.ygpweb.aol.com/data3/001/49/76/37/76/0hWBPZ1vFJ0FvKA695upv36OAx92F0FX0060.jpg

DAKTOLCMM

05-30-2003, 10:48 PM

Man you guys...these stories are simply amazing...It is stories like these that make me yearn to be back in the World. I was a CP in 2001...over 9/11 and all. That was THE BEST time of my life. Like someone said down on one of these pages, the guests do make so much magic for CMs as well. I cannot count the number of pictures I was in, or homemovies...or the hugs that little kids gave me because I chose them to "start" the Pocanhontas show, or because I had 427 people sing happy birthday to them in the Tree of Life. I am hopefully headed down to WDW in about a month to work and live in whatever fashion I can. It is tought to explain to people that have never been there why you would want to work for a low wage in hot/humid weather...but it really is you guys and the opportunity to make your time away from home so very memorable...I need to get my mom to read these posts i think...then maybe she can understand why I want to give up everything I have here, possibly work 3 jobs down there in order to have just two or so days a week making magic! Thank you all for your heart felt stories...tears were in my eyes on numerous occasions.
Remember all is takes is faith, trust and a little pixie dust...
Blessings...Tony