Lost a precious soul at HRH/Citiwalk on 3/6

[jmkst58]

Hi all,

We visited universal on 3/5 & 3/6....stayed at HRH. Great resort. Great parks. Had a great trip. I'd like to thank everyone for their help & I promise to post a full trip report once I have the heart to.

Here's the problem.....

My 3 year old DD was given a cute little stuffed doll when she was only a few weeks old. From the moment that she laid eyes on it....she made a gasp *one of her first expressions*, clutched it tight....and hasn't let go of it since.

We named it Daisy....Daisy has become part of our family. According to DD...she had feelings & thoughts & actions. This was Daisy's 5th trip to FLA with us. We have all grown to love that 'very well-worn' precious soul.

This trip...for whatever reason...I made everyone in the family promise that Daisy would either stay in the hotel room or the vehicle at all times....no exceptions. I felt the fear of what it would be like if we ever lost that thing.

Well.....guess what???

We were taking our last trip of luggage down to the vehicle on 3/6. We gave Daisy to DD in the stroller to hold for the trip. That was the last time that we saw poor little Daisy. We unloaded the last round of bags into the vehicle, then we strolled on the walking patch from HRH to Citiwalk. After Citiwalk...on the way to the vehicle, my DD asks ever so sadly, "Where's Daisy?" My heart sank. I knew we had done it. I knew she was gone.

I ran into the Hotel. Had security check our room. Had the concierge check the hotel's lost & found. Walked the paths...retraced the steps in Citiwalk. Daisy was gone. No one remembers seeing her after we left the room...but none of us checked. DD swears Daisy made it to Citwalk, but must have fallen out of the stroller at Citiwalk somewhere.

I've called every number....every lost & found.....I'm still numb....still heart broken.

I'll spare everyone the details of how my poor little girl has been doing....let me just say...that I really will do anything to get that doll back. It surely wouldn't mean 1/1,000,000th to anyone else than to me & my family.

If anyone has any information whatsoever about Daisy....could you please PM me as soon as possible? I have no idea how to get past this.

I know this whole thing may seem silly to so many of you out there...but I really wanted to keep her forever & ever. It really means the world to me. I wanted Daisy to make an appearance at DD's college graduation or on her wedding day. She really is priceless to us. My DD isn't doing too well...she's so worried about her poor little baby all alone out there without her. She just keeps saying, "Bye Daisy" over & over again.

If anyone heard or saw anything...please PLEASE let me know. I'm willing to walk to the ends of the earth.

[edie w]

Oh Jeanie I hope you find Daisy. You are not being silly at all.

My DS (13) has had an otter hand puppet since he was 18months, who was mislaid several times causing much distress. Fortunately we staill have Otter and I suspect he'll find his way into DS's luggage this October.

[edie w]

BTW I suggest you post this over on the WDW boards as well.

:grouphug:

[highlander447]

Agree not sily at all hope someone can help u we will be in Universal on Friday and I will make a point of asking we are there for 2 weeks so will keep on looking u never know can u pm me a description :jester:

[jmkst58]

Thank you both so very, very much.

edie w...That is a good idea to post on WDW boards...thank you.

highlander447....thank you so very much for the offer!! I want to post a picture. I'll just have to ftp it up to my server first. You'll all laugh when you see the straggly little creature. A face only a mother could love..... :D She's been through the washer many, many times.... :)

[bratray]

I really do understand how you feel; my son has a old blanket he loves and i wouldn't know what to do if he lost it

i really hope someone comes across this doll for your daughter

lisa:(

[disneysailor]

jmkst58- How sad:( . My son was given a cow in a black and white plaid dress when he was very little. He loved the cow and carried it around everywhere. The cow also accompanied us on a trip to FL and somehow got left on the plane on the way home. We also called a bunch of phone numbers and had no luck at all. I can't imagine that anyone would want to take a well worn cow or that the airline would find it and just throw it away, you could tell it was loved. We were lucky because my great aunt had made it and was kind enough to make him another one. He was young enough that he did not seem to know the difference. Actually, he is thirteen now and just stored it up in the attic with special things he wanted to save. If your daughter's doll does not show up, maybe you can find your daughter the same doll on e-bay if it is not sold any more.

Good luck!

[jfulcer]

You should post a picture so if the old Daisy isn't found, maybe a Daisy that 'spent a few weeks at the Grand Floridian Spa and that's why she looks so nice' would be ok. We must have a hundred stuffed animals and would be willing to help out if she's visiting us.

This is the reason we had DD's carry around a 'blankie' which is just a clean cloth diaper. Always can get more and we have a huge collection of them. :)

[Puffy2]

I think you will have better luck looking on Ebay for a replacement for that doll. Good luck.

[nisiemouse]

I can empathize with you. A year ago we were staying at a hotel in town because we lost power in our house due to an ice storm. My ds set "special bear" down in the lobby. Luckily I realized it a few minutes later and someone sitting there had just turned it into housekeeping. I am so sorry.

[nativetxn]

I haven't seen your Miss Daisy. I'm sorry she is missing :( Sure hope you find her soon.

[1princessesmom]

OHHHHHH, i feel your pain. My heart is broken for you! We have a 3 year old daughter who is VERY attached to her "Ookie". We bought a 2nd soon after her attachment began. I have searched many a playground and store for the darn thing with fear in my heart that she was lost forever. I hope you find Daisy soon!

[jmkst58]

Thank you all so very, very much. Just in case anyone sees her laying around...here she is......

<http://www.pennswoods.net/~jferrent/daisy/DSC01677.JPG>

Pale yellow....white ruffle trim....flesh colored hands & face with embroidered facial features. Kind of hard to explain without a picture....just 'well worn' is what I always say. :)


We've found a lot of dolls like her...have about 5 of them at home actually...but my DD's never accepted them. Thanks everyone!! I'm sure that we'll all get over this eventually. I'm just heart broken over losing the one & only little miss Daisy.

Thank you all.

[SpideyHulk24]

I hope you find her. I am so sorry to hear this!

[BibbidiBobbidiBOO]

I can feel your pain. :( My DD is 9 and has loved a small Kewpie doll since she was 1. She has a collection of them now of various sizes and outfits, but none are like her old battered beloved Kewpie. I have had the fear of losing her and what would happen. DD says she will somehow be in her wedding (the stem of her flowers perhaps?) Kewpie has been lost momentarily a time or 2, but we have been lucky to find her. She understands the rule now that she does not leave the house. But she too goes on our Disney trips and stays in the suitcase each day(in bed with her at night). I will remember this story and be on guard for her even more now.
I hope you find Daisy! I would call call again. Write a letter and attach this picture and send it to Citiwalk, HRH and anywhere else you can think she might be. GOOD LUCK!

[Megan's Mom]

I hope you find Daisy. I had a Trixie that I took everywhere with me. One time we were in a hotel in New Orleans and Trixie almost got left. She had fallen on the other side of the bed. Fortuantly my mother found her before we left. I still have Trixie and I am 40 years old. I understand wanting to keep her forever. Maybe some kind soul found her and knew that she was loved and will turn her in.

[tink2dw]

My DD explained that the attachment is about the smell of the doll or blanket. And I have heard of kids who like to sleep with a shirt from mom or dad as it smells like the parent and that is comforting.

What can you do to get one of the replacement dolls to smell like Daisy?? Wash it in the same detergent? Do you wear a certain perfume? use a certain candle or spray in the house? maybe put it in her bed so it gets the smell?? Did the doll come with a powder scent??

[jmkst58]

Thanks again all.

I'll be making another round of calls again today. I'm still hoping.

I love the idea of sending a letter. I will get some out today. Thank you!

Here's an idea I thought of AFTER the fact...if your child does have a favorite item & you take it away from home...write your contact info on a piece of masking tape & then attach the tape to the item (hoping it stays put of course). If we ever find Daisy...I think I'll just never let her leave the house again. Just not worth it to lose her forever....ughhhh..... :mad:

Thanks again. One of the other dolls we have is a tad little bit worn (from back when we could still fool her into believing that it may be Daisy). I'll be trying to 'break her in' a little more...maybe to pick up some smells from detergent or perfumes....Thanks for all the ideas & support.

Love the Dis.....

[UKDEB]

I'm so sorry to hear this. I hope Daisy's out there waiting to be found. Keep making the calls - you never know. :hug: to you and dd. I'm going to subscribe to this thread and hope for some good news.

[ErinInCT]

Your story is heartbreaking - the pic is sooo cute. I know if my dd4 lost her "kiki" (blanket) she would be scarred for life. We even found another one just like it that we have saved "just in case". I really hope someone finds it & turns it in. Most people will understand the importance, I hope!

[kbkids]

I know how you feel. We had "Alice," and she came up missing. I tore the house apart, couldn't find her, and the last time I remember seeing her was in the grocery store parking lot. Called the grocery store, they acted like I was crazy. I went back to the parking lot and drove around everywhere looking for her, under cars - people had to think I was nuts. I was just as heartbroken as my daughter. We did have a happy ending though. We found her several days later behind the blinds in our home office. Not sure when she did that, as she never goes in there, and the window isn't exactly easy to get to. But I cried just as much when we found her.

[ksdave]

We were staying at CBR in WDW when my DD was 1.5 y/o and she had left her "Puffy" doll in the bed when we went to the parks. When we returned, the room had been made up and Puffy was gone. My daughter was crushed. We went to the front desk and left our name and home address just in case they ever found Puffy. When we returned home, we bought her a new Puffy since we figured we would never see the original again. Although it wasn't the "real Puffy", my daughter seemed ok with it.
Several weeks later we received a package in the mail from WDW. They had located the original Puffy in a laundry room and it had found its way to the right person at Lost and Found who had received our note from the front desk.
My DD is now 14 and still has the original "Puffy" doll she was given the day she was born, plus the one we bought after the WDW trip. We have promised her that the original "Puffy" (or what is left of it) will be sewn into her wedding bouquet as the "something old".
Hope you have the same luck we did.

[Kallison]

Poor Daisy! My DD had the same kind of dolls -- we had Ruby, Violet & June. Everyone is gone except for her first one. I really doubt she will be recouped, I would try for the replacement. Or you could send your DD a postcard that Daisy is off traveling the world and not to worry.

[SherGoof]

I'll say a prayer Daisy is found. Why don't you write a letter to UO customer service, corporate offices, or directly to UO Environmental Services Dept. (the crews that do clean-up).

My 7year old son has a well worn Cookie Monster that he got from Santa his first Christmas at 10 months old. He has slept with him ever since. Cookie no longer has his entire eyes and his paw/hands are missing lots of fur, but he's loved so much. We've misplaced him a few times and I understand how much your heart breaks. Luckily we've found him - say a prayer to Saint Anthony, patron saint of missing belongings. Good luck.

[MickeyHereWeCome!]

I can totally understand what you are going through. I'll keep my fingers crossed that you find Daisy SOON.

My daughter lost her "snoedel" at the airport while heading out to our first Disney vacation. She was only 18 months, and really missed it. I was able to order another one that she accepted, probably because she was so young.

On this past trip (last week), we swore Snoedel would be accounted for every second. She was in a little, clear backpack that was a carry-on on the plane. With trying to juggle 3 kids on and off, dh didn't see the backpack, which was stuffed further under the seat. We didn't realize it was missing until we were in our towncar headed to the resort. I know, all too well, that heartbreaking feeling of losing something so valuable. I would honestly pay any amount to get her little backpack back!!!

I keep praying that we'll come home to a message that it has been found and is on its way back home!!!

Best of luck finding Daisy. Maybe some of that Disney magic will bring her home:-)

[Tigge50447]

I would like to suggest if anyone's child has a favorite animal or doll to get some fabric and write on it "if found please return to: address" If I found a old ratty doll or animal I would pick it up and see if it had a name on it. If it's that worn some little one must love it alot.

My son doesn't have a stuff animal he really likes or anything (I suppose it's easy not to lose that way)

Hope she finds her way back to your little one. Good luck.

[bcarson]

I to know how you feel. My dd 3 has a tigger that is her baby. She carries it everywhere and will not leave it at home. But of course has the tendency to lose it often. She left it at Big Lots just this week and dh had to go back for it. This is actually our second one. I had to replace it on ebay. My dd took to this one but was also younger when it happened. I think its a great idea for the name tag. Good luck your story made me cry!

[jmkst58]

Originally posted by MickeyHereWeCome!
I can totally understand what you are going through. I'll keep my fingers crossed that you find Daisy SOON.

My daughter lost her "snoedel" at the airport while heading out to our first Disney vacation. She was only 18 months, and really missed it. I was able to order another one that she accepted, probably because she was so young.

On this past trip (last week), we swore Snoedel would be accounted for every second. She was in a little, clear backpack that was a carry-on on the plane. With trying to juggle 3 kids on and off, dh didn't see the backpack, which was stuffed further under the seat. We didn't realize it was missing until we were in our towncar headed to the resort. I know, all too well, that heartbreaking feeling of losing something so valuable. I would honestly pay any amount to get her little backpack back!!!

I keep praying that we'll come home to a message that it has been found and is on its way back home!!!

Best of luck finding Daisy. Maybe some of that Disney magic will bring her home:-)


Oh Karen.....I'm so sorry!!!!

I know exactly how you are feeling. I will keep you & your family in my thoughts & prayers too. I really, REALLY hope that it gets back to you ASAP.

It's such a terrible feeling to loose something that means so much & is so priceless PLUS on top of that....and even worse....is knowing how it is affecting the child. I hurt trying to explain to her. I hurt trying to console & comfort her. I'm at a loss about whether I should prepare her for the reality that it may be lost forever...or whether I should keep her hope alive so that she doesn't break down. I just don't want to think about how she might take that news...if she'd even be able to understand. She's not doing very well right now (won't sleep in her own bed, wetting the bed, behavior difference & moodiness)...& she still thinks Daisy's coming home sometime soon.

ughhhhh......breaks my heart. DH's too. I saw a tear in HIS eyes last night when DD said for the 100th time, "mommy...I sure do hope that someone hurries up & finds Daisy." I told DD..."honey...it's going to take Daisy awhile to find her way home, OK?" She said, "Mommy...Daisy can't find her way home because maybe she took a different way." Then she started to cry. I'd do anything to take that pain away for her.

Karen...I know exactly how you are feeling. I hope & pray that your DD's snoedel backpack is already on its way home. *pixie dust to you*

[jmkst58]

Thank you so much UKDEB, ErinInCT, kbkids, ksdave, Kallison, SherGoof, MickeyHereWeCome!, Tigge50447, and bcarson!!!!

I appreciate all of your thoughts, prayers, support, and especially the stories. I will follow each and every suggestion. I'll try everything.

I made another round of calls yesterday, but...nothing. And the people really are getting sick of me. They all say, "Did you call yesterday?".....or ....."NO....that doll has NOT come in." Hee hee....I don't care though. I may start just calling every other day...instead of daily....but I'm not ready to give up just yet. I sent out the first round of letters yesterday (with picture). I sent to both theme parks, citiwalk, and the hotels.....

Today I hope to track down some more addresses to send to each individual business at citiwalk, maybe a corporate address??, grounds & maintenance crews?. Not sure what I'll find...but I'll send everywhere that I can think of.


btw...if any of you stay at Portifino Bay...I called Lost & Found/Security there yesterday. I talked to the most wonderful man name John McMahon. He was the most delightful, most kind, & most helpful employee....I've sent a 'praise' letter to Portofino about him. He was just so kind & helpful. He made me promise to stay at Portofino next time. He wanted to meet my daughter & see if we were ever able to find Daisy. I highly recommend looking him up if you ever visit & let him know that you heard how much his kindness was appreciated. GREAT GUY!!

Thanks again everyone!!

[damo]

I think we have the pink version of that doll. I think they are called Jammie Pies.

[TigerLilly's Mom]

We had that doll too, actually a pink version and a blue version.

I have a similar story. We were staying in a Country Inn and Suites in Conn. for a family reunion and left my DD's blanket there. We know we left it there, because we all saw it on the floor next to the bed right before we left, but it did not make it home with us. My DD (then 5) was so, so, sad.

I wish I had a happy ending for my story, but I do not. We called several times, included once this past Jan. (This happened in July). I got so excited because the housekeeping lady asked me describe it because they did have one. It had bunnies...yes...it is blue, and white and pink....yes - does it have a yellow background....no!!

I thought my DD had forgotton all about it, but last week she left a picture of her with her blanket on my dresser without saying anything. When I asked her why, she said she saw that picture in one of her photos albums and had to take it out, because seeing it made her too sad!!:( She is six now, but I guess she is still upset about it.

I tried to find the same fabric, so I could have someone make her a new one, but couldn't. I still have the pillowcase that went with it.

jmkst58 - Good luck and I hope with all my heart that it turns up. Let us know.

[jmkst58]

TigerLilly's Mom....ohhhhh....I am so very, very sorry. Your story made me cry. I feel so bad for your little princess: I SINCERELY hope that her blanket still makes its way back to you SOON!!

I'm afraid that...like your DD....my DD will have bad memories. Bad memories of Daisy...bad memories of the trip....bad memories of her ?childhood?. Well...I know that I was exagerating on that last one, but really....isn't she too young for such heartbreak? I know that I have to prepare myself...as this is just the 1st of many heartbreaks....but can't I spare her just a while longer?

Being a mom is hard!!! jeeez.......


Daisy was supposed to be a good memory for her, darnit!!! :mad:

[TigerLilly's Mom]

jmkst58
Sorry, I didn't mean to make you cry. It is very sad, there were several nights she cried about it months and months after.

How is your little one doing without it? I hope she is ok. I still have my bear that I was given as a newborn. I have a picture of it with my graduation cap on and it sits up high in my closet looking out for me :)

Best of luck - keep trying!!

[polkadotminnie]

We will be at the parks and RPR next week. I'll keep my eyes open.

[wendypooh]

OHHHH, I just saw your post! How sad for your dd. We had an almost tragedy. My ds had an ET doll from one of our first trips waaaaaaaaayy back before there even was an IOA, anyway, on a trip to visit grandma we bought a car, so dh, and ds drove the car home, and me and ds2 flew back.......... anyway, they left ET in the hotel...................... after driving almost 6 hours dh realized ET was missing............... so, he actually went back!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I know, crazy................... ( the length's we'll go to for our kids) but, they got ET back............. he's still with us, ds is now 18 and graduating from hs in june. 3 years ago, he gave ET to his new baby brother!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

SO, I feel your pain. I hope so much that you get daisy back!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[jmkst58]

Thank you! Thank you!

Just an update. I had sent snail mail w/ picture to every address that I could find. I've had someone from HRH & Guest services call me back...but they haven't seen her. :mad:

My dd still asks every day if I've heard something. She's being a real trooper though. Seems to be doing better. I just don't know what will happen if/when she has to give up hope. ughhhh....

THANKS AGAIN EVERYONE!! I love these boards.

[wdwaholic]

I feel your pain! My son (now 20) has Cubby, a tattered,bald bear that he recieved as a baby.many a time we have spent hours,even days trying to find him and now he is "retired" and stays home on his shelf.
How about if you were to take one of your Daisy doubles(the one that she is most likely to accept) and put her in a box along with a letter from a kind rescuer detailing how they found her,cleaned her up and sent her home.then take the box to the post office and mail it back to your daughter.(I know, the things we do for or kids!!!)
HTH,
Trish

[tink2dw]

Bumping up this awesome idea!!
:Pinkbounc :earseek: :wave2: :bounce:

[jgates]

DD's Aimee (cabbage patch baby) has 'lived' with her for over 11 years now. We even talk (and I mean WE!!!) to the doll. We have had to go back to Ponderosa, hunt thru the grocery store, etc.....we've been charmed as she has always made it home.

I looked at your photo just in case, but now luck - nothing in my house that looks like that.

[jmkst58]

Thanks again everyone. I talked to Universal guest services yesterday. They called after they received my snail mail letter. He was really nice & I appreciated the call. It was kind.

Unfortunately...he just kept saying. I'm sorry. Daisy is gone forever. We won't be able to locate Daisy, ect. ect. ect. I just kept wondering...how does he know? Almost made me wonder if their policy is to just dicard anything that doesn't look valuable. Not sure how he was so sure, but....

anyway.....

:(

Guess I was just hoping for a happy ending.....

Thanks again everyone!

Daisy's in FLA....guess it's where I would want to be if I was lost too. Guess she didn't want to come back to the cold North so she escaped. We'll miss her. That's for sure. :(


THANKS AGAIN EVERYONE!! I appreciated the suggestions, stories, & support SO VERY MUCH. I'll try a few of the suggestions...& hopefully DD will get thru it. THANKS AGAIN!! MUCH APPRECIATED!!! :(