DisneyKid4Life
DIS Veteran
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- Mar 3, 2013
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"IT'S THE SPIRIT OF THE SEASON, YOU CAN FEEL IT IN THE AIR."
Day 8 December 10, 2013 Part 2
Despite my unbelievably official looking documentation confirming my FPs, I decided a little backup to the backup couldnt hurt.
I found a FP+ CM just out roaming, so I asked him to bring up my ressies and took a photo of his screen.
Which resulted in a photo of me taking a photo of his screen so... cool beans.
At least it was something since I cant add the app to my phone because they dont make it for Blackberry.
I headed towards the Emporium to pick up a couple of things, passing the Piano Man on the way.
While inside, I somehow ended up in a conversation with a CM originally from Germany, but living stateside for 30+ years.
Our discussion turned to a recent (at the time) article in an Orlando area paper (perhaps the Sentinel, but Im not sure).
I havent seen the article, but it had something to do with wages and workers and whatnot.
The main theme was that it wasnt too kind to how Disney treats its employees.
Again, I in no way know the details, so I cant comment either way.
What I really found fascinating though was Disneys response to the article which came earlier that very day.
And what was that response?
Disney management dug down deep and presented each and every Cast Member that morning with his or her very own
Bag of chips.
Yup A bag of chips.
I sort of jokingly stated that I personally would prefer no response than to be given a bag of chips,
As I would find that somewhat insulting.
She agreed.
We continued to discuss the subject and talked about how these kinds of things would never have happened under Walts watch.
She wasnt concerned so much for herself as she was retired, but she did really feel for many others who are not so fortunate.
She didnt NEED to be there She WANTED to be there.
I just had to tell her that its Disney CMs, just like her, that truly make Walt Disney World special.
Yes, the theming is off the charts, top notch ride experiences, unbelievable and magical shows, etc,
But its the CMs, the ones in the stores and on the streets and in the shows that make Disney DISNEY!
Her expression changed as a HUGE smile cascaded across her face and she reached out for a big hug which I was more than happy to reciprocate.
I could tell she was touched, but I was just telling her what I felt, and what I felt was the truth.
If you find yourself in the Emporium, take a second to say hello to Verena.
I bid farewell to my new friend, picked up a few purchases that I dropped off in my locker, and headed back down Main Street.
I was getting a bit weak, so I decided food was next on the list, and en route I noticed some filming going on, so I took a photo.
If anyone knows who she is Holla!
My lunch today was here.
After lunch, I had a FP to use (no it didnt turn green, but I didnt need to haul out my special FP documentation either), so
Yeah, I just can't ever seem to get in sync with the rest of my ride mates.
I blame them.
As I was wandering through Frontierland, I got a text from Carrie that they were back and had just gotten some Orange Bird.
So I short-cutted through the connector by Country Bears and met up with them.
Before arriving here they had stopped to visit a certain mouse and I have to include the photos because of Mickeys reaction to Santa Duffy.
He does love his bear, but thankfully he gave him back to Riley after the photoshoot.
I would hate to have to throw down with the Main Mouse... But I woulda!
Since were on the subject of bears, we made the decision to see Country Bears since it was right nearby.
Of course this prompted me to go on and on (and on and on) about my deep seeded love of Big Al.
While Carrie and I sat on a bench and waited, I thought Riley had gone off to explore the room.
But when she returned, she presented me with this.
A BIG AL CRUSHED PENNY!!!
Seriously, is it any wonder why I adore this kid? She totally gets me.
On a side note, Disneys Limited Time Magic for the week was Secret Santa,
Which offered uniquely themed autograph cards at every single character meet-and-greet throughout the park
So they made sure to pick up some extras for me which is just way so sweet of them.
The Country Bear Jamboree, of course, was fabulous.
One of the original benefits of this DISmeet was it provided a wonderful excuse for me to finally see Enchanted Tales with Belle.
That isnt to say I wouldnt go otherwise, but this just seemed like an attraction that begged to have a kid included in the party.
Since Carrie was bringing Riley on the trip, I had suggested getting FP+ for this a few months prior.
Initially, this was going to be where we would meet for the first time, pretty much just to do this attraction.
Little did I know then that not only would I be sharing this attraction, but I would be sharing much more time as well,
And having such a wonderfully fun time.
(photo courtesy of Carrie)
On the way to Enchanted Tales, we stopped at the Tangled Tinkle Spot and went on a Pascal hunt.
Unfortunately, our FP time was in full effect, so it was time to move on before we could search some more.
Now, a lot of kids may not be so quick to move on knowing that there were many more Pascals to find.
But Riley made a proclamation that since we had all found one each, it was the perfect time to move on.
Seriously I adore this kid.
TO BE CONTINUED
Love that. Of course my first comment is about potty stuff. 
(Although, I have heard they are considering moving the starting wage up now, but still, chips are sort of insulting.)
Riley got you a Big Al penny! Your favorite!!! TEARS. And I am so jealous you got those autograph cards. They look amazing!
We can still be friends... right? 
Anyway, at nighttime they light up the Falls. I'm not sure if this is a daily thing or not... but what I do know is that you can request them to light it a special color in honor/to raise awareness/etc of a specific charitable organization. My former boss is involved with an MS organization because her dad has it and one day a couple months back she sent me an article about how they worked their magic to get the Falls lit orange for MS awareness 
