Enriching our vacation through spreading Pixie Dust...ideas?

[Planogirl]

I would be happy if people were just polite and thoughtful while in the parks. Smile at someone, hold a door, make room for someone, you know that kind of thing.

I would refuse an offer of clothing or some such item but I would do so nicely. I just don't think that we need someone's old stuff but there are many out there that do.

 

[agavegirl1]

The best examples of "Pixie Dusting" by a guest for me were (two adults enjoying a kid free trip):

We were checking into Pop Century, came off the elevator with our carry on bags and another couple offered us the remainder of the case of water they had in their room as they were checking out. It lasted most of our trip and it was free.

A group interested in taking pictures in the line welcomed us to pass them by and go ahead of them.

A foreign traveler asked us to take their picture in front of the entrance to DHS and returned the favor. We were more than happy to.

A lovely couple saw us bypass a PhotoPass photographer because the line was long in Epcot and offered to take a romantic picture because we looked disappointed.

A group offered to take our photo with DeVine at AK when it looked like we were not going to get a photo.

A group of people at the Pool Bar at Pop Century offered to move around to accomodate us at the pool bar. It was a complicated re-shuffle.

An off duty CM told us a few secrets about getting the Cowboy Scene on the GMR while he was staying at POP.

Other guests offered us tips and tricks because they were local about restaurants etc.

Anyway, it was always just the spontaneous kindness of others that impressed us. The ability of others to see our dilemma and jump in to solve it. If you truely look around and have enough people skills to recognize what someone needs, there are ways to spread the Magic.

I do not need more "stuff" I look for more "memories"

With kids it is a little different. WIth adults, and we only go every four years or so, It is memories. Don't forget us. We went last October and got married this September. We got engaged last December. This was our second trip together as a couple. Our first trip staying at Beach Club, not a lot of Pixie Dust...Trip at POP, lots more.

 

[Hrhpd]

No. I was paraphrasing this Tolstoy quote:
"Wrong does not cease to be wrong because the majority share in it."
The point of which is to say that the 88% in that poll are not necessarily "right" and the 12% are not necessarily "wrong."

Not going to debate relativism with you (especially this quote which is based in religion and that is not allowed), however, hiding behind a Tolstoy quote, improperly applied in this case, doesn't change the fact that you are still saying that these 88% individuals are wrong in their own personal opinion that they would not allow their children to take used items from a stranger in WDW and that the majority also thinks it is gross and/or creepy.

It is their personal opinion, it cannot be wrong. You may not agree with their opinion or like it because it goes contrary to your opinion, but they own their opinion and are entitled to it.

 

[Jennasis]

If the OP really wants to "enrich" their vacations, as stated in the title, what about volunteering for a few hours one day at GKTW Village?

 

[cabanafrau]

The best examples of "Pixie Dusting" by a guest for me were (two adults enjoying a kid free trip):

We were checking into Pop Century, came off the elevator with our carry on bags and another couple offered us the remainder of the case of water they had in their room as they were checking out. It lasted most of our trip and it was free.

A group interested in taking pictures in the line welcomed us to pass them by and go ahead of them.

A foreign traveler asked us to take their picture in front of the entrance to DHS and returned the favor. We were more than happy to.

A lovely couple saw us bypass a PhotoPass photographer because the line was long in Epcot and offered to take a romantic picture because we looked disappointed.

A group offered to take our photo with DeVine at AK when it looked like we were not going to get a photo.

A group of people at the Pool Bar at Pop Century offered to move around to accomodate us at the pool bar. It was a complicated re-shuffle.

An off duty CM told us a few secrets about getting the Cowboy Scene on the GMR while he was staying at POP.

Other guests offered us tips and tricks because they were local about restaurants etc.

Anyway, it was always just the spontaneous kindness of others that impressed us. The ability of others to see our dilemma and jump in to solve it. If you truely look around and have enough people skills to recognize what someone needs, there are ways to spread the Magic.

I do not need more "stuff" I look for more "memories"

With kids it is a little different. WIth adults, and we only go every four years or so, It is memories. Don't forget us. We went last October and got married this September. We got engaged last December. This was our second trip together as a couple. Our first trip staying at Beach Club, not a lot of Pixie Dust...Trip at POP, lots more.

But is that really so different from the way people live their lives day to day, common courtesy to people you encounter? I still fail to understand why that isn't enough at Disney that it merits more of a wow factor to count.

 

[Smile4Me]

What criteria do you use to determine a stranger on an expensive vacation needs pixie dust?

no specific criteria. Not judging anyone. You can never tell just by looking if people are there trying to reconnect after losing a loved one or celebrating the a new addition to their family. Or have received news they don't have much time left together or celebrating from surviving a critical illness. Not my place to inquire about any of that- just trying to be kind to everyone I encounter and am happy to pay it forward to friendly people who strike up conversation in line or kids that are clearly trying so hard to be patient and exercise restraint in a place that can be overwhelming to the their little senses!

 

[cabanafrau]

no specific criteria. Not judging anyone. You can never tell just by looking if people are there trying to reconnect after losing a loved one or celebrating the a new addition to their family. Or have received news they don't have much time left together or celebrating from surviving a critical illness. Not my place to inquire about any of that- just trying to be kind to everyone I encounter and am happy to pay it forward to friendly people who strike up conversation in line or kids that are clearly trying so hard to be patient and exercise restraint in a place that can be overwhelming to the their little senses!

Isn't that just common courtesy, the kind that most people use daily? Should that be reserved for Disney, or called out special for Disney or something? I'm not understanding why visiting Disney requires more than the norm.

 

[EricInPA]

Isn't that just common courtesy, the kind that most people use daily? Should that be reserved for Disney, or called out special for Disney or something? I'm not understanding why visiting Disney requires more than the norm.

We could all definitely use a lot more "pixie dusting" when it comes to merging onto the highway.

 

[judeis]

Quite frankly, preplanning to bestow benevolence on the unsuspecting masses sounds remarkably similar to the efforts of many exploring and conquering colonials in their approaches to the indigenous peoples of the world.

If the OP really wants to "enrich" their vacations, as stated in the title, what about volunteering for a few hours one day at GKTW Village?

we have! I agree that's also a great idea!

 

[cabanafrau]

We could all definitely use a lot more "pixie dusting" when it comes to merging onto the highway.

Not quite what I was asking. I'm speaking more in terms of those who seem to feel a day at Disney requires lacing up their Mother Theresa sandals. If you're a person who believes in being nice and practicing common courtesy every day, why the need to call attention to how you conduct yourselves at Disney? Isn't it acceptable to simply act as your normal self in Disney and enjoy your time there?

IMO if you're at the Happiest Place on Earth, openly having a good time with your family and interacting cordially with others it's all good.

 

[dfb]

So... anyone else have other ideas to add to the pile? We would love to hear new ideas about how to spread kindness (and make ourselves happier in the bargain). Thanks!

I like my "Pixie Dust" in the form of 20s, dollar bills that is! Understand, I would not be offended by larger bills as long as they could be verified real.

Thank you

 

[EricInPA]

Not quite what I was asking. I'm speaking more in terms of those who seem to feel a day at Disney requires lacing up their Mother Theresa sandals.

I think we're in agreement here. Practicing common courtesy every day (i.e. letting someone merge in front of you), not just at Disney, would make everyone's day-to-day lives a lot better. At Disney it's called "pixie dusting", at the supermarket it's just called "being a nice person".

 

[cabanafrau]

I think we're in agreement here. Practicing common courtesy every day (i.e. letting someone merge in front of you), not just at Disney, would make everyone's day-to-day lives a lot better. At Disney it's called "pixie dusting", at the supermarket it's just called "being a nice person".

I've learned on this thread it's not good enough at Disney and thinking it is isn't very nice. I don't understand and don't agree.

 

[GPC0321]

Not going to debate relativism with you (especially this quote which is based in religion and that is not allowed), however, hiding behind a Tolstoy quote, improperly applied in this case, doesn't change the fact that you are still saying that these 88% individuals are wrong in their own personal opinion that they would not allow their children to take used items from a stranger in WDW and that the majority also thinks it is gross and/or creepy.

It is their personal opinion, it cannot be wrong. You may not agree with their opinion or like it because it goes contrary to your opinion, but they own their opinion and are entitled to it.

I was thinking more in terms of whether the OP's gestures are perceived as "wrong" or not. Just because 88% of people wouldn't allow their kids to accept second-hand items from a stranger at a theme park, that doesn't mean the OP is necessarily "wrong" to hand these things out.

I agree that opinions cannot be right or wrong, and everyone is entitled to express one. But it seems like a lot of effort has been made (even creating a poll about it) to convince the OP that her actions are/were creepy, self-serving, and weird (aka "wrong").
Just because the majority criticizes her actions that doesn't mean she's wrong.

 

[cabanafrau]

I was thinking more in terms of whether the OP's gestures are perceived as "wrong" or not. Just because 88% of people wouldn't allow their kids to accept second-hand items from a stranger at a theme park, that doesn't mean the OP is necessarily "wrong" to hand these things out.

I agree that opinions cannot be right or wrong, and everyone is entitled to express one. But it seems like a lot of effort has been made (even creating a poll about it) to convince the OP that her actions are/were creepy, self-serving, and weird (aka "wrong").
Just because the majority criticizes her actions that doesn't mean she's wrong.

But it might be food for thought as to how welcome those actions might be.

 

[SirDuff]

I was thinking more in terms of whether the OP's gestures are perceived as "wrong" or not. Just because 88% of people wouldn't allow their kids to accept second-hand items from a stranger at a theme park, that doesn't mean the OP is necessarily "wrong" to hand these things out.

I agree that opinions cannot be right or wrong, and everyone is entitled to express one. But it seems like a lot of effort has been made (even creating a poll about it) to convince the OP that her actions are/were creepy, self-serving, and weird (aka "wrong").
Just because the majority criticizes her actions that doesn't mean she's wrong.

If the majority of people would be bothered/hurt/creeped out by your actions (and you know), then I'd argue that, yes, you'd be wrong to do it. Especially under the guise of bringing joy to others - clearly, for most people, it isn't.

 

[raider97]

I know I should just walk away, but I have to ask... was it the OP who started the poll or someone who felt they needed support in attacking her? I'm going to say it again... I don't think the OP was asking for our opinion on what she does (she wasn't asking if she should do it) on her vacations with her stuff. If you are that turned off by it please just say "no, thank you." All of these judgement posts about if you think it is creepy or not is just feeding this thread and not answering the question the OP originally asked, which was: What do you do to spread pixie dust? If the answer is nothing move on!!

In the past my children have shared their extra glow sticks and the extra stickers I used to bring to occupy them. I have bought random people lunches with our extra C/S credits. In the good old days (lol) I used to share fastpasses that we were not going to be able to use.

Whether my children want an item or not, if they are offered it they have been taught to say "Thank you" or "No, thank you" and move on! It's really quite simple.

 

[revdon64]

Boy it sure would be nice if people stopped saying "second-hand" this or "used" that. Somewhere in here the OP clarified that statement and people continue to mischaracterize it to try to win a pointless argument. I mean, if you want to make your point, do it with the whole truth that's been revealed in this thread. If you haven't read the whole thread then why are you replying?

 

[Hibiscus]

Boy it sure would be nice if people stopped saying "second-hand" this or "used" that. Somewhere in here the OP clarified that statement and people continue to mischaracterize it to try to win a pointless argument. I mean, if you want to make your point, do it with the whole truth that's been revealed in this thread. If you haven't read the whole thread then why are you replying?

I assure you that there was more truth in the OP's first post than in any of her subsequent responses.

 

[china mom]

Boy it sure would be nice if people stopped saying "second-hand" this or "used" that. Somewhere in here the OP clarified that statement and people continue to mischaracterize it to try to win a pointless argument. I mean, if you want to make your point, do it with the whole truth that's been revealed in this thread. If you haven't read the whole thread then why are you replying?

I assume that most people here do not really buy her clarification post.

The OP was so eloquent and specific in her original post as she described the gently used items. Very specific.

After much criticism, she comes back and claims that by gently used and slightly worn, she really meant "new, with tags"