"magical moments" on the ships! Did you get one? Here is ours...

[Disneyelf10]

Wow! I just finished reading this entire thread - and I can honestly say shedding a few tears. My friends and co-workers just can not understand why I am such a Disney-holic. These moments of Pixie Dust are why - and it's not just on DCL - it's everywhere in Disney.

Years and years ago, my DD was 5 or 6 and Disney Paris had just opened. Since we were living in Germany at the time, I took her for a short trip. While there, we were in line for Minnie Mouse. If you've never been there - they did something very different for the character greets - the characters were up on a concrete platform, about 10 steps up - you went up one side and down the other to see the characters. This was supposed to help with the queue. I don't know if they still do this.
Well we were on the way up to see Minnie and were near the top. A "gentleman" and his kid were at the top and had just had their pictures taken when he turned around and spotted another character walking down the
sidewalk with its handlers. He grabbed his kid and shot down the "up" side

fast as possible - bowling my daughter over and pushing her down the concrete stairs.

Needless to say, he never stopped - just kept going.
She was banged up and scraped up and crying for all get out. She was and still is very shy and getting her to even go *near* a character was frightening
to her. But she wanted to meet Minnie - so we were on the stairs.

The CMs were quick to respond - within seconds the security and medical
personnel were there to attend to my daughter. And security caught up with
the "gentleman" and his son and not so politely escorted them out of the park.

They took DD to the underground medical area to clean up her scrapes, and
make sure she didn't have any serious injuries - luckily she didn't - just lots of
scrapes on her knees, elbows and hands. Thankfully she didn't bounce her head on the steps!

While in the medical room - and after the tears had dried - she was sitting in
my lap completely exhausted. There was a knock on the door and a CM asked
if she was up for some visitors. I asked her if she was okay - and she shyly
nodded yes.

The door opened wider - and there was an entire hallway full of characters
come to see if she was okay!

We spent the next half hour with every character you could imagine making
my little DD feel like she was a special princess. The CM must have told them
how shy she was because they were very patient with her as she warmed up
to them - all except Minnie. Minnie bent down and opened her arms - and my
DD ran right to her for a hug

Lots more happened that day - but if I hadn't already been a true believer in
the Magic of Disney, I was then
My love for the Mouse will never end...

That story had a happy ending...brought terms to my eyes! Glad your dd was alright in the end. Love Disney!!!

 

[Tehanna]

... there was an entire hallway full of characters come to see if she was okay!

Wonderful wonderful story! Thank you!

 

[Gr00vyChc]

I want to share my DD's Magical Moments too! She had so many!

-on her birthday, Snow White asked her to help her with their activities in the Club, leading songs and dances. That afternoon, when we went back to our cabin, there was a birthday card from Snow White and at night, there was another one from other CM's!
-one day, we received a call from a CM and he asked to come up to "Present" something to Princess Sarah. A few minutes later, he arrived and he made a big to do about the presentation. He gave Sarah a "Magical Moment" certificate that says she's princess of the Disney Magic. He also gave her gifts: an autograph book, a fancy pen, a DCL frame, and other things I can't remember.
-another day, we went to the arcade because my DD wanted to see it. When we got there the CM opened up a claw machine and gave her a little pillow that had "princess" embroidered on it.
-as we were walking around, we saw Pocahontas, she stopped and called Sarah by her name! She
remembered my DD from the princess meet and greet! They talked for a few minutes and then she
gave my DD a genuine hug.

I think being on a Disney Cruise is a magical moment on it's own.

 

[wendydarling78]

These magical moments are all so sweet! Thank you all for sharing!

Our magical moments happened at the park, but all of your wonderful stories make me want to share, so I hope you'll bear with me!

We went to Hollywood Studios to ride the Toy Story ride, but the fast passes were gone, and the line was well over 90 minutes. DD was 4 at the time, and there was no way that she could wait that long. It was the end of the day, and she was DONE! I said "That's OK, we can just get in line to get pictures with the characters- Buzz and Woody were right across the street. But by the time we got over there, the line was closed. I was ready to cry myself. I felt like I was letting DD down AGAIN!

My mom went over and asked a cast member if there was any way that we could get in line still. We were leaving for home the next day, and DD really wanted to meet the Toy Story characters. She said that she couldn't open the line because then they would have TONS of people joining with us. DD started crying, and the cast member directed us to the exit door for the picture taking. She told us to wait there. She went around a back exit, and opened the exit door for us, letting us get our pics with Buzz and Woody! SO magical for DD!

Right after that, we left HS and were ready to head back to Fort Wilderness campgrounds. We walked out to the buses to catch our ride. My DH and I had on matching Mickey shirts and my DD had on her Minnie dress complete with ears- we had gone to Chef Mickey's for dinner. 2 bus drivers flagged us down and asked if they could take our pictures. They gave us a Polaroid and a Magical Moments certificate. Then they gave us slide whistles and balloons and called over a special bus. We had our own private ride back to the campgrounds- a special bus just for us! It was so awesome!

 

[GoofyTwinDad]

This thread is very refreshing to read. Love all the magical moments. We will be going on our 2nd cruise in a few weeks, and my wife and I are hoping for a bit of pixie dust to land on our kids.

On our last trip we visited MK the day before our cruise, we made sure that we were there for Mickey to arrive via train. Just before entering my girls were upset for a reason I can't remember (think I was in fantasyland), when a CM brought some pixie dust to put into their wallets. This helped calm them down to start our journey through the park.

Finally, I have to add my 2 cents. This thread shows the true colors of what DCL is all about. It is about making your own magical moments and if you happen to be blessed with some extra pixie dust by CM's, great for you and your family. I have read enough negative postings about dress codes, lounge hogs, etc...

 

[MadaNickDis]

My son and daughter went to pin trading time with the Captains...my daughter had lost a few pins and had no more to trade...a few of the Captains just gave her pins when she said she was just looking. They were so kind!

 

[NNPMom]

While there are many magical moments that have happened over the years, one of the best was on the Dream last summer. Our whole family ( 15 of us ) were decked out for pirate night and going for pictures. I happened to notice the Captain, who was the same captain from my honeymoon trip on the Magic 12 years earlier! We had not been able to go on another cruise until this one. I went to say hello, and asked him to join our "pirate crew". Well he was not there for pictures but he obliged us and joined in! Now we forever have a great photo of pirate night with our "kidnapped captain". It made my children and neices and nephews so happy!

 

[poohbear luvs grumpy]

In May of 2011 we were on the Dream. Our server was Maria, I was told she is now on another ship. She overheard me telling my husband that after dinner I wanted to get some pictures of the family.
When we were done she told us to follow her. She took us to the stairs and began our own photo session.
It was so nice to not have to stop someone and ask them to take a group picture for us.
She told our kids to kiss us for bringing them on the trip.
Then she gave my daughter the best souvinere ever.

 

[mddisneyfamily]

Love, love love reading about everyone's happy memories!

 

[Had2disneycruz]

We were on the Fantasy four weeks ago and I received a "Magical Moments" award for chatting with CM, Joel, in the Mickey's Mates (or Mainsail) shop. I was making my purchases and somehow we got to chatting about villains and The Lion King. We were talking about Scar, how he is his favorite villain and started reciting lines from the movie (it was my DD's (18) favorite when she was little). Later, when we went back to our stateroom, I found the award on my FE! If you sail on the Fantasy, make sure you stop by to see Joel. He is from England, is very sweet and loves to chat! He also worked in one of the shops on CC.

 

[LemonPie]

These are all wonderful and just validate my love for Disney. We have had many magical moments in the parks and with DCL. They are usually the little things but those are what stick with me the most like a CM asking for my DD's autograph because surely she "was a real princess" and a CM having her ride at the front of the ride because it was her birthday, or walking around the ship in pirate gear on pirate night and being told "you really want to stand here" I questioned it but we did as we were told. About 45 seconds later Captain Jack came out for pictures and we had a ball with him. DD still coments about how he tried to steal my ring. I know these are not profound moments but it is what keeps me going when the rest of life is so rough. We cruise again soon and I have plotted to spread my own magic and plan on randomly "earing" cabins. It makes me smile and that is what it is all about

 

[SCRAPBOOKQUEEN]

We cruised the 5-day Double Dip in September 2008. It was so wonderful. Our room steward asked my daughter if she wanted to make towel animals. Well she jumped at that opportunity. He took her to another room and then called his supervisor who came down with a camera and took pictures of her making towel animals. On our last day we were presented with a nice folder with pictures and a nice certificate for the Magical Moment. We were thrilled. Another magical moment happened in Disneyland. Our first trip was in 2006. We went to Goofy's Kitchen and she and Aladdin hit it off. She was about 6 1/2 years old. Two years later we went again to Disneyland and again went to Goofy's Kitchen. She was very very concerned if Aladdin would remember her or not. I tried to tell her that Aladdin sees many children and may not specifically remember her. Well she was having none of that. He was her Aladdin!!! We get there and he's not there. She was very disappointed. As I was heading out to the restroom, who is walking towards me???? Aladdin and I kid you not, it was the same Aladdin from 2 years ago. Well, I cornered him and told him about how she was so excited to come back but was concerend if he would remember her or not. He just looked at me with this "Mom, calm down, I'll handle this" look, asked her name and said I'll take it from here. As I returned to our table about 10 minutes later here he comes. My DD has not seen him yet and he comes around the corner, says "Hi Every.......... Taylor, is that you??? Wow, how long has it been, about 2 years??? Come here let me see you. My daughter looks at him and says "Oh Aladdin, you remeber, you remember me. She runs to him and gives him this big hug. Of course, I'm crying, she's almost crying. He really played it up. He spent about 15 - 20 minutes with us. It was truly magical. I'll always remember this. To this day, I've never told her about my little meeting with Aladdin. She's 15 now. It truly is one of the most special memories that I have.

Scrapbookqueen
Kellie

 

[pixie*duster]

Our first ever Disney cruise was in 2008. We experienced a small sprinkling of pixie dust as well, certainly not to the exent of some posters, but things that, when looking back 4 years later, still stick out in my mind...

When checking in at the port, we received Castaway Club status though we had never sailed with Disney before. The CM just shrugged and said enjoy as she handed me our lanyards, and we also had the CC member gift waiting in our stateroom!

Most memorable was during the DCU graduation ceremony, while onstage, my DS(then 9) was thrown-up on by the girl beside him. He was traumatized, and I was able to get him and take him back to our cabin for a shower. While he was in the shower, there was a knock at the door. The CM from the kids' club was there with a gift bag for him: a new shirt, and a Connect 4 Game. I was totally taken off guard and didn't even know what to say besides thank-you. I'm still not used to that level of service no mater where we've traveled. Can't wait to get back on board next month!!

 

[redman822]

We have cruised twice (both with DCL - 10/99 Magic, 3/11 Dream) and have loved it . I keep trying to talk my wife into another (hopefully it won't be as long a wait as between the first two)...

Our 'pixie dust' moments don't compare to some of yours (especially Mellers' - so glad your daughter is doing so well!) but they are magical to us...On our '99 cruise we had two amazing servers, so much so that we still remember their names as they introduced themselves the first night - "Hi, I am Marco and this is Jurko...We are your Croatian tag team - you want it....We bring it!" ANd oh, did they! They immediately learned what we liked to drink and afterwards, every day, our drinks were at our table before our butts were even in the seats. It is one thing that I love about the DCL dining experience versus what I have read about other cruise lines, you build a relationship with 'your staff' that is unlike what you can do with the different waitstaff on the other lines.

As for our '11 cruise - two things still are high in my memory - the guest services staff were very accommodating - both my wife and I are foodies and also worked in professional kitchens/restaurants and REALLY wanted to go on the galley tour. Unfortunately, they currently limit it to only Concierge level guests. But someone in GS (not sure who) must have written our names down because a couple nights later (the night before the tour) what did we find in out FE? An envelope, with a note saying, "Hope you enjoy the tour and you'll be blown away by our galleys...Have fun!", plus two tickets for the tour.

The second thing from the '11 trip that was magical was not provided by a cast member, it was by one of the families that was participating in our FE. Their daughter had outgrown her DCL sweatshirt jacket and they brought it along to give to another girl who it would fit. My DD was so excited to get it and still wears it to this day. When we visited the gift shop and saw what a similar one was retailing for she was doubly amazed that they gave it to her. I have been telling my wife that we have to go back next year and pass it on again when it stops fitting DD..."It's only the right thing to do..." (That's my story and I am sticking to it! )

 

[Tehanna]

I'm bumping this thread again. I'm totally addicted to these stories!

I promise after our first cruise I'll post any magical moments we experience. In the meantime, recent cruisers... do you have any magical stories to share?

 

[jmrbc9900]

There is one bit of pixie dust that still brings tears to my eyes even after all of these years, but it happened at the parks--however, it ends at the ship.

My daughter, at nearly 3, could not speak or walk, and could not really crawl (she would roll). At 3, she would be diagnosed with autism and cerebral palsy.

I was called to a conference in Orlando, and my husband was having difficulties at work, so I took along a neighbor and her child (who was about the same age), and paid for her ticket, and for her to go to the buffets (the girls were young enough that they could get in and eat free that way.)

We went through the Magic Kingdom together, and I couldn't figure out if it had much impact. The other three went to the parks while I went to the conference, and when I was through, I buckled her into her car seat on the plane and she looked at me (which NEVER happened), and said "I saw Mickey!"

I thought I'd lost it, finally. I didn't think I could possibly have heard what I just heard. So I asked her (not really expecting a response), and she replied "I saw Mickey!" They were the first words I ever heard her say.

The second time we took her, she doubled her vocabulary.

The third time we took her, she hugged us for the very first time.

Progress was slow but steady, and she worked very, very hard at school, at home, in speech and occupational therapy, and with all of the social skills training.

When she was in 7th grade, she walked in with a prep sheet for Radiologic Technology, handed it to me and said, "I want to do this. What do I have to do to make it happen?" It was a very demanding course of study--she would have to take summer school the summer before her Freshman and Sophomore year, and probably try to prepare for Running Start, a program which allows advanced students to take college courses instead of their junior and senior year in high school.

She did it all. The child who couldn't use complete sentences in kindergarten is now taking Precalculus and AP Biology. I am just about to scan in her application to Running Start, and everybody is certain she will be accepted, and she will be released from special education at the end of this school year.

For her 16th birthday, she asked to take a Disney cruise to Alaska again this year. (We took one last year.) I am so proud of her I can't even tell you. But when they say, "It all started with a mouse," it means something entirely different to my family.

This brought tears to my eyes. I'm so glad to hear that she's doing so well! As a teacher & aunt of two Autistic nephews I know how much hard work is involved. Congrats to her - she has an incredibly bright future ahead of her

I want to add my pixie dust moments too. On our aug 2011 dream cruise one of the handlers got to know my DD's name and said hello to her all the time. I found out later that there were1100+ kids on board that cruise and for him to remember her name meant the world to me.

The other was on our xmas2012 cruise. My Dd and her dining table friend were running on deck 4 to burn energy. Walking down the deck comes Pluto and his handler. They stopped to play with the girls for 10-15 minutes and my DD can say she took Pluto for a walk as he ran the deck with them.

 

[LynneyPooh]

While our moment is so very small compared to these- our DD10 did receive a magical moments certificate in June while on our Alaskan cruise.

We were in line to re-board in Ketchikan. She looked at me and said " I wonder if my tooth will come out while we still on our cruise." I wiggled her tooth, and replied probably not, it needs a little more wiggling. Within 2 minutes she looked at me and said I knew it would! She pulled that tooth in line- I about freaked as it was the one time in my life there was no baggie, kleenex, advil etc in my bag. (somehow it got left out that morning). A sweet lady in front of us laughed as she reached in her bag for some kleenex as she had overheard the entire conversation. Continue on:

We boarded the boat and I had to go to guest services. She went with me and was saying I wonder if the tooth fairy comes to kids on a cruise. The CM just listened in and when DD headed to the room, I filled her in to what had just happened. Of course she gave me a lost tooth button and certificate for DD. When I returned to the room, I handed DD the button, telling her the CM sent it to her, keeping the certificate hidden for the tooth fairy to leave with the money. The magical moment really happened the next morning when DD and I were getting up. Totally by chance our host met DH in the hall with the pillow case I had left for signatures. DH tossed it to me and headed back out for his coffee, and as DD went to the bathroom I laid it on her bed near her pillow. When she came back she noticed the certificate and money from the tooth fairy. It was a few minutes before she saw the pillow case. She exclaimed "Moma, look, Mickey sent a pillow case with my certificate. How did I miss that?"

I just laughed and said I don't know. It never occured to me that she'd think the tooth fairy brought the pillow case

The best part :
1) to find out she still truely believes in the tooth fairy and Mickey Mouse
2) listening to her tell everyone who saw her button that she got money, and certificate and a pillow case and that mickey signed Mickey Moose. (i think that the u is just a little sloppy, but she decreed that it says Moose)...

It's the little stuff like this that warms my heart -when I see my little girl who is growing up- still little

 

[tolemommy]

I love reading this thread. Very heart warming!

 

[StephandDick]

Wonderful stories! I am so excited to be going on our first cruise!

 

[krd315]

Great thread! Thanks for keeping it going.

We have just started talking about taking our first Disney cruise and these stories have me ready to book...reinforces everything we love about Disney...