disneyfan150
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Apr 25, 2013
All of these stories are making me cry! DD (my WDW buddy) keeps giving me "the look".
Moment that made you think THIS is the Disney Difference
- Thread starter YachtClub1104
- Start date
disneyfan150
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Apr 25, 2013
It was the Year of the Million Dreams. We were getting off Small World and these CM starting walking up to us. I was so surprised when they handed us the special Mickey ears! Later in the day, my Dad got a free ice cream. Such a happy day. . .
One moment that stands out for me was at the Wilderness Lodge. My daughters were maybe 8, and they were spinning around in circles while we were waiting in the lobby of the resort. I kept telling them to stop, worried they would disturb someone. Well, a nice cast member working behind the desk came over - gave both girls a pin and told them how much they were all enjoying watching them. One of my daughters told her I was worried they would disturb another guest. That kind woman said Disney is for the child and inner child. If someone was disturbed they could simply step around them. Have to admit, that attitude really warmed my heart.
Another time one of my daughters was boarding a Disney bus for the parks, it had been raining and she slipped. Banged up her leg really badly. Within minutes we were joined with several Disney staff people to make sure she was okay. I was answering questions, turned and saw both my daughters holding stuffed Minnie Mouses. I asked where they came from and one of the medics said it was Disney Magic. They then had someone drive us to where we were going, and called later to make sure she was okay.
My favorite memory was when my daughter was about 7, she dressed up as Jasmine and waited to see her at CRT. Jasmine wasn't there that night and she cried. A lot. Belle saw her crying and came over to our table to ask what was wrong. She told her about missing Jasmine, and Belle got down to her level and together wrote Jasmine a note. Belle promised to take it to Jasmine herself. A year later we were back at CRT and my daughter saw Jasmine, she told Jasmine about the night she dressed up like her and how Belle helped her write a note. That young lady, dressed as Jasmine didn't miss a beat - told my daughter how she still had that note among her prized possessions in a jeweled box - and how she has looked for her every night since getting the note to tell her she was sorry she missed her. My daughter left there believing in magic. And I cried big warm mom tears.
Another time one of my daughters was boarding a Disney bus for the parks, it had been raining and she slipped. Banged up her leg really badly. Within minutes we were joined with several Disney staff people to make sure she was okay. I was answering questions, turned and saw both my daughters holding stuffed Minnie Mouses. I asked where they came from and one of the medics said it was Disney Magic. They then had someone drive us to where we were going, and called later to make sure she was okay.
My favorite memory was when my daughter was about 7, she dressed up as Jasmine and waited to see her at CRT. Jasmine wasn't there that night and she cried. A lot. Belle saw her crying and came over to our table to ask what was wrong. She told her about missing Jasmine, and Belle got down to her level and together wrote Jasmine a note. Belle promised to take it to Jasmine herself. A year later we were back at CRT and my daughter saw Jasmine, she told Jasmine about the night she dressed up like her and how Belle helped her write a note. That young lady, dressed as Jasmine didn't miss a beat - told my daughter how she still had that note among her prized possessions in a jeweled box - and how she has looked for her every night since getting the note to tell her she was sorry she missed her. My daughter left there believing in magic. And I cried big warm mom tears.
Cabius
More Disney-obsessed than is healthy.
- Joined
- Nov 22, 2017
Oh, at the time I emailed, tweeted, the whole nine yards.
TBH I think somebody in guest relations shared it all the way up the chain, because one of the tweets had three likes, one of which was... Bob Iger.
I really that woman got all the kudos she deserved!
ENJDisneyFan
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Mar 4, 2016
In 2014 we arrived at Disneyland for our first ever visit. Just inside the gates of DCA, a CM approached my family and the 2 families we were traveling with and asked if we'd like to be "Family of the Day". Of course we did! Next thing we knew, a trolley car carrying Chip & Dale pulled up and we were all invited on. We rode through the park in our own mini parade, waving to all the guests and having fun with Chip & Dale. We were taken back to Tower of Terror and escorted past the line that was already forming (the park hadn't officially opened yet at this point). We were given our own private ride (the first of the day!) and a free picture, and asked to sign a guest back specifically for families of the day. It was the most amazing experience and something my kids still talk about to this day!
My husband and I went on a solo trip in 2018. We had a dinner reservation at 'Ohana. When checking in, I asked if there was a chance we could be seated by the window to watch fireworks. Of course, they said they were so full that they couldn't do it that night. Anyway, our name was called shortly, and the hostess was the same person that checked us in. Her name was Robin. I commented on how she was doing double duty checking in and seating people. She said, well, I wanted to be the one to seat you at the best table we have. We were seated by the window with the most awesome view of the fireworks and castle. A plus - we also got to see the electrical water pageant. I tried to find her after, but they said she had already left. It was such a treat for us! True Disney "magic."
rangerxenos
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Jun 25, 2008
My last two trips in 2019 I was blessed with some pixie dust from CMs, not a decade ago, things may have changed some, but the magic is still there. We've been blessed with pixie dust lots of times, room upgrades, free desserts for birthdays, etc. It's the little things that mean the most to me, though.
I am a huge Toy Story Alien fan, and wanted to get the Alien popcorn bucket that was at Hollywood Studios. They're pretty good size, and I didn't want to carry it around with me all day, so I waited until the Star Wars laser show was over, thinking I would get it on my way out of the park. Well, I found out that it was only sold at one of the popcorn carts, so I finally found it, only to find it closed for the night. I saw a light on inside, so I figured I'd knock on the door to see if they might sell me one even though they were closed. The CM came out, asked me what I needed, I told her I just wanted to buy the popcorn bucket, I didn't even need the popcorn. She asked me to wait, closed the door, then came back out with the bucket, and when I tried to pay her she wouldn't take the money. I gave her a big hug and a bigger thank you.
In December of 2019, what turned out to be my last trip before all hell broke lose in the world, I was walking around the Millennium Falcon in Galaxy's Edge taking a zillion photos as I'm a huge Star Wars fan, and a young CM came over to me and we started talking. We must have talked for half an hour about Star Wars, Disney, her family, etc. I finally told her I should be going, I gave her a hug, and as I was leaving she called me back and asked me if I'd like to ride Smuggler's Run again, as a pilot. She asked me to wait while she talked to someone, then sent me up the back entrance for an extra ride. I was absolutely thrilled to ride again, and as a pilot, a chance I didn't get the first time. That small gesture made my entire day.
I am a huge Toy Story Alien fan, and wanted to get the Alien popcorn bucket that was at Hollywood Studios. They're pretty good size, and I didn't want to carry it around with me all day, so I waited until the Star Wars laser show was over, thinking I would get it on my way out of the park. Well, I found out that it was only sold at one of the popcorn carts, so I finally found it, only to find it closed for the night. I saw a light on inside, so I figured I'd knock on the door to see if they might sell me one even though they were closed. The CM came out, asked me what I needed, I told her I just wanted to buy the popcorn bucket, I didn't even need the popcorn. She asked me to wait, closed the door, then came back out with the bucket, and when I tried to pay her she wouldn't take the money. I gave her a big hug and a bigger thank you.
In December of 2019, what turned out to be my last trip before all hell broke lose in the world, I was walking around the Millennium Falcon in Galaxy's Edge taking a zillion photos as I'm a huge Star Wars fan, and a young CM came over to me and we started talking. We must have talked for half an hour about Star Wars, Disney, her family, etc. I finally told her I should be going, I gave her a hug, and as I was leaving she called me back and asked me if I'd like to ride Smuggler's Run again, as a pilot. She asked me to wait while she talked to someone, then sent me up the back entrance for an extra ride. I was absolutely thrilled to ride again, and as a pilot, a chance I didn't get the first time. That small gesture made my entire day.
While at Epcot two years ago and watching the dolphins, a woman talked with my daughter about her interest in dolphins then pulled her and my husband and I aside for a special behind the scenes tour of the Dolphin area!
My DD was carrying her stuffed Chip at MK and held it during the parade. Chip made a big scene about it during the parade, pointing at her an waving.
When she was younger during the parade and she was wearing a polka dotted jacket Alice told her she liked the "sprinkles" on her coat. Magic comes to life!
My mom got tackled by either Pluto or Goofy when we were entering the park. It was hilarious. That was back in the late 90s.
My DD was carrying her stuffed Chip at MK and held it during the parade. Chip made a big scene about it during the parade, pointing at her an waving.
When she was younger during the parade and she was wearing a polka dotted jacket Alice told her she liked the "sprinkles" on her coat. Magic comes to life!
My mom got tackled by either Pluto or Goofy when we were entering the park. It was hilarious. That was back in the late 90s.
fabfemmeboy
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Jun 17, 2014
October 2019 at Disneyland. It was getting towards the end of the night, and we decided to do one last ride on BTMRR before grabbing a Dole Whip and beginning the walk/roll back to our hotel across the street. We placed our mobile order (then in its infancy), boarded the wildest ride in the wilderness, and headed over to the Tiki Juice Bar pick up our treats...only to find everyone closing up shop. The CM said that they had closed already and that the mobile order on the app didn't cut off at the right time - essentially if the stand closes at 9, the app is supposed to cut off new orders at 8:40 or some such time, and this time it didn't. CM apologized, and I assured her it was technology's fault and not hers. We were about to leave (because, y'know, they were closed) but instead, she sent her coworker over to the Hideaway to get orders made for us. That's already above and beyond for us, because we've both worked in retail/service and get that once stuff is closed up you can't necessarily make someone's order.
But that's not all! Because then it was taking the first CM runner a bit to get back, I assume because Hideaway was crowded, so the lead CM asked if we wanted to try any of the other/new flavours. We never turn down Dole Whip, so she ducks out of the stand and heads after the first CM. A few minutes later, back they come with our original order plus one cup each of 2 other flavours. We could barely get them back to the room because our hands were so full, and we were very glad to have a freezer compartment in the mini-fridge at our hotel!
Anywhere else would have simply said "I'm so sorry, the app shouldn't have let you order as we're closed" and helped us figure out how to get our money back. Not only did they go across Adventureland to get us our order, they threw in more treats for free and apologized for the inconvenience of the wait. It was amazing.
But that's not all! Because then it was taking the first CM runner a bit to get back, I assume because Hideaway was crowded, so the lead CM asked if we wanted to try any of the other/new flavours. We never turn down Dole Whip, so she ducks out of the stand and heads after the first CM. A few minutes later, back they come with our original order plus one cup each of 2 other flavours. We could barely get them back to the room because our hands were so full, and we were very glad to have a freezer compartment in the mini-fridge at our hotel!
Anywhere else would have simply said "I'm so sorry, the app shouldn't have let you order as we're closed" and helped us figure out how to get our money back. Not only did they go across Adventureland to get us our order, they threw in more treats for free and apologized for the inconvenience of the wait. It was amazing.
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Belle83
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Feb 20, 2011
DH left a coat in our hotel room at Grand Californian and they shipped it to us for free, 2 day shipping even. That’s mostly just great customer service but still.
In 2016 or 2017 there was a cast member who saw our oldest son (1 or 2 at the time ) totally melting down in line at the Casey Junior train. I think I may have been hugely pregnant at the time even. She met us after the ride and walked us over to the teacups and put us on right away skipping the line. I wish I had let DL know how much it was appreciated.
Later in that trip, we were watching a parade from a bit far away and my niece was dressed up like Tiana in a sea of Cinderellas, Rapunzels, etc. Tiana spotted her from her float pretty far away and made sure to point her out and get really excited. It was so sweet. I know they are trained to do things like that but it was still such a nice moment.
Little things
In 2016 or 2017 there was a cast member who saw our oldest son (1 or 2 at the time ) totally melting down in line at the Casey Junior train. I think I may have been hugely pregnant at the time even. She met us after the ride and walked us over to the teacups and put us on right away skipping the line. I wish I had let DL know how much it was appreciated.
Later in that trip, we were watching a parade from a bit far away and my niece was dressed up like Tiana in a sea of Cinderellas, Rapunzels, etc. Tiana spotted her from her float pretty far away and made sure to point her out and get really excited. It was so sweet. I know they are trained to do things like that but it was still such a nice moment.
Little things
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- Joined
- Jan 27, 2020
I have some to share.. one recently, I was at Disney Springs waiting for the bus to OKW, 15-20mins later no bus came… I decided to jump into the SSR line -planning to call Uber ride from there, and the driver asked me where I was going -he had noticed that I was in the other line…
he shut the door, and took me to OKW and to my nearest bus stop right away, he entirely deviated his route without hesitation, I was happily surprised and thankful
he shut the door, and took me to OKW and to my nearest bus stop right away, he entirely deviated his route without hesitation, I was happily surprised and thankful
Once.Upon.A.Time
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Dec 28, 2018
For me, it’s the little touches that make the difference. Seeing the hidden Mickeys, being in the magic, and wonderful cast members. Plus, last time we went to CSR we were upgraded from a standard view to a suite.
McSmooth
I find your lack of faith disturbing
- Joined
- Apr 13, 2020
Similar happened with my wife and I in August. We were staying at CBR and took the buses to have dinner at GF and a drink at The Wave (the Seven Seas Lagoon!). To do this, one must go to Disney Springs first and "transfer" to another bus.
When we were finished, we got on the bus at the Contemporary to head back to Disney Springs to "transfer" again. We were the only people on the bus, and the driver asked where we were headed. When we told him, he took us directly back to CBR.
Claire&TheBoys
The Queen of the Castle!
- Joined
- Feb 17, 2007
Reading through these, I remembered another fun exchange for my younger son. He was about 4 and *really* into pirates. On our arrival day, we had stopped at (then) Downtown Disney and he had gotten a pirate kit from the World of Disney. It had a "treasure map" that he carried everywhere for the first couple of days of our trip. On our first day we were at Epcot and happened to see Alice in the garden at the UK and he decided to meet her. They had quite an animated discussion where she hung on his every word as he showed her his treasure map, she told him all about following rabbits down holes, and he left with a giant lipstick kiss on his sweet little cheek.
Eastern
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Dec 30, 2006
Reading through these experiences, so many memories come back. The surprise cupcake or cookie, the compliments on a magic band or tshirt, the bus driver who went out of his way to make a special trip when my young teens were the last ones at a park, the characters noticing something my kids wore or were carrying. The CMs are really good at what they do.
One time, maybe 20 years ago, before I knew about crowds at Disney... I was with my very young kids at MK and I saw a CM and told her, 'I don't think you should let so many people into the park like this! It is way too crowded'. She gave us all tickets to come on another day because she was such a Disney fan and she didn't like her customers to be unhappy. Also credits to the CM who took some ancient park tickets I had and updated them from child to adult. I think it was Raul from Epcot!
One time, maybe 20 years ago, before I knew about crowds at Disney... I was with my very young kids at MK and I saw a CM and told her, 'I don't think you should let so many people into the park like this! It is way too crowded'. She gave us all tickets to come on another day because she was such a Disney fan and she didn't like her customers to be unhappy. Also credits to the CM who took some ancient park tickets I had and updated them from child to adult. I think it was Raul from Epcot!
My daughter was lucky enough to be picked as princess for the day for the Year of a Million Dreams as she boarded the bus to the parks. They had the front of the bus reserved to 2 princess (I'm sure princes were sometimes picked,too). They got to choose a jeweled princess ring, were given some sort of official certificate and a special button to wear. And they had a red carpet that they put down for them when they got off the bus. The entire day, because she had on her button, the family was moved to the head of the line for rides. They had the kids (my son was 8)announce attractions- I remember Flights of Wonder and Honey I Shrunk the Audience they were asked to drop the rope and read the audience instructions (my son thought this was the best). We even were asked if we wanted to sit in the front of the Monorail (we had no idea such a place existed). When we got back to our room there was even a surprise waiting- I think it was balloons, a letter from Mickey and collectible/trading pins for her and her brother. She was 4. She is 18 now and still has the ring as a special momento.
shawthorne44
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Feb 12, 2021
This made me tear up a bit
These are all wonderful stories!
3 years ago we were in Hollywood Studios. My daughter was wearing a Moana dress that she wore almost the entire trip. We were just walking through the Toy Story Mania area (just a few weeks before Toy Story Land opened) when a CM rushed up to her and said, "Moana! I've been looking everywhere for you! Can I have your autograph?" She pulled out an autograph book and pen and my daughter didn't miss a beat, signing her book as "Moana". They gave each other a big hug and the CM was on her way. Such a brief interaction, but one I will never forget.
3 years ago we were in Hollywood Studios. My daughter was wearing a Moana dress that she wore almost the entire trip. We were just walking through the Toy Story Mania area (just a few weeks before Toy Story Land opened) when a CM rushed up to her and said, "Moana! I've been looking everywhere for you! Can I have your autograph?" She pulled out an autograph book and pen and my daughter didn't miss a beat, signing her book as "Moana". They gave each other a big hug and the CM was on her way. Such a brief interaction, but one I will never forget.
kevind2112
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- Jun 12, 2006
Year of a Million Dreams (2006) - We were at Epcot for the day, and had outside lagoon side seating for an Illuminations dinner at Rose & Crown. My youngest daughter (6 at the time) wasn't feeling well that day, but also didn't want to go back to the hotel. By the time we sat for dinner she was completely miserable. You could just see it in her face she was done. But, again, she didn't want to leave.
About 1/2 hour before Illuminations was to start a CM came by and noticed she didn't look to chipper, and stopped to talk to her for a few minutes. Then he asked her if she'd be willing to "help him" start Illuminations that night. She would need to wave a magic wand towards the lagoon and say some magic words. She of course said she'd be happy to help
The time comes to start and he comes and gets her and brings her right up to the edge of the lagoon and hands her a telescoping light up Mickey wand. He had her turn it on and wave it over the lagoon. They had the timing down perfectly because as she waved it around, Illuminations started. She smiled brighter than she had all day. It was such a cool moment.
After that we went back to our seats, and they told her the magic wand was hers to keep, it was a gift from them. And they also presented her a certificate signed by the restaurant staff. It made her (and our!) whole week.
About 1/2 hour before Illuminations was to start a CM came by and noticed she didn't look to chipper, and stopped to talk to her for a few minutes. Then he asked her if she'd be willing to "help him" start Illuminations that night. She would need to wave a magic wand towards the lagoon and say some magic words. She of course said she'd be happy to help
The time comes to start and he comes and gets her and brings her right up to the edge of the lagoon and hands her a telescoping light up Mickey wand. He had her turn it on and wave it over the lagoon. They had the timing down perfectly because as she waved it around, Illuminations started. She smiled brighter than she had all day. It was such a cool moment.
After that we went back to our seats, and they told her the magic wand was hers to keep, it was a gift from them. And they also presented her a certificate signed by the restaurant staff. It made her (and our!) whole week.
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DisneyFive
When is the 3:00 parade?
- Joined
- Jun 16, 2011
That's an easy one for us. The Magic Kingdom opening show. Got me all choked up. Just felt so blessed to be able to do this with my family. This was our first proper family vacation and was 2010 when they performed from the train station to those waiting outside the park.
Our kids were 3-8 at the time and it was all of our very first visit ever to WDW. Our arrival day we did HS from the afternoon on, and while it was cool it didn't pack the emotional punch of MK. When the Mayor came out at the top of the train station and welcomed everyone, then the music and dancers come out, and finally the kicker with all the characters arriving on the train. I still remember the gasps and screams of joy when that train came steaming in. Still probably my favorite moment of all our WDW trips.
Dan
Our kids were 3-8 at the time and it was all of our very first visit ever to WDW. Our arrival day we did HS from the afternoon on, and while it was cool it didn't pack the emotional punch of MK. When the Mayor came out at the top of the train station and welcomed everyone, then the music and dancers come out, and finally the kicker with all the characters arriving on the train. I still remember the gasps and screams of joy when that train came steaming in. Still probably my favorite moment of all our WDW trips.
Dan
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