Pixie Dusting Adults

[itchin2go]

We once went to WDW with a friend and her three boys. We had them each pick an adults name (there were three adults, three kids) and we gave them each $5.00 to buy a secret gift for their secret person, and the adults each picked a name too. At the end of the week we exchanged gifts. It was the best gift ever, because I know he looked very hard for the gift. My sis and I also gave them each a Mickey head antenna topper and while we were in the parking lot we had them look for a car that was from a different state (other then Florida) and we put the topper on their antenna. We never seen who they went to but it was fun knowing someone would be surprised at the end of their day.

This is a cute idea!

 

[BabiesDaddy]

Yeah, hold up some toys/candy/gifts in front of small children, and then ask the parents can they have it. I'm sure the parents would be thrilled.

I'm all about small talk and meeting interesting people while out and about, but my children getting gifts from complete strangers, I learned from parenting 101, to teach them against it.

 

[SpringSprite]

I think OP feels attacked not because people are offering dissenting opinions but it's the way that some of those opinions were stated. There's always a way to say something diplomatically.

For what it's worth OP, if a random stranger bought me an Orange Slush and gave me a glow stick I'd be down to party!

and if they bought me one of those grey goose slushies I've been reading about I'd ask them to take me home with them!!!!

 

[SpringSprite]

And then of course, there's the important message board rule:

If you don't want opinions don't ask a question.

The OP's original question was, "what would brighten your day?" I think that's a nice question to ask...

 

[CdnCarrie]

The OP's original question was, "what would brighten your day?" I think that's a nice question to ask...

And many of us did answer. The OP didn't like our answers so she called us trolls.

 

[cel_disney]

We have been to disney many times with our kids...as expected, some moments of the day were more trying than others.......on three occasions total strangers have given things to my kids that dramatically improved our day - once was a small toy story alien pin that was given to my 4 year old when he was talking to a 6 year old girl on the monorail, and once were glow stick related gifts, and once were stickers. It's been 4 years since the pin was gifted and its in the 'do not trade ever' pile because DS thinks its extra special a stranger was so nice to share. As for glow sticks, I remember the first time so distinctly - we were in Epcot and I had switched bags at nap and totally forgot to pack the glow sticks - we were heading towards WS by the Christmas tree and my kids were sooooo pouty! A mom and a girl - maybe 10 years old - were there offering glow sticks and saw my kids. They were SOOO excited and thankful that the grifters gave us a white pack of 10! When we prep for a trip my kids now ask to bring some extra glow sticks to share incase they see a kid who doesn't have one but wants one.

As a parent - my day was brightened by these acts if kindness - I liked that they showed my kids how to be kind to others and the fact that they brought my kids out of their funk mood was even better. Definitely no complaints here!!!

We have gifted FP-, glow sticks, and lots of family picture taking, and our favorite is helping a parent fold a stroller for a bus if they need to help with their kids or just have a lot to juggle. We don't do these things just at disney either - if we are heading to a summer music performance or fireworks at home, we bring glow sticks to share etc...

 

[timsprincess]

I have said, at many times, "sometimes you have to sprinkle the pixie dust". There are many people who go to WDW and expect every cast member they see to be giving them magical pixie dust moments. As awesome as it is to have a CM give you one of those moments, we can all agree that they do not happen every moment of WDW. That would just be crazy and impossible.

But sometimes instead of getting the pixie dust, it is your turn to spread it. Some of the great no cost ideas are offering to take a family picture for someone, letting someone in front of you in line, giving someone looking tired your seat on the bus, etc.

I also love the sticker idea. You can get Disney stickers at places like the dollar store cheap and who doesn't like Mickey? If you ask if they would like a sticker and they decline say have a magical day and move on.

And, in my personal opinion, those of us who call ourselves Disney addicts need to spread the pixie dust outside the park by being kind to others in whatever way we can. Sometimes the smallest gesture, even just a smile, can make someone's day!

 

[morethananyonex]

The OP's original question was, "what would brighten your day?" I think that's a nice question to ask...

And people answered. Just because the answers weren't glow sticks, stickers and glitter doesn't mean they shouldn't be posted in the thread.

Strangers being decent and kind brightens my day a lot more than handing out random trinkets. Sorry that apparently offends some.

And many of us did. The OP didn't like our answers so she called us trolls.

And come to think of it, that doesn't make me feel special or appreciated.

 

[shan23877]

OP I don't think that anyone would disagree that your heart is in the right place. As the parent of a 7 year old princess I'm constantly covered in glitter, but I can see why some/most wouldn't enjoy that.

I say try to follow the golden rule. If it's something you would enjoy receiving, then go for it!

I see that you're newer to the DIS, I hope that the reaction you've received won't turn you off the boards. Try the TR boards they tend to be a bit less combative.

 

[Dis703]

We just got back from WDW and we brought pixie dust gifts for the kids. It was so much fun to hand them out.

Something we were given and then passed along which we thought was really nice were dollar store ponchos. A family was leaving MK and gave them to us because it was about to rain. We didn't end up using most of them and had Disney ponchos back at the resort so when it was raining the next day I brought them along and gave them to a couple struggling to keep their scooter dry. (It poured that day). Just some silly ponchos but they were so surprised and greatful I think we may bring some extra next trip.

 

[jtowntoflorida]

I once gave out porcelain dolls to little girls. I had purchased them for my God Daughter ( now 16 ). She never played with a doll in her life I always checked with the parents first and I chose people that you could tell had used most of their funds for the trip and probably we're not up to purchasing the expensive Disney gizmos. I brought 10 dolls with me and 10 little girls went home hugging their new "babies". We also passed out a lot of glow bracelets , necklaces , and sticks. Recycling legacy FP 's always made us feel like we were adding enjoyment to someone else's visit. Any kindness that is extended only makes the world a happier place , and who does't like that warm fuzzy feeling of kindness. Keep on sharing the love and kindness , forget the naysayers !

Was this in October of 2012? Did you pass one out in the lobby of The Little Mermaid Show in DHS?

 

[Allison]

I think OP feels attacked not because people are offering dissenting opinions but it's the way that some of those opinions were stated. There's always a way to say something diplomatically.

For what it's worth OP, if a random stranger bought me an Orange Slush and gave me a glow stick I'd be down to party!

Of course the op calling other posters trolls and typing in all cap large font might not be considered diplomatic.

 

[IceSkatingPrincess]

And, in my personal opinion, those of us who call ourselves Disney addicts need to spread the pixie dust outside the park by being kind to others in whatever way we can. Sometimes the smallest gesture, even just a smile, can make someone's day!

I think this is a good reminder for everyone! We can all spread the magic even if we aren't at Disney. A little kindness goes a very long way!

 

[jtowntoflorida]

I once gave out porcelain dolls to little girls. I had purchased them for my God Daughter ( now 16 ). She never played with a doll in her life I always checked with the parents first and I chose people that you could tell had used most of their funds for the trip and probably we're not up to purchasing the expensive Disney gizmos. I brought 10 dolls with me and 10 little girls went home hugging their new "babies". We also passed out a lot of glow bracelets , necklaces , and sticks. Recycling legacy FP 's always made us feel like we were adding enjoyment to someone else's visit. Any kindness that is extended only makes the world a happier place , and who does't like that warm fuzzy feeling of kindness. Keep on sharing the love and kindness , forget the naysayers !

How can you tell that just by looking at someone?

I was wondering the same thing.

Yeah, what? How do you tell people had "used most of their funds for the trip"? What exactly does that look like? Did you smell them cooking in their coffee makers in their hotel rooms?

Was this in October of 2012? Did you pass one out in the lobby of The Little Mermaid Show in DHS?

Well, looking back through grammimouse's old posts (since she is a rather infrequent poster, I'm afraid she won't come back into here), I have confirmed that we were at Disney during the same time in October 2012. We were approached by an older lady at The Little Mermaid show at DHS and asked if she could give our daughter a porcelain doll. We said that was fine, and she did present us with a porcelain doll. So, I guess I'm one of those people who looked like they couldn't afford to be at Disney. Though she told us it was because our daughter looked sweet and was well behaved.

Grammi, it was a nice gesture, but all I have to say is...I think your perceptions of other guests are kinda off. I can assure you that Disney isn't a financial strain on us, we do indulge our kids at Disney (probably too much), and we take at least yearly trips to Disney. That day was a rough day for us for a couple of reasons, and our (then) 2 year old was definitely acting like a 2 year old that day, it was super hot, and I'm sure we seemed a little...ragged. But we're not paupers, by any stretch. It's a little eye opening (and embarrassing) that we apparently put off that vibe though.

I'm going to go crawl in a corner now. Though I think that DH will find humor that the "porcelain doll lady" (as we refer to her) gave us a doll because we looked like we couldn't afford to buy one ourselves.

 

[famy27]

Well, looking back through grammimouse's old posts (since she is a rather infrequent poster, I'm afraid she won't come back into here), I have confirmed that we were at Disney during the same time in October 2012. We were approached by an older lady at The Little Mermaid show at DHS and asked if she could give our daughter a porcelain doll. We said that was fine, and she did present us with a porcelain doll. So, I guess I'm one of those people who looked like they couldn't afford to be at Disney. Though she told us it was because our daughter looked sweet and was well behaved.

Grammi, it was a nice gesture, but all I have to say is...I think your perceptions of other guests are kinda off. I can assure you that Disney isn't a financial strain on us, we do indulge our kids at Disney (probably too much), and we take at least yearly trips to Disney. That day was a rough day for us for a couple of reasons, and our (then) 2 year old was definitely acting like a 2 year old that day, it was super hot, and I'm sure we seemed a little...ragged. But we're not paupers, by any stretch. It's a little eye opening (and embarrassing) that we apparently put off that vibe though.

I'm going to go crawl in a corner now. Though I think that DH will find humor that the "porcelain doll lady" (as we refer to her) gave us a doll because we looked like we couldn't afford to buy one ourselves.

I wouldn't be embarrassed at all. I am guessing she meant that she wasn't being frivolous with her money and giving dolls to people with Birkin bags or something. That she was just looking for nice families who seemed like they'd appreciate a gift.

I think some of the posts in this thread regarding donating time or money instead of giving gifts to strangers at WDW may have made her sensitive, but I am sure she didn't think you looked like Disney paupers (although I am almost always a Disney pauper by the end of every trip).

Instead of being embarrassed, I'd look at this as a cool six-degrees-of-separation kind of thing. What are the chances of finding (and being able to thank) a stranger who did something for you a year and a half ago?

 

[SpringSprite]

And people answered. Just because the answers weren't glow sticks, stickers and glitter doesn't mean they shouldn't be posted in the thread. Strangers being decent and kind brightens my day a lot more than handing out random trinkets. Sorry that apparently offends some. And come to think of it, that doesn't make me feel special or appreciated.

Agreed. I never said they shouldn't. My point is that the op came here and specifically asked "what would brighten YOUR day" and a response given was that is was "more about the giver than the receiver". Doesn't seem like a fair inference to me, given the original question.

 

[morethananyonex]

Agreed. I never said they shouldn't. My point is that the op came here and specifically asked "what would brighten YOUR day" and a response given was that is was "more about the giver than the receiver". Doesn't seem like a fair inference to me, given the original question.

Well that was my comment, and I was commenting on the discussion that was ongoing about glittering people and other kinds of trinkets. I stand by what I said. People like to feel good and like they're making other people happy. It's like when people ask for ideas on gifts to give CMs when the best gift you can give them is a cash tip (if possible) and a positive comment at guest services. Those ideas aren't fun enough for some people.

You want universal ideas to make an adult happy (at a place where they are probably already pretty happy)? Being polite and generally pleasant to those around you is going to go much further than stickers or glow sticks. It's just not as fun to plan for and talk about for some.

Whatever, I guess I'm being "ugly", maybe I should break out my large all capital text and name calling to let people know what a good person I am.

 

[agavegirl1]

I guess I have bestowed pixie dust "unintentionally". I carry a bunch of "just in case" items in my purse and have come to the rescue of many a guest with a band-aid, small pair of scissors, safety pin, moleskin, antibacterial ointment, packet of tissues etc. I just tell them about my own four accident prone (and now grown) children. We all have a good laugh.

I don't want to get into an argument here, but to answer the OP's question on what would brighten my day?

Other guests being friendly, courteous, helpful and genuinely happy to share their Disney day with me in any way they were comfortable sharing...whether it be saying good morning on a bus, pointing out an available spot in the shade when I look like I'm about to "die" from the heat, or my favorite, asking me if I wanted half of their Napoleon at the French Bakery because, "You have to taste this, it is the most amazing thing!" It was. It is now the "must do" item on the next trip for DBF. It's all he talks about.

 

[ellie05]

OP you can't make everyone happy. I really don't see how some people took this way out of context. Taking pictures for people is a great idea. We always do it because it is just the two of is and know how much of a pain it can be trying to get a pictures together. As adults I would love if someone offer me a cup of coffee when we are looking tired, a mickey ice cream bar on a hot day or a dole whip. Could I buy it myself? Sure, but it will change my mood and It will be something we always remember.DH has help carry strollers, bags and even kids (and before I get attacked it was a single mom with 3 kids all felt sleep during the parade and the stroller was only for 2. She was so grateful for the help she was almost in tears before). We also gave a couple one of our dessert while we were waiting for wishes. We sat next to each other and talked for a while before DH and her boyfriend went to get food for all of us.

 

[famy27]

On our last trip, a man in front of me at Casey's was on the DDP. The CM kept telling him he got dessert, but he didn't want it. She kept suggesting he take Cracker Jack or cotton candy for later, but he said he wouldn't eat it. Then, he looked behind him in line and saw me and DD, and he asked for a cotton candy. He kind of gestured to me to make sure it was okay. I nodded, and he handed the cotton candy to me to give to DD. It absolutely made my DD's day.

I think sometimes unplanned, "in the moment" pixie dust can be the very best. If the opportunity arises, definitely feel free to make the most of it.

I also liked that he got my attention when DD couldn't see to make sure it was alright and also handed the item to me, so you don't have that "taking candy from strangers" issue. She knew it was okay, because I am the one that gave it to her.