Random Acts of Kindness, Spread the Disney Magic!

[MrRomance]

Has anyone ever thought about doing random acts of Kindness while at Disney?

I am trying to think of a way to make my kids realize that this trip is not only about them, but also about others and how they interact with those around them.

Just curious if anyone has thought of fun and interesting ways to perform random acts of kindness while at Disney.

The really cool one I thought of I am not sure will work.

I thought it would be fun to buy small polished sea shells and hide them on the beach at Castaway Cay when we are there for other kids and families to find.. I thought it would be fun for the kids to paint a small hidden mickey on them with black paint pen, and maybe hide a note inside them, but I am worried about breaking some law about introducing foregin shells into the ecosystem. Not sure the customs rules on shells. Anyone???

We also painted Star Wars Rocks, see my avatar, or the crafty post here to check them out.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=3040036

We plan to hand them to cast members, or random people around the park. Maybe even hide a few among some landscaping for people to find.

Any other ideas for Random Acts of Kindness to perform at Disney. It seems like Disney gives us so much magic that we can help pass some of that onto others too.

I would love to see some other ideas you may have.

We make sure we do a few random acts of kindness when we're at WDW. We've done a few things over the years, some more successful than others.
We give FP's away, because we don't really use them so we collect them for big rides and then give them to someone as they heading into the standby line. We usually have the Dining Plan and we get lunch for people, our last trip we bought lunch for a family of 4 who were leaving that day and were running out of money! We also bought glow sticks to give out at the Wishes Dessert Party and the Parades.. definitely wouldn't recommend this though! You would be amazed how many people think you're a crazy person! My DD8 was giving them away and one woman snatched it off her child and threw it away like the kid had been given a small bomb or something. We also gave away some gift cards to outstanding CM's.

 

[Iforgetmypassword]

I agree, to a point. The ones that I don't get is the little thank you cards people make with their names and clip art...That's not meaningful or spontaneous at all to me. If it's all ready to just be handed to someone, it isn't personal or special, it's like you were ready and willing to hand it to anybody,it's generic...Take 20 seconds, jot out a little note on the spot...Go to guest relations and make a good report...

So let's say that I get a note from a woman, it says "Samantha Willis" with clip art. I agree, it isn't personal or special, because I have no idea who Samantha Willis is.

Now, let's say that before she hands it to me, she takes 20 seconds, writes: "thank you so much!! You brought a smile to my face!!!" It's still not personal or special, just because she scribbled a note. I still don't know anything about her. Do you think that because she wrote something else on it, it will magically transform?

I will never understand why people make such a big deal out of basic, simple human interaction. Why not look me in the eye, and say "thank you"? Why not fill out a comment card? Why not slip me $5? I really don't care if you took time to write a note and hand it to me.

I do agree with filling out a comment card, but people would rather hand out junk than take time to do something that is actually meaningful.

 

[Missy13d69]

So let's say that I get a note from a woman, it says "Samantha Willis" with clip art. I agree, it isn't personal or special, because I have no idea who Samantha Willis is.

Now, let's say that before she hands it to me, she takes 20 seconds, writes: "thank you so much!! You brought a smile to my face!!!" It's still not personal or special, just because she scribbled a note. I still don't know anything about her. Do you think that because she wrote something else on it, it will magically transform?

I will never understand why people make such a big deal out of basic, simple human interaction. Why not look me in the eye, and say "thank you"? Why not fill out a comment card? Why not slip me $5? I really don't care if you took time to write a note and hand it to me.

I do agree with filling out a comment card, but people would rather hand out junk than take time to do something that is actually meaningful.

Interaction is best when it's possible, but if a CM is busy, you could write a quick note they could read later. Something more personal than "Thank you!" I personally think the best thing is to go to guest relations and fill out a comment card on the CM. A hand written sentiment would feel good in the moment though, knowing that they had done something to impact someone enough that they took the time to acknowledge you.

 

[Iforgetmypassword]

Interaction is best when it's possible, but if a CM is busy, you could write a quick note they could read later. Something more personal than "Thank you!" I personally think the best thing is to go to guest relations and fill out a comment card on the CM. A hand written sentiment would feel good in the moment though, knowing that they had done something to impact someone enough that they took the time to acknowledge you.

What would you write that is "more personal"? Your credit card numbers? Your phone number? What do you write that transforms it into something that will NOT quickly get thrown away, after a glance?

Or, is writing little notes really, as I suspect, all about you making YOU feel good? So that you can feel proud of yourself? Who is walking away feeling good-you or the cast member?

 

[mdsoccermom]

What would you write that is "more personal"? Your credit card numbers? Your phone number? What do you write that transforms it into something that will NOT quickly get thrown away, after a glance?

Or, is writing little notes really, as I suspect, all about you making YOU feel good? So that you can feel proud of yourself? Who is walking away feeling good-you or the cast member?

I completely agree. People need to own up to the fact that it really is a about them and not the CM. And I'll add that instead of scribbling that "personal" note which will, in all likelihood, be thrown out, one should go to Guest Relations and fill out a comment card commending the CM. That action will ultimately be the one that benefits the CM in the long run.

 

[Missy13d69]

What would you write that is "more personal"? Your credit card numbers? Your phone number? What do you write that transforms it into something that will NOT quickly get thrown away, after a glance?

Or, is writing little notes really, as I suspect, all about you making YOU feel good? So that you can feel proud of yourself? Who is walking away feeling good-you or the cast member?

I think you have completely missed the fact that I think notes are kind of stupid in the first place, but if it's going to be done it should be more personal and not a generic ready made...So, you condescending assertion about it "making me feel good", doesn't even apply to me. Go figure. Do you feel good about yourself?

 

[Bonnie40]

I completely agree. People need to own up to the fact that it really is a about them and not the CM. And I'll add that instead of scribbling that "personal" note which will, in all likelihood, be thrown out, one should go to Guest Relations and fill out a comment card commending the CM. That action will ultimately be the one that benefits the CM in the long run.

Exactly what I was saying in an earlier post!

 

[Iforgetmypassword]

I think you have completely missed the fact that I think notes are kind of stupid in the first place, but if it's going to be done it should be more personal and not a generic ready made...So, you condescending assertion about it "making me feel good", doesn't even apply to me. Go figure. Do you feel good about yourself?

I do, thanks. Today I held doors for people, said "thank you" multiple times, and some other kind acts. I'm only mentioning them because you asked.

I also did read that you thought the notes were stupid. But it seems that you think that spending 20 seconds to write something on them-what, I don't know-makes it ok. Somehow a "personal note" transforms it??

 

[jlhansen]

To the original poster love your ideas and you should ignore all critics on this thread. It seems as if the nay sayers are missing the good intentions and lessons you are trying to impart on your son. Seriously, I can't believe so many people have opinions on rocks! Have fun and I hope I find a rock, some shells and some magic that you've left on our next trip.

 

[DisneyRegulars]

I completely agree. People need to own up to the fact that it really is a about them and not the CM. And I'll add that instead of scribbling that "personal" note which will, in all likelihood, be thrown out, one should go to Guest Relations and fill out a comment card commending the CM. That action will ultimately be the one that benefits the CM in the long run.

I really don't understand how doing something nice for someone is bad even if it makes you feel good while doing it. I help others all the time and am polite etc... because it makes me feel good to help and be polite, not because I am somehow being selfless. I hold doors for people because it makes me feel good to know the person behind me feels like I respect them enough to hold the door. Of course the guest will feel good about giving positive feedback to the CM, but it is still positive feedback to the CM. There is also a benefit to immediate positive feedback. It can fix the most awful of days. Nothing is stopping anybody from giving out cards or rocks and ALSO filling out a comment card which the CM may not hear about for days/weeks/ maybe never depending how much longer they are there.

 

[disneyjunkie]

****

 

[disneyjunkie]

Rocks???


LOLOLOL

 

[Fob]

I think many of you have totally missed the point here. Yes, planning ahead to give anything to CMs or random park guest is about making yourself feel good. ANY act of kindness is about making yourself feel good. It's a natural by-product of kindness. But what you are missing is the fact that it will, if just for a moment, make the recipient fell good as well.

Put yourself in the CMs place. It's July, you're out in the heat like all the guests but unlike the guests you can't walk away when THAT FAMILY comes around. You all know the one I'm talking about. It's 3pm on day 4 of a 5 day trip, they've been there since the park opened. Everybody is tired, the kids (3 of them that look to be between ages 3 and 7) haven't had a nap, and some GENIUS has the little girl walking around in a long sleeve princess dress complete with the plastic shoes. The kids are all crying wanting to go back to the room and the swimming pool. Dad can be heard yelling "Stop crying!!! We paid a lot of money for this trip and we still have a lot to see. You can swim at home!!!" We only have to see those families, the CMs have to deal with them, smilling and being friendly the entire time. You can't tell me with all the obnoxious, unreasonable people CMs have to deal with that it wouldn't make them feel better to have anyone, especially a little kid, come up to them and give them anything to say thank you for making our visit special. Will many of the "gifts" be discarded as soon as you are out of sight, sure. But speaking from experience, it is often that single act of kindness, planned or spontaneous, that makes all the difference.

Now for those of you who don't think you should give them anything, there is another option. If you find a CM you would like to "reward", take a picture with them and have them sign your autograph book. I have read that for those who don't play characters, this is a big deal. They get recognized and the autograph book gives you a reference when Disney asks you to complete a post trip survey.

Of course, you should also take the time to fill out comment cards at guest relations as well.

Again, just my, not so humble, opinion.

 

[Kaspar Houser]

I think many of you have totally missed the point here. Yes, planning ahead to give anything to CMs or random park guest is about making yourself feel good. ANY act of kindness is about making yourself feel good. It's a natural by-product of kindness. But what you are missing is the fact that it will, if just for a moment, make the recipient fell good as well.

Put yourself in the CMs place. It's July, you're out in the heat like all the guests but unlike the guests you can't walk away when THAT FAMILY comes around. You all know the one I'm talking about. It's 3pm on day 4 of a 5 day trip, they've been there since the park opened. Everybody is tired, the kids (3 of them that look to be between ages 3 and 7) haven't had a nap, and some GENIUS has the little girl walking around in a long sleeve princess dress complete with the plastic shoes. The kids are all crying wanting to go back to the room and the swimming pool. Dad can be heard yelling "Stop crying!!! We paid a lot of money for this trip and we still have a lot to see. You can swim at home!!!" We only have to see those families, the CMs have to deal with them, smilling and being friendly the entire time. You can't tell me with all the obnoxious, unreasonable people CMs have to deal with that it wouldn't make them feel better to have anyone, especially a little kid, come up to them and give them anything to say thank you for making our visit special. Will many of the "gifts" be discarded as soon as you are out of sight, sure. But speaking from experience, it is often that single act of kindness, planned or spontaneous, that makes all the difference.

Now for those of you who don't think you should give them anything, there is another option. If you find a CM you would like to "reward", take a picture with them and have them sign your autograph book. I have read that for those who don't play characters, this is a big deal. They get recognized and the autograph book gives you a reference when Disney asks you to complete a post trip survey.

Of course, you should also take the time to fill out comment cards at guest relations as well.

Again, just my, not so humble, opinion.

It's July, hot and some "cute" kid gives stones to a CM?
Soon those same kids will be handing out rocks. A small stone will not impress the CM lets paint big rocks.
Stop harassing CM or others with worthless stuff.
I can not understand how most people think. A man in a Speedo is a pxxxx but complete strangers that hand out candy or other junk are so nice.

 

[Iforgetmypassword]

Some kids, you give them a rock and say,"Give this to that nice lady," and the next thing you know, that nice lady has a bloody face and needs stitches, because the kid whaled it at her.

I told my kids to tell the nice ladies "thank you".

 

[Plaid Sheep]

My two cents for what its worth.

I WAS that CM in the heat in July and over the years I wandered around from location to location until I ended up in the best place ever IMO.
I got yelled at, threatened, spit on, cursed at in a variety of languages.. I saw every worst aspect of a person who just has had enough but I did it because the GOODNESS of people won out over the bad and I TRULY TRULY loved my job.

I have a box in my attic that is filled with little notes, cards, pictures and doodads from people who stopped and were kind to me.... or thankful for my help... or someone I doused in pixie dust just because or a cute little 5 yr old with a Star Wars rock that means the WORLD to him... and I wasn't alone. My fellow CM's I worked with kept the little things that a total strangers gave them and THAT is what drove us.

There were days where we KNEW the guest didn't SEE us, that we were part of the scenery....but you get ONE person who actually stops and does something random... that made our day.

Yes, there are CM's that this is just a paycheck and it shows and there are CM's who bathe in the Kool Aid and there are CM's who just want to make magic... but we are all people who like something random.

So OP, you and your 5 yr old make those rocks and ignore what the grumps are saying... I know it would have made MY day!

 

[runsandjumps]

I usually give my fast passes to people if we don't use them. The sucker sharing is a good idea. This isn't disney related but when we go to the zoo we get free passes and coupons. I usually pass those out to people waiting in line.

 

[grossmansr]

Wow this thread was a train wreck! I really just wanted to read some ideas for random acts of kindness at Disney. So far I love the FastPass idea. I remember walking into Animal Kingdom one time and a couple that was walking out handed me 2 FPs to Everest. It was so nice! I will definitely try to do that for someone. The glow stick idea is cute too but I might not do that one. What else? Beside the obvious "just be nice and have manners"?

 

[CM22]

I think you have completely missed the fact that I think notes are kind of stupid in the first place, but if it's going to be done it should be more personal and not a generic ready made...So, you condescending assertion about it "making me feel good", doesn't even apply to me. Go figure. Do you feel good about yourself?

I don't know if anyone is still reading this thread (I just found it), but as a current Cast Member at DLR, any sort of recognition from Guests are amazing. Whether they are rocks, premade notes, letters to the Resort or a Guest compliment at City Hall. Writing a letter to the Resort or a formal Guest compliment are probably the coolest things, but seriously, anything is amazing. And we all have pretty big pockets in our costumes. And like Plaid Sheep said, even a Guest stopping us to tell us "thank you" and mean it is the most rewarding feeling ever. So PLEASE make your rocks and give them to CMs. For the most part, we WILL appreciate it, and if I got one, I would keep it and treasure it. I love my job and serving you, our Guests. Recognition is not our goal; creating happiness is.

 

[dizzycrazy]

I'm so sad about the comments on this post! Any kindness is kndness... There are so many mean people and so much rudeness. I love anything nice! Carry on! HAVE FUN! Bring kindness to others! Why the negativity on a post about kindness?