Random Acts of Kindness, Spread the Disney Magic!

[Musicalmommy]

Giving worthless stuff to a CM is not an "act of kindness from a cute kid".
You may think you have a cute kid but do you really think a CM will lug around a rock and keep it as a treasure?

A 5 year old child wanting to give something they made to someone else IS an act of kindness on a 5 year old level. You can't expect a 5 year old to buy a person dinner or something.
Not eveyone in this world gives value to things in terms of $$$.
When I watch promotional videos for Disney, they protray their cast members as people who love children. I know not all may be as portrayed.. but I bet some do enjoy kids.

And I don't "think" I have a cute kid. I know!

Honestly I work with kids, I am a children's songwriter and entertainer. When a kid gives me a gift before or after a show It makes me so happy. Do I keep them all? no. But do I go out of my way to make that kid feel so special for thinking of me and working hard on that picture they drew for me. You bet. They admire me, and look up to me. It isn't about the money. It is about encouraging kids when they give to others, no matter how big or how small, is a nice thing to do. If they don't start when they are little, they won't always understand when they are older.

I really don't see the big deal. It's not like he is going to be throwing the rocks at the castmembers. He is not planning on stoning the Characters. And like I said.. If the gift gets tossed later, my son will never know. He will still have a heart to give to others, and I hope he always does.

 

[DisneyRegulars]

I love the glow necklace distribution idea!

Also, don't give up on your rock idea OP. Just do it. Then perform a little post rock delivery interview, maybe when your son is not looking/present and ask the CM's opinion of the rock. Over in the DVC mousecellaneous board a couple got railed on for handing out business cards with a candy attached. They gave them out, and asked many cast members how they felt about them and the response was overwhelmingly positive. I personally would love a star wars rock from a cute kid.

 

[Kaspar Houser]

A 5 year old child wanting to give something they made to someone else IS an act of kindness on a 5 year old level. You can't expect a 5 year old to buy a person dinner or something.
Not eveyone in this world gives value to things in terms of $$$.
When I watch promotional videos for Disney, they protray their cast members as people who love children. I know not all may be as portrayed.. but I bet some do enjoy kids.

And I don't "think" I have a cute kid. I know!

Honestly I work with kids, I am a children's songwriter and entertainer. When a kid gives me a gift before or after a show It makes me so happy. Do I keep them all? no. But do I go out of my way to make that kid feel so special for thinking of me and working hard on that picture they drew for me. You bet. They admire me, and look up to me. It isn't about the money. It is about encouraging kids when they give to others, no matter how big or how small, is a nice thing to do. If they don't start when they are little, they won't always understand when they are older.

I really don't see the big deal. It's not like he is going to be throwing the rocks at the castmembers. He is not planning on stoning the Characters. And like I said.. If the gift gets tossed later, my son will never know. He will still have a heart to give to others, and I hope he always does.

This is not about kids but about adults forcing kids to be "cute" and hand out worthless stuff to CM just to get their attention. Its not the kids but the parents that come up with such ideas that are the real attention seekers.
If you would say to youre child:"honey the CM has a very busy job and has no time to talk to every child " that would be it. The child would understand.
Again if you would like to do something good for the CM go to GR and let you're child help fill out the form for the CM. Or take the CM to dinner.

 

[mdsoccermom]

I love the glow necklace distribution idea!

Also, don't give up on your rock idea OP. Just do it. Then perform a little post rock delivery interview, maybe when your son is not looking/present and ask the CM's opinion of the rock. Over in the DVC mousecellaneous board a couple got railed on for handing out business cards with a candy attached. They gave them out, and asked many cast members how they felt about them and the response was overwhelmingly positive. I personally would love a star wars rock from a cute kid.

Do you honestly believe a CM is going to tell a guest they hated the "gift" or would prefer that they never received them? They're job is to make the guests feel good, even if they think the gift is a complete joke.

 

[DisneyRegulars]

Do you honestly believe a CM is going to tell a guest they hated the "gift" or would prefer that they never received them? They're job is to make the guests feel good, even if they think the gift is a complete joke.

I honestly think that if her son was not present and the mom went back and asked something like the following question the CM would answer it honestly. Sample question: " I was part of a huge debate online about what cm's would think of being given a painted rock. Half of the people said it was a terrible idea, that you would feel insulted, and would immediately throw it away. The other half said you would probably throw it away, but would feel happy to have received it. So, I was just wondering how you felt because my son has 10 more rocks to give out and I don't want to insult anybody. "

Why wouldn't they give an honest answer, especially when given the option to hate it and know that the questioner won't be insulted?

 

[mdsoccermom]

I honestly think that if her son was not present and the mom went back and asked something like the following question the CM would answer it honestly. Sample question: " I was part of a huge debate online about what cm's would think of being given a painted rock. Half of the people said it was a terrible idea, that you would feel insulted, and would immediately throw it away. The other half said you would probably throw it away, but would feel happy to have received it. So, I was just wondering how you felt because my son has 10 more rocks to give out and I don't want to insult anybody. "

Why wouldn't they give an honest answer, especially when given the option to hate it and know that the questioner won't be insulted?

Because their job is to make the guests feel good and to spread the magic. They are NOT going to do anything to risk making the guest feel bad or insulted, even if the option is supposedly there. Can you imagine if a supervisor or another guest heard the CM say, "yes, I hate the rock and plan to throw it behind the bushes when you leave?"

 

[rebeccaariel]

Maybe I'm in the minority here, but when I worked at my local movie theatre (a thankless, terrible job, I may add) when little kids did anything nice - said a big thank you, told me how much they liked the movie, anything, it would make it all worth it. Those rocks look awesome, and it would definitely make my day to get one. I understand the problem of not having anywhere to put it so that could be an issue but the idea of it being "worthless" seems really jaded to me. If it's something the kid really wants to do, why not? Where's the harm? If they throw it away later, who cares? It's not like the little gift is instead of being nice, thankful, and polite.

 

[Iforgetmypassword]

Why not give them money? Everyone likes money!

 

[DisneyRegulars]

Maybe I'm in the minority here, but when I worked at my local movie theatre (a thankless, terrible job, I may add) when little kids did anything nice - said a big thank you, told me how much they liked the movie, anything, it would make it all worth it. Those rocks look awesome, and it would definitely make my day to get one. I understand the problem of not having anywhere to put it so that could be an issue but the idea of it being "worthless" seems really jaded to me. If it's something the kid really wants to do, why not? Where's the harm? If they throw it away later, who cares? It's not like the little gift is instead of being nice, thankful, and polite.

I agree! (I suppose that probably wasn't in question). Remember that really really old expression "It's the thought that counts" I think that really applies here. The cast member will be happy that your son stopped to thank them, doing it in a unique way will only make the thank you more special.

You could also ask the CM's on the first day if they have pockets.

 

[DisneyRegulars]

Because their job is to make the guests feel good and to spread the magic. They are NOT going to do anything to risk making the guest feel bad or insulted, even if the option is supposedly there. Can you imagine if a supervisor or another guest heard the CM say, "yes, I hate the rock and plan to throw it behind the bushes when you leave?"

I can see your point that their job is to make the guests feel good. But I also think there are nice ways to say, "Yeah, not the best idea". The cast members are mostly quite educated and I'm sure could think on their feet quickly enough to say something like "I really liked it, but I know my roommates hate this sort of thing" or "I thought it was really sweet, but I have no pockets, so I'm really not sure what to do with it now" I think the OP is also wise enough to be able to interpret a sincere positive response and a phony positive response.

Come to think of it, many uniforms DO have pockets. That's where they keep the Mickey stickers.

 

[Pesky]

OP, go with the rocks. Those are cute and it's a great craft project for your DS. Who cares what the CM does with it afterwards? Think about it -- the majority of the gifts we give as in items, not cash or GCs, does anyone really know what happens to them? After you give it, it is up to the recipient to decide what to do and is not my property any longer. The thought has been communicated, the gesture received. I see no difference here. The CM is likely touched by your son's gesture whether or not the rock is kept. Teaching your son the importance of his gesture and the more important message of communicating thanks and appreciation is a great idea, regardless of the manner chosen.

 

[Bonnie40]

I can see both sides here. My daughter worked as an international CM twice @ WDW and I don't mean to sound jaded, but I'm not sure what her reaction would have been if someone handed her a painted rock. On a good day, from a child, she would probably understand the gesture, but as a few others have mentioned, people should put as much energy into completing a guest relations card - which makes a HUGE difference to any CM. When my daughter would find out that someone took the time to complete one, she was thrilled and those comments are always noted in their employee file.

That's what people should be doing if they want to acknowledge outstanding service!

We've done the glowsticks and passing along FP's as well.

As far as the thread about the couple making cards with candies....I remember that thread starting out as a card with a dime in it. Many disers pointed out that it wasn't appropriate and a little insulting. They changed their thinking and went with a candy. Alot of time, energy and $ to generate those cards, when just getting the CM's name and running into any GR's would have acknowledged the person as well as boosted their value in the eyes of Disney management.

 

[RedHeadedFairy]

We've done the glo-sticks in the past, passing them out after dark or during parades.... big hit! DD loves sharing, so passing around pixie dust is right up her alley.

We also printed business-card-sized thank you cards (free download) & personalized them with our name & the date of our trip. (i.e. The Smith Family, Dec 2012!) I'm bad about remembering CM names & locations later & never have a pen handy when I need it whenever a CM goes above & beyond for us. Last time, DD flipped them over & wrote, "Thanks a MILLION!" and taped a mint wrapped in Million Dollar wrapping to it. She leaves them for housekeeping, gives them to anyone who shows her kindness during our trip.

We always share fastpasses instead of wasting them.

If someone looks confused or lost or I can just "tell' they are 1st-timers, I offer to help or help them read maps/figure out transportation/ or whatever they are having issues with. A little knowledge goes a long way in the World, lol! I've gotten into the BEST conversations with people from all over the world this way!

I've also read on the boards about buying a balloon for a child or buying counter service snacks for another family. We haven't done that yet, but I definitely plan to. I know that if a random person gifted a balloon to DD, it would make her day!!

 

[tigger51276]

OP I say to go with your Star Wars rock idea. Are all the CM's gonna love it, probably not, but I imagine they would at least appreciate the gesture. I know that if my kids received one it would make their day and it will make your kids feel like they've done something special and that is a wonderful thing. No one is ever too young to start learning the importance of random acts of kindness.

 

[Mouse House Mama]

This thread has been...interesting. Putting all my opinions aside I just want to ask- aren't random acts of kindness supposed to be, oh I don't know, random? Meaning not planning them months ahead of time painting rocks and making cards, candies, pictures etc.? Not so random when you are planning it ahead of time and planning to give them out that day and on the look out for the super CM to give it to. Just curious, not looking to argue.

 

[tigger51276]

This thread has been...interesting. Putting all my opinions aside I just want to ask- aren't random acts of kindness supposed to be, oh I don't know, random? Meaning not planning them months ahead of time painting rocks and making cards, candies, pictures etc.? Not so random when you are planning it ahead of time and planning to give them out that day and on the look out for the super CM to give it to. Just curious, not looking to argue.

Actually no, random acts of kindness aren't things you just do. Things you just do on the fly would be a Spontaneous act of kindness. Random acts are things that you do for people who aren't expecting them regardless of whether they are planned or not, random does not mean spontaneous. At least that would be my take on it.

 

[Bonnie40]

This thread has been...interesting. Putting all my opinions aside I just want to ask- aren't random acts of kindness supposed to be, oh I don't know, random? Meaning not planning them months ahead of time painting rocks and making cards, candies, pictures etc.? Not so random when you are planning it ahead of time and planning to give them out that day and on the look out for the super CM to give it to. Just curious, not looking to argue.

Good point!

 

[Iforgetmypassword]

You can also give your rocks to people you interact with every day, not just at WDW! Why not hand one to the cashier at the grocery store? To a random stranger in the parking lot? Give one to your waiter-I'm sure they will appreciate it.

Seriously, why not just be nice? Why is a simple act like holding a door open, letting someone go ahead of you, saying "thank you,"...why isn't that sufficient?

 

[mdsoccermom]

This thread has been...interesting. Putting all my opinions aside I just want to ask- aren't random acts of kindness supposed to be, oh I don't know, random? Meaning not planning them months ahead of time painting rocks and making cards, candies, pictures etc.? Not so random when you are planning it ahead of time and planning to give them out that day and on the look out for the super CM to give it to. Just curious, not looking to argue.

I also believe that once you start putting so much time and effort into it, it really does become about you and not the recipient.

 

[Missy13d69]

This thread has been...interesting. Putting all my opinions aside I just want to ask- aren't random acts of kindness supposed to be, oh I don't know, random? Meaning not planning them months ahead of time painting rocks and making cards, candies, pictures etc.? Not so random when you are planning it ahead of time and planning to give them out that day and on the look out for the super CM to give it to. Just curious, not looking to argue.

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...