Random Acts of Kindness, Spread the Disney Magic!

[kittyninja]

My simple philosophy is that a 5 year old doesn't really understand the meaning of "thank you". Yes, their mom tells them to say it but what does it mean? Children at that age are all about visual (if you can't see it, does it exist?) so by giving something to someone that says "I appreciate what you did for me!" is the best way to teach them what giving thanks is all about. I can't believe that I saw so many negative and downright RUDE comments on the DIS. I was shocked!! The OP is trying to teach her children how to appreciate what someone does for them and you are all bashing her to no end? Does anyone know the phrase "if you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all"?

OP, my sister worked in QS Food right next to the Jedi Training show and I know she would have been THRILLED to receive one of these rocks from a cute kid!! I say go for it!! And one day your kids will be so proud to have a mother who raised them to appreciate other people and their hard work!

(Edit: Also, the kids don't understand about the comment cards. I agree a good report of a CM is always good but that is not something in the moment that will allow her kids to show someone their appreciation.)

 

[DisNikki]

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.

Getting back to the original question, we do one small thing that I think helps my kids tune in to the feelings of other kids, in particular, that we encounter on vacation. We carry a supply of stickers with us, just some basic and inexpensive stickers in an easily accessible pocket of our park bag or carryon. Whenever my boys notice another child crying (usually a preschooler) they grab a sticker, ask the kid's parents if it's ok to give it to the child, the parents say yes and our boys give the crying child the sticker. It usually shocks the kid so much that someone is giving them something that it helps them stop crying and gives them (and the parents) something else to focus on for a few seconds, breathe, and regroup. It's amazing what a minor distraction will do for the whole group

My favorite example happened in a long line at a car rental counter the last time we were in Florida. A 3 or 4 year old girl in the line next to us was tired from what must have been a long day of traveling and was now confined to a small space with nowhere to go and nothing to entertain her. Her parents were frazzled too, of course, mostly because their line was not moving at all. Our boys grabbed a small page of stickers, gave them to her, and she and her parents spent the next fifteen minutes focused on that and talking about everything from the colors on the stickers to the shirts our boys were wearing. No more tears, at least for the moment!

Anyway, it definitely helps my kids be aware of the other kids around them They feel great when they help someone stop crying and they want to do it again!

 

[TriniandBre]

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.

I don't have any ideas besides what other people have said about the fastpasses. I feel bad for how many people chose to make rude comments about the rocks. I think those rocks would be awesome. Any little thing could make a CMs day. It's just like if you were at work and having a bad day but still having to put up with customers and someone gave you something to show that they appreciate you. CMs do a lot of things for us Disney goers and I think that they would appreciate it. I've always wanted to do something rather than just saying thank you. My girls want to walk around and give people stickers like the CMs do just to make them smile. A rock isn't going to tick them off, you never know they might be a big star wars fan and add it to a collection that they have or they could have a child, niece or nephew that they knows will like it as well. So if that's what you want to do go for it. Ignore the rude comments, it's not like they were the ones to receive your special gifts anyways.

Oh yeah the shells sounds like a great idea too, kids would love to find those and take them home. A little magic goes a long way.

 

[glasslipper]

2 weeks ago before we left AK, I had fps to EE we weren't going to use, so I gave them to a family whose kids were ecstatic to receive them as fps were gone and the line quite long. The excitement of those 2 children totally made my night! Win, win

 

[Babypooh]

I just read through this whole thread and thought the OP had a wonderful idea of random acts of kindness. For all the people who said it was worthless to give a CM a painted rock from a five year old obviously have no kindness in them. I'm a preschool teacher and receive pictures and handmade gifts from the children all the time. The joy on that child's face is priceless when they hand it to me. That child took the time to create something for someone else. So take it, smile and say "Thank You".

No wonder this world is filled with so many rude people. If you think that little of being kind you probably shouldn't be at the happiest place on earth, you're just wasting your money!

OP, keep up the great acts of kindness and tell your children that they are wonderful and being a great person!

 

[Bonnie40]

I just read through this whole thread and thought the OP had a wonderful idea of random acts of kindness. For all the people who said it was worthless to give a CM a painted rock from a five year old obviously have no kindness in them. I'm a preschool teacher and receive pictures and handmade gifts from the children all the time. The joy on that child's face is priceless when they hand it to me. That child took the time to create something for someone else. So take it, smile and say "Thank You".

No wonder this world is filled with so many rude people. If you think that little of being kind you probably shouldn't be at the happiest place on earth, you're just wasting your money!

OP, keep up the great acts of kindness and tell your children that they are wonderful and being a great person!

Not feelin' the 'kindness' in these statements.....just a tad extreme. I was someone who posted very early in the thread making the point that people should be going to guest relations to note a great CM experience. I didn't slam the OP for her idea, but suggested a different one (as did others). Lots of kindness here, but I wouldn't be handing out rocks..... everyone's entitled to their opinion......

 

[WickedDreamer]

Wow some people on this forum take things too seriously.. it really is a kind gesture to others.

Anyway... my sister and me are planning our trip for October this year, and at our local Target they have been selling small character books for $1-2 so we have picked up a few to hand out during our trip. We are planning to also pick up a few sticker sheets to give out too.

Last trip we were given FP, a couple let us choose some snacks and they payed using their left over credits, had people take our photos and we were given some flower necklaces from Ohana by some people who were just getting off the monorail.

All these little pixie dust moments help to make a wonderful trip, and some of these moments I still think about now with other parts of the holiday become a little bit of a blur.

 

[msammon]

In regard to the OP... It saddens me that on a discussion board devoted to Disney, in particular a thread devoted to Disney with families, people sometimes display behaviors that they would never want their children exposed to.
I opened this thread expecting to see all sorts of great ideas about "spreading magic". What a lovely idea! Instead, what I found was quite the opposite, folks flaming the OP for their idea. Perhaps you might not like their method, but their motivation was certainly good.
What ever happened to "If you can't say something nice, don't say anything"?

I think that I'll open a new thread just asking for suggestions...

 

[PatMcDuck]

Just want to say, I have received some random acts of kindness at WDW, and I REALLY appreciate them!

I travel alone with DS sometimes, he is 22 now and has autism and down syndrome. I push him in a heavy Convaid chair. The acts of kindness have been things like holding the door open for us, helping carry drinks or a food tray to a table (I try and flag a CM for this, but sometimes another guest jumps in first).

Way over the top, was a Dad helping push Sean up the hill to get on the monorail! I can DO it, but it is getting a little harder as I get older. To a young strong guy, it is not difficult at all of course.

On the rate times I try and use Disney buses, people are helpful as well. I avoid them, as the chair is so heavy, folded up, and it is hard to hang onto DS and that chair. (we drive to most parks)

THANKS everyone!

 

[bushdianee]

Just think about this scenario. A cute kid gives a CM a painted rock or some other token, CM puts it in a pocket and forgets about it. Fast forward to later in the day when someone is giving the CM a hard time. CM puts hand in the pocket and feels the rock and it makes dealing with the situation at hand just a little easier.
I say if the OP's kids want to give out rocks then let them. You never know when a small act might just turn a day around!

 

[LizJoy]

This is perhaps the most ridiculous thread I have ever read and certainly never expected this type of malevolence on the Disboards. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, but that doesn't give those who think the rocks are a bad idea the right to be so cruel.

Musicalmommy, I love your idea. I love the rocks and am seriously hoping that we are vacationing at the same time so my Star Wars loving twins might have a chance to receive one as a random act of kindness. I love that you are teaching your son the importance of thinking of others. And I love that you are trying to make the Disney experience more magical for everyone. Keep up the good work and don't allow those spoilsports to rain on your parade!

 

[Iforgetmypassword]

Kids handing out painted rocks to CMs=cute.

Adults handing out painted rocks to CMs=weird.

My opinion.

 

[ScotsMinnie]

Wow! So rude! I think the OP has some wonderful ideas. Who cares that the rocks don't cost money. It's not about that. It's about taking time to make something for someone else and that makes it super valuable. Showing appreciation and kindness are wonderful lessons for children and some people on here could do with learning a bit of that too.

Rocks rock!

 

[Iforgetmypassword]

Wow! So rude! I think the OP has some wonderful ideas. Who cares that the rocks don't cost money. It's not about that. It's about taking time to make something for someone else and that makes it super valuable. Showing appreciation and kindness are wonderful lessons for children and some people on here could do with learning a bit of that too.

Rocks rock!

Yeah! They do!! I'm going to totally paint rocks and hand them to EVERYONE, not just at Disney!! The clerk at the grocery store, the person who bags the food, the teller at the bank, the person at the fast-food window...I'm going to put some in an envelope for my paper-delivery person, for my mailman...the possibilities are endless.

I've realized the error of my ways. No more "thank you's", holding doors open, giving up my seat, or cash tips from me! Rocks DO rock!

 

[Nana2Callie]

We are planning on taking Disney stickers and Glow necklace/bracelets to share. Love the idea and had seen first on these boards.

 

[ScotsMinnie]

Yeah! They do!! I'm going to totally paint rocks and hand them to EVERYONE, not just at Disney!! The clerk at the grocery store, the person who bags the food, the teller at the bank, the person at the fast-food window...I'm going to put some in an envelope for my paper-delivery person, for my mailman...the possibilities are endless.

I've realized the error of my ways. No more "thank you's", holding doors open, giving up my seat, or cash tips from me! Rocks DO rock!

Saying thank you and meaning it, being kind, polite, etc are a given. Of course all of these things are so important. But the child is 5 - I'm assuming that you are not. Therefore its not the same as you doing it.

The OPs child sounds like he has a lot of respect for others and he is choosing to show it in his own way. She has clearly done a great job.

 

[linkandclover]

I couldn't help but read through this and I am amazed by the negative comments here. If a child gives a gift to me at my office I always keep it no matter what because there is a real purity and innocence to it all. If your child wants to thank a CM I think however they choose to do it is great.

 

[disneydreaming4now]

I think the rocks are cute and see no harm in your kindness.. Im appauled at the abundance of negative responses. We go to Disney all the time and Ive never encountered a CM not wanting things from children...as a matter of fact, my son became very close to a CM.. she remembers him every year and she gets gifts for him (from disney balls to watches). We also like to take AR shirts, etc.. to her. I think people have really underestimated the love of many cast members. If it feels right, by all means.... be kind amd stay sweet . ( just so you know... weve tried to tip random cast members for being so helpful to us, they will not accept cash unless they are in a position to accept tips....and do you really think a cast member would want to eat dinner with someone they dont know??) These CM are people with hearts!! They arent forced to go out of their way for you, me, or anyone else. They choose to love their jobs and it shows. imo, paint all u want, my son would love to find one of these rocks or be given one!!! So, you may consider giving some of those out to unsuspecting children. They are awesome!!

 

[disneyworlddreaming]

...wow, I cannot even believe all the negativity!! I work at a doctors office and sometimes the kids hanging around waiting for their appointments will "colour" aka scribble in the colouring books we have at the office and give us the picture. I personally love it. Do I need a hundred pictures, no, but seeing how happy the kids get when you make a big deal out of it is priceless!
OP, I think your idea is great (as you have heard from previous cast members). As for us, we are doing the glow necklace/wand/bracelet thing and I will let my kids hand them out to other children. I have been there when you budget that trip to the last dime and how hard it is to get that fancy light thing or balloon... I def love the idea of paying for someone's coffee, snack, etc. and now that I know how much it means to cast members to have those comment cards filled out, I will def. be more conscience of cast members names!!

 

[traceee]

I support you 100% OP. Encouraging and supporting your son's idea of a thankful gesture is great parenting. I'm sorry so many others have put a damper on this.

We work so hard to be good parents; it's such a shame when others are so critical.

Thank you for sharing your son's idea.