Random Acts of Kindness

[Kallison]

On our first trip my youngest DS asked for an extra cherry on his sundae at PORS food court. The CM gave him about 1/2 can of whip cream on top with a dozen cherries. The sundae was bigger than his head, the look on his face when she handed it to him was priceless!

 

[dansyr]

This was just last week.
DBF and I had heard that the WTC flag was in the American pavilion in Epcot, so we made it a point to go there to see it. DBF and I live close to NYC and personally knew alot of people affected by this tragedy. When we got there we inquired if we could see the flag. The CM's said the next show began in a half an hour. We had something planned so we could not wait. I think she saw the disappointment on my face and said ....hold on a sec. She checked with a CM inside and they let us in. It was such an emotional moment to see that flag alone in that big empty building. We thanked her again as we left. She seemd happy to be able to have done that for us.

 

[Earstou]

15 years ago I was at DL with my 3yr old DD. She was trying to see Mickey for the first time, but the other kids kept pushing ahead of her and she started crying (I was standing back to take her picture and there was no CM to help). I heard someone say, "I'll help her" and an elderly woman went up and helped my DD until she got to see Mickey.
I have this wonderful picture of Mickey, my DD and that angel of a woman!

 

[Grand Canyon]

Last year for our trip to WDW we purchased 150 of the glow necklaces (they are not sold at Epcot - not sure of the other parks). Anyhow - every night when we watched the Illumination show we would hand them out to the other children in our area. Our DSs (ages 3 and 6) would wear a bunch of them - then after the show as we headed out of the park we made a game of trying to find children to give the lit up necklaces to. Our 6 year old really enjoyed giving them away and making the other children happy. Neither boy wanted to keep one for themselves.
It was wonderful seeing them give ... and seeing the faces of the little children who received a necklace (especially as we looked for little ones who looked down in the dumps). They would go from frowning to glowing instantly.
Michele and the boys

 

[madelyn]

Have a couple of stories to share from our trip last month (Feb). This was my 4 1/2 yr old son's last big off-season trip before he starts kindergarten this fall. We almost cancelled the trip since DH has been out of a job for the last 8 months. Things fell into place and we decided to go ahead with the trip.

I told my son upfront that we probably wouldn't be able to buy much during the trip because we were on a tight budget and it cost us alot of money just to be at Disney World. We were at Animal Kingdom and my 4 1/2 yr old son, my husband and I were in line for the Dinosaur ride while my sister waited with my 1 year old son outside the ride. As we were waiting, my son announced he had to pee, so I took him to the restroom. I was a little upset at first, but we later figured out that my son does this when he is nervous about getting on a ride that he thinks may be scary. My husband said he would wait for us before getting on the ride but he ended up getting on the ride without us. Right before we were about to get on the ride, he was about to get off. He asked a CM if he could ride again with us because he thought our son might be a little scared and he wanted to sit with him and warn him when the scarier parts might be coming. The lines were short so the CM agreed to let my husband ride with us. We enjoyed the ride although it was probably a little scary for my son, even with my husband along for the ride. I went back through the line to ride again with my sister, while my sons and husband waited for us in the store next to the Dinosaur ride exit. When we met up with them, I saw my 2 sons with little plastic dinosaurs. I immediately got mad at my husband for buying them the little plastic trinkets since I told him that we weren't spending money for unnecessary items on the trip. It turns out that while they were waiting for us to get off the ride, they struck up a conversation with a CM in the store and he gave them the dinosaurs! They sold them in the store for only $3 or so each, but the gesture was really nice, especially since my son left the dinosaur ride a little scared!

We also had a couple of good experiences while pin trading. My son liked a pin that a CM at the Old Key West store had on her lanyard. He couldn't decide which one of his pins he wanted to give up, so she decided just to give him her pin and didn't require him to give her one in return. Earlier in the week, my son traded a CM for a flat, rectangular pin that had the 7 dwarfs on it. The pin wasn't that nice and I urged my son to trade for a different one but that was the pin he liked. It was a Disney Store pin so another guest must have traded it to the CM. Later in the week, the front of that pin fell off. I guess the glue softened and the picture of the dwarfs fell off, leaving the gold backing. My son was upset and we went to a couple of stores asking if they had this pin so we could replace it. No luck. During our last visit to the Magic Kingdom, we found a CM that had the same pin! My son was thrilled although once again he was having trouble deciding which pin to give the CM in return. The nice CM asked my son to give him the gold backing of his defective 7 Dwarfs pin. I thought he would take it and throw it away but he placed it on his lanyard and made a comment like, "I have the special limited edition of this pin".

We visited Universal Studios for the first time during this trip and while we had a good time at the Universal Studios parks, our days there didn't seem as magical. The Cast Members at Disney parks always seem happy to be at their jobs and treat guests special! My husband noticed that the Universal Studios worker sweeping trash walked right in front of him to sweep up the trash without saying excuse me or waiting for us to pass first. It's the little things that will always make Disney a little more special for us!

 

[Shells9]

I did not personally know anyone involved in 9/11, but I had a similar experience with the US flag in World Showcase. It was pouring down rain a few weekends ago and DH, DD & i were at the Libery Inn (we got to Epcot, they eat American, and we get stuck in America in the rain!). I went to the shop next door and asked about the flag. The CM put a finger over her mouth and said, "I hope nothing is going on in there." She then opened a door, lifted a rope, and let me into the giant hall, all alone, to view the flag. She let me stay as long as I wanted, and I gave her a big thank you as I left.

 

[strawberryblonde]

Our family of four went the first week of Dec. 2002 and it was our first time pin trading. The CM's were so kind to our DS (5 at the time) and he ended up being given about 4 pins for free, his lanyard had more pins than the rest of us! We were waiting near a large family group that must have been cousins. Two of the boys had lanyards with pins but one boy had none. My DS walked over and gave that boy one of his pins "because he had none". The CMs taught my DS such a great lesson, it IS more fun to give than get (meanwhile in my selfish head, I was wondering what pin did you give? not a rare one I hope My DS taught me something too)

 

[Jen D]

Another pin story. Last month at the pin store at Downtown Disney, we were getting my five-year old a new lanyard. It was a pink "my first lanyard" and a man behind us asked if it was her first lanyard, and I said, no, she just wants a pink one and she'll give me the black one. I thought he was a cm-- he had a vest with tons and tons of pins and a nametag. He looked at her pins, and saw her FDNY Mickey pin, which you can only get in NYC. He asked if he could give her a pin. I said yes. He reached in his pocket and gave her a Mickey NYC pin, which can also only be bought in NYC. He said, "don't trade this, you can only get it in one place." She examined it and said, "Hey! WE'RE FROM NEW YORK CITY!" "So am I", said the man. "I'm just visiting." Then I realized his name tage was a guest of honor tag. We thanked him profusely by I think because of our bewilderment and because we initially thought he was a cm we didn't really strike up a conversation with him. But he was a big pin trader! So thanks again, Bruce, wherever you are. Hannah traded a lot of pins that trip but held on to her NYC and FDNY pins.

 

[Feralpeg]

Mine is sort of a reverse story. I was sitting at a table outside at the restaurant next to Star Tours at MGM. There was a man in a wheelchair at another table. The man appeared to have some sort of muscle related illness and had very little ability to move. He had a dog with him. It was a beautiful golden retriever. Other than that, he was all alone out there. Somehow, the dog's lease had gotten wrapped around the wheel of his chair and he was trying to move the chair with the controls to free the dog. It wasn't working and the dog was actually choking. I went over and asked if I could help. I got down and untangled the dog's leash. The man was very greatfull for the help. The best part for me was when the dog gave me a great big doggie kiss on the side of my face (I'm a dog lover). A little bit later, the wife and kids appeared from the restaurant with food and some water for the dog. I felt good for the rest of the day because I was actually in the position to help someone in need. It was a nice feeling!

 

[jenjie]

I love these kinds of stories! We have a few of our own.

First off was the guest who gave away his seat at the parade, not once but twice. We arrived an hour beforehand and he was there before us, yet still gave up his seat for my parents, then gave up his new spot for another older couple. What a class act.

2 CM's gave a sticker to my dd - once when I asked for directions and she said thank you, and once after we struck up a conversation with CM Jacques on the porch at the photo pickup place at MK. DD3 was having a rough day and these CM's definitely brightened her day.

CM Jared at BTMR gave us a group fastpass ticket for the ride after my ds4, also named Jared, chatted with him. In turn, we were able to share the kindness with someone else. We had extra fastpass tickets from people in our group who weren't riding, so we passed them on to another couple rather than ride a third time.

CM Riley took a liking to dds and shared a great tip for viewing Illuminations.

One other thing that we personally did, each time we saw a cleaning lady in the restroom, I had dd go up and thank her for doing a good job. It was good to bring a smile to someone else's day.

 

[MulanMom]

A midtrip injury last year had me using crutches and a wheelchair. Arriving at MK was always difficult because DH was responsible for me in wheelchair and two kids in a double-stroller until we could get past the gate and rent an ECV. I can't tell you how many times guests and CMs came up from behind to push my wheelchair, relieving my DH of the burden. It's heartwarming to know there are truly thoughtful people out there who are willing to help a stranger!

 

[PixieTink]

This happened on our last trip 11/30-12/5 2002. We went to Fantasmic and were seated in front of a very nice family, who we started chatting with. Their daughter wanted a snack, but didn't know what she wanted. Her mother explained that she was worn from the busy day at AK, and from jet lag (they were from Oregon).

My 4 year old turned around and offered her some cookies he was munching. She gratefully took them, and calmed down enough to chat a little w/ my son. We thought it was just a cute moment....

Not long after, this young lady, all of 7 or 8 years old, jet lagged and tired and hungry, did the MOST AMAZING thing! She had won a couple stuffed animals at the Dinoland games in AK. She was so proud of winning them on her own! Hugging the toys to her, pride in her eyes, you know. Well, she just GAVE one to our son!!! He loves it, sleeps with it all the time! He calls it his Fantasmic Friend! That young lady's generosity made my son's whole trip!

So, if your parents read these boards, THANK YOU Shannon from Oregon!!!!!! You are a magical young lady!!!

 

[waltskids]

While we were at Epcot, I didn't finish my meal at the San Angel Inn ( I never do!) The CM refused to charge me at all! Once while riding a water mouse at FW, we said it was a little slow, and the CM didn't charge us the full price. After our car window broke at OKW (a golf ball maybe, or the heat), we needed to have it fixed and the CM told us to leave the keys with the front desk and they would make sure it got done. When we got back, the window looked perfect and Disney reimbursed us our $500 deductible. What service! That's why we always go back!

 

[BillSears]

On our last trip to the World I decided to start collecting autographs along with my daughter. So I bought an autograph book and had a blast getting about 25 signatures from various characters that we met.

However on the last day of our trip I lost the book. I was disapointed but since I had filled out the name and address info in the front I thought maybe someone would turn it in. We went to Town Hall on mainstreet and reported it missing.

About a month after we got home from the trip I recieved a package in the mail from Disney. There was no name on the return adress and no note or anyting inside. But inside was an autograph book.

This book was not the one I originally had. My name and address info was filled out in Mickey's handwriting! He had signed the first page personalizing it to Bill and then had taken it around to about 35 different characters getting each of them to sign my new book.

This book now sits out on my shelf of Disney stuff and is the most precious item there. I just love that they went out of thier way for me. I can't thank the CMs involved since it was sent anonymously. But I do tell this story every chance I get so that others know how wonderful some people can be.

 

[StampMom]

Wow, cool story, BillSears!! Thanks for sharing it! (From a fellow Marylander -- I'm in Elkridge.)

 

[Uncle Albert]

This is a great tread. I hope everyone writes because we all have had wonderful things to happen during vacation at WDW because of the fantastic CMs.

There are so many examples but one that sticks out was from a CM at the Beach Club that upgraded us to the Newport Suite. Out of the blue. It was a treat to see this tremendous suite at this fantastic resort. I about fell over. This CM may never know how magical he made our vacation on that trip. We would have never been able to afford it in a Million years. YC/BC is our favorite resort and the CMs at all the rsorts are top notch and high class. The CMs are what make a magical WDW vacation really MAGICAL!

Uncle Albert

 

[Michelemouse]

A few years ago, during the Food & Wine Festival, a stranger approached us and asked DD7 what she was eating. She told him that she was trying escargot but that she didn't like them. He noticed her lanyard and asked if she was a pin trader. When she said yes he gave her a large, Art of Disney pin but told her she didn't have to give him one in trade. He said he was so happy to see a child trying a new and unusual food it was worth a pin to him. She was thrilled! I don't know if this is the reason why, but to this day she'll try anything new you put in front of her.

Oh, and in the opposite direction, I've often added a few cents to help a child who was trying to buy something but didn't have quite enough money. I've also offered to take pictures so whole families can be in the shot. It just feels good.

 

[MulanMom]

I've got another one to share, also in regards to last year's trip.

About a month before leaving, I was able to connect with another DISer to share a MK fireworks cruise. When we showed up the night of the cruise, we found out she had cancelled the day before. Since I had only the first name of the person, the CM and I played a lot of question and answer so they could determine whether or not my party had showed up or canceled. The CM had learned about how we were to share a cruise, etc. etc. and the information jived with what she knew from the other DISer. When we realized that the cruise had been cancelled, we were crestfallen but resigned to the fact that our plans fell through. All during this, my 4.5DD and 2.5DS stood by patiently and did not get upset or throw any tantrums about the cruise. They were disappointed, as were we.

The CM asked us to wait a moment more...she had to check on something. When she came back, she said she had room on a boat for us!! How cool is that??? She didn't have to do it, but she made magic for us that night in a big way. And we gave her a big tip...which she at first declined. We also made sure we wrote good things about her to guest services when we returned from our trip.

But, wait! The story doesn't end there. This past December, when I was at MK City Hall to get a park pass for a rained out MVMCP, this same CM was working there! I had the opportunity to thank her again for the magic she made for us that night!

 

[clutter]

On our December trip, we left DC on the night of the first (of many) snowstorms this winter. We were only delayed a couple of hours, but by the time dd and I got to the AsMu it was 1 am (why I still fly with a stroller for a 5 yo), and dd had to stay awake so I could get her and the luggage into the room. The front desk cm, who was about 9 1/2 months pg, told us to wait a minute, went into the back, and got two Bug's Life beanies for my dd!

A while back, dd wanted one last ride on Splash, but we had to catch a flight. just then, someone asked us if we wanted some fp's.

This thread's given me a great idea. When we go back in May, I'm going to tell dd that we're going to do something nice for a stranger each day. What fun!

 

[mom of five]

Bump.


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