Ranger Stan retiring soon...want to do something nice for him*UPDATE* with picture

[jimmytammy]

For those that know him from WL or from his yrs as a bus driver at FW, he is retiring in June 09. I will really miss him as he has become close to our family in the last few years.

So for those that have met him over the years, whether through a brief encounter or conversation, or have gotten to know him through several trips, I would like to compile some good thoughts and memories, pictures or anything you think would go well in a scrapbook.

He has served as an ambassador of the Lodge since its beginning and has made so many people happy over the years. This would be a small token of our appreciation as DISers to show him our love.

We will be going to VWL in May, so I would present it to him then.

Please share, and if something else comes to mind, share again.

Here is a recent picture of Stan

 

[JimMIA]

Sent you a PM.

 

[jimmytammy]

 

[izzy]

About 13 years ago my whole family went to WDW, and one night we went over to FW to do Hoop de Doo. I remember we had to park in an outer parking lot and then take an internal bus. We had the most hysterical older gentleman as a bus driver at FW that night. I remember he kept circling around a roundabout-type area singing "here we go 'round the mulberry bush!" All of us were just laughing hysterically at his antics. Do you think this is the same man? I've often wondered over the years what happened to him as he was truly a Disney gem.

 

[jimmytammy]

About 13 years ago my whole family went to WDW, and one night we went over to FW to do Hoop de Doo. I remember we had to park in an outer parking lot and then take an internal bus. We had the most hysterical older gentleman as a bus driver at FW that night. I remember he kept circling around a roundabout-type area singing "here we go 'round the mulberry bush!" All of us were just laughing hysterically at his antics. Do you think this is the same man? I've often wondered over the years what happened to him as he was truly a Disney gem.

WL opened in 94, and he was there from the start. He could have possibly been the driver if it was just before he changed positions. I will try to post a pic of him if that might help.

 

[izzy]

I doubt if it's the same man, then. We were there just before Christmas in 1995. I often wonder what happened to that bus driver. My family still laughs about him to this day!

 

[Granny]

WL opened in 94, and he was there from the start. He could have possibly been the driver if it was just before he changed positions. I will try to post a pic of him if that might help.

Here's one from Deb's site:

Jimmy...I don't know that I have a particular Ranger Stan story. We were never Flag Family and (shame on me) we've not taken the WL tour with Stan. Still, I've stopped and chatted with him many times during our visits.

Stan has, every time, been gracious and helpful to my family. He has a ready smile, and truly makes one feel welcomed to his home, the Lodge. I can honestly say I've never seen him in a bad mood, or heard any comments from him that were in any way negative. He loves children and adults alike, and treats everyone with respect and warmth.

My family certainly wishes Stan a wonderful, long and healthy retirement.

 

[DVC Jen]

On our first trip ever to the WL (2001 and we bought into DVC - VWL while we were there) we took the tour of the lodge with him. Right before we exited the building to see the smokehouse I believe we walked by an area where some of the mousekeeping equipment was stored. There was a vaccuum there. He stopped the group and asked if anyone knew what they did if someone could not pay for their entire bill at either Whispering Canyon or Artist Point. One lady said "make them do dishes"? He smiled said no - grabbed a vaccum and handed it to me saying, "the third floor is expecting you young lady."

Silly me - at first I wasn't sure he was joking - then he got that wonderful twinkle in his eye and we had a good laugh about it.

Stan is a wonderful man. So friendly, and heart warming. We have made a point of signing up for flag family each time we stayed at VWL or WL with the hopes of seeing him.

He is a large part of our wonderful Wilderness Lodge memories.

I can not think about Stan without smiling.

 

[jimmytammy]

Granny

Your post speaks likes so many other folks experiences with meeting him. Its a testimony to his love for the job, his love for people, etc. Thanks for sharing.

Jen

That is a special story, and I could just see him doing this. I shared it with Tammy, and we both got a chuckle out of it.

 

[ebenmax]

We are sad to hear this from a selfish standpoint. We just bought in at VWL and will never really get to know Stan, however, we are going in Dec. of this year. How do you get to have him take you on a tour? Do you sign up at the front desk? Also, I would love the chance to be the flag family, How is that done as well.

Also, we did have the pleasure of meeting Stan when we went to VWL for a visit while we considering our purchase. He was such a warm-hearted man in just that brief few moments. I can see how you have all come to know and love him.

I hope this isn't too much off the topic...

 

[jimmytammy]

We are sad to hear this from a selfish standpoint. We just bought in at VWL and will never really get to know Stan, however, we are going in Dec. of this year. How do you get to have him take you on a tour? Do you sign up at the front desk? Also, I would love the chance to be the flag family, How is that done as well.

Also, we did have the pleasure of meeting Stan when we went to VWL for a visit while we considering our purchase. He was such a warm-hearted man in just that brief few moments. I can see how you have all come to know and love him.

I hope this isn't too much off the topic...

Not at all.

To do the Wonders of the Lodge tour, just show up about 8:45 am in the lobby. It lasts about 45 mins to 1 hr. Very interesting.

Flag family...when you check in, go to the guest relations desk(this may have changed to the concierge) it is just to the left of check in right beside the Mickey totem pole near the Mercantile entrance. Stan will be there Wed til Sat.

We will be there in Dec also. And it will not be too late to share those memories you will make with him.

 

[jimmytammy]

Bumping (and hoping) back from oblivion

 

[jimmytammy]

Added a picture to 1st post

 

[jimmytammy]

Bumping!!

 

[jimmytammy]

Bumping

 

[bobbiwoz]

Wow, that's a nice picture. We have been to VWL many times, but haven't met him, sad to say.

Bobbi