sharing the love not the hate

[candlekatie]

On our trip last January I went to Walmart and bought a bunch of glow necklaces for Spectromagic. While we were waiting for the parade, my two boys gave out necklaces to all the kids around us. The kids were so happy to get a free glow toy, the parents were happy, and my boys were having the time of their lives with the give away! It was such a fun moment.

At Epcot we got dream FPs so we had 3 extra Soarin' FPs. We tried to give them to a family, but they looked at us like we were crazy. A couple saw the exchange and asked very nicely if they could have the FPs. We were happy to give them away and the couple was so grateful (this was January 2 and the line was already 120 minutes and there were no FPs left).

 

[Piglets Mommy]

We always bring some glow sticks, bracelets, etc. for the kids to give out...It keeps our kids occupied (and from bugging us to buy then a glow thingy every 5 min) and they have fun meeting other kids and spreading some pixie dust.

At MVMCP, we were standing behind another family with several strollers waiting for the parade. The kids were all playing, and it was really nice to see them all so happy and playing together even though they had just met. As the parade was starting, out kids came back with us, and we picked them up to see over the other kids strollers in front of us. The other Mom scooted back, and let our kids sit in front of her on the curb, so they all had a front row seat! It was such a nice pixie dust night!

 

[JodyLynC]

I need a burst of love. Any new stories???

 

[SplashMountainMama]

I was there last week and was standing in line in front of a family that had received someone's extra fastpasses. They were discussing it and said "She gave us bogus fastpasses. These aren't any good anymore." I turned around and explained that they are good all day that they really don't expire as long as you use them on the same day. I said that the times are just on there for crowd control. And then I added "But don't tell anyone. That's our little secret." They were happy and I hope that they tested my theory and went on the ride using their bogus FPs.

I gave away several "expired" fastpasses when we were there a couple weeks ago. I tried to explain to each family we gave them to that they would still be accepted, but I don't think they all believed me.

 

[AuroraBorealis]

We've given away FPs before, which always makes people happy.

But this is my favorite, make-you-cry, Disney-truly-is-magic, story. I have to warn you, it is long!

Two summers ago, my family went to WDW to celebrate my parent's 35 anniversary. One day, we were in the MK, standing in line for Peter Pan's Flight. While in line, I felt somebody grab my leg. I looked down and there was a tiny little girl looking up at me asking "Ariel? Ariel?"

Ariel and I both young, have long, red hair and no problem filling out the sea shells ( ) but that is about it. I was dressed like any other tourist, but this girl was convinced I was Ariel.

The girl's parents were concerned she was bothering me, but I told them it was okay. I knelt down next to her and said "Hi, my name is AuroraBorealis. I know I look like Ariel, but I'm not. I'm a regular girl just like you but Ariel is my favorite princess!" The little girl just touched my hair and looked at me, repeating "Ariel, Ariel, Ariel..."

Her parents told me her name was Kylie and she was seven years old. They told me Kylie had some medical issues and might not understand me. They didn't elaborate, but I could tell there was something developmentally wrong with her. She was extra tiny, had thick glasses and hearing aids, and had trouble walking. She also had very limited speech.

My family later told me that the CMs were watching this exchange closely. I had my back to the CMs and was surprised when one suddenly walked up to us and knelt down beside me.The CM's name was Kevin and I will never forget the magic he made that day. (This was a few months before YOAMD began and I wonder if they were practicing? He was also dressed slightly differently and might have been a manager-type.) He told Kylie that I was a good friend of Ariel and he had just seen Ariel and had a special message for us. Ariel wanted us to come see her at her Grotto and help her open it for the day!

I, not being not at all interested in meeting characters and not knowing anything about Ariel's Grotto, brilliantly asked "What?" Kevin, bless his heart, just smiled at me and told me that Ariel was about to stop by her Grotto so her friends could visit her and she really wanted her two good friends (at this point, he pointed at Kylie and me) to see her first.

I finally caught on and said "Okay, let's go! I know Ariel is excited to meet you!" Kylie's parents looked so happy at this point, and her mom looked close to tears. They tried to put her in her stroller, but she just grabbed my hand and yelled "ARIEL!" as we followed Kevin out of the line and across Fantasyland. Kylie must have understood something, her little face was so excited.

She was a very slow walker so she eventually ended up in her stroller. Kevin led us to Ariel's Grotto where we bypassed the line and went directly inside where Ariel was waiting! I don't think the attraction was "officially" open at this point and we were there a little early. Kylie's eyes were getting bigger and bigger and she started making all kinds of excited noises. It was so precious and I started tearing up! The CM playing Ariel was excellent-- she greeted us immediately by name "Hello AuroraB, hello Kylie! Kylie, I'm so excited to meet you! My friend AuroraB has told me all about you!" Ariel winked at me when she said that.

Kylie was still in her stroller and didn't seem to want to get out and get close to Ariel. I knelt next to her stroller and offered her my hand. Kylie grabbed my hand and got out of the stroller and we made our way up to Ariel.

Kylie's beautiful little face just lit up when she finally got to Ariel and she had the biggest smile and just giggled and said "Ariel!" over and over. My mom and Kylie's mom were in tears at this point and I think the men folk were fighting tears as well. I was giggling so I wouldn't start crying!

I can't even describe how I felt at that moment. This precious girl who had one character in mind was escorted like a princess across the park for a private meet-and-greet. She was sooooo happy! I felt so blessed to be a part of that magic.

Kylie and Ariel talked for a long time and we all took pictures together. Kylie didn't speak very much beyond "Ariel" but the CM was absolutely wonderful with her. Kylie's mom got her autograph book out so Ariel could sign it. Kylie held the book out to me and placed the pen in my hand and that was when I completely lost it and just started crying. By this point, Kylie was saying "love Ariel love Ariel love Ariel" over and over and just giggling.

Eventually, Ariel had to say goodbye and greet other visitors. Kevin produced an Ariel princess crown and wand for Kylie and we took one last set of pictures. Ariel asked Kylie to wave her wand to help her "open" and we left.

Kevin walked us back over to Peter Pan, since we did not get to ride. He led us through the FP line for Peter Pan and when we got off the ride, he had Mickey Bars waiting for everyone. He thanked me for "helping create magic" and handed me a bunch of FPs for any attraction in the MK as a thank you for giving up some of our day. He then wished us all a magical day and said goodbye.

Kylie's parents told me that this was the last day of their vacation. They had saved for a long time to be able to take Kylie on the trip. Her mom told me she had looked for Ariel all week and always missed her. She also said that she had not seen Kylie smile at any characters until she met Ariel. She thanked me for being kind to Kylie and told me this might be Kylie's only trip to WDW. Her medical issues were not going to get better but now they had this great memory of their daughter being truly happy. We were both crying at this point and I hugged her and told her that Disney truly is magic-- it wasn't anything I did but just good luck. I told her that seeing Kylie's joy at meeting a character was something I would never forget.

Their family had to leave to catch ME back to the airport. We said goodbye and Kylie gave me a hug and a loud "ARIEL!" and waved at me until she could no longer see me.

That day was truly magical. I made sure to stop at City Hall and leave huge compliments for Kevin and Ariel. It was such a great experience. I have been back to WDW several times since and have yet to experience anything so moving.

And I'm crying again, just from typing this out!

 

[gk90]

AuroraB, what a wonderful story! Thanks for sharing!

I have to say that before our 2007 trip I read up a lot on the DISboards and was afraid of huge crowds of mean people at WDW (my last Disney trip before that was in 1990) but instead we met lots of friendly people with magic to share! Smiles, compliments, kind remarks and gestures, even a fun game with a balloon on a bus to Epcot--the good far outnumbered the bad.

 

[ajleone]

We've given away FPs before, which always makes people happy.

But this is my favorite, make-you-cry, Disney-truly-is-magic, story. I have to warn you, it is long!

Two summers ago, my family went to WDW to celebrate my parent's 35 anniversary. One day, we were in the MK, standing in line for Peter Pan's Flight. While in line, I felt somebody grab my leg. I looked down and there was a tiny little girl looking up at me asking "Ariel? Ariel?"

Ariel and I both young, have long, red hair and no problem filling out the sea shells ( ) but that is about it. I was dressed like any other tourist, but this girl was convinced I was Ariel.

The girl's parents were concerned she was bothering me, but I told them it was okay. I knelt down next to her and said "Hi, my name is AuroraBorealis. I know I look like Ariel, but I'm not. I'm a regular girl just like you but Ariel is my favorite princess!" The little girl just touched my hair and looked at me, repeating "Ariel, Ariel, Ariel..."

Her parents told me her name was Kylie and she was seven years old. They told me Kylie had some medical issues and might not understand me. They didn't elaborate, but I could tell there was something developmentally wrong with her. She was extra tiny, had thick glasses and hearing aids, and had trouble walking. She also had very limited speech.

My family later told me that the CMs were watching this exchange closely. I had my back to the CMs and was surprised when one suddenly walked up to us and knelt down beside me.The CM's name was Kevin and I will never forget the magic he made that day. (This was a few months before YOAMD began and I wonder if they were practicing? He was also dressed slightly differently and might have been a manager-type.) He told Kylie that I was a good friend of Ariel and he had just seen Ariel and had a special message for us. Ariel wanted us to come see her at her Grotto and help her open it for the day!

I, not being not at all interested in meeting characters and not knowing anything about Ariel's Grotto, brilliantly asked "What?" Kevin, bless his heart, just smiled at me and told me that Ariel was about to stop by her Grotto so her friends could visit her and she really wanted her two good friends (at this point, he pointed at Kylie and me) to see her first.

I finally caught on and said "Okay, let's go! I know Ariel is excited to meet you!" Kylie's parents looked so happy at this point, and her mom looked close to tears. They tried to put her in her stroller, but she just grabbed my hand and yelled "ARIEL!" as we followed Kevin out of the line and across Fantasyland. Kylie must have understood something, her little face was so excited.

She was a very slow walker so she eventually ended up in her stroller. Kevin led us to Ariel's Grotto where we bypassed the line and went directly inside where Ariel was waiting! I don't think the attraction was "officially" open at this point and we were there a little early. Kylie's eyes were getting bigger and bigger and she started making all kinds of excited noises. It was so precious and I started tearing up! The CM playing Ariel was excellent-- she greeted us immediately by name "Hello AuroraB, hello Kylie! Kylie, I'm so excited to meet you! My friend AuroraB has told me all about you!" Ariel winked at me when she said that.

Kylie was still in her stroller and didn't seem to want to get out and get close to Ariel. I knelt next to her stroller and offered her my hand. Kylie grabbed my hand and got out of the stroller and we made our way up to Ariel.

Kylie's beautiful little face just lit up when she finally got to Ariel and she had the biggest smile and just giggled and said "Ariel!" over and over. My mom and Kylie's mom were in tears at this point and I think the men folk were fighting tears as well. I was giggling so I wouldn't start crying!

I can't even describe how I felt at that moment. This precious girl who had one character in mind was escorted like a princess across the park for a private meet-and-greet. She was sooooo happy! I felt so blessed to be a part of that magic.

Kylie and Ariel talked for a long time and we all took pictures together. Kylie didn't speak very much beyond "Ariel" but the CM was absolutely wonderful with her. Kylie's mom got her autograph book out so Ariel could sign it. Kylie held the book out to me and placed the pen in my hand and that was when I completely lost it and just started crying. By this point, Kylie was saying "love Ariel love Ariel love Ariel" over and over and just giggling.

Eventually, Ariel had to say goodbye and greet other visitors. Kevin produced an Ariel princess crown and wand for Kylie and we took one last set of pictures. Ariel asked Kylie to wave her wand to help her "open" and we left.

Kevin walked us back over to Peter Pan, since we did not get to ride. He led us through the FP line for Peter Pan and when we got off the ride, he had Mickey Bars waiting for everyone. He thanked me for "helping create magic" and handed me a bunch of FPs for any attraction in the MK as a thank you for giving up some of our day. He then wished us all a magical day and said goodbye.

Kylie's parents told me that this was the last day of their vacation. They had saved for a long time to be able to take Kylie on the trip. Her mom told me she had looked for Ariel all week and always missed her. She also said that she had not seen Kylie smile at any characters until she met Ariel. She thanked me for being kind to Kylie and told me this might be Kylie's only trip to WDW. Her medical issues were not going to get better but now they had this great memory of their daughter being truly happy. We were both crying at this point and I hugged her and told her that Disney truly is magic-- it wasn't anything I did but just good luck. I told her that seeing Kylie's joy at meeting a character was something I would never forget.

Their family had to leave to catch ME back to the airport. We said goodbye and Kylie gave me a hug and a loud "ARIEL!" and waved at me until she could no longer see me.

That day was truly magical. I made sure to stop at City Hall and leave huge compliments for Kevin and Ariel. It was such a great experience. I have been back to WDW several times since and have yet to experience anything so moving.

And I'm crying again, just from typing this out!

I have to say I grumble alot and tend to get right in line with the negativity, but then I read that and remember exactly why I love Disney sooo much. That is a great story, so awsome!!

 

[burberryplaid]

My first trip ever to Disney was last September. Having spent many years in the Boston area, I am used to rude people and I thought Disney would be no different. Once we got there..I made a decision to just enjoy myself. With the exception of one woman who insisted on blocking my view and the view of many children while watching Spectromagic, the trip was magical. I didn't let any peopl who were less than nice ruin my mood. I was in the happiest place on earth with my husband..no one was going to ruin that.

 

[Em&Bec'sMom]

That Ariel story has me in tears.

We have had wonderful experiences as well. One rude person (I won't elaborate) that turned out to be more oblivious than rude.

On our first trip, our youngest fell asleep every night in her stroller at the parks. And every time, someone on the bus gave up a seat to whoever in our group was carrying her.

DH split off from our merry little group to get in a very long line for Space Mtn. Someone had an extra single FP and gave it to him, so he was able to ride quickly and get back with the rest of us. DH likes to say that he leads a charmed life especially at WDW.

We, too, brought glow bracelets from home to share. Every night, we pulled out one for each kid to wear and another to share. I teared up everytime I watched my kids spread a little pixie dust.

We had lots of people let our short kids sit up front at the parade with their kids. One of these days I'll be early for a parade and get to return the favor.
One of the things I get a kick out of - by the end of the parade, it's hard to tell whose kids are whose, b/c they mingle together so well!

And the last thing I'll mention - everyone talks to everyone else! While you're sitting waiting for your table, people chat with perfect strangers! You talk about where you're from, what you've done, other dining plans....
When was the last time that happened to you at Red Robin or TGIF at home?

The magic of a place where EVERYONE is on vacation.

 

[Disney Sue]

DS is not always a perfectly behaved little angel, but can generally be relied upon to act appropriately when we visit the World. However, occasionally, when he observes a meltdown or bad behaviour he suddenly develops a 'holier than thou' attitude and discretely mentions to me that he's never as naughty as that !
I know that I am then about to enjoy at least an hour of perfect behaviour, interspersed every 5 minutes with "I'm not being naughty like that little boy/girl, am I?"
So Thank you to those Parents who have been on the receiving end of a melt down - it probably resulted in a positive experience for me

 

[t_catt11]

First, thanks for the story, AuroraB. Hope nobody comes into my office to see me red-eyed now.

We have been in the giving and receiving end of fastpasses, and yes, that is a small way to really make someone's day. To us, the moment we step into Disney, everything changes - I guess that, since we believe in the magic, it really is there.

Anyway, here's my own tiny slice of Disney magic. It is a very small thing, I admin, but really made me feel good.

We're always struck by how helpful and friendly the vast majority of cast members are. It seems like they really do care, and if they can help you, they will. The way they really make the kids feel special never grows old.

Well, at one point in our last trip, we were walking through Epcott. It had been a bit of a long day, we were tired, and were heading somewhere (I can't even remember where or why). We did stop at one of the little booths to see the wares, and to see the pins worn by the cast member (our whole family is into pin trading).

Well, I spotted a Pirates of the Carribean pin that I didn't have, and so I asked the cast member to trade, which he cheerfully did. While my kids played with one of the big inflatable balls, the guy asked if he could see my pins, and just made a real point out of admiring what I had, asked me questions about what I collected (Pirates, Robin Hood, Jungle Book, plus a couple odd pins for the resorts we stay at and the parks themselves), and just made a point of being interested.

Prior to that, I had almost felt a little like I was living vicariously through my kids, that maybe I was picking up their "magic scraps." After we were done trading and talking, I told the guy that I appreicated his friendliness, that I was a bit surprised, to be honest. I knew that Disney tried to make things magical for the kids, but that he had made me (a thirty year old man) feel important, too, and I appreciated it.

He told me that disney World was supposed to be magical for everybody, and that you were only too old for it if you let yourself be... it was his job to make Disney special for every guest, no matter their age.

I know it was a tiny thing, but it really did make me feel special, and to me, shows why Disney really is like nowhere else on earth.

 

[ekball]

Its human nature to complain and believe the bad over the good.

How sad is that statement??!!

I think that all one needs is a 'half full' attitude - whether on vacation or just daily living. It would do world a whole lot of good. (imho)

ETA - AuroraB, what an awesome story. Thank you for sharing!

 

[dpuck1998]

Back in the early 90's I was at EPCOT and leaving the Living Seas. Back then they had the fake elevators to take you "down" underwater. The elevator was just about to go and we managed to get in but it was a tight squeeze. With us on board the elevator was FULL.

Next thing I know, someone runs into the back of me and PUSHED real hard! I looked back Ready To Rumple and it was a small Japanese couple. I just smiled. They smiled.

Somehow I knew that in Japan if you are on the subway they push and cram people to get as many people on board as possible. And that is what that couple did. Elevator/Subway. Same thing!

Last trip down we got the kids into the Living Seas late at night and it was all but empty. They could just run around and watch the fish. AND NO ELEVATORS!

This struck me funny. I just watched some special on Travel Channel about Tokyo and they have people who have the job of stuffing people into the subway trains. It was scary...

 

[Navywife508]

I have two good stories to share.

This one happened during our October trip last year. It was our last night there and we were on the bus from Epcot back to POR. We had 2 strollers,2 TIRED kids, and I had my dinner in hadn from Mexico.Didn't have a chance to eat because of the 2 tired kids. We got to our stop and by that time both kids were passed out. A family sitting across from us helped us off the bus with our strollers and open them up for us. It wasn't even their stop. If that was you THANK YOU!!!

MVMCP Dec 18 last year. We were watching the last show of the night at the castle. DD was very excited to see this. We were pretty close and then all of a sudden this man steps right in front of DD and pushes her out of the way. BEfore DH or myself could say anything a lady there with her teenaged DD told him we were there first and that it was wrong of him to push a child out of the way. If that was you a huge THANK YOU,as DD was in tears because of this man.

 

[ChristaDeVil]

AuroraB- Thanks for sharing that wonderful story. I'm sitting at my desk, crying my eyes out. I've been pouring over these boards, preparing for our April trip (my son's first), and have made myself a nervous wreck, worrying about what could go wrong. This story has totally put everything in perspective for me. I've been putting too much emphasis on guide books, ADR's, and Fast Passes, and I need to remember the "magic".

Gonna go hide in the bathroom before my co-workers think that I've gone insane.

 

[AuroraBorealis]

Gahh! Double post! Sorry!

 

[AuroraBorealis]

Sorry for any awkward tearing-up-at-work moments from my story! I'm glad everybody enjoyed it. It truly was a magical experience.

That happened on our first trip to WDW. I grew up near Disneyland and have been there more times than I can remember. While planning our first trip to WDW, I totally stressed out about bad experiences because of an old thread about rude guests on these boards. While we did run into a few rude groups, everything was forgotten when we experienced Kylie's joy with Ariel.

I've been back to WDW several times since and while there will always be something not-so-nice, I've found the magic outweighs the bad. For example, the CM at Barnstormer who told me I would never be too old to ride and let me ride 10 times in a row during EMH. (At that point I had to get off because I was feeling a little sick! That is a rough ride for adults. RRC 10 times and I'm fine, but Barnstormer just killed me. ) Or the family who graciously shared their table at Pecos Bills and while we were chatting, we found out that their daughters were attending the small college I graduated from. (Like Em&Bec'sMom said, everybody just talks to everyone else!) I just choose not to dwell on the bad things and focus on the good.

ChristaDeVil -- I'm positive your son will have the time of his life on his first trip! He won't notice if anything goes wrong; it will all be magic to him! Best of luck in your planning!

t_catt11 -- Thanks for sharing your story. It is wonderful how the CMs make magic even for us grown-ups: like the Barnstormer CM who told me it was "For kids of all ages!"

 

[Subrbnmommy]

On our last week long trip:
1. Everytime we took the bus somebody would give their seat up for me and my dd3.
2. My husband was the recipient of a FP for Soaring
3. I got bumped by a stroller and was immediately apologized to.
4. Bumped into a woman with my stroller and apologized profusely right away. The woman smiled and said no problem.
5. A kind lady ran after me to give me the change that I had forgotten at Kaki Gori.

I don't remember any rude behaviour during my trip.

 

[JodyLynC]

Anything new to share?

 

[disneywego]

last year at the HM DD ( who is 5) was telling every one how scared she was the first time she got on the ride. and every one was telling her how proud they was she was going to get on it again. there was a girl in front of us. ( maybe 8) and was listening and turned to ask my 5 yr old DD was it really that dark and scary in there. My DD looked right in the face and said YES but if you hold hands with your mom or dad it's not bad at all.

that family got on before us but we saw them when we came out. and that little girl came up and told my DD she was right holding hands really does work.