Simple Thing a Cast Member Did...

[txtara]

Last summer my daughters and I were looking through the window of the confectionery on Main St..we were watching the cm make cotton candy. All three of us stood there watching when he looked up and motioned for us to come in. He handed us the bag he just made. The girls couldn't believe he would just give it to us. That was our last night in the magic kingdom.

 

[mom2rtk]

We've had many kind cm's who made magical memories for us.

There is one that will always stand out for me. It was way back in l988. My then four year old son had just finished chemo. He had bone cancer and had lost part of his leg and wear a prosthesis. So there we are at Disney, his hair had just started growing back but you could definitely tell he had been through chemo. We were not on a MAW trip - just a Grand Gathering.

That was the year that Mickey's Birthday Land started. We had just seen the "birthday show" and came out to do a meet and greet with the characters. Tigger was my son's favorite character. He tells Tigger that he was brave just like Tigger. It must have melted Tigger's heart because he told us to wait and when the meet and greet was done he had just about all the characters come out and he carried my son around dancing with him and he had personal interaction with all the characters. You couldn't have planned that! My whole family had tears in their eyes (and some of the face characters even did too!).

We told that story so many times that when we took our youngest kids for the first time in 2003 my 4 year old dd told Tigger (at the Crystal Palace) - Tigger, I'm Kevin's sisters. I guess she thought Tigger never forgot him!

Thank you for sharing that remarkable story. Do you have a kleenex?

 

[jenfromjersey]

This is SUCH a great thread!

A few years ago I went with my best friend to celebrate our birthdays (my 30th and her 31st - hers is a day after mine). We proudly wore our birthday pins and when we got to IASW the CM wished us happy birthday and asked if we wanted to have our own boat. Well DUH!
There were were, just the two of us in the front row of this empty boat as we sailed through the ride. We totally geeked out and both took pictures of the empty rows behind us!

When we went to Tutto Italia on my actual birthday, they brought out a bonus dessert and sang to me in Italian (and earlier in the day one of the Brazilian tour groups sang to me in Portugese).

There were PM EMH the night before my birthday with MK being open after midnight, we got in line for Space Mountain and realized as we were walking up that we could quite possible be ON the ride as it hit midnight, officially making it my birthday. When we got to the front of the line we asked the CM if we could wait a minute before going on because it was a tad too early. He let us wait as long as we wanted and boarded us as soon as we were ready.

Can you think of a better way to say "I am NOT getting older" than being on Space Mountain at midnight???

 

[disneyshakeygirl]

The CMs I've encountered have been amazing, but one thing really stands out. I was on my grad trip and heading for breakfast at the Cape May Cafe. I had asked for specific directions via the bus from a front desk CM, who ended up giving me (and another couple) completely wrong directions and caused us to end up as far away from our reservations (we were all heading to the same place) as possible. I had a bad feeling and asked the bus driver when we pulled up at the original bus stop. He said, "I think you've been misinformed," and myself and the other couple started to panic. Anyway, the bus driver radioed in to see if he could take us. He got the okay and drove us straight to the entrance of the Beach Club. I got his name and meant to write it down and completely forgot. I hope he comes on here because I really appreciate what he did.

 

[Missish]

This whole thread warms my heart

I'm going to be working in the UK Pavilion as a Cast Member from October, and I really hope that I can make magic for some guests the way other wonderful CMS have made it for so many of you.

 

[Toystoryfan32]

Such heartwarming stories. I am loving this thread.

We were stay at CSR and my daughter lost her stuffed Mickey because she left it in the bed and mousekeeping accidentally took it along with the sheets. We checked with the front desk and it hadn't been turned in. They told us to keep checking. On our last day we checked again and they didn't have it. We thought no big deal lesson learned. Well the lady who had been helping us marched over to the gift shop and got my daughter another one. It was so kind of her, and my daughter was so grateful.

Another time on my daughter's birthday we were in line for lunch at Columbia Harbor House and we were approached by a cast member. He told us to follow him and not to worry about our food that he would bring it to us. He escorted us upstairs to a roped off area. He served us just like at the TS restaurants. He also brought my daughter a birthday dessert. She thought she was royalty!!! It was so great.

This is just a few of the many nice things CM's have done for us over the years. This is why we keeping going back!

 

[krb2g]

This was in Disneyland. I realized I had lost my wallet either at Star Tours (not before as I had taken a FP out there) or Captain EO after we were walking away from Captain EO. Star Tours was actually closer so we checked there first, and, after asking my name, they confirmed that they had it. While we were waiting for them to get it (I think it was on the entrance side of the ride), the CM who had been helping us asked if we wanted to ride again. You can bet that we stopped at City Hall that evening to thank the CMs for their help!

 

[magicbob]

I hope this doesn't open a can of worms... a few years ago, my wife started needing an ECV. She's had hip surgery since and is getting around better, but still needs it for all day at parks... just too much walking required. I will say that we are a family of four and always try to arrive at the bus stop before anyone else. That way, we are legitimately first in line. If there are people already waiting, I have my kids wait in the regular line (they're old enough to wait by themselves these days... youngest is 15). I wait with my wife because, with some of the buses, she prefers to walk on with her cane and have me steer the ECV into place (some of the buses are much more difficult to get into that tight space). I don't mind doing it for her. Plus, it means she has to admit I'm a better driver than she is! Even if the bus driver insists that we all get on first, we generally stand out of the way and let those who were ahead of us have the seats and then sit down if there's room. So, now that we've gotten that out of the way (which hopefully keeps this thread from getting hijacked by ECV criticism), here's my story:

We took a bus from the park to a resort (not ours) for dinner. We knew that, to get back to our resort, we needed to take a bus to DTD and transfer to a bus for our resort. Maybe it's SOP, but the bus driver thought to ask where our final destination was (rather than just assuming we were going to DTD). We told him our resort and he called in and arranged it so that OUR bus would be the one going there from DTD.

That may not seem like a big deal to many, but it really made our night that the driver was so considerate and we didn't have to go through the hassle of getting off that bus, waiting for another one, and then getting the ECV loaded a second time.

 

[tofubeast]

This has to be one of the most heart warming threads on the Dis.

We have had great interactions with CMs at the Disney parks. A couple of special moments come to mind, though I cherish the little things as well!

- Getting to ride on the Lilly Belle at Disneyland. I talked to a CM at the train station inquiring if this train car would be attached to the main train because I had always wanted to see it. He asked us if we had some free time and told us to stick around. Next I know, we got to ride the Lilly Belle all by ourselves with this charming CM as our tour guide. He had worked at DL since the late 50s and had lots of amazing stories to share. It was the highlight of all highlights for me re: Disney.

- A CM spotted our Anniversary buttons while waiting rope drop at AK. She pulled us out of the waiting area and personally walked us over to the Safari. We got to ride the safari with a couple other families as the first safari of the day. It was awesome. We even got certificates.

-I was touched to receive a ginger bread man at the Biergarten with b'day wishes from the waiters and staff.

-I was at a shop on Main Street when all of a sudden Snow White and Dopey came out of a door. I said hello to her, and she proceeded to hang out with me for a little bit. The two of them then put their arms around mine and we hopped over to the area where she was doing a meet and greet and we took a quick photo with the PP photographer. That was a special little surprise.

-I LOVE Mariachi Cobre at the Mexico Pavilion. After watch a couple of their sets, I requested if they could play a song during their next set later in the day. Sure enough, it was the first song they played! When they found out my husband plays guitar, some of the members stuck around after their set and let him play their guitars. So special!

 

[mickeyluv'r]

Then one I'[m going share is alittle diffferent, but it is magical to me.

We often go to WDW with extended family, so we need multiple rooms. We eat all our TS meals together. As such, dining with the dining plan can be both simple and complicated at the same time.

Invariably, a server along the way makes a mistake - like charging too many meals on one room. Late in the trip, that can be a problem. Taking up an error with the server takes forever (easily 20 min or more) because they have to get a manager to do it, and you end up with LOTS of receipts!

At WDW, I've learned the best way to get dining mistakes fixed is to take the receipts back to the resort concierge.

At the concierge, I lay out the receipts, give a quick description of what went wrong...The concierge can quickly see everything.

With a wave of the their magic wand, they fix the errors. We've had these kinds of errors on just about every trip, but now I don't worry about it.

The concierge desk has helped us in other ways on various trips - beyond reservations. They often have some amazing staff members! If you encounter any problems uring your vacation, do not hesitate to politely ask these fine folks for help.

 

[mickeyluv'r]

Here's another one....Although I'm not sure I'd call it simple....

I've had the pleasure over the years to encounter Chef TJ in various dining locations at WDW.

It is always a magical experience.

Most of the chef's we've met have been very professional, but Chef TJ nearly always makes our visit magical. Just seeing him now brings back so many excellent memories that he just has to say hello to us.

Currently he is working at 1900 Park Fare. If you meet him, you'll know it. If the food you get is jaw dropping amazing - that's probably Chef TJ.

Whatever Disney is pyaing him is almost certainly not enough. He's the greatest chef I've met anywhere. He's always quick with a laugh, great advice, and he makes everyone feel special.

 

[PolyndianPrincessJes]

We were at WDW March 2nd - March 8th then transferred to the RPR at Universal til the 11th. DD had her birthday at WDW on March 6th so she had a birthday pin she wore (I didn't let her wear the pin until her birthday and after her birthday, we pinned it to her backpack). Let me tell you, birthday girls get a LOT of attention at WDW!

Off the top of my head:
...
-The night before her birthday, she got acknowledged during the birthday/anniversary announcement part of the show at Hoop Dee Doo.
-DD got a cupcake with a lit candle and a song at the 50's Primetime diner on the day before her birthday.
-Our waitress at the Primetime was so sweet, she gave DD a birthday card and had EVERYONE sitting in our section of the restaurant sign it.
...

I PROMISE I'm not trying to be a jerk (sometimes I feel like you have to point that out here on the DIS ), but how was she recognized for her birthday if you didn't let her wear the birthday pin before her birthday and didn't have it on her pack until after? Did you note her birthday on all your ADRs?
Partially asking because IPO made a note of my kids birthdays on all of our ADRs, but I wanted each of them to have their own special meal where they were the focus. Gotta make those distinctions with birthdays so close togeher. Anyway, if that was the case with you, I may have to ask IPO to change that for us.

 

[DanMedix]

Back in '07, we attended MNSSHP. My DS, then 4, was deathly afraid of fireworks! Well, we come out of Stitch, and sure enough, HalloWishes is going on. He freaks out. We then split up, DD comes with me to the center of Tomorowland to see the fireworks, while DW remains in Star Traders with the freaking out DS.

When the show ends, DD and I walk back into Star Traders, to see my son, sitting on the floor with a CM (and I can't remember her name, but she was wonderful), playing the Stitch version of "Operation", both of them having lots of fun, and giggling to each other. DW later told me that the CM came up to him when DD and I left, wanting to cheer him up and distract him from the show. Of course, she was 200% successful.

My son then wanted to buy the game, which we did. He still plays it to this day. While we were at the register, my son was given a certificate for that particular "magical moment".

Of course, DS is 9 now, and can't wait to see all the fireworks shows, including HalloWishes (we'll be there this year for MNSSHP!). But this just goes to show you how a little effort, a lot of empathy, and a sprinkle of pixie dust can make even the saddest times happy again. This CM will always have my gratitude.

 

[starbox]

Our first big family trip staying on property was when my daughter was 4. On the last day of the trip, she got a headache (she's prone to headaches like her dad) and was so sad and droopy. She did not want to leave the park to go back to the resort to lie down so I gave her Advil and went to the first aid area to ask if there was a quiet place she could rest until the medicine took effect. The CM that checked us in asked DD who her favorite character was and she said Chip and Dale (I had no idea she liked them). They took us to a little curtained area in the back and DD fell asleep. About 40 minutes later, the CM poked her head through the curtain with Chip and Dale. I woke DD up and you should have seen her eyes. It was just SO much magic.

To this day, she loves Chip and Dale - and that moment sold us on Disney.

 

[glammadiva]

Last May I went to WDW with my daughter and her family. My daughter does not like to have pictures taken or ride the rides , so I go with my grandkids. I can only guess Pluto figured out what was going on and after our picture was taken he gave me a kiss!! That was my own personal pixie dust!!! Another time, my grandson dropped his ice cream at DTD, a maintenance crew member happened to see it happen and brought my grandson another ice cream. I just love WDW!!! In fact, WDW is the only place I can think of when its time to plan vacation.

 

[dalyes]

Since reading this thread and tearing up every 5 minutes, I thought I'd share my recent experience as my first post...

In November, my DH and I decided to take our kids to WDW in January as a side trip from visiting my parents who are snowbirds. We started to talk non-stot about our trip to our 2 year old. She, and we, were ridiculously excited. Two days from our departure my grandmother took gravely ill and I had to make the choice to cancel our trip. She passed on our departure day. I called and rescheduled that same day, which was really way too soon. I felt terrible for my DD and tremendously guilty that I couldn't give her what I had promised so I made the phone call. The CM I spoke to (Connor) was the most compassionate person ever. I rebooked for this April and fully expected to pay much more for the trip. Connor, saying he had experienced his own loss a few months before, said he would talk to his "Fairy Godmother" to get the best possible rate. After quite awhile he managed to get us the same unbelievable rate we had first booked for Jan. I was very appreciative.

Flash forward to later that night and I opened the email to find I had been charged a whole lot more. I called back the next morning and spoke to the rudest, nastiest person that you could ever imagine. I'm not even kidding. After an hour of him essentially calling me a liar and saying things like, "I can't give away great rates to everyone that calls up and said they were promised one!". I felt completely beat up. I actually cried to him and begged him to stop treating me the way he was...I would have paid more, not a problem and had actually planned on it. The phone call ended with him telling me he would call back several days later after he "investigated". Flash forward and he called back and told me the story was verified and he would issue me 40 dollars back via a gift card. By the end of the phone call, he gave me an 85. gift card but said it was because it was easier for that dept. to have a rounded number. In truth, it was what I was "out" from what Connor had orignally told me my rate would be.

I wrote a letter to CS and on Superbowl Sunday, was called back! I simply asked that they review the tapes of what happened because I felt the call was very un-Disney like. Tapes had already been reviewed. The CS agent said that gifts would be waiting for my Princess and Prince after we checked in. You guessed it, I bawled again. (Emotional week so I'll take some slack.)

Connor didn't have to work as hard as he did to help us, no one had to respond to my letter and they certainly didn't have to plan on sending things to my kids. But it certainly helped to me feel better about our upcoming trip than the sour experience from that one CM.

I grew up going to Disney almost every year...this is why I will keep bringing my family back too.

 

[earthfaries]

Lots of Cast Members go out of their ways to make our visits more special but one recently was very memorable.

We were at the Beach Club (we stayed there in Club Level for my birthday weekend) and my daughter asked a CM to trade pins with her. When she told him the one she liked and went to give him her pin he told her to keep it! Not only that but he also asked her what types of pins she likes and then pulled out his very own personal pin trading book and let her pick one of them out if it. She once again tried to offer him a pin in return but he told her to keep it for another trade. He said that was his special book for children and that he also brings pins from home to refill his lanyard when giving a pin away.

It was very special, it made my daughter very happy .

 

[hedge333]

We were in MK one morning after eating CRT dressed as princesses, my dds, dh, and I went to ride Dumbo and Winnie the Pooh. The CM outside of Winnie the Pooh stopped us and gave each of the girls the Just Married buttons. He said, "I know you're not getting married but princesses like you need a button to remind everyone of what a sweet princess you are." The girls were them proudly all morning.
Also, that morning at CRT my older shy daughter was embarrassed to talk to the princesses. Snow White said, "Don't worry about being shy, one of my best friends is very bashful." From then on she greeted each princess and each one said something really sweet and "personal" to her. She loved it. It was truly a magical day.

 

[heartse]

When DD was 3, we were in MK and went into the Tiki Room. Well, DD is a bit of a scaredy cat, so the angry Tikis and the storm scared her. She was crying when we came out of there. We ran into a CM who asked he what was wrong. She proceeded to tell him about the Tikis scaring her. He gave her some stickers and a free popcorn. She wasn't scared after that!

That same trip, going out of DHS pretty fast, and somehow or another she dropped the Kermit stuffed animal/magnet that we had JUST bought back by Muppets 3D. Well, the park was closing, and we were frantically looking for the missing Kermy to no avail. We weren't planning on going back to DHS that trip since we didn't have park hoppers. I spoke to a CM at the Emporium at MK but they don't sell Muppet stuff in MK, so there was no way of getting one without going to DHS. I filled out a couple forms and when we got home, low and behold a week or so later we got a package in the mail from Mickey! Apparently he had found the Kermit and sent him along.

The last one was last year for DDs 5th birthday. She had a birthday pin, and everywhere CMs were wishing her happy birthday. And as we were walking through the shops at Germany, the CM there saw the pin and let us know that Goofy had called looking for our daughter... we just needed to call him when we got there. When we called him back, Goofy wanted to sing Happy Birthday to DD. She still talks about that. Oh, and at the Biergarten, she had her birthday recognized by the Oompah band. DD LOVES the oompah band... this totally made her day!

 

[BearcatsFan]

Ours is small compared to most of these listed, but thought I would share anyway because it meant a lot to us.

DH and I stayed at POP last September. We were in the gift shop looking for lanyard. All the ones we could find were either styled for kids or "too pink" for DH. Finally he settled for the most manly one he could find - black with white skulls on it. He wasn't thrilled, but take what you can get, right?

Our first park day was MK. We were walking down Main Street past the Emporium. DH decided to go in and see if they had different lanyards than the ones we found at POP. They did, and he found one he liked better. A very nice CM walked over and started talking to us, asking us if we needed any help. DH explained he was buying a lanyard to replace the one he was wearing. The CM asked if anything was wrong with it, and DH laughed and told him no ... he just couldn't find any others that were appropriate for him at our hotel gift shop. The CM promptly took the lanyard from DH's hand, took the tag off, and said, "Well here then, let's just trade!" with a huge smile on his face!

We were stunned - we were totally prepared and willing to pay for another one. DH and I thanked him over and over again, and he just kept on smiling and saying it was no big deal, that he wanted us to be happy.