Thank You DIS Team

[jonopruitt]

** DISCLAMER: I am not getting paid, compensated, or gifts for this thread. This is just a personal thank you note I wanted to share with the DIS Board family. **

Almost a year ago in May 2013 I lost my job thanks to a reduction in defense contract jobs by the government. The project I was on was one of the contracts that had to make cuts. The project was overstaffed and I was laid off because I was on the project for the least amount of time. I’m an information technology professional and the area we live doesn’t have many options in this field. I finally found a job the week before Christmas in 2013. One of the things my wife and myself love doing is planning for our next Walt Disney World trip (even when we aren’t coming anytime soon). During my time off I ran across Dreams Unlimited Travel. I had one of their representatives price us a trip to celebrate when I got a new job. The person that priced my trip was very knowledgeable and nice. She understood why I couldn’t book the trip right then and I will book a future trip with Dreams Unlimited Travel.

While I was on the Dreams Unlimited Travel website I also came across the DIS Podcast that I hadn’t heard of until then. I watched the podcast and immediately became a huge fan. From that day forward the seven months I was laid off I looked forward to Tuesdays. As you can imagine there were times I was really down and wondering what the future held. Watching the DIS team talk about something we all love and great insights was a bright spot for me during this time. Due to our jobs we can’t watch the DIS Podcast live but do continue to watch the show when we get home. The videos and pictures the team takes are breathtaking and great quality.

I want to thank my DIS friends for helping and being there during this difficult time. Even if anyone thinks this is silly or something small, it means a great deal to me. My wife and myself will be in Walt Disney World May 19th – May 25th. We would love to meet the DIS team to thank them in person and take some pictures. I’m a huge Star Wars fan so we will be taking that special event in while we are there. We also plan on heading over to Magic Kingdom after Star Wars Weekends Friday night to take advantage of the 24 hour opening. Thank you again and keep up the great work.

 

[Aliceacc]

What a wonderful story!!!

And I can certainly share your sentiments.

Yes, I'm another Dreams Unlimited fan-- Tracey H. is fabulous!!!

And 6 years ago, when I was facing a mastectomy, the DIS became my middle of the night lifeline when I couldn't sleep. (The choices were researching breast cancer or hitting the DIS... you can only watch so many episodes of Three's Company on Nick at Night before you run from the room screaming.)

I admit to never having seen any of the podcasts, but this site was a Godsend. (And, for what it's worth, there's a Breast Cancer thread here on the Dis that had absolutely the best information I've ever seen anywhere!!! The people on that thread are so incredibly kind and compassionate!!)

I reseached the life out of our Summer, 2008 trip. Not so much because I needed the best vacation ever, but because the information was here. And having a trip to look forward to was absolutely vital to my mental health. I know it sounds silly, but planning that trip (and the one in 2009, planned during reconstruction and radiation) really helped me though the most difficult time in my life.

So, while my story is different from yours, I share your sentiments.

 

[jonopruitt]

Thank you for your story. I'm sure there are more out there. You are a true inspiration. I hope things are going better for you now. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.

 

[Aliceacc]

Things are great, thanks. I'm healthy as a horse.

And I'm glad to hear that things turned around for you as well.

 

[Auntie L.]

I totally agree that the podcast team does a fantastic job by bringing the magic to us at home - especially during tough times. I've been doing "elder care duty" for some time now and haven't been able to get to WDW for 3 years. The team (as well as other Disboards staff like Nikki and Leah) have brought the parks to me. What they do, by being so fun, informative - and irreverent :-D!- has helped me SO much. I will be eternally grateful!

 

[jonopruitt]

I think it is great you work with the elderly. I’m sure that is hard work and yet rewarding at the same time. It takes a special heart to help others. I’m sure this is a field you don’t hear this very often but thank you for all you do.