While the 50th anniversary of Disneyland continues around the world, the magic of the cast members continues, as well. Although recently there has been much concern over hourly rates, overtime, understaffing and “Presenteeism,” the stories here should help make the outlook slightly less bleak. Whether it is the Fantasyland CM who helped a little girl buy the dress of her dreams, the bus driver who shared a laugh with a guest or a one-of-a-kind interaction with a character, there’s magic to be found on both coasts.
WDW Guest Jay’s Story
While eating breakfast at The Grand Floridian at Walt Disney World (WDW) years ago, we had an awesome cast member (CM) providing table service. He was witty, funny, and obviously a Disney Geek. Considering my family all has at least some Disney-geekiness (with me being an Super Disney Geek), we were really having a good breakfast. When he realized we were all Disney buffs, we really got into it with trivia, jokes, etc. And this was on top of excellent food service. I recall his name was David.
And then it happened… a father at the next table tore into him with a tirade. He was not happy with the service, and decided that yelling at this CM would make it better. Maybe it was because we seemed to be having more fun than his family, or maybe it was the speed of service; the latter I doubt. We are a very picky family when it comes to service, and we were more than happy.
The CM came to our table obviously shaken, so we turned the magic around. We started cheering “David’s back! Woohoo!.” I loudly proclaimed “Dude, somebody in this restaurant isn’t having a “Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah” day today.”
The stress visibly melted from the CM’s face, and it was back to normal. My father, a senior executive of a large food services company, went out of his way to find the supervisor to compliment him on having people like David working the restaurant.
We really wanted to make sure that this fantastic CM wasn’t punished because some rude-nik decided he would complain (which is his right) at the top of his voice (which wasn’t right).
WDW Guest Jeff’s Story
In January We were visiting WDW and happened to be in the Magic Kingdom (MK). My 4-year-old son is a huge fan of trains, especially the Disney railroad. My son was very patient, we were visiting all of the princesses for my two daughters and we finally had an opportunity to ride the train. Of course my son insisted on riding in the first car next to the locomotive.
We stopped in Tomorrowland and were getting off of the train when the engineer Bruno, was standing outside of the locomotive. In the hustle and bustle of getting off of the train we gathered our four children, stroller, etc. and were exiting, I looked back to get my 4-year-old son and he was back by the engine having a visit with Bruno asking him all kinds of questions. My son had no autographs in his book, he asked Bruno to sign it, Bruno did so. That was the only autograph my son wanted. Bruno not only made my son’s day but he reminded me of why I love the Disney parks so much. Pure magic!
WDW Guest Susan’s Story.
On our trip to WDW last year, our daughter was 4 years old and accustomed to her mommy and daddy calling her “princess.” On the morning of the Cinderella’s Royal Table breakfast, we arrived early in the morning. At the first gate, the CM informed our little princess (who was wearing her gown) that the castle had been readied for her arrival and that everyone was working real hard to make her day a special one. Immediately upon entering the gate, another CM came over to her and tipped his hat and bowed greeting her as “her highness.” When the third CM came over about two minutes later and asked her for her autograph, our daughter looked up at us with her big blue eyes and said “Wow! I really am a princess—I have to start wearing this ball gown more often.”
WDW Guest Kristi’s Story
I always wonder when we are at Disney (either World or Land) if the magic just follows my daughter around or if everybody is as lucky as she seems to be in experiencing the Disney magic. One of her more special stories was last year at WDW at the Magic Kingdom.
I had managed to get an early morning Cinderella’s Royal Table Priority Seating for us on our third day at the parks. She had seen other little girls wearing their princess dresses to the breakfast before and had really wanted to get a Snow White costume and live in the princess world (at least for breakfast). I had put her off for a couple of days and told her we would stop on the way in the park and pick one up right before our breakfast. However, one small detail I had not thought about was that even though they were serving breakfast at the Castle, the park and other stores were not open yet.
As we walked up Main Street and I saw the stores still closed, I whispered to my husband “uh-oh.” We made it to the castle and checked in and the realization hit my daughter (5 at the time) and she asked if the store was open. I told her it didn’t look like it yet and maybe we could wait downstairs until it did. Of course, she didn’t want to miss out on any princesses coming by the table and their autographs. The two of us stood by the red velvet rope blocking entrance to Fantasyland and the Princess shop waiting and hoping it would open soon. As we stood there a tour group came up and the CM unhooked the rope to let them through. My daughter did not quite understand why they got to go and not her, so she asked the CM to let us through also so she could buy her Snow White dress for the breakfast.
He told her that he couldn’t do that since the park was not officially open yet.
“Sorry,” he said.
We continued to wait and I hoped the Castle would be running behind in seating us. When all of a sudden, out of the Princess shop, comes a CM walking toward us. She asked if we were waiting to buy a Snow White dress and my daughter nodded her head yes. The lovely CM unhooked the rope and led us into the store to purchase the dress and all of the required accessories.
After changing and heading back to the Castle, the CMs at the check-in for breakfast added some special fairy dust to sprinkle over her for the day. What special people at a special place. I am not sure if my daughter remembers it or not, but I will always remember the look on her face when they let the rope down for just us and it was just the two of us in the store. Magical.
WDW Guest Michelle’s Story.
On May 15, 2004, my family of five left on a trip to WDW with my parents. This was their anniversary and they wanted to share it with the family. My mom suffers from lupus. Again, this is a disease that is not visible and is very taxing on someone when they exert themselves too much. She made a valiant attempt to keep up with everyone the first two days of our trip. She finally gave in to a wheelchair on Wednesday, our third day at WDW, but our first at MK, she was very embarrassed at first being pushed down Main Street.
Well… we make our way through the park, passing the Country Bear Hall and here comes a parade complete with the Bears. One of the CM square dancers grabs my daughter and takes her off to dance and Liverlips comes over and grabs my mom (still in the wheelchair) and starts dancing with her. The smile on her face will always be a memory and she felt more comfortable with the situation after that. He made her feel like everyone else out there dancing. I have a picture of the event and always smile when thinking of it. When at the Disney Studios, my son got picked to be a Jedi in training—he got to fight Darth Maul. What a treat!
At Animal Kingdom (AK), my two daughters got to be in the Lion King show and my husband, too!
Everyone was so great and our trip a special memory as we have never had a trip where the whole family participated in parades and shows like that. My parents had a great time and got to experience all the rides. This was their first trip to WDW and we made sure they did it all.
WDW Guest Nat’s Story
I enjoy very much reading the Guest Experience column at MousePlanet and thought I would share a story, even though it’s nothing big.
Last year I went to WDW and my dad and I were taking a bus from Magic Kingdom to the Studios. It was pouring with rain and we and the others in the bus queue were soaked by the time we boarded the bus. The driver, I don’t remember his name, made it a really enjoyable journey with jokes (he asked a couple where they were from and they replied ‘New Jersey’ and he said ‘I’m sorry?’ so they repeated themselves and he said ‘I heard you, I’m just sorry you’re from New Jersey’) and a rousing rendition of “Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah” and “Take Me Out to the Ball Game.”
The journey went by so quickly and when we got off the bus it had stopped raining.
It’s little things like this that make me want to return to WDW each year.
WDW Guest Sam’s Story
I had just arrive at WDW. I got on the bus at the All-Star Movies Resort when I noticed that when the driver was turning out from the bus stop and it was pretty close to the rear-end of the bus in front of him.
Not too much for errors. he says, “Do you think I’m going to make it?”
I said, “Yes, just as good as I am. I’m a bus driver, too.”
He said I should apply for job there. I said “Can I play the bus driver?”
He kept a straight face and just smiled. The other passenger were laughing out loud. Then he said when I retire from San Diego I should apply for job.
I said OK. I did not get his name, but it made my day—and his!
WDW Guest Tom’s Story
In November 2004, my family visited WDW for the first time. My 4-year-old son is autistic and we were very impressed and grateful for the accommodations the park made for him. My son had developed a sort of crush on Snow White and literally had memorized her movie, so of course we had to visit the princesses while we were there.
As luck would have it, Snow White was one of the princesses greeting guests that day. Our son walked up to her slowly with an expression of pure awe. He hesitantly reached out his hands and brushed the satin of her skirt and simply looked up at her as if to try to make sure she really was in front of him.
Snow White smiled down at him and asked him his name. In a rare moment, my son understood the question and shouted out his name to her. He then grabbed her hands and started to dance with her while singing the “Yodel Song” the dwarfs sing while dancing with her in the movie. Snow White did not miss a beat and joined him in the dance. She then bowed to him and thanked him. My son next tilted his head down and offered her the top of his head as Dopey does when wanting Snow White to give him a kiss. Again, Snow White did not miss a beat and bent over his head—only instead of putting her lips on his head (and for health reasons I cannot blame her) she lightly pressed the tips of her index and middle fingers on his head.
The tactile effect was that of a kiss for him and he absolutely beamed as he looked up at her and hugged her before saying “Bye, H’now White!” as his mother and I fought back tears. Snow White, of course, waved regally to him as we left the room. As we walked out of the building, my son was jumping up and down telling us “I taw H’now White!” several times. I think this will be one of the happiest memories for him and for us. It truly was an instance of the fabled Disney magic!
WDW Guest Greg’s Story
One of my favorite WDW moments was on a trip with my cousins in the late 1990s. I was maybe 12 or 13 at the time and was the oldest of my cousins as we ate dinner at a character restaurant. Belle came along, to the excitement of my younger cousins. As I thought I was too cool for an autograph, knowing that it was an actress, I was the only child that didn’t ask for one. Belle then offered me directly, and I told her that it was all right and I didn’t need one.
She then proceeded to offer me a special autograph and—to my shock and my family’s laughter—she then gave me a big kiss on my cheek before leaving our table. In my embarrassment I went to the restroom mirror to see the bright red lipstick stain on my cheek. After working extremely hard to try to scrub it off, I went back to my table with a face as red as the lipstick. For the rest of the evening I blushed every time I saw Belle, and my family joked about it for the rest of the trip and then some.
It was definitely the best memory of that vacation, something so quick and so small, but the CM had made me feel so special. To this day, Belle is one of my favorite characters, only behind Goofy who put his mouth around my head when I was even younger. These great memories stick with me, and I thank all the character actors who are so great at making people, especially children feel happy and special.
DL/WDW Guest and CM Parent Les’ Story
I am not a cast member, but do feel a connection to those special people. I am a Canadian living in northern Alberta in western Canada, which is a long way from Disneyland or Walt Disney World. My family has had a number of special experiences with Disney—most of which can be credited to extra efforts (magic) on the part of cast members.
My daughter was one of very few Canadians to work in Innoventions as part of the student programs. My son’s day at California Adventure was saved by a “No Questions Asked” card to replace a lost hat. I’ve seen how lost tickets are handled at both “Land” and “World” and that trust buys bushels. I recently brought my own “cast members ” (57 people) and their families to Disneyland to let them experience quality customer service.
I felt that in spite of just being a recycling company, our customers deserved the special feelings that come from being treated well. We have been to the parks many times since our first trip in 1998 and we just keep coming. This year alone we’ve managed four trips to our beloved Disneyland. All of you need to understand that in spite of the unbelievers, whom I would gladly keep out of the park, there are those of us who understand what Walt was trying to accomplish. I always look forward to my next Disney fix and commend all of you for your efforts. Your professionalism, patience and ingenuity have made each of our trips exceptional. Don’t let the few ruin it for the many. Many, many thanks!
DLR Guest Julia’s Story
Here is a story for you. I am a huge Disney fan. So in 2003 we took our little girls, Angelina, 3, and Jacquelina, almost 1, to Disneyland for the first time. We went all around the park the and little girls got to see a lot of things. Angie was very excited but what she still talks about to this day, is that she got to sit in Belle’s lap while Belle autographed her book. Angie was trilled and loves to look at the pictures we took of them together. Angelina was Belle this year for Halloween so she could wear a beautiful dress like her friend Belle.
I just wanted to say how something so small can make a little girl’s day. I’m truly grateful for that “Belle” for that wonderful memory.
DLR Guest Dennis’ Story
We were visiting Disneyland about the same time we were asked to send a picture of the two of us to a relative who was compiling a family history. As we walked in we saw Mickey by the Opera House standing alone. What would be better than sending a picture of us with Mickey? Mickey waved as we walked up and I gave our camera to Mickey’s “handler.” Suddenly, at least 15 Japanese tourists ran up and surrounded Mickey. We waited for a few seconds retrieved our camera and turned to leave because one: he’s there for kids and tourists, not a couple of old Annual Passholders; and two, we felt kind of silly asking for a picture now when he’s busy. We only went a few steps when I felt a tap on my shoulder. It was Mickey—he “asked” for us to return. He cleared a path and took our camera gave it to his aide and we posed. That made us feel special that he did that for us.
DLR Guest Dave’s Story
Hi Shoshana, I noticed that you had an article that MousePlanet users had sent you reports on some great CM interaction. Here is a report on “Percy” from our last visit. I would like to report a fantastic CM that we had the pleasure of meeting during our visit to DLR on our Spring Break vacation. (March 29 ? April 3, 2005)
Now, not to slight any of the other CMs at the park, we think they’re all fantastic, having to put up with “guests” everyday is not an easy task. We always try to include them in our conversations and be a pleasant as possible. Our family of Dad, Mom, 9-year-old son and 7-year-old daughter had spent the previous four days enjoying the park and all of its attractions.
On the Friday before we left we wandered through Innoventions for the third time, I think just trying to get a different opening scene. Our kids just love Stitch so at the display on the second floor they noticed that he sometimes pays a visit there. We didn’t see any signs as to what times he arriving so we just explained that we didn’t know when he would be around.
A CM named Percy, whom we had been chatting with earlier, overheard us and motioned to my wife that he had something to pass on to her. Out of ear shot of the children he explained “the little blue fellow” would be appearing on Saturday at 1 p.m. We explained that we were leaving the park at 2:30 p.m. to catch our 6 p.m. flight home and we were worried that we might miss him. Percy assured us that if we were in line by approximately 12:30 p.m. we’d be the first ones in to see Stitch. As we were leaving the building I ventured over to Percy to offer my thanks. He said no problem that he was glad to help.
As I started walking away I heard the distinctive voice of that little blue six-legged fellow say “You’re Welcome” but when I turned around, there was no Stitch, just Percy wearing the same smile. “Stitch” must have disappeared into the ceiling tiles I guess.
The next afternoon we had a wonderful time with the interactive Stitch character, and it appeared to both my wife and me that “Stitch” seemed a little bit more personable. Thanks, Percy!
DLR Guest Pam’s Story
I just found your site and I am enjoying all the special stories so much. I’m not sure if they all get printed, but will share mine anyway. It’s been a few years ago (about 12, maybe) but, my sister, a very close friend, and I took a quick weekend trip to Disneyland. We had a fabulous time and packed in so much during that three-day fun time. We took so many pictures during the weekend and on one occasion, we were walking near the castle and three young nice-looking street sweepers were walking facing us. On the spur of the moment we decided to ask for a picture with them! They were so obliging and sweet! We asked someone to take the picture and we stood with one in between each of us. We were beaming. We were not young chicks, but in our 40s and 50s and having a ball. It certainly pleased us that they didn’t act the least embarrassed and like it was something they did all day long!
It became one of my favorites because you see, my close friend died the next year of an aneurysm in her brain. We were planning another trip in June of the next year, but didn’t make it back. She was quite a fan of Disneyland and many of the characters. One of her favorite movies was “The Lion King.” At her memorial we released balloons to the song “Circle of Life.” But one of my most favorite memories is of three young male CMs who made our short visit that weekend just a little more fun
DLR Guest Deanna’s Story
My aunt Debbie was born the same year as Disneyland. All of us are big Disney fans, so we thought it would be neat to celebrate her 50th with a trip to Disneyland for its 50th. I am an adult with kids of my own and my aunt has a 7-year-old daughter, Rebecca, as well. My boys—Gregory, 12, and William, 6—are Disney pros, there’s not a ride they won’t go on. But Rebecca is very cautious, very skittish and very susceptible to the sounds of the ambiance music.
Standing in front of the Haunted Mansion on Oct. 29 at about 8 p.m. Rebecca wanted out. She was not going on that scary ride. When a female CM heard Debbie and Rebecca say they were going to back out of the ride she talked with Rebecca for several minutes telling her all kinds of fun facts about the ride. Then she asked Rebecca if she would like it if she rode with her? We were stunned—a CM riding with a scared little girl to show her it’s OK—wow! So she cleared it with her supervisor and off we went.
We got a private elevator ride so the CM could use a flashlight when the lights went out so Rebecca would not be so scared. Then she took William and Rebecca in a “black sleigh” and off they went. This CM was the epitome of what a CM should be and do. Unfortunately they usually can’t because of time and guest volume. It really made our whole trip. Having one CM treat you like you are someone special can do wonders for the whole family.
DLR Guest Richard’s Story
I just wanted to send you this story of some excellent cast member service that made the Candlelight Procession even more special for us.
It was time for us to head back and wait for the Candlelight procession. My wife and one daughter stopped at Main Street to get some popcorn while I went ahead and met the rest of our group who were already waiting. The spot that we had was fantastic. We were right behind the seats and rope on the righthand side. My daughter had decided to wear her Snow White dress and the CMs kept making comments about knowing who she was and saying hi. Two of the CMs were Christopher and Andrea, who were working crowd control.
As the time for the procession to begin was coming closer and closer our space was getting smaller and smaller. Even though my daughter was right at the ropes, her view was being blocked by a lady that came in that had a large purse. So, just before it began we slipped my daughter under the ropes and it was then that she informed us that she had to go potty. We told her she had to hold it since there was no way to get through the crowds. A few minutes latter Andrea came over and asked my daughter if she wanted to sit with her to watch the show. About halfway through, my wife tells me that her back is hurting, so I asked Christopher if she could sit in one of the empty seats and he allowed her to. It was a fantastic performance.
DLR Guest Hayley’s Story
I just wanted to drop in and say “thank you” to two very special cast members that we had the pleasure to meet during our stay at Disneyland resort. We met Casey and Jamal while waiting to get pictures with Winnie the Pooh and friends at the character greeting area in Critter Country. They kept us entertained during the wait by playing some fun and entertaining games with us (Mexican horse racing) and by telling us riddles and jokes. They helped to pass the time and were the highlight of our day. we had a great time and a lot of laughs, we spent the rest of the trip quoting some of the things they had said. They were very friendly and deserve to be recognized. Thank you so much for the fun times, it was certainly a highlight of our trip, the first time any cast member has ever been so friendly during one of our stays at the DLR.
DLR Guest Kisroo’s Story
I thought this was a great story of a DLR cast member making a little bit of magic happen.
It happened while I was staying at the Grand Californian Hotel (GCH) concierge level with my mom and 7-year-old niece. On our first night, I took my niece down to check out a DVD from the concierge desk. Being practically obsessed with Alice in Wonderland since reading the book with her mom, she checked out that movie of course. It was, however, our first night at the resort and the poor girl had been going non-stop since 5:30 a.m. with only a short nap. Needless to say, she didn’t finish watching Alice.
The next morning, we went to return it and a very cheerful CM Becky told us we could keep it another night. I said we’d just pick it back up from the desk since we were on our way to the park. When we returned later that day, Becky was still working the desk and we rechecked out Alice.
The next evening, we were getting ready to head down to relax in the hot tub and there was a knock on the door. When my sweet niece opened the door, it was Becky. She was holding an 8-by-11 envelope and a balloon bouquet. Becky leaned down and explained to my still-amazed niece that she had shared with Alice how much my niece liked her movie. Becky went on to explain that Alice was delighted that a little girl liked her movie so much and wanted to send a little special something to such a special girl. I watched in amazement as my niece opened the envelope to see a black and white photo of Alice and the White Rabbit with both of their signatures! There was also a color “map” of Wonderland! My niece was speechless.
Becky quietly left after I showered her with thanks. Once my niece recovered from the magical moment, she sat her little self down (swimsuit and all) and wrote a heartfelt thank you note to Alice for the picture. We stopped by the concierge lounge on our way to the pool to give the thank-you letter to Becky. There Becky was, creating even more magic for other children. She stopped and leaned down to accept the letter from my niece and assured her that she would deliver it directly to Alice herself.
In addition to letting her know how much that little bit of extra magic meant to a little girl (and her Auntie and Gramma), I plan on writing a note of appreciation to GCH guest services. But I also thought it would be a nice story to share with MousePlanet.
To me, it was just one more indication that Walt’s magic and dedication to making Disneyland a special place for children of all ages is alive and well.
Thank you for letting me share my story. It touched my heart and helped my family create a wonderful memory.
