911. What is your emergency?

One of many firsts I had here at Disney.

A woman comes up to me and tells me that her daughter has sprained her ankle and would like first aid. In my first few weeks of training, I understood that there was a number I could call to have first aid come to me if necessary. I searched, but I could not find this number. I called my manager and he said that he would be over with a wheelchair so that the guests could make their way over to First Aid themselves. When I went up to the family to tell them of this news, I saw that the daughter was 6 or 7 and was sitting in a stroller. Obviously, a wheelchair was not needed in this situation.

I stopped my manager and told him that they need first aid to come to them. He answered with, "Call 911." Stunned I said, "Really? That's the number??" I don't know what my brain was telling me, but when I called 911 I thought I was calling Disney's independent first aid service. 

"911. What is your emergency?"
"We have a guest with a sprained ankle."
"Where is the emergency?"
"Space Mountain."
"Where is Space Mountain?"
"Tomorrowland ... " *I mean really?! You work for Disney and you don't know where Space Mountain is??*

Question after question, I did not know the answer. "How old? When did this happen? Where is she now?" It was just a sprained ankle and I was terribly confused why he needed to know how much blood there was! Like the dumb teenager I am sure he thinks I am, I said "Is this legit 911?!"

When he told me that it was, my hands started to sweat.  My heart started to race.  I became so hot.  I didn't mean to call 911.  I just need first aid!!!  Nervously, I apologized and explained that I thought this was a Disney service.  He understood and said that he calls the Disney team to come to me.

With that done, I returned to the family and waited for the medics.  Once they arrived, they begin to check her ankle and we created a barrier so that their work was not disturbed.  As soon as the medic starts to touch the girls ankle, she becomes livid.  She is absolutely terrified and does not want anyone near her.  My manager looks and me and tells me to go back inside and get her a stuffed animal to take home.

Best job ever!  I run inside and grab the one stuffed animal we have in Space Mountain.  Disney has an online game called Club Penguin and their sidekicks (I guess) are Puffles - blobs of fur in assorted colors and emotions.  I could tell from her wardrobe that her favorite color was pink, so I grabbed the pink Puffle with a smile on its face.  I ran back outside excited to give her a new playmate.

I got down on my knees and said, "Mickey told me to give you this!  He says, 'Whenever you feel sad, give him a big hug and know that I love you!'"  She was stunned and said, "I get to keep it?"  She look genuinely grateful.

I don't know where she is now, or if her ankle is better.  But I do know that Mickey and that Puffle are making her smile.


Flying with Pixie Dust,
Snow White

I know... I know

I know I have not been as faithful to this blog as I said I would, but ...

Doc applied for his Masters ... again
Happy won the lottery
Bashful has a new crush
Sneezy has the flu
Sleepy wont get out of bed
Dopey swallowed too many bubbles
and Grumpy is just ... grumpy

So basically: a lot of new things are going on around the cottage.  Luckily for you, I do have some stories that I've been saving up.


Hall of Fame:
One of the best things about working with Photo Pass Pictures is to see the creativity some guests have when that camera flashes.  If you don't already know, Photo Pass is a digital download card that you can buy to take the photo taken during the ride home.  The two rides we have in Tomorrowland that involve Photo Pass are Space Mountain and Buzz Space Ranger.  The best Space Mountain picture I've heard about was a school marching band doing Thriller when the pictures are all aligned.  While I've been at Disney, I've seen people shaving with shaving cream on their legs, face, and underarms (think of how messy that trip to space was!), someone brushing their teeth, and enough shirtless men to make me gag.  In Buzz, my favorites have been Zombie Man and The Bear.  Zombie Man is pretty self-explanatory, but The Bear was this large teenager whose mouth looks like he is about to eat the camera!  I don't know why we don't have a Hall of Fame/Shame wall backstage full of these priceless memories!!


Maddie and Macy:
Everyday you get the cute kids that are so excited to buy the picture of their very first roller coaster ride. *In my opinion, Space Mountain is NOT the best place to start for a trial run*  These two girls, were so cute and they could not stop talking about how much fun they had!  While I printed their photos I asked them their names and got to know them.  I looked at their parents and Maddie said, "They're too old to know their names!"  I thought that was the funniest thing!  I gave them their pictures On the Mouse and told them to "have a magical day!"  Before they walked out the door, Maddie ran back and gave me a hug!  I'll never forget her!


How to Raise a Child:
I was helping print a guest's photo out at Buzz.  While I was doing so, his daughter came up to him and asked him a question.  After he answered, he handed her something and said, "Go give this to your brother."  Without pause, she answered, "Yes, sir," and calmly walked away.  In awe of the respect she had for her father, I said to him, "Your daughter is very polite!"  I died after he said, "If I was your father, you would be polite too!"


It's the small stories that make up the Fairy Tales,
Snow White

"Wishes"

The magic behind such a touching story

**If you have a box of tissues close, I would suggest grabbing a few now**

Every night, Disney World's Magic Kingdom puts on a spectacular fireworks presentation called "Wishes."  Behind every Disney tale is a dream: Snow White is looking for her prince, Cinderella longs for life without rags, Ariel wishes to see the world beyond the sea, Pinocchio longs to be a real boy, etc.  Disney wants everyone to believe in their dreams no matter how small.  Dreams conquer over all.  "Dreams come true!"

One night as I was watching the fireworks, thinking of all the dreams I have and wishing for them to come true, one of my fellow Cast Members told me how "Wishes" came to be:

There was a young girl whose dream was to be a recording artist.  This little princess was diagnosed with leukemia and had only a few months to live.  When the Make a Wish Foundation heard of this, they partnered with Disney, who was in the process of creating a new light show.  The plan was to kick off Disney's first "Wishes" presentation with this lovely song sung by a young girl wishing for her voice to be heard among hundreds.  Just days before this song was to premiere, unfortunately, she passed.  Now, every night, her voice rings out throughout all of Magic Kingdom so that millions can hear her.

This same Cast Member also said that one night she stood beside a man who cried the whole show.  When she mentioned how "Wishes" always made her cry too, he replied, "It is even harder when that is your daughter."

I can feel this little girl's spirit with me every night.  I get chills; I cry; I know she is watching the fireworks with us.  Her legacy will live on, just as Walt's will.  She is an inspiration.

Embrace her spirit,
Snow White

Changing One Life

That's what Disney is about

"Wishes" begins.  The stores are closing.  My day is almost over and in runs this woman with her child in a stroller.  The doors are partly closed; however, she makes her way in and how am I to tell her that she is not allowed in.

She tells me that her son has a condition where the fireworks would send him into a panic if he were to hear the blast.  Of course, I let them stay.  We begin to talk about their day and she is glowing with happiness.  "Today has been the best day of my life!  The Cast Members have been so sweet to us and have blessed us with so many things."  Before I got to even ask what she meant, she told me that earlier this week, she went to the doctor and got some not-so-good news about her health and is beginning to worry about her future and the care for her son.  One of her friends had given her a free pass to the park and she figured today was the only free day to use it. 

Before she even got on the tram to arrive in the park, she was already sick and exhausted.  She contemplated turning right around and going home.  Instead, she toughened up and stuck it out for her son.  Once in the park, she felt faint and started to shake.  As fast as she could, she walked into the bakery hoping to find sustenance.  After being told that they did not sell anything to help her, the manager came out from the kitchen and handed her a loaf of bread and said, "I hope this helps."  Blessed by such a wonderful gift, she took her son to the candy shop hoping to find something cheap but exciting for him.  They walked out of that store with a 5 pound bag of jelly beans at no cost.  After 4 hours of endless fun, she began to feel weak and saw that her son was asleep in the stroller.  She arrived at First Aid asking for a chair and ice so that she could rest.  Not only was she given bags and bags of ice, but also a private room and a bed.  She was able to take a quick nap to rejuvenate herself in order to give her son the time of his life!  She was even given a front row seat (big enough for a family of four to lay across) for the Electrical Parade.

I wanted to cry.  It took every ounce of my power not to cry in front of her.  The last thing she needed right now was my pity; all she needed was a friend.  "Wishes" already makes me cry, and her story was playing to the tune of "Wishes".  I can only hope we fulfilled her wish that day.

This woman went from thinking she could only last a couple of minutes, to being there for 12 hours, just because of the generosity from the kindest of Cast Members.  We brightened that woman's day; we might have even given that little boy the best last day with his mother.  God only knows, but I am so thankful to be a part of such a wonderful family that reaches out to every person that needs a hand.


Lending a helping hand,
Snow White

To Create the Greatest Magic...

You must hold the pixie dust close to your heart.

Every guest is different.  Here at Disney they have a phrase, VIP: Very Individual Person.  It could be a guest's first visit, or it could be their last.  No matter the age, or the type, every person should be treated with the utmost respect.  I want to give them the best experience with me, so they can have the best experience at the park. 

Monday, I was out working our Pin Cart.  It was hot; I was sweaty; I was ready to go home.  A little girl comes up to me wearing a Make a Wish button.  As with any other guest, I cheerfully say, "Hi!" and take her pins to be rung up.  She then says, "Wow! You are so nice!"  I am surprised by her compliment as I only said "Hi."  I asked her what she meant and she began to tell me how all other cast members had been snappy to her and, basically, did not treat her like a person.  This girl, or maybe someone close in her family, is terminally ill and is possibly seeing one of their last days on earth.  And she thinks that I am the only one that was nice to her by just saying hello?!

I will never forget that girl.  I will always feel pride for being set apart.  This shows me that only one word can change a person's entire day.  My attitude will be remembered.  And as of right now, I want to be remembered as the only cast member who was nice to a guest, a Very Individual Person.

If I have not said it enough, I absolutely love this job.  Everyday after March 1st, I prayed to God hoping that I would love this job as much as I thought I would.  God has answered this prayer times a million.  I meet new people new everyday.  I work hard to give everyone an experience to be remembered.  I create magic for the little girls needing time away from a hospital bed.  It is the guests that make the magic for me.


Smiling on the wishing star,
Snow White

The Magic in the Moment

What a crazy few days it has been!  I feel like I haven't stopped running since I moved in.  The days are long, but very rewarding.  As of Wednesday, I am name tag official!  It is such an honor to be apart of such a wonderful Disney Family.  I have met so many great leaders and comrades; we all work together so fluidly to perform the best show.

Thursday was my first training day.  I learned of the many sides to Disney and came across many learning opportunities.  My trainer, Layla, was such a joy.  We laughed all day and I am so happy to have met her.  This was the day I was to receive my costume and walk through Tomorrowland to begin to familiarize myself with the merchandise.  My costume consists of a simple space cadet-like button up shirt and black shorts.  I am lucky to have this costume when compared to other hostesses with long skirts and long sleeved blouses.  With this costume, I should stay cooler, longer.  The best parts of the day were when I would run into a princess.  Layla could immediately tell when there was a princess in the room from my quick lack of attention.  She said one time after passing Belle, "You are turning bright red!"  Although a young adult, this is the magic of Disney - turning the adult into the young child again.  Every time I see a character, I am awestruck.

Friday was such a blast!  I decided to venture away from the apartment and explore for myself.  Learning the job is learning your surroundings, so, of course, I studied in Hollywood Studios.  Although not my park, it is helpful to be knowledgeable of the surrounding parks in case a Guest is curious of other opportunities.  I studied at The Little Mermaid Live Show, Animation Studios, One Man's Dream, Honey I Shrunk the Kids, Fantasmic, and Rockin' Roller Coaster .... 3 times!  Little Mermaid was glorious!  The black light was brilliant and the puppeteers were so fluid with their fish.  Ariel had a wonderful and soothing voice that melted my heart.  Next time, I hope to see Indiana Jones and Beauty and the Beast; I also hope to study hard like this again, soon!

Today, was the first hands on day for the newest Merchandising team.  We were able to work with the cash registers and learn the Disney way to count.  This was much fun as I thought back to my childhood when I would go to The Children's Museum only to play with the cash register.

I see my days getting busier, but I am happy to put together such a wonderful show for our Guests.  One day, I was inside the Magic Kingdom when the doors were first opened and the magic rang of such glory.  As my body went numb from excitement and tears started flowing down my cheeks, I realized this is where I belong.  I belong in a place of magic and service.  The faces of kids from ages 1-100 make our job worth it.


Living the Dream,
Snow White

Do These Slippers Come With Insoles?

Whistle While I Work....

Phew!  What an exhausting day!  There was no whistling here.  My 15 hour day included ID checks, background checks, fingerprinting, parking permits, and the ever popular, unpacking.  On the bus, we played Disney Trivia.  I just happened to know who Annette Funicello was and her important role to the Mickey Mouse Club.  (Thank you Full House for her guest appearance!)

However, the most magical part of the day was the job assignments!  This was the most anticipated stop of the day.  So, the moment we have all been waiting for, my job is ... (cue the royal horns) Merchandise in Magic Kindgom's Tomorrowland.  Once she told me, I had to ask what that meant.  Tomorrowland is the futuristic park full of Buzz Lightyear, Stitch, Monster's Inc. and Space Mountain.  We believe that I will be in one of the gift shops at the end of an attraction.  Those are the shops where children run around wanting everything and parents groan because of Disney's clever placement of irresistible merchandise.

Although it is not Princess Galore, it will be an experience!  Training is on Thursday, followed by a complete tour of the park on Friday.  We shall see where the magic takes me.


Cinderella, can your Mice rub my feet?
Snow White