Walt Disney World- Unexpected Magic Part 1

Anyone who has been a guest at any Disney property knows that the Cast Members go out of their way to make everyone’s visit as magical as possible. In all kinds of weather, 365 days a year, tens of thousands of hard-working individuals sprinkle pixie dust on park guests. Many of my most vivid memories of Disney vacation experiences have come from completely unexpected – and pixie dusted – experiences. 

Mayoral Encounter
On an October 2009 trip with my husband, the weather was unseasonably and unbearably HOT. We were sweaty and grumpy when we walked up to The Plaza restaurant on Main Street U.S.A. in the Magic Kingdom for our lunch reservation. In serious need of air conditioning and water, we ordered quickly and then, as we were enjoying our lunches, in walks Mayor Weaver. He introduced himself and then acknowledged one of the Cast Members, who had been working at The Plaza for more than 15 years. After a generous round of applause, Mayor Weaver began asking questions of the assembled guests.

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“Is anyone here on vacation?” Every hand in the place goes up, naturally.
                 
“Is anyone here visiting from the East Coast?” About 20 hands in the air.

“Is anyone here visiting from New Jersey?” Only about two hands in the air now – mine and my husband’s.

“Where is the Farrell gamily from Hoboken, New Jersey?” Mayor Weaver asked, and I reluctantly kept my hand in the air, wondering what on earth was about to happen.

It turns out that we were the 100th guests at The Plaza that day, and Mayor Weaver presented us with a certificate and took a photo with us. This magical encounter was completely unexpected and very, very cool.

​I have yet to meet another person who has ever had this encounter.

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An American Adventure Birthday Greeting
On another October trip, I was feeling sad for my hubby as he had never celebrated a birthday at Disney since his special day falls around Labor Day – a super busy time of year in the parks. So we used some pixie dust to turn back time and give him a Very Merry Un-birthday, button and all.
One day, as we walked into the American Adventure Pavilion to enjoy the Voices of Liberty, Lonnie – a longtime Cast Member – approached my husband and said there was an important phone call for him. Puzzled, we looked at each other and then followed Lonnie to a phone in the lobby. My husband was instructed to pick up the phone and dial a four digit code. On the other end of the line was a recorded birthday greeting from Goofy. Definitely unexpected but no less hilarious!

Mickey and Minnie Magically Out Front
On our very first trip to Walt Disney World in April of 2006, we were some of the first guests to arrive at the Magic Kingdom. This was way before I got ‘hip’ to the whole notion of Rope Drop – but we were in for a treat. Standing there at the foot of the Mickey planter were Mickey and Minnie Mouse, taking photos with guests. I’m told that I practically knocked over small children in my quest to get a photo with them. I don’t know if that’s true, but I definitely skipped over to them from the turnstiles, that’s how excited I was.
Just like the encounter with Mayor Weaver, I’ve not seen this happen since. Mickey and Minnie can now be found in their own character greeting in Town Square and Pete’s Silly Slideshow in the Magic Kingdom.
 
Easy Ways to Feel Special

• Pick up a celebration button at any Guest Services center – they have them for birthdays, anniversaries, first visits, engagements, honeymoons and much more. When sporting our wedding anniversary buttons in 2011, we were congratulated at every turn. Likewise with the birthday buttons.
• Sport matching outfits – you might think this is a little corny, especially if it’s not your family’s style, but Cast Members will notice and you’ll also look pretty cool in photos!
• Pair off and pay attention – hubby and I have vacationed at Disney many times, just the two of us, and found that Cast Members will often seek out two people to fill a ride vehicle. Pay attention and you just might be able to cut the line a few times during your vacation, no Fast Pass needed.

 
Do you have a magical memory to share? Leave a comment below!

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About the Author

Rebecca M. Farrell, Client & Contributor
Rebecca is a public relations professional, mom, and MAJOR Disney fan. She has been visiting parks since she was a child and now as a mother loves sharing the joy of Disney with her son. Rebecca regularly contributes to Disney-themed blogs and websites across the internet.