Something a little different...

[ClemsonTigger]

Very nice comments all...and to think how little time and energy it takes. There are so many great CM's out there, and you can really see the effect of a kind word to them. I alway carry a notepad to write a name/time/location down to be sure and send a note of recognition to Disney.

I have the bad habit of collecting pins, and usually wear my lanyard around the park. I have some for trading (mostly CM's) and some for show...usually get some nice comment from CM's who recognize some of the more unusual ones. Anyway, it is not uncommon for small children to come up and ask me to trade...well, there is rarely anything I am interested in of theirs, but it is obvious that they like tink or mickey or whatever...I can usually find one to give them. It doesn't take much to enjoy that smile on their faces.

 

[BRER STITCH]

I like to give exact change to the person buying something in front of me so they don't have to break another bill.

You can't believe the looks ar reactions from some of them. Most are thankful and surprised. The amazing ones are those who take it and never smile or say thanks! :veryconfu

Eh....makes me feel good and makes up for all the times I take pennies out of the penny tray at the corner store! :lol:

 

[jesserin]

I like to give exact change to the person buying something in front of me so they don't have to break another bill.

You can't believe the looks ar reactions from some of them. Most are thankful and surprised. The amazing ones are those who take it and never smile or say thanks! :veryconfu

Eh....makes me feel good and makes up for all the times I take pennies out of the penny tray at the corner store! :lol:

I can't in my wildest dreams imagine not thanking someone for doing that... that is horrible! Who taught these people manners... or rather who forgot?

 

[LouDisney]

I am a please, thank you and your welcome kind of person.

I offer a lot to take photos for people.

When I see someone drop something, if I am near, I always try to pick it up for them. Especially if their hands are full.

I love to help those by offering my seat on the bus, monorail.

I am also one to open or hold doors for people

This is a great thread.

 

[Monty]

A few times this last trip I found myself "between" families or people who obviously were there together in line. As soon as they would talk to each other, I'd ask those behind me to join those in front. I was amazed how surprised all of them were!

I never fail to thank characters for posing, CMs for taking pics, waiters for taking orders and again when they deliver [including the bill], CMs for letting me enter a ride or pretty much anything else anyone does for us.

I always feel bad on buses or monorails when there are people standing, I can't give them my seat [I have no way to hold on safely on a moving bus]. It is the only time in my life that my disability truly makes me feel disabled.

I hold doors open, move items out of others' way, pick up garbage if I see it, point out if someone has dropped something and generally do what I can to help others. I don't normally volunteer to take pics for people, mainly because they feel uncomfortable when they see my hands [I think they worry I might drop their camera], but if asked I'll take a pic for them.

That was not the way my mother raised me, quite the opposite, but I learned better from her bad example. It used to embarrass me terribly when she would snap her fingers at a waiter who was on the other side of a restaurant serving others, as though she were the Queen of England. After that I've always appreciated everything people do for me and been exceptionally patient when they didn't do it instantly. It's not all about me!

 

[Heather Joy]

Great Idea and comments guys! *sigh Only if we could get others to see how magical a bit of kindness can be...its so worth it!

I'm sure you can agree with me that the reason we go to Disney is because its special. Sure it holds countless memories and unforgetable times ..but it is the true magic of wonder, imagination and laughter that makes it feel so unique..so home. For me, I get a sensation that envelops me whenever I enter Walt Disney World. I feel freeer, happier and more relaxed cause I know that I will have a time like no other ...no where else! I want everyone to feel that way...

There was a time when I was caught in a summer storm at Animal Kingdom. Everyone was running here and there searching for cover. I too was looking for shelter when a guy bumped into me as he hurried along. Of course this is common and I just brushed it off. Then just a few short strides in front of me the strangest thing happened. The bag he was carrying over his shoulder popped and all the contests spilled all over the ground. :brick: People stepped around both him and his lost treasures as I made my way towards him. I automaticly started redepositing things into another disney bag I had on hand. I then handed him the bag and he muttered a 'thanks'. * Not a happy camper at all. Must have had a hard day* Anyhoo, I just gave him a big grin:wave: and said " Your welcome, afterall we're all family here" waved and went on my way. It wasn't a big deal but I hope the gesture brightened his day somehow.

I can't stand to see unhappiness in the happiest place on earth...at all. So I do my best to spread my pixie dust around... :lol:

Keep up the magic guys!:sohappy:

HJ

 

[wedway71]

I 100% agree with this!-I do go out of my way to help out-YES I WILL PICK UP A CUP ON THE GROUND IF I SEE IT!

The last time I went to Epcot was this December and when the park was closing and everyone was stomping out like cattle and throwing trash all over I walked by a custodial CM and said thank you for doing a great job at keeping this place not only the happiest place on earth but THE CLEANEST!!!-and then I shook his hand and walked out.

 

[Craig & Lisa]

The one thing that my DW and I have always done when we were on Thanksgiving was to say to every CM Happy Thanksgiving and thankyou for working today. Also when we see someone with a birthday pin on we always say happy B-Day, it somehow picks up their day. I've never had a bad experience with a CM before nor am I looking for one either, but no matter what we always say please and thankyou, because they make our visit special. Always happens at the Main Street Barbers.
Going again in April, not soon enough, then again in Nov., still not soon enough!!!!:sohappy: :sohappy: :sohappy:

 

[wedway71]

Great Idea and comments guys! *sigh Only if we could get others to see how magical a bit of kindness can be...its so worth it!

I'm sure you can agree with me that the reason we go to Disney is because its special. Sure it holds countless memories and unforgetable times ..but it is the true magic of wonder, imagination and laughter that makes it feel so unique..so home. For me, I get a sensation that envelops me whenever I enter Walt Disney World. I feel freeer, happier and more relaxed cause I know that I will have a time like no other ...no where else! I want everyone to feel that way...

There was a time when I was caught in a summer storm at Animal Kingdom. Everyone was running here and there searching for cover. I too was looking for shelter when a guy bumped into me as he hurried along. Of course this is common and I just brushed it off. Then just a few short strides in front of me the strangest thing happened. The bag he was carrying over his shoulder popped and all the contests spilled all over the ground. :brick: People stepped around both him and his lost treasures as I made my way towards him. I automaticly started redepositing things into another disney bag I had on hand. I then handed him the bag and he muttered a 'thanks'. * Not a happy camper at all. Must have had a hard day* Anyhoo, I just gave him a big grin:wave: and said " Your welcome, afterall we're all family here" waved and went on my way. It wasn't a big deal but I hope the gesture brightened his day somehow.

I can't stand to see unhappiness in the happiest place on earth...at all. So I do my best to spread my pixie dust around... :lol:

Keep up the magic guys!:sohappy:

HJ

You are sooo much nicer than me-lol- after he bumped me I would have helped him gather his items in a bag like you did but than I would have

HIT HIM OVER THE HEAD WITH THE BAG!:goodnevil :dazzle: :lol:

 

[mayrag]

Hey Jesserin, love your baby...God bless her!!!
Anyways, on Oct, we got fast passes for Rock N Roller, since we already went once in the morning and another before our fast passes could be used, our daughter was tired and didn't want to ride again. I didn't want to just throw them away, so we started walking looking for a party of 3 walking through the ride, I spotted a mom and 2 boys, and went directly to them and asked if they wanted them. Obviously the teenage boys got excited and thanked me like 100 times.

Also, I say please and thanks a lot....

 

[jesserin]

Hey Jesserin, love your baby...God bless her!!!

Thank you! I love her too! and yes, I am very very blessed!

 

[shmmrname]

This is just one of the little things I LOVE about being in WDW.

I am not a morning person. And, really I am by no means talkative. But, seeing as we tend to get to the parks early and stay late, we end up being on the buses at their busiest times.
That's not always a terrible thing. I love talking to kids about what they've done so far, or what characters they've seen. I think it helps because I'm only in my 20's and most people still think I resemble a highschool student. Sometimes kids lock up and feel embarrassed, but when your genuine with them talking about how cool you think a ride or show is, they can really tell.

Also, when it's super busy in a shopping area in WDW, I find that just talking to a CM seems to make their day better. I know seeing a line with no end can be daunting, especially because people get so impatient at times, but the 60 seconds they have to interact with you can really help recharge a person.

 

[d43boy]

I LOVE LOVE LOVE these things!!!

Awesome!

For me, going to WDW, I of course want to experience everything, all the magic. But, it brings me more joy (and tears...) when others experience the magic too!

We ALWAYS try to get a great spot for the parades. (we're parade people....hehe) and on our last visit, Oct 05, I was standing with my sister, (had been standing for a good hour) waiting for SpectroMagic.
Two young kids were behind me, (they got there a little late) and couldn't really see. The mother was very kind, and told them she would try to hold them up. I turned and said, Oh please, they can stand in front of me. She had the most grateful look on her face, and was so shocked and thrilled and kept thanking me. Next, a young couple from Japan (i'm guessing here) was standing beside me, with two tall people in front of them. I of course, tapped the young lady on the shoulder, and asked if she would like to stand in front of me. She kept bowing saying thank you, and was so happy!

I ended up talking with another lady who was probably in her mid 50's and she was telling me she had never seen SpectroMagic before. I moved over and made room for her at my side, so she could actually see the parade. Her daughter was so appreciative. I said, Oh I've seen this parade more times than I care to remember. I love it, but I want you to have a better view!
Helping others have a magical time makes it more special for me!

Keep it up guys and gals!!:sohappy:

 

[HntdMansionFan]

We have a new baby granddaughter(our first:sohappy: :sohappy: :sohappy: ) that we will be bringing in a few years. She is only 8 weeks old, and I have already started priming her for that trip! I only hope that we are there with people like all of you!!!
d43boy, it's amazing how few people are willing to do what you are at the parades. For those of us who have seen the parades multiple times, this should be a no brainer.....:hammer: especially for the kids.

 

[ZapperZ]

The magic of Disney isn't just the place - it is also the people, both the CM and the guests. Some of my most memorable and fondest moments have been with these people.

I always try to offer to take pictures. I always try to wish someone happy birthday or congratulations. And when standing in a long line, nothing makes it go faster and more enjoyable than chatting with the people around you. Chances are, they are also bored and would love to strike up a conversation.

I once was waiting right behind a mother and her son at a food counter. The son was just unhappy and getting restless, while the mother was trying to get her money out, trying to order, and trying to hold down the kid. Since he was wearing a mickey ears hat, I then said to my partner loud enough for the kid to hear "Hey! It's Mickey Mouse!"

He of course turned around and looked at us. I continued with "I always wanted to know what Mickey Mouse eats. So what do you eat?" He started to tell me some stuff. But it was long enough to calm him down and his mother could do what she needed to do. She then turned to me and said "Thank you. I really needed that!"

Waiting for a parade, or a fireworks is more opportunities to make memorable moments. Since I often to go WDW in the middle of summer when the weather can be hot, sitting on the curb on Main Street waiting for 3:00 parade can be painful - one's rear end can be medium rare by the end of it. But I have a secret weapon. I always bring a large beach towel that I sit on. But it is large enough to share. I often ask if the kids and even adults around me would like to share the towel.

So while the attractions at WDW are the main focus, it is the people that make it special and memorable.

Zz.

 

[SewIn2Disney]

I hold doors open, move items out of others' way, pick up garbage if I see it, point out if someone has dropped something and generally do what I can to help others.

That reminds me of one time when I was there, my sister was in line in the gift shop outside of Philaharmagic, and I was waiting for her. I was looking at the stuffed animal wall, just killing time, and I started organizing the stuffed animals, picking them up off the floor, uprighting fallen ones, and just general organizing. I did this without realizing it (I work in retail, so I clean things without thinking twice about it), and actually didn't realize what I was doing until a CM came over and stuck a mickey sticker on me and told me I was guest of the day. I probably had the most confused look on my face until she explained what she was witnessing....and told me it was her job to clean....not mine. The situation still makes me laugh to this day, and I still clean displays while I'm standing around.

 

[DisneyBunny]

It's amazing how common courtesy and politeness can make your day go by that much smoother. As one of my old teachers once told us, "manners are the oil that keeps the engine of the world running smoothly"

One happy moment I made for a family happened in 2004 during Hurricane Jeanne. I had just left the lobby at AS Movies, and who showed up as I was leaving, but Mickey, Donald and Goofy. It was nice of Disney to send them to entertain the kids when they couldn't get to the parks. So I left the lobby to headed back to my room. On my way, I saw a mom and her obviously cranky bored kid were making their way back to their rooms from the food court. The child was complaining to all heck about how they couldn't get to the parks, and it was obvious that the mom was at her wit's end. I walked up to them and told them that Mickey was waiting in the lobby for them! The look on that kid's face was priceless. He ran all the way back to the lobby. The mom looked very relieved.

 

[Master Yoda]

It's amazing how common courtesy and politeness can make your day go by that much smoother. As one of my old teachers once told us, "manners are the oil that keeps the engine of the world running smoothly"

Along those lines one of the best things I have ever heard from a motivational speaker was "It doesn't cost a dime to be a nice guy."

 

[SewIn2Disney]

This is such a happy thread (don't mean to sound corney here....)
Really, keep them coming! Don't be afraid to toot your own horn....maybe it will spark ideas for others!

 

[Epcot82Guy]

I definitely try to do these things while I am there. Being a CM for a time ABSOLUTELY drilled in how important it is. I know when a person would comment on my disposition, it really did make me feel good. To have people thank you just for being polite, engaged, and interactive is a pretty cool thing. Therefore, I try to return the favor. I will say it is VERY VERY hard to get out of CM mode now. I still stop and help people that look lost with maps, offer to take pictures, etc. (it even happens here in Tennessee, sometimes).

I really think this is the key to the Disney magic, and (not to drift the thread) one thing that is starting to slip as things get larger and society changes. I think some people are so hardcore into "experience" mode that they forget to be on vacation. Happiness is infectious to me. If I am around a lot of people that are having fun and happy, and I am not, it weighs on me. When you are somewhere like Disney, just let it go. It's like being in that big group of kids, regardless of age, where everyone was just being a bit silly and fun. Kindness repays itself, and everyone benefits from it. I hate it when people talk about Disney being cheesy and fake. To an extent it is, of course, but it is a show. If done right, the show creates a feeling in the audience. Therefore, if CM can create that attitude of constant enjoyment, the people around will pick up on it (and, sadly, if they don't, then that shows, too). Nice thing is that it really isn't that hard to enjoy your work when you are making others hapy. So, when the guests can participate in the show, it makes it that much easier.