Dear Alex

[Pinoy_Stitch_84]

Dear Alex:

I am writing this letter to thank you for being the best guest I have ever served at Walt Disney World. My week was not going well until I met you at the Unload section of Star Tours and asked if your family was interested in doing a Tower Tour – a behind the scenes look at how the attraction works – and a chance to ride again.

It was two days before Christmas and I thought I was not going to have a Merry Christmas. Then you came along and changed it for me. Unlike the other families I have given Tower Tours and Ride Agains to, you were the most grateful one. Not only did you thank me for the wonderful treat, but you gave me a hug, the very first one I ever received from a guest. I am from Hawaii and hugging is the most common way to show Aloha and Ohana on the islands. The others only shook my hand, which is fine. However, the hug reminded me that the Disney magic, which I thought was lost forever because of the ungrateful and selfish guests I have been encountering, is still alive.

Whenever I have bad guest experiences, I think about the day I met you and your parents. It brings comfort to me and makes me feel better to think of my best guest experience. For a six-year-old, you’re very well behaved and mature unlike most of the adults who visit the park. Honestly, they don’t care about anyone’s safety or feelings – especially the Cast Members.

Though I have had many great guest experiences at Disney World, none of them will ever be as magical and wonderful as yours. To hear your mom say that you folks were having a great day thanks to Star Tours made me feel great the whole day. Those words continue to play in my mind because it’s very comforting to know that there are guests out there who appreciate what you do for them. I wish there were more guests like you to show us that the Disney magic is still alive.

I will always remember you and what you have done for me. Thank you for being the greatest guest I have ever served at Disney World.



Have a magical day,



Ryan :) ;) :mickey2: :bouncemic

[tacoboy]

This was an amazing letter. That kid must have been something special. I only wish i could ever serve a kid like that.
My closest encounter tho was when i was the mascot for my school volleyball tournament. (yes, i sweated my nuts off) and in the back was this little kid. he was waving and smiling and i ran up and gave him a hi five.
everytime i saw him he smiled.
then at the end, i was in the back with the head of the oufit hanging off my back. he came around the corner. i put the head back on and he still smiled. he still wanted a hi five. he still believed in the magic.

[Pinoy_Stitch_84]

Magic is what you make of it. Today, at the Disney MGM Studios once again, I made friendships while waiting in line at Rockin Roller Coaster and Tower of Terror. I have one of their myspace pages and I've sent him a request to be added as a friend.

I also gave an early birthday present to a boy named Connor, who was with his parents and siblings - Brianna and Ryan. He'll be turning seven in May and I decided to let him select one of the pins on my lanyard as his gift. Because I'm from Hawaii and we're so famous for hugging and kissing as a way to show thanks, I asked if he could give me a hug. To my surprise, his parents didn't mind at all and I got a big hug from a little guy. They really appreciated what I did for Connor today. Once again, that is living proof that the magic is still there. Just need to pierce through the darkness in order to see the light.

I guess there are advantages to working for Disney. It seems like the guests respect you more when you're not in costume because they know you're at the parks for non work related reasons.

[joanna71985]

That is a really beautiful story and letter. I love hearing them.

[bpgstudios]

Just the other day I was at PVH (where you stand outside pinocios village haus and burn) and noticed a family sitting on the ledge of the planter behind me. I struck up the normal conversation with them "where you from, what are your favorite rides so far, having fun, etc) when the little girl starts telling me every detail of her day start to finish. I could barely understand her, and when her mom tried to ask me a question and I looked at the mom, the little girl paused and said "im not finished......" I appoligized to her and let her continue. It was one of the best memories I have of a guest interaction. That kid made me feel important, even in such a boring position. Sometimes, yes...the guests are really great. Thats the reason I know I go back... and because most of my friends are there ;) .

[Pinoy_Stitch_84]

That's the only reason I go back as well...I'm not there for the snobby ones, I'm there for the happy ones. It feels great to be appreciated by the guests in the form of hugs and "thank yous." Those moments are so rare 'cause guests, let's be realistic here, expect too much from Disney all because they spent over $1000 just to come.

My response to that: Never use your expenses and debt as an excuse to disrespect us Cast Members.