While we can't travel right now, our team is sharing some of the magical memories we have made on our vacations in the past. Enjoy!
On my 25th birthday while visiting Disney’s Hollywood Studios I was surprised with a magical memory from a cast member in the Celebrity 5 & 10 store. It was later in the evening and my mom and I were looking for souvenirs and décor for my upcoming Disney themed wedding when a cast member that worked in the store approached us and asked how we were doing, where we were visiting from, and if we were celebrating any events on this vacation.
I explained to him that we were on a mother-daughter vacation to celebrate my 25th birthday and to get away from the cold weather in Massachusetts. He was so excited to hear that it was my birthday, and as he continued to chat with us he grabbed a birthday mouse ear hat off of the shelf. My mom and I glanced at each other unsure of why he was grabbing the hat but we continued to chat about our park plans as well as his experience as an intern in the Disney College Program.
As we continued to talk all things Disney, he stopped for a moment and asked the spelling of my name. He told me that he wanted to make my birthday extra special. After he finished with the personalization with a special Mickey touch he asked if we could meet him at the center of the store.
He asked for the attention of his fellow workers, as well as the shoppers, to stop what they were doing as he got down with one knee and presented the birthday hat to me. As my mom took out her phone he proceeded to clear his throat to get ready to sing happy birthday to me in front of everyone in the store.
After he finished singing happy birthday shoppers and workers clapped and wished me a happy birthday personally. This was one of the most magical experiences I will always cherish from this vacation, and one of the many reasons why I visit Walt Disney World throughout the year. Disney is all about making magical memories for their guests whether with a magical moment like this one, with characters, or other in park experiences. I wish I remembered the name of the cast member to this day (I of course did leave a cast member shout out at the time), but he was one of the most personable and kindhearted cast members that I have ever interacted with on a Walt Disney World vacation. Here’s to hoping for more magical moments with family and friends in the near future.
Brittany Lynch is a Travel Advisor with Coasters & Castles Travel. She loves visiting Walt Disney World and planning magical vacations for her clients. Reach her at britbap@gmail.com.