8 Ways to Create Magic for Others at Disney Resorts

Disney is a magical place and every time we go something good happens. Alice walks with our daughter, my husband and son are right next to Elena when she starts to sing, or a sweet cast member gives my father fast passes at Animal Kingdom. Disney is known for it’s magic and trains it’s cast members well.  On occasion we have met really sweet guests who have inspired me to make a list of ways you can make Disney more magical for others.

1. Offer to Take A Photo

Have you been there with your family and you take a photo with everyone in it but you?  This is an easy way to help someone else, especially if you aren’t near a Photopass station. If you notice a family taking a photo, or trying to include everyone in a selfie, offer to take the photo for them. We have been lucky enough to have people offer and help us in the past and it made our day.

2. Say “Hello Princess” or “Hello (insert character name here)”

I’m sure you have noticed how many children dress up as their favorite characters– princesses to Jedi, we’ve seen it. Our daughter loves to dress up. We usually put her in easy to remove, character aprons, and every time cast members and guests will say “Hello Princess.” She loves it!  Bow to Lord Vader or curtsy for Cinderella. Small acknowledgements to their chosen character persona can leave a lasting good memory.

Just make sure to not be too creepy with children.  If the parents don’t seem to be okay with it, walk away.

3.  Pay it Forward

I’ve read stories about others doing this and I think I’m going to try this the next time we visit. When you buy a snack, or a balloon, or other item, purchase two and have the cast member give it to the next child in line. I haven’t done this or had it done for us before, so YMMV, but I want to give it a try.

 

4.  Help the Lost

We all have been to the parks for the first time or we’ve all been lost at one time or another.  If you see park guests that are lost help them out. Point them in the right direction or walk them to where they need to go.

5.  Pins and Coins

Pin trading has been a fun way to collect souvenirs at the parks. We have been approached by parents who’s children wanted to know where to get pins or how pin trading works. Carry extra pins with you. If you are approached, explain how it works and where to get the pins, then give the kids a couple of pins so they can start.

If it’s okay with the parents of course.

Pressed coins are also an inexpensive and popular collectible in the parks. If you notice people watching while you are penny pressing, offer to give them one.  You could also leave the required .51 in the machine for the next guest.

(photo from ParkPennies.com)

Glow sticks and stickers are other things you can give out to children at the parks. They are great when people are waiting for parades.

Get the parent’s permission first.

6.  Tables

Disney quick service restaurants can get very crowded at certain times of day and finding an open table can be difficult. If you see people that have been circling or standing for awhile, motion them over and give them your table when you are finished.

 If you are waiting for a table don’t hover so close that people feel you are pressuring them to leave.  

7. Wish Someone a Happy Birthday, or Anniversary or Thank them for Their Service

(photo from eBay)

Guests can get special events pins at their Disney hotel or in the parks. Special events such as a first visit, birthday or anniversary qualify for a pin. If you see another guest wearing a special pin tell them “Happy Birthday” or “Happy Anniversary.”

There’s another thing to watch for. If you see a person wearing a shirt or hat that indicates they were service person, thank them for their service. My father has a hat with his Navy ship on it and it makes his day when someone thanks him for his service.

8. Be Friendly 

This sounds like the easiest thing to do, but sometimes when everyone is hot and tired it isn’t as easy as it should be. Parks can be crowded and you will inevitably face rude guests, but try to stay positive and be friendly. If more people would adopt this attitude, it would make it better for everyone. I need to remember this sometimes, but luckily my husband (pictured above) is a good reminder.

**disclaimer**  Always check the rules for the park you are visiting before trying any of these things.  Rules change.

What are some things you do to spread “magic” at Disney?