The Sweetest Moment Ever at Walt Disney World
We are still riding the post-Disney high that happens each time we visit the parks. But this time around, something very special happened. We didn’t ask for it and I think that’s what made it extra magical.
Here’s the story.
Do you remember the movie, Up? The little boy in the movie is a Wilderness Explorer. The explorers have a special call to identify themselves out in the wilderness. It’s a combination of hand motions, words and noises.
Well, Disney’s Animal Kingdom gives kids a chance to earn “badges” (which are stickers) to become a full Wilderness Explorer. It’s a cool chance to learn extra things while seeing all parts of the park. The initiation is doing the official Wilderness Explorer call… And to complete the task, it’s easiest accomplished with two hands.
Our cast member seamlessly got down on her knee and offered a hand to complete the call with Jordan. There wasn’t a moment’s hesitation. I was a bit stunned… But I knew I had to try and capture the moment. I only snagged 11 seconds of video, but it is THE SWEETEST.
Thank you, Walt Disney World. We had a not-so-fun-moment in Animal Kingdom many years ago, this cast member moment has won me back to the park. It’s so wonderful to see how the park continues to improve how it works and supports special needs. We left with a very special moment that I know I will hold in my heart for a long, long time.
This is so beautiful. I’m glad your family had such an incredible experience. Thank you for sharing some of it with all of us. 🙂 And I’m so glad I got to finally meet you!!
It was awesome meeting you as well, Andrea!
Such a sweet anecdote!
Jen….
Oh dear, I have fallen behind in reading/commenting on this Blog!! Not surprising…. 😉
“It’s so wonderful to see how the park continues to improve how it works and supports special needs. We left with a very special moment that I know I will hold in my heart for a long, long time.”. As an unpublished writer, I spend lots of time describing things. I have one word and one word alone for this special moment. “Wow”!! 😉
–Raelyn
Just amazing. I love that society is finally getting it…that people with limb differences are just…people! This kindness just brought tears to my eyes. Thanks for sharing Jen!
It made me teary too, Judy!
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