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Disneyland (California) Compliment - I will never forget this day at Disneyland - Disneyland Park Characters

Disneyland Park Characters - Compliment
Review by jaasher on 2010-01-15
ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA -- Dear Disneyland,

I need to tell you about the very best time I and my family had at your Disneyland Park, and it's all thanks to the Characters.

My name is Jeffrey and my family is my wife, Jill, and my children, Jenna (5 years old) and Jake (8 months old). My very first trip to Disneyland was last January 2009 when my wife and I took our daughter, Jenna. That was four months before our son, Jake, was born and we adopted him (we adopted him at birth).

I knew I was going to be in Newport Beach for half the week in January 2009 at a conference for the Alzheimer’s Association. I am a Board Member of the Alzheimer’s Association, NYC Chapter, and was attending the conference. I added days to the trip at the beginning of the week and brought my wife and daughter, to have a mini vacation. We wanted to bring our daughter to Disneyland. We had a trip scheduled to Disney World coming up in April 2009, so wanted to bring Jenna to Disneyland to “see how she did”. She did beautifully. Needless to say, we had a glorious time at Disneyland and a fabulous time at Disney World. So much so that when I go to Anaheim this February 3, 2010, with my wife and daughter, again for a conference with the Alzheimer’s Association, we’re going to go back to Disneyland on February 3, 2010.

But, I wanted to tell you a story from our trip to Disneyland which sums up why it is the Magic Kingdom, and why our love for Disney will forever be sealed in our hearts.

My daughter, who very much loves the Disney princesses (she thinks she’s Cinderella), and watches their movies over and over again, was very excited to see the Disney Princesses area at Disneyland. When we arrived at the Disney Princesses, I probably don’t need to tell you this, but it is set up as one long booth with each Princess set up in her own “vignette” in a row. As I said, my daughter thinks she’s Cinderella so was overly excited to meet Cinderella, but the hostess told us that Cinderella was not one of the Princesses there at the time.

One of the Princesses that Jenna did meet, however, was Snow White. When Jenna turned the corner for the last booth and saw Snow White, my daughter’s face turned into one giant smile. Especially because Snow White was already sitting on the ground, at my daughter’s height, and was already holding her arms out for a big hug. My daughter ran into Snow White’s arms for that hug and didn’t move. Snow White and Jenna talked about Snow White’s movie, and the park, and all that Jenna had seen that day. Snow White said goodbye to Jenna and gave her another hug and kiss. Jenna said she loved meeting Snow White, but still remarked that Cinderella must have been too busy.

I spoke to the hostess and asked her if she knew when Cinderella would return, but she didn’t know the Princesses’ schedules. She suggested that we do something in the area and when we passed that way again to catch her attention. At that time, she would be able to tell us whether or not Cinderella had returned. We took her advice and when we later passed by, she motioned to us that Cinderella was there and that we should get on line fast. We did, not fully telling Jenna why, but only telling her that we might as well see the Princess again.

When it was Jenna’s turn to enter the booth, the first Princess Jenna met that time was Mulan (Mulan was not there the first time). Mulan, like Snow White, greeted Jenna with a big hug and they had a nice talk.

This is the point in the story when it becomes magical. Mulan then told Jenna that she knew that Jenna had a favorite Princess. Jenna told Mulan yes, that it was Cinderella (Mulan didn’t appear too hurt by this honest admission). Well, Mulan told Jenna that Cinderella was there and that Mulan was going to introduce them. Before our very eyes, and without us even knowing what was happening, Mulan stood up, took my daughter by the hand, and walked her into the next booth to meet Cinderella. There, Mulan introduced Cinderella to Jenna, who was absolutely mesmerized. I, videotaping all of this, was in tears. I could not believe what lengths these actors were going through to make my daughter happy. Now, I know that you’re probably thinking that it really was no big deal for Mulan to stand up and walk my daughter to Cinderella, but in my daughter’s eyes it was the best part of the day. In my eyes, it was the best part of the day. And, it was exactly what you expect from Disney.

But, it doesn’t end there. After Jenna met Cinderella and moved down the line, again the last princess was Snow White. In fact, it was the same Snow White as before. When my daughter turned the corner for the second time, Snow White dropped to her knees, opened her arms again, and exclaimed “Jennaaaa! I knew you’d come back to see me!” I was absolutely floored.

I have to say, that with the exception of my wedding day, the birth of my daughter, and the birth (and eventual adoption) of my son, that was probably the very best day of my life. Simply because I saw the joy on my daughter’s face and knew that she would never forget the time she met the Disney Princesses. She still talks about it. She talks about how Mulan and she are friends, that Cinderella “knows her special”, and how Snow White remembered her.

We are very excited to see the Princesses again when we return to Disneyland on February 3, 2010. As I said, I am returning for another Alzheimer’s Association conference and added a day to the trip just so we can bring Jenna back to Disneyland. We left Jake at home with my parents – he’ll be coming back with us when he’s older. I expect that our next visit to Disneyland will be just as magical as our first.

Like I said, I just wanted you to know how much your parks mean to us and how magical it is to see it in our children’s eyes. I’ve been to Disney World many times, both as a child and later as I grew up. But, this was the first time I went to Disneyland and the first time in any of your parks for my daughter. I cannot thank you enough, and I will never be able to sufficiently express my awe and gratitude to the Princess for what they did for my daughter that day.

Thank you,

Jeffrey
Comments:
Posted by KingJames on 2010-01-15:
this truly, is a magical review of a magical kingdom.
well done jeffrey. well done.
Posted by goduke on 2010-01-15:
Great story, Jeffrey. I know the folks at Disney work very hard to create these magical moments, and it's obvious that their hard work was not wasted on your daughter. Have fun in February!
Posted by skelly39 on 2010-01-15:
This is the sweetest thing I've ever read, especially here. I think I'm gonna cry a little.
Posted by momsey on 2010-01-15:
Great review. There's just something about Disneyland & Disney World. It's just something magical. Your daughter's story brought tears to my eyes. Beautiful.
Posted by Starlord on 2010-01-15:
I am very glad to hear about your pleasant experience. However, there are those of us who find the so-called 'Magical Kingdom' somewhat less than advertised. The magic I experienced was more reminiscent of the demons on Angel and Charmed than the Charmed Ones. About half the attractions were out of order the time I went, and the ride operator at the Haunted Mansion ride tried to put me in the FRONT, not the side of the car. We had rented a wheelchair for me, as I cannot walk very far. When we went to exit the park proper, they had the shuttle to the parking lot some 100 yards away from the exit. I asked the young man at the gate if my wife could wheel me to the shuttle, then return the chair. He had a nasty, condescending attitude, and at one point, balled his fists up. I noted that and told him if he felt froggy. jump, but tell us where to send the flowers first. I had to end up walking to the shuttle, with my wife's help, and suffered the rest of the day with pain. I sent Disney a nastygram, and their response was to send me two half-price open-end tickets to the park. As Gallagher said about being offered a free sandwich when he complained, Why would I want more of what I Ndidn't like in the first place? All I wanted from Disneyland was an apology. None was forthcoming. My wife had always told me how much I would enjoy Disneyland. My opinion, after going there, is that Anaheim needs a large parking lot.
Posted by Slimjim on 2010-01-15:
Never personally been to Disneyland, but many times throughout the years to Disney World in Florida. Anyone with kids, and even those without, should at least one time visit a Disney theme park. Nice job on the review.
Posted by zzrokk on 2010-01-15:
A very touching story, Jaa.
Finally a happy experience at Disneyland.
I am planning on "tying the knot" this Spring, perhaps I shall have the nuptials done there? Hmmmm.

Thanks and (VH).
Posted by laklisa on 2010-01-15:
I think children really appreciate the Disney parks...I remember going with my band when I was a freshman in high school, but actually preferred Universal Studios. But to see it through a child's eyes would be truly magical. It's also refreshing to hear of a who claims that it was one of those great days along the lines of his wedding days and the birth of his children.
A great uplifting story-thanks!
Posted by bearkatkitten on 2010-01-15:
The first time I ever went (World), I was 11. I don't remember much. I've enjoyed it more as an adult. Been there the last 2 years. Once in the summer (never again) and the last during Halloween last year. Had a blast. Loved it!
Posted by ProConsumer on 2010-01-15:
Great review!
Posted by Ytropious on 2010-01-15:
WOW! That's so awesome. I'm sure those actresses see so many little girls every day and to remember yours' face, name, and favorite princess and to make sure she left with a huge smile on her face is great customer service. When I was at Disney I was 12 and I only saw one costumed character walking around the whole time. I'm sure your daughter is going to remember that day even as an adult.
Posted by The Insider on 2010-01-20:
Amazing review! I'm sure it makes their day to receive compliments such as this, rather than complaints. Then they know they're doing a great job bring joy to peoples' lives!
Posted by JustKeepFolding on 2010-02-04:
That is the most adorable thing I've ever heard. I've been wanting to audition to be a Disney princess for a while now, so I could do things like that for some kids, and the story sticks the fire right back under me to get my butt to an audition site.

I'm sure your daughter will never forget that. What a special memory to carry through her life!
Posted by PepperElf on 2010-02-04:
Blah! I had to wipe my eyes! =)

:-D
wonderful review

VH++++++++++++++++++++++++
Posted by RedDazes on 2010-02-08:
Aw, shucks you! I'm all teary eyed and stuff. Thank you for that wonderful, wonderful review! Makes me remember why Disney was so magical to me when I was a little girl. Unfortunately my experience at Disney land was not so magical... but you have redeemed it in my eyes!

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