An Emotional Encounter with Winnie the Pooh

Mariann, 39, Oklahoma City, OK

I have always loved Disney and its characters. I remember the Bicentenial Parade when I was five years old and riding on the carousel. It's no surprise that my friends and I would watch Disney movies and sing along with Winnie the Pooh as a "little black rain cloud" during slumber parties in junior high. My two best friends since fourth grade felt the same as I did about anything Disney.

Many years later, one of these friends was taken from us in the Oklahoma City bombing. In 2008, I returned to Walt Disney World with my family – it was as amazing as I remembered. We ate at the Crystal Palace and I had my picture taken with Pooh. After he moved on to the next table, I found that I was I crying. That hug was from the three of us, but more importantly it was FOR the three of us from Pooh and the happiest place on earth.

Everlasting Memories

Stephanie, 18, North Hollywood, CA

 

I will never forget the first time I went to Disneyland, the magical place that made everything possible for me even though people thought I was crazy. I just couldn't believe it – everything looked so incredible and I literally felt like I was in a fairy tale.

It also touches my heart to go there because that's the only place my younger sister loves to be. She's mentally challenged, and I absolutely love seeing her smile and enjoy herself every time we go. Disneyland is what inspired me to pursue a career in animation and one day I hope to be part of that team. I absolutely love and adore this place and all the memories I have will live on in my heart forever!

Magical Memories

Karen, 43, Chesterfield, VA

It was mid-December 1998. I was vacationing at Walt Disney World with my wonderful husband, our two beautiful children and my 2 devoted parents. It was the season to rejoice and that's just what we were doing as we watched the Disney Christmas Parade.

It was such a joyous time! Two days after returning home to Virginia, my father unexpectedly passed away. The last picture we took of him was with my daughter wearing the sombreros in the Mexico Pavilion at Epcot. He had that grandpa joy about him as he watched Dumbo fly his grandchildren round and round. He took great pleasure in biting the ear off a Mickey Mouse ice cream! He was living a part of his childhood that he had missed, having grown up during the Great Depression. He truly had the time of his life. I thank Disney for making the last days of my father's life so magical and memorable for him, and for my family. I wouldn't trade them for anything in the world. Kudos to Walt, you've done it well.

Cinderella's Castle

Jazmin, 26, Old Bridge, NJ

When I was a child I dreamed of going to Disney World, because I really wanted to see Cinderella's Castle. I loved the movie and I never knew the castle existed. My parents were never able to take all of us (six children), so I had to wait until I was an adult and could pay for myself. I finally went this past April and I can't begin to explain how wonderful Disney World was. The castle was so beautiful and it was the best experience of my life. I can't wait to visit again! Everything about Disney World is beautiful and magical -- and the park employees are so friendly. We went for 11 days and I must say those were the best 11 days of my life. My fiancé loved it and he thought he wouldn't because he said it would be just for kids, but now he can't wait to go again. Thank you so much Disney for the wonderful experience and beautiful memories. See you soon!

Memories Made Every Time

Bridget, 42, Lebanon, OR

I'm a long-time fan of Disneyland and can remember my very first visit at the age of three -- the Haunted Mansion and Jungle Cruise scared me half to death! I remember every visit since then and am happy to say I'm not scared of the rides anymore. My son now has his own memories of Disneyland and California Adventure and we make sure to visit once a year so all of us can become kids again. As a little girl I wanted to live at Disneyland and, as an adult, I still want to live there! Thank you for your newsletter and Disney.com & anytime I have the urge to visit, I just get on my computer and go! 

Princess Pinkie Promise

Princess Pinkie Promise

Mary Ellen, 41, Easton, PA

We made our first trip to Disney World in 2007. On our last day there, we happened to come across Wendy signing autographs.

Our daughter Katie, age 3 1/2 and a huge "Peter Pan" fan, was thrilled to have a Wendy chat with her as so far, all of the Disney Characters we had met were quiet. Wendy asked if we had seen any of the Princesses, and we had not. She was kind enough to tell us where we could find five Princesses all in one place. We were so excited! Wendy then also asked Katie to do her a special favor. She whispered in Katie's ear, and then asked her to "Pinky Promise" to take her message to Cinderella. Katie had never heard of this very special promise, but shook pinkies with Wendy, and off we went on our mission.

When we found the Princesses in Toontown, we waited first to see Cinderella, where Katie delivered her important pinky promise message ... "You're it! No tag backs!" Oh the giggles! Katie then was the messenger between Princesses to pass on the "It" status.

It was so memorable to her (and us!) to have that Princess status for the day, and years later, the Pinky Promise is still the one promise that can never never be broken.

Disney Birthday Surprise!

 

I will always remember the time my mom woke me up early on a school morning (which was also her birthday) to watch her open her presents. I didn't want to watch her open her presents because I had to get ready for school, and I was angry she woke me up so early. As I sat down at the table, I saw a small package. My mom told me to open it and I saw a card inside. The card said that as a special birthday treat to my mom, my sisters, and me, we were leaving for Disney World at noon that day and we only had an hour to pack! I was so excited to go to Disney World – that was the best Disney surprise ever!

by: Summer, 15, Long Valley, NJ