A Friend in Need

Ryanne Sackville-West, 16, Avondale, AZ

 

When I was nine years old, I went to Disneyland in California. I absolutely adored it there! We celebrated my older sister's birthday at Ariel's Grotto. The food and atmosphere was amazing!

Then, suddenly, a person in a Max costume (from "A Goofy Movie") came out with "floaties" on his arms. He pretended he was about to jump in the water, and we all cheered him on. He then chickened out. Everyone booed him and he went into a corner and pretended to sob. I got up and walked over to him, tapped him on the shoulder, and said, so only he could hear: "Don't worry about them, Max. I still believe you are very brave." The man in his costume turned around and gave me a big hug!

I went home that summer telling everyone in the fifth grade i was hugged by THE Max! Now that I am older, I've learned from this incident that what I say can inspire others, and proceed to make everyone I can smile around me.

A Mermaid Finds Her Prince

Mandi, 24, Lake Elsinore, CA

 

One day after work, my boyfriend said we should go to Disneyland to take pictures of the both of us at Ariel's Grotto (now Pixie Hollow). "The Little Mermaid" is my favorite movie, probably to the point of being an unhealthy obsession. I figured he was up to something, since a.) Mikey's not the photographic type and b.) I had just thrown what could be best classified as a hissy fit earlier that week about where our relationship was going.

It was already dark when we arrived at the Park. We had just enough time to ride the teacups, have his brother take our picture, and grab seats to watch the "Remember ... Dreams Come True" fireworks – my favorite fireworks display of all time. When we got to the roped-off seashell where Ariel greets Guests during the day, we slipped in and he pretended to fix his shoe lace. (His laces didn't even tie!)

While down on one knee, he pulled out a black velvet box. At first I thought he was presenting me with another promise ring, but when I looked at it, it was the exact setting I told him I wanted before our fight! I did what I always do when feeling such strong emotions (elated and feeling like a heel for starting a fight with this wonderful man) – I bawled like a baby while his brother took pictures of the whole thing.

Mikey finally said, "You haven't given me an answer." Through my blubbering I finally managed to blurt out a "Yes!" We took some more pictures and then squeezed into the crowd to watch the fireworks in front of the castle. We've been married about seven months now. Ariel's Grotto and that wonderful seashell are gone, but the fireworks still make me giddy when remembering how I felt that night. And how do I know this mermaid has found her prince? He had already bought the ring before I made a fool of myself by starting that silly fight!

Special Treatment

Jolene, 63, Taylorsville, UT

 

While on a recent trip to Disneyland, our grandsons wanted to learn how to become Jedi at the Jedi Training Academy. There we ran into some friends whose eight-year-old son is blind. He was just as excited as all the other children to start his Jedi training.

When he was selected, I was delighted to see one of the Cast Members stay by his side to help him follow the instructions and move around the stage. What a thrill for that little boy and his family! We were all touched by the special attention given to our friend, and knowing how it made his vacation at the Magic Kingdom truly magical! Thanks to all the Jedi Training Cast Members for letting this little guy feel so special!