The next time you are at Disney and someone sprinkles you with Pixie Dust or even just makes sure that you have a pleasant experience, be sure to thank them and to thank them with recognition at Guest Services. It can be difficult standing all day, especially in the hot sun, maybe with cranky people all around you because they think everyone else around them is getting all the luck, or maybe because they are having a hard day themselves, but those smiles, and the helpful service never stop to matter how they might feel. 

While not all cast members are allowed to accept tips or small gifts, there is something else you can do for them. 

It's very easy to show your gratitude, and it only takes a minute or two of your time. On our last visit, we made sure to recognize several very helpful people and were told that any reports left, go immediately onto their records. I like to think that the awesome cast member who helped us find a space for the fireworks, warning us to push closer to the line or other would step in front of us, kept the crowd moving in the walkway and got threatened several times for trying to direct pedestrians during the show knows how much we appreciated his help. So, thanks Ryan, from Lutz, Flordia. We stopped on the way out to let them know how amazing you were. 

Then there was the woman at the Pop Century food court, who apologized that they didn't have milkshakes any longer. My oldest had been waiting all day for one, passing by several other yummy treats because they weren't safe for his brother, with the plan of soft serve together. Without my asking, she called around, tried to see of Art of Animation could do one, tried to find a blender and finally, even though there was a line, mixed together some ice cream and milk by hand for my son. she totally made his day, he said it was the best ever and I thank her for her sweetness. She didn't have to do that, but she did. 

(We had a few other times that people were wonderful for us, once, I did forget to get the name of the person, so when we go back, if I see him again, I'll leave a compliment. )

So how do you leave a compliment? There are a few different ways. You can email guest services, you can ask at guest services for an applause-o-gram, or you can stop by and leave the name and incident. Don't remember the name? Just saying, "The woman who worked at the ice cream area at Pop with the long hair 4:55pm today" is good enough! 

Have you ever thanked someone at Disney? Share your story of how awesome they were, and next time something happens to make your trip magical, be sure to share it with Guest Services too, if you didn't already! 

The last time you visited the Magic Kingdom, you might have visited Ariel in her grotto, or even experienced the Under the Sea - Journey of the Little Mermaid, but did you happen to notice where those places were located? They are there, at Prince Eric's Castle. It's a beautiful castle, and this Sunday we are here to share some of our favorite pictures. Join on on a mini tour! 
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What do you think? There are some amazing details hidden in these pictures, and next time someone asks how we like the Disney Castle, I'm going to ask them which one they mean! 

An article I collaborated on for My Kid's Food Allergies on emergency preparation with food allergies was published today. While it's geared towards food allergy parents, there is a LOT of good information to consider for anyone who in the household might have a special diet to consider in an emergency, or just want to be prepared in any situation at all. You can click here to read it. 

Who'd have thought that much Disney Magic could squeeze on an 8 x 10 canvas? 
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Nothing makes me happier than walking past this every day! Well...it might have added a smidge more happiness if Pooh and Tigger had been around, but Eeyore and Chip and Dale, Scrooge and Launchpad made up for that, since we've never met them before! 

It's always fun to meet your favorite characters, and even to get an autograph, but sometimes after standing in line for so long, you get to the from and feel flustered trying to get your autograph things ready, or maybe you feel rushed, because you are the last group before Mickey "gets some cheesecake." Either way, follow these tips for a fun, and carefree experience! 


1. Have your autograph stuff out and ready before it's your turn

2. Take the cap off of your Sharpie! Characters can't always remove the cap

3. Set your stuff down! Somtimes you feel so rushed, but if you can, when walking over, set your backpack down. The pictures look better, and it's easier to get a Pooh hug! 
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4. Play along! Sometimes Pluto wants to run around, run with him! Don't be afraid to pose how you want! Last visit an older woman, on a solo trip, posed each of the Fab 5 at Epcot's Character Spot just how she wanted them, usually in a dancing pose. 

5. Pay attention!  In the photo above, Smee wanted our oldest to salute in a picture and both he and I almost missed it, because we'd stumbled upon a bunch of characters in a side alley about to leave, and I was fumbling for my camera, and trying to push the youngest towards who he wanted to meet. 

6. Even if you have the memory Maker, try and grab a few pictures with your own camera. While the Disney Photographers can get some memorable moments captured, they might not be capturing from the angle that you want, and they won't be capturing all of the fun details in the room you meet Sorcerer Mickey in! 

7. This last time might be the most important! Enjoy being there! Sometimes we feel awkward being in a picture...and it shows. 30 years from now, you are going to think you look amazing. You aren't going to care about that spill on your kid's shirt, the frizz in your hair, how that unflattering angle make you look twenty pounds heavier, nope! You are going to remember the fun of that trip! 

Any other tips to make meeting a character more fun? Who's your favorite to meet?