If Disney could only sell one particular thing, then Disney would be in the business of selling "Magic". Whether it comes from fairy godmothers, wish granting genies, talking turtles, or from the hearts of their front line employees better known as Cast Members.
As many of you know, I am a life long Disney fan. In my time I have been fortunate enough to experience a great number of wonderful Disney experiences but what happened the other day in Disneyland is something I will never forget! And to top it all off, it was an experience that wasn't even for me!
No, this experience was for my very dear friend Amanda. Once upon a time we worked together and then she left. For the better part of close to two years she had gotten married, lost her mom to cancer and then found out that she had been diagnosed with breast cancer. This was all by the age of 24.
With her last round of chemo this past March and gaining back her health, her strength and her beautiful blond hair, we headed to one of her favorite places on earth, The Disneyland Resort! We had planned to stay all day and night until the fireworks!
We enjoyed a typically busy day in both parks taking in all the new attractions and shows that Amanda had missed for the last two years. Little did she know that I had some magic planned for her.
Even though we had planned to visit the Princesses in the Princess Fantasy Faire, character host Logan went the extra mile for us. He learned that Cinderella was Amanda's favorite and at the end of our visit with Cinderella, Logan presented Amanda with a mini glass slipper, a gift from Cinderella herself! Just seeing Amanda's smile made it all worth while!
But the "Magic" was not over as we still had a private table at The Plaza Inn waiting for us to enjoy the fireworks at! I was able to arrange this through a friend of mine who happens to be a manager there. Her and her team came up with all of the ideas and her team executed them with flawless perfection!
The "reserved" sign said it all. We had a beautiful white linen table for two topped with a single rose in a vase and rose petals.
In my opinion, simple is always best!
After a broasted chicken dinner, one of my personal favorites in Disneyland, and Amanda's new favorite, the next surprise was on it's way!
This amazing cake was on it's way out to meet Amanda!
Amanda's expression is priceless!
She did her best to keep it together!
Throughout the evening we were entertained by Steve and Moses. Steve, to the left, spent a great deal of time talking with Amanda, sharing with us the history of the Plaza Inn and just delivering over the top service! Moses came by several times with his trusty harmonica to serenade Amanda throughout our dinner!
After dinner and dessert and some coffee it was time to watch the fireworks from out fantastic vantage point!
In the words of Rapunzel and Amanda, "Best day ever!!!" I was happy to help put some of this together but the real effort was the love and caring showed by the Cast Members!
So, in the end I think I was wrong about Disney selling "Magic". Disney sells "Smiles"! Thank you to all of the hard working Cast Members who made this "Magic" for Amanda! You have all inspired me to be even more positive in my life. To see what I can offer and make someone's life better, even if it is for only a minute or as long as a lifetime!
Thank you for reading this and I hope it inspires you to do something great for someone!
