One often hears about how Disney employees (team members) go above and beyond the call of duty with regard to the guests. I have first-hand proof, on two separate ocassions, that this is so.
After promising my girls a DW trip for years, we finally had an opportunity, when Lindsey, the oldest, turned 13. It was supposed to be a surprize, which fizzled when she woke up three hours early, the day I happened to be making reservations, but we started off on the 16 hour drive; just the three of us. To this day, Lindsey claims that she does Yoga well, because she had her leg wrapped around her neck in the backseat of my little Chevy Cavalier. In any case, Linds was given the opportunity to choose in which park she wanted to spend her birthday. Since she loves learning about different cultures, she chose Epcot Center. We had a great time, and at one point, we were directed to Guest Services, in order for Lindsey to get her Birthday Badge, which announces to everyone in many languages, that it is her special day. She had her photo taken in “Africa” with a special birthday hat and received many wishes throughout the day. When we finally decided to call it quits, go back to the hotel for Ice Cream and Cake, Lindsey wanted to check out one last store for her gift. She is my artist in training and loves to sketch, draw and everything that goes along with it. In one of the art studios at MGM, Lindsey drew a picture of Pluto who later autographed it for her with the “Oh Garsh!” to go along with it. So while Lindsey was looking around the Art Gallery by the Main gate of Epcot, I was chatting with the cashier and mentioned that it was the birthday of my budding artist. She excused herself, went to the back and returned with a gentleman, who was the studio artist for the gallery. Sten, took Lindsey by the hand, took her to his drawing table and asked her to choose, then draw a picture. When she was done, She was asked to sign and date it, as a real artist would, the he signed off on it as though it was approved for sale. Then he took it to the back to wrap it for us to take home. When he returned, it was matted and wrap in plastic to protect it. Sten also said, that when he was in the back, he ran into Donald (whose picture Lindsey had drawn) and had autographed it for her with and a Happy Birthday wish!! It brought tears to my eyes.
Lindsey has always wanted to be an artist when she grew up. She had wanted to work for Disney and had even begun a portfolio, based on information she received while we were there. Since her wonderful experience, she has researched, and chosen a college, based on the traditional hiring practices of Disney. I can’t thank Disney and Sten enough for this awesome experience. They certainly have earned a frequent visitor!!