More than Just a Job: Special Disney Cast Members Make Magical Memories

Welcome to those of you joining me from Return to Disney and those of you just hopping aboard.  I am the 2nd stop on our Magical Blogorail.  Sit back and enjoy the ride as Magical Blogorail  Yellow shares those special moments with Disney Cast Members who went out of their way to create Magic!

I was super excited to learn the theme of this month's Magical Blogorail Loop since I have always wanted to talk about a few Cast Members who have left footprints on my heart...In fact, I have always said that the Disney Cast Members fuel the magic and I have the proof right here!

This month's theme has given me the opportunity highlight 3 particular Disney Cast Members who make a Magical difference every day, and in my opinion...no Disney trip is complete without paying a visit to each one of them.

OK...so are you ready!?  Here they are in no particular order:

1) Auntie Kau'l: Greeter and Cultural Ambassador at Disney's Polynesian Resort

If you haven't paid a visit to the Poly's iconic and somewhat legendary greeter Auntie Kau'l, you have been missing out on knowing one of the most amazing women.  Kau'l has worked at the Polynesian Resort since its opening and has become somewhat of a fixture in Disney's Island Paradise.  Kau'l spends her days at the Poly making the most beautiful fresh-flower leis, greeting guests, teaching hula, playing Ukulele, and entertaining the children. She can most commonly be found at the desk near the children's television area of the Polynesian Lobby.

Auntie Kau'l such a beautiful person inside and out and although extremely busy,  she always finds the time for a hug and chat with my family.  Over the years we have collected many pictures with Auntie Kau'l... for many years it was just my husbad and I and now we have passed this tradition on to our daugter and the pictures continue!  It's refreshing to walk into that lobby... Oh the smell...the flowers...the sound of the rushing waterfall...and a familiar face welcoming us to our special island home.



2) Skip: Commander Porter's Clerk at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort

One of the sweetest men I have EVER met, who just happens to be a Disney CM, is Skip, a sales clerk at Commander Porter's, a Men's Specialty Shop at Disney's Grand Floridian.  Back in March while perusing the shop with my family, Skip approached us and said, "Hey...don't I know you? You've been in several times over the years."  He was right, and the fact that he honestly remembered us warmed my heart...but that's not all.  He interacted with my daughter for a while and by the time we left, she ran up and gave him a big hug...she usually doesn't give in to people like that, so it was proof he had a heart of gold.  Before we left, Skip complimented us on our daughter and told us he was writing a book of his memoirs as a CM and that he would be adding his meeting with Bella. 

We returned to Disney in June and while at the Grand Floridian for Tea, we went upstairs to Commander Porter's to say Hi to Skip not sure if he'd remember us...He did!  Bella immediately ran up and gave him a hug and he called her by name.  I noticed he had a tear in his eye, and I'll admit I had one too.  He said it meant so much to him that we remembered to come see him.  It meant so much to us as well!


3) Richard: Doorman at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort

Ahhh...finally number 3 on my list of AMAZING Cast Members is Richard, a Door Man at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort.  Richard has warmed my Disney-loving heart more times than I can count, and a trip to Disney is not complete without paying this Disney icon a visit.  I don't believe I have witnessed anyone love their job as much as Richard.  He is perfectly suited for this position and in my opinion, he just adds to the Victorian elegance of the Grand.

I have SO many important Disney memories that have taken place at the Grand Floridian over the years, and when I think back on them, Richard has always been there to open my door with a huge smile and has always posed for a picture to mark each occasion...To name a few: Multiple Birthdays at Narcoossee's, my anniversary at Victoria and Albert's, My mother's birthday at the Grand Floridian...they go on and on.  Just thinking about Richard makes me tear up.



This month's theme was to share our experiences where CM's went out of their way to create Disney Magic...the Cast Members I have chosen to share with you today create that magic every day without even trying.  They hold a very special place in my heart and the hearts of many!  If you take my advice, and pay a visit to these fine individuals, please do me the favor of letting them know that MANY people love them for who they are!  Tell them to keep spreading the magic by just being them!


Thank you for joining me today.  Your next stop on the Magical Blogorail Loop is It All Started With A Wish.

Here is the map of our Magical Blogorail should you happen to have to make a stop along the way and want to reboard:

1st Stop ~ Return to Disney
2nd Stop ~ Disney Go To Girl
3rd Stop ~ It All Started with a Wish
4th Stop ~ Delightfully Disney
Final Stop ~ Magical Mouse Schoolhouse