This program is a little different than the last because I've had some crazy things with my health. My last program, I did have some neurological pain from the pain condition I have called trigeminal neuralgia. I believe I even mentioned it on this blog. Since that time, the pain has gotten even worse, and has required me to have brain surgery about a year ago. I was supposed to have surgery right about this time, but postponed it so I could do the college program. I'm glad I had the opportunity to have this experience before battling another surgery.
But enough of the serious talk, my favorite part about this blog is keeping track of the princess stories! I've already had some extra magical moments with some princes and princesses with extra challenges, including some Make-a-Wish families. I'm grateful for the people who set it up so I could work with them (they had to do some rearranging). These families hold a special place in my heart, so it means a lot to add some extra magic to their vacations. There have also been some unexpected magical moments, some heartfelt and others funny. I hope you enjoy!
- I often ask the princesses trivia questions. One of my favorites is asking, "What princess has three names?" This particular little girl was thinking for quite some time and was totally focused on finding the answer. Finally, she said "Aurora." I was so impressed! I asked her what her three names were, and she said "Au-ror-a." So cute! Her mom and I were cracking up!
- I asked one princess what her biggest wish was. She said it was to be a doctor. I asked her why, expecting her to say that she wanted to help people, and she replied that she wanted to be a doctor so she could make a lot of money and buy herself a pretty car. At least she was willing to work for it!
- I always ask what the family is celebrating, and one little girl said she thought the trip to the boutique was a reward for being nice to a kid in her class with braces. She had just moved up to first grade, but her dad explained that the girl had a severe disability, and that my princess was her only friend. With the help of a fabulous leader, we were able to make some amazing magic! In the lobby, the girl pointed to her mom that she wanted gloves. I told mom not to worry about it, and that fairy godmother had already taken care of it, and as I said it, someone brought her a purse and gloves set (we had already planned on it). I asked if we could take my princess and her sister on the carousel, and the leader said she had sent someone to get dolls for the two girls. I asked if we could have them go on the ride, and when they came off, the dolls would be waiting for them. She thought it was a great plan, and it all unfolded perfectly. My leader, a cash wrap fairy, the FGIT of the little sister and I all hugged in the courtyard because we were so happy about our magical moment. That's why I love working for Disney!
- A sweet family came to visit, and the little princess was adorable! The family mentioned that they all were able to fast passes for the Mine Train except for the grandmother. She was disappointed that she would be sitting it out, so I suggested letting them know their situation at the front of the line and to see if they could help out. I was pretty sure it wouldn't be a problem. By the end of the transformation, the grandmother was overtaken with emotion at seeing her little granddaughter dressed up, and seeing her excitement gave me an idea. I called over a leader and asked if we could make some magic happen with a fastpass for the grandmother. When I presented it to her, she started bawling and gave me the biggest hug! She cried into my shoulder for quite some time, and then she told me that I wasn't just her granddaughter's fairy godmother, but I was her fairy godmother, too. It is such an amazing feeling to know that I was able to create what I hope will be one of her favorite memories from her trip. I know that when they look back at that ride photo, our time together will be linked to that, and I felt like I was able to make a difference. What a great feeling!
- One day in the boutique, I saw a princess, about 9 years old, wandering around near the dressing room, with her mother anxiously following, then racing back to the dressing room, where her other daughter was getting ready. I told her I would take care of the daughter who was roaming around, who had some special needs, so she could take care of her other daughter. Once they were ready, someone suggested I be assigned to that princess because of my background, and I'm so glad she did. The only language I heard from her was purely echolalic, though she appeared to be enjoying the experience. At the end of her transformation, her sister's was still being completed. Instead of leaving her on the bench, I told her mom I would sit with her until sister was done, so she could enjoy that magical moment. She plopped herself on my lap, and we started playing with a handheld mirror, which she had a great interest in, and I joined her in making silly faces. After making "kissy" faces, I told her not to kiss any frogs. She then looked at me and gave me an unexpected kiss on the cheek. For someone who couldn't use words to express her gratitude, she did a pretty good job with her actions. It was certainly a special moment.
- Like I mentioned above, I like to do princess trivia with the kids. One day, I asked a little girl who the very first Disney princess was. She responded, "ME!" I felt like my work there was done.
- I recently had a guest come in who had a couple of staples in her head and wasn't able to have her hair done. She was so disappointed, and while the family was understanding, they were disappointed, too. A coordinator arranged for me to work with that princess and to do her makeup and nails. I found out that the mother packed nail polish remover in her bag and it exploded all over her clothes on the plane. What a rough start to their trip! I pulled over the coordinator, who had an Ariel doll ready to give to the little girl (she was dressed as Ariel), and explained the mother's situation. She was able to contact the hotel, and I wish I could see the look of surprise when they entered the room that night as the hotel prepared a special surprise for when they returned home. As I was asking the princess her wishes, she looked over at here sister and her matching doll, and wished for one of her own. I told her that I bet Fairy Godmother would hear her. We said the magical words, and the doll appeared. It was a good reminder that you can take what could have been a totally negative situation and make it a positive experience.
On a closing note, I was really excited to receive a guest compliment! It was something I wished would happen my last program, and just never did. I know people appreciate my hard work, but it is really special when they send something in because it means you left a lasting impact. This was such an amazing surprise and it literally made my week!
That's all for now! Thank you for reading! Next post will be all about Molly Mae and our adventures in DCP housing!
