Before I started my life as a Disney cast member, I had only been to Disney World once in my life. I had gone when I was around 3 years old. After that trip, everyone knew that I had a special connection to Disney.
Ever since that trip, my young self would always happily parade around showing everyone my famous Disney Photograph and Autograph book. I can estimate that everyone who entered my house between the years of 1998 and 2003 had seen all of the pages of the book at least fifty times. It was not much but it was the only item from Disney I really held on to. Who knew that a few (magical) moments in time captured on film could bring such happiness to someone?
I held onto those very memories as I stood in line to see the one and only Winnie the Pooh nearly 18 years later. Here I was, a twenty year old woman, standing alone in line under the blazing central Florida heat for over an hour just to get my chance to see Pooh ear one more time. From an outsider, I probably looked ridiculous but I was having the time of my life. I was holding onto my book and remembering the first time that I saw him. I flipped through all of the pictures remembering the one time that my family actually was able to have a real vacation.
Finally, it was my turn. I gave Pooh a big ol' hug that was just as soft and cuddly as I remembered. Then I showed him the picture of us from years ago which made him super surprised and excited. We talked about how he no longer has to write his name on his shirt to know that it is his.
