Expressing Gratitude While On Vacation

Next week Americans will be celebrate Thanksgiving. It's a time that is all about giving thanks, and showing gratitude to our friends and family. It's a busy time in the Disney Parks, as many families take advantage of the extra days out of the school year to do something fun together. It's important that during these hectic holiday travels we all remember to take a minute to be thankful for the things we have and the people that make our vacations a little more special.

We've all had those trips where Disney Cast Members, and even other Guests who are complete strangers have gone out of their way for us. Here are a few things to keep in mind when you want to express your gratitude at Walt Disney World.


Be In A State Of Gratitude


A Grateful Table

Make your family dinner not only a time to talk about what your fabulous Disney day held, but also a place to express what you have been most thankful for on vacation. Talk about your favorite moments and more to the point, about why they were your favorites. You may be surprised to find that some of your favorite moments will have nothing to do with the rides and entertainment, and more to do with how people treat you.

Sometimes we tend to take service staff for granted, don't forget to tip your servers. While 15 to 20 percent of the pre-tax bill is customary, it's not a hard fast rule. If your server has gone above and beyond to make your family meal a special Disney experience, be sure to let them know how much you appreciated it by both verbally telling them, and leaving a little extra in their tip.


Talk About Your Favorite Moments


Making Magic for Others

There have been times when other guests have done extraordinary things for my family. Random acts of kindness and compassion from fellow travelers help to sooth the stress of busy travel schedules. I've heard stories of ice cream and balloons being replaced by other guest, strollers being passed off to families just coming in the park, given away, even the simplest of kindnesses such as making friends with the people on the curb of the Parade route with you.

My family and I tend to keep a couple of extra trader pins on our pin lanyards, and pressed pennies in our pockets we don't mind parting with. Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom Cards are also great giveaways that tend to make fellow travelers smile. These small tokens are easily passed to other guests that make our days as little nicer.

I also try to keep a couple of blank note cards in my day bag. A thank you note on the fly is a wonderful way to let someone know that you appreciate what they have done. Several Cast Members have told me that the notes I've given would end up in their College Program scrap books.


Carry A Few Pins To Give Away


Cast Member Compliments

The simple #CastCompliment allows you to Tweet your thanks for Disney Cast Members that have gone above and beyond. Simply send a message to @WDWToday and mention the name of the cast member and their location and say how s/he has helped you. Both the cast member and their leadership team are notified of your tweets.

If you'd like to go even further, be sure to stop by Guest Relations and fill out a Great Service Fanatic Card. It's the best way to share your gratitude for Cast Members, who not only receive your thanks, but the good service goes into their employee file and can be a huge benefit to them.


Cast Member Dori Went Above And Beyond For Us


Of course, the easiest way to share gratitude during your Walt Disney World vacation is to be polite, smile, and simply say "Thank you."