He Remembered: A Beautiful Disney Gesture

He remembered.  He was there in 2011 (he was 7).  We had breakfast with the Whinnie the Pooh characters at the Crystal Palace Disney Buffet.  My wife thought he would enjoy it again.  He didn’t seem overly excited about it, but it was a pleasant breakfast.  He fixed himself a plate at the buffet (mostly bacon) and sat nicely eating with the family.  The characters made their rounds around the restaurant, taking pictures and offering hugs.  He enjoyed their visits, but I’ve seen him more excited.

Then he quietly got out of his chair and walked to the center of the restaurant.  It wasn’t overly crowded, so we allowed him some freedom to explore.  He stood and paced in the center of the building seemingly waiting for something.  His excitement grew and he began to flap and pace more and more quickly.  He was anticipating something.  After a few minutes, we realized what he was waiting for:  it was the “parade”.  At some point, five years ago, the characters all joined hands with the kids and marched around the restaurant to a  happy song.  We had forgotten all about it.  He hadn’t.

The restaurant manager made his rounds to each table asking if everyone’s experience was satisfactory.  In passing, my wife pointed out my son patiently pacing and waiting for the “parade”.  The manager apologized and explained that the parade wouldn’t be taking place for another 45 minutes.  Since we were almost done with our meal and eager to start our day in the park, we chalked it up to bad luck and prepared to break the news to Eric.

The manager left for a minute and whispered something in Pooh’s ear.  He then went to Tigger, then Piglet, then Eeyore.  He returned to our table and told us there was  a change in schedule and the parade “would be starting now”.  Pooh hugged my son, looked at me and patted his heart, then directed Eric to lead the parade around the restaurant as the happy march began to play.

It was a small gesture in the grand scheme of things.  It was a beautiful gesture in the grander scheme of things.  It was a gesture I will never forget.