Art the Greeter

Today I got the official news that Art, the Greeter at the Beach Club Resort and Beach Club Villas is retiring. I am sure there are many reasons for that final decision, but the main one I can say, as it was confirmed, is that it will allow him more time with family, especially with the upcoming holidays.

Art had talked about it before he was out a few months ago. He had to take time here and there off because when you start taking social security, you can only work so many hours in a month and a year. He had talked about some things he would like to do, "when the time is right".

I saw Art this past weekend, and now knowing that this is official, it make sense on something made in passing. I knew it was coming, just not when. One of the things I have loved when I see Art, is his visiting for moments with families who want to stop and take a picture with him. I have taken MANY of those pictures when I stop to visit over the past several years. I just took one picture of him off the refrigerator and replaced it with another. He will soon have a more special spot, as I am planning to get a photo of him with my mom, sister and niece. It's a 3 generation shot. That one will get framed and treasured, for many reasons.

Art is a huge inspiration and also motivator. I went back to school in 2007-2008, and Art would tell me whenever I was at WDW, "Mediocrity is unacceptable." He is so right. Bring yourself up a level and strive harder. Be better at what you can do and be. Don't do things halfway because it's easier or because someone else can come along later and fix it. Do it right the first time.

I've noticed with conversations I have had with him and some others, that he doesn't judge people, he doesn't take sides. He is the most humble human being I have come to know. He is generous with his time, which is evident when he is at work. If someone asks to see him on his break... he has insisted that staff get him. Only once have I ever interrupted a break, and I was just going to wait for him. Management went to get him instead.

If you can get to WDW before 17th October, I hope you can get by to see Art. I am not sure if he is going to continue to take Sundays and Mondays off, but would think that he will be taking them off. I feel truly blessed to call him a friend... and to have been in the presence of someone like him. He truly is a living icon of all things Disney, and will missed by thousands.

I wish you well Art! May God bless you many, many times over. And thank you for the joy, happiness and peace you have given me.


About the photo: Art was talking with a guest. I had moved around out of the way by one of the pillars closer to the back door. Art had looked up and looked up again when he realized I was there. I had my camera ready, as I wanted a candid shot and got this picture. 24th January 2009.

My Last Kungaloosh

Last night I went to one of the last Adventurer's Club private events. It was very bittersweet. Saw some of the "box people", Lou Mongello and Ryan, author of the Main Street Gazette blog. I brought my friend Rebecca who was with me there a year ago (almost to the day).  She was my backup because someone wasn't able to be home from a trip. (I remember my first time was with an ex BF when we went to PI years ago. AC intrigued me.)


We were escorted in and walked down the stairs. We had a buffet set up with salad, beans, mashed potatoes, couscous, chicken, roast beef and bread. No alcohol.... sadly... was looking for a Kungaloosh. Disney did not keep up the license for that building. The library was full, so Rebecca and I went into the treasure room to eat.


As we finished dinner the show began. We came into the rotunda and had the official greeting and induction... you know the greeting, the creed and the song. You do know the secret greeting?? How about the creed?

We climb the highest mountain,
just to get a better view.
We plumb the deepest oceans, cause
we're daring through and through.
We cross the scorching desert, martini in our hand.
We ski the polar icecaps, in tuxedo looking grand.
We are reckless, brave and loyal, and valiant to the end.
If you come in here a stranger, you will exit as a friend.

KUNGALOOSH!

We moved into the Library as the show carried on. The other group behind us ate. The show was way too short! After the show we came back out, had dessert in the back and then re-entered. The show continued in the Rotunda, then the Mask and Treasure rooms. It ended too soon. We were able to take pictures... live for the last time in 1937.
The cast members made comments throughout the show about the club being closed a year and about things being shipped to Hong Kong. I am glad to know I can still see a couple in few places around the parks. I will miss them and this place that made me smile so much... and let me escape my reality. I am glad that I did decide to take my camera at the last moment. Though I think that this is one of WDW largest mistakes, I pray that the magic carries on however it is used (even as props) in Hong Kong.
Thanks you Lou Mongello and MEI/Mouse Fan Travel for hosting this!

The Magic that is the Magic of Disney

The magic behind Disney is not just the stories we are told, or tell our children, and it is not just the little things that make us smile. It is not only the characters we have come to love... or hate (those villans!) nor is it those wonderful rides that make us laugh or scream. There is more to it than just that... it's also the Cast Members who you may miss if you do not look. The CM's that you go out of your way to stop and see. Or the new ones you meet randomly.

I was at WDW this weekend. I was in line with my mom, to see Tinkerbell and friends at Pixie Hollow. There I met a CM named Sara. She is in the college intern program at Penn State and also in the Army. She was very interesting to talk with, and I hope to see her again. I know too, that I may not. She talked about being at West Point, about her unit, and about her family. She hadn't seen her Dad in a couple years, as he is enlisted too, and they got together at Disneyland Paris. She said that is the park that is sentimental to her. I can see why. She said she cried and cried when she first saw her Dad again. If... no, when, I finally get to DLP, I hope to think of Sara. As Sara walked away, I stopped her to shake her hand, and told her thank you for doing what some of us couldn't have done, by serving.

There are also some CMs that I go looking for. The ones that make my heart happier... that ask about my family, if they are not there with me. There are 3 in particular that I can think of right off. The first is Matthew. I didn't get to see him this weekend, but he is never far from our thoughts. He and my mom made a connection of a special sort a couple years ago, on my birthday. Matthew saw on my mom's wheelchair "Mimi". This was what I called her mom, and she took it as her nickname in regards to my nieces. Matthew called his Grandmother "Mimi" also and when he saw that at the end of the day, he started crying. He was adopted that day by my mom.

Dorothy is a dear lady. She was missing for several months due to a car accident. I met her through a friend, and have asked for her whenever I go to Cape May for breakfast. She is super sweet and spunky! I was thrilled to find she was back to work! I had missed her.

The most humble person in the world that I know of is also a CM at WDW. He is a true treasure and a Disney Icon in his own right. People go out of there way to see him or say hello. I had met him several times, but got to know more about him through the same person who introduced me to Dorothy. I am talking about Art the Greeter at Beach Club Resort and Villas. Art has given me so much with just his wonderful hugs, words of wisdom, encouragement when I wasn't sure about school. He asks about my mom when she isn't there. He asks about things we discussed were going on the last time I saw him. I have talked with him for a couple hours on some of my visits, pausing to take photos with others, or help them with directions. I tell him I feel like I am keeping him from doing his job, as he is greeting and saluting others as they enter. He just smiles and tells me this is part of my job. I have taken many photos of him and guests over the past couple years. I don't mind a bit! He has the warmest smile for everyone... and I am blessed to call him a friend. I am looking forward to introducing my sister and some other friends to him.

There are a couple others CMs that I see depending where I am at... Anthony, Richard and now Vic, because of the great humor he has with Art. These are just a few of the CMs that are the magic of Disney!