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Finding Disney: When Disney Finds You

Extraordinary Magic in Everyday Life

by Blake Taylor

There I was, in the gentle glow of the campus coffee shop. I was surfing the web and relaxing after a psychology test, letting my mind ease as I scrolled endlessly through reports of Epcot flowers, enhanced maps, and high-tech bathrooms.  I casually glanced up from my computer as a stranger entered the coffee shop—and I saw it. The item in the stranger’s hand.

I knew what it was, and I knew where she got it. I had not seen one outside my own household since the last visit to the mouse: a Disney resort refillable mug.

mugIt was right there, miles away from the most magical place on Earth. It had taken the same journey I had, and now our paths had crossed. Alas, the spasm that my face displayed as I recognized the stranger’s cup probably threw away any possibility of striking up a conversation. And even if I had said something, it would have likely been incoherent gibberish consisting of the fact that I knew the exact time frame she had purchased that mug based on the design it boasted (a large Mickey face with balloons everywhere… any guesses?). But that would have made me come across as far more creepy than I really am, so maybe it’s for the best that I kept quiet.

After the mug encounter, I began to notice other similar occurrences. It was like the very thought of a Disney vacation was teasing me everywhere I walked. A few days later, I saw a guy sporting a Perry the Platypus trucker hat under his large headphones and loud music. Another time I strolled past the very same coffee shop as earlier on jazz night to hear “When You Wish Upon a Star” being played by a live band. Several days after that (I kid you not, I cannot make this stuff up), a college-aged girl in the distance wearing Minnie Mouse ears. By the time I did a double take, the girl was gone out of sight.

Disney stuff was popping up everywhere! At first I felt weirded out, but then I felt comforted. It was nice to see that so many people have an appreciation for Disney that they aren’t afraid to share in public. Do you ever experience this? Does Disney ever sneak up on you in a place you least expect it to???  Share your stories, and YOU could be randomly selected to win a WDW Radio Mystery Ticket!

Congrats to PAUL C. for being the first randomly-selected recipient of a Mystery Ticket for sharing his magical memory of the Magic Kingdom in my post 2 weeks ago.  Watch for more opportunities toshare YOUR memories and perhaps win a Mystery Ticket as well!

Blake is a college student focusing on Creative Writing and Media Studies. He enjoys making his family of six watch the parade on Main Street and then sprint to Frontierland in time to see it again. You can follow Blake’s random Disney ramblings on Twitter at @blakeonline, or at BlakeOnline.com.

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About Lou Mongello

Lou Mongello is a former attorney who left the practice to pursue his passion, and is now a recognized Disney expert, author, speaker, and host of WDW Radio. Learn more…

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