Toby the Bear, and the Disney Difference

Perhaps you've seen this story about the lost bear that made his way back to his owner, after he was lost at Walt Disney World.  If you haven't, you can read their story here.  (And if you don't have tissues handy, I'll wait here until you grab some.  You're going to need them.)

When this sweet girl's bear was lost, I remember seeing multiple Facebook posts asking for help in finding Toby the bear, and after reading their story, praying that it could be found.  This was more than just a lost toy; this was a tangible link between this young woman and her deceased father.

To my glee and surprise, a few days later, the Facebook posts were updated that Toby had been found! A Disney employee had found Toby, and his family was called a few days later with the good news.

Toby was on his way back to Alabama, but not before he took a VIP tour of Disney World, complete with a photo scrapbook.

copyright Disney

copyright Disney

(Is that not the cutest thing you've ever seen?!  Toby's a star!)

Toby's story highlighted for me the Disney Difference.  Disney is so much more than theme parks, rides and attractions.  It's more than resort hotels, shopping and entertainment.  The Disney Difference is the people, the cast members that make Disney destinations some of the best in the world.   They could have simply put Toby in a UPS box and sent him home, and that would have been OK.  But they took the time to make this little girl's day, and to let her know that Toby was cared for and taken care of before his journey back home.

And those cast members, with the excellent service they provide, are the reasons I turn to Disney again and again when I vacation.