Five Minutes A Day

Many of you know that Walt Disney is practically my hero. I think we all could learn something from his ways, and I have adapted a few in my everyday living.

Here's one of my more recent philosophies I have acquired from Walt- To take 5 minutes everyday at work and make a guests experience better.

"The customer is king..."
"Every Cast Member is responsible for the impression we make..."
"Take five minutes a day to make a magical memory for one of our guests..."

-Walt Disney



When Walt Disney was alive, he would walk around Disneyland with a roll of five-dollar bills and tip any cast member who worked extra hard to plus the experience for a guest. Sadly, this tradition has gone away when Walt did. And many Cast Members don't take that extra time anymore.

But I do. And I will always, no matter where I work. Here are a few recent examples of what I have done:




I cleared a tray for an older lady with her grandchild a few weeks ago. There was a long line up front, and she wanted to get an ice cream but didn't want to wait in line or leave her grand kid. So she asked me if I could go get them one if she gave me the money. Of course! So I bi-passed the line by going straight to a spare register and had her ice cream back at the table in less than three minutes. (It probably would have taken her around ten if she waited in line). She was grateful, and I felt amazing.

This little girl came in with balloons a few weeks ago, and she excitedly told me and my co-worker that it was her birthday. So what did I do? I turned to my co-worker and said: "Let's sing!" So just us two started singing for her, and a few other people (both workers and guests) joined in. We then gave her a plush cow. It totally made her lunch, and mine.

Yesterday one of our regulars came in for our 3 year birthday celebration. She came an hour after it started, and was disappointed to see that the cake was gone. (Or so we thought, since it wasn't up front anymore). She bought 15 ice creams for all the kids she brought, and sadly said "Why didn't you save us any!?" We both laughed, and they headed outside to jump in the jump house.
A few minutes later I walked in the back, to find just a few pieces of cake left. I quickly put them on plates and trays, and headed to their table with 15 slices. I've never seen 15 girls go that crazy for cake! And the parents thanked me.


I look forward everyday to taking that extra five minutes to make someone's experience more Magical, even if I don't work for Disney, yet.


If you've ever done something like this, please share! Leave a comment with your story!