Disney World Best & Hardest Guests: Make a Wish Kids - Ep 130 Confessions of a Theme Park Worker

Рет қаралды 5,593

5 жыл бұрын

As a Photopass Photographer at Walt Disney World, we'd see all sorts of guests. One group was some of the hardest to deal with, but also the best and most rewarding: Make a Wish kids and their families.
A behind the scenes look at what a former worker at Disney World, Silver Dollar City, and Busch Gardens Florida experienced in his time working at the parks. From driving large safari trucks around live wild animals while cracking one silly joke after another, to spending 5 years as a PhotoPass photographer at Walt Disney World and seeing and experiencing all sorts of things, to being a conductor and train robber on the famous Frisco Silver Dollar Line at Silver Dollar City. With 10 years of working in the parks, there's lots of stories to tell. Here is some of them...
website: www.sirwillow.com
I have a Patreon! You can help support me at: / sirwillow
My Facebook page: / thesirwillow
Facebook Fan Group: / 196612161053366
Subreddit: / sirwillow
Discord: / discord
T-shirts, hats, and more available in my merch store!!
shop.spreadshirt.com/SirWillow
Send me stuff! I love mail!
SirWillow
c/o George Burnash
PO Box 1720
Forsyth, MO 65653
My Gear:
Nikon D3300 kit amzn.to/2GFbiru
Zoom H1 recorder with lavalier microphone amzn.to/2EmUqjp
GoPro Hero 5 with accessory kit amzn.to/2uRG3UI
Canon Vixia HF R80 camcorder with extra battery amzn.to/2GygDkq
Rode Video Mic amzn.to/2EndNZJ
Lens protective filters for Nikon Lenses amzn.to/2GA6hki
Limo Studio Camera L-bracket with mounts amzn.to/2GXIb29
USA Gear DSLR Camera backpack with diveders amzn.to/2H1UYAD
Logitech HD Pro Webcam C920 amzn.to/2GECVRK
Sony ECMCS3 clip microphone 2 pack amzn.to/2EkQ6B7
LimoStudio 6x9 white/ black/ green screen and stage lights: amzn.to/2GBGB6H
Vastar Universal Cell Phone tripod mount adapter amzn.to/2Isp2SU
Andoer Wide Platform Pistol Grip Camera Handle with 1/4" Screw amzn.to/2Jp6691
Manfrotto MTPIXI-B mini tripod amzn.to/2HcBTJL
Huge thanks to Steve Williams for the logo. For more info on using his graphic design services, please contact me.
Special Thanks to my Patrons for their ongoing support!!
Richard Meredith; Andrea Jacobsen; Peter New; Deana Martin; Kathy Goodman; Tamara Dillon, Bri Leiza, Drew Palmquist, Nirada Masters, Mary Loudon, Stephanie Burgess, Ryan Gillin, Brendon Neely, Eric Lemay, Craig Kollai, Ronni Ward, Rachel Rosal, Melissa Tidd, TeaChest Media, Rebekah Bell, Walt Disney Planet, Dan Howlett, Tyler Rosenberg, and more!

Пікірлер: 63

@j.d.529 5 жыл бұрын

A few years ago at the Magic kingdom talking mickey photo op we had a delay for a character break. My husband started chatting with the man in front of us. He was all by himself, and 60 years old so my husband asked what brought him to Disney World. He had lived in Florida his whole life and had never been to Disney World. 3 years earlier he had been diagnosed with cancer. He promised himself if he beat it he'd finally go meet Mickey. We got to share the moment with him. He didn't say anything to the employees so my husband did. He got extra time and an awesome interaction with Mickey. That 60 year old cancer survivor transformed into a little kid right in front of us.

@andyreid8969 5 жыл бұрын

Not "Make a Wish", but we went to WDW with my mother who had recently received an artificial knee. The cast members were so kind when they saw an elderly woman on crutches and made sure that she was able to see our daughter (who, at the time, was 6) experience all the first time wonder on her face. Even now, 12 years later, mum still talks about it.

@DarkMichiko 5 жыл бұрын

3 years ago I was invited to the hospital to do “a off therapy day party.” At this time I did a Spider-Man cosplay (I live in South Dakota btw) it was the most moving moment ever. And I am now a Make a Wish train Volunteer and have raised 3k+ for South Dakota Make a Wish. Just a couple weeks ago I did another Spider-Man meet to reveal to a Make a Wish child that his Wish was coming true. ^^ I love working for charities and special kids. Must be why I work with kids for a living and help kickstart a child cancer backpack program.

@elizabethcrose644 Жыл бұрын

I had the privilege of watching your experience as a cast member today in advance of my daughter’s upcoming Make A Wish trip to Disney. We are so excited to get to visit when a year ago we wondered if she would make it through surgery or the post-op complications. We hope to see you around the park at some point! ❤️

@Malvagitaville 5 жыл бұрын

Many years ago I was in a character-meet line at MK, and we watched one of these "moments" with a dramatic hug. What made me cry while smiling was hearing another child in line say something like "Look, they love each other! I'm so happy now!" Kids know what's up.

@reginafallangie2867 6 ай бұрын

We’re going on our “wish” trip next month…and yes, we would give anything to NOT “qualify” for this special treatment. It’s not a club you want to be a part of. We’re so excited, blown away and blessed that our kiddo will have this opportunity after everything he has gone thru & challenges he still has. Thank you for helping others to understand❣️

@SirWillow 6 ай бұрын

You have me curious now when and where you are going. We will be at WDW Feb 6 to 11.

@reginafallangie2867 6 ай бұрын

@@SirWillow end of Feb, staying at GKTW for his Disney wish

@chandraau1475 5 жыл бұрын

Probably one of the neatest and hardest parts of the job... Maybe the hardest I would guess. I bet these kids are some of the coolest, bravest, most awesome guests EVER!! Thank you SO much for sharing, this is a great video!

@EmmaJonYoureWelcome 5 жыл бұрын

I didn’t expect to get emotional while watching this but I got pretty teary. What a privilege to be able to meet all of these brave children and listen to their stories x

@klutzycutie 5 жыл бұрын

I'm getting teary eyed just listening to the story. I would be a mess if I saw that in person. Thank you for sharing.

@lilsisasu 5 жыл бұрын

My dad was a mailman. He would go to the national convention every summer. The auxiliary president would choose a charity for that year and all of us kids would raise money at our state convention. I don’t remember where the national convention was held one year, but I do remember that the charity was Give Kids the World. I think the reason it has always stuck with me is because I have disabilities.

@heidibrown2357 5 жыл бұрын

My sister in law, when she was a kid, went to Disneyland with her family through Make a Wish. Her sister was battling cancer and died shortly after their trip. It was such a special trip for them with lots of wonderful memories. And now my sis-in-law loves Disneyland and goes as much as she can (now as an adult) with her family.

@kitx5350 5 жыл бұрын

I love that Disney does stuff like this, I was sick as a teenager and one of the main things that got my through my illness was Disney, I wanted to get physically strong enough so that I was able to visit Disney, when I was sick in bed I watched every single Disney movie, and I know a lot of other kids will do the same, and getting to go to Disney really is so magical you’ll forget you were ever feeling ill

@katybudd6319 2 жыл бұрын

I know that I don't fall under this category, but when I was younger, I would always be given either special treatment or privelige because I'm blind. Often times, kids would get jealous for the things or programs I would be able to do that others couldn't. Thanks for the video.

@keriknight3148 Жыл бұрын

Thank you! My nephew is a Wish Kid. Feb/March 2020

@abimckenzie1179 5 жыл бұрын

Thanks for always making these moments special for these kids. I have a very rare chronic illness that I’ve had since the third grade and it’s not obvious when you look at me that I’m sick, but it’s there. I was in the hospital (a lot of the time the ICU) for a week a month for years and years. I would have to be pushed in a wheel chair whenever I went to Disney (because I wouldn’t be able to make it without a hospital visit,) and I can’t tell you how many glares I would get from people who had no idea what I was going through and they just didn’t understand. Some of my best moments in life are from Disney and moments with casts members like you. I was a part of an organization like Make a Wish here in Chicago, so these outings are so very special for sick kids. It really does mean a lot the special care that you put into Make a Wish interactions. Thank you!

@scottmack6656 7 ай бұрын

This is awesome and make a wish is wonderful!

@kimllpd Жыл бұрын

My Wish Kid got his Wish 2020 just before Coivd hit. Mickey is his hero, and my favorite photo from that trip was captured by a character photographer. It was The moment Isaiah met Mickey for the first time. My second favorite photo was a few minutes later as Mickey hugged ME and I started crying on his shoulder. I would wish I could share those two pics with you!

@SirWillow Жыл бұрын

I would love to see them! If you upload them online somewhere please send me a link to sirwillow@gmail.com

@bretsvlog6699 Жыл бұрын

Wow this is touched me. I was sad when I see this Made A Wish Family’s going throw. I have a disability it’s Special Needs having downs. Like wow

@robrathbun5781 5 жыл бұрын

Thank you for sharing

@katherinegrice1801 Ай бұрын

The one that really impressed me was a little girl that had no childhood. She was having health issues playing outside, so the parents went to the doctor. They ran several tests and discovered discovered

@katherinegrice1801 Ай бұрын

They ran several tests and discovered she was allergic to the Sun. When she went outside, she had to wear what was like an astronaut suit. This little girl wanted to go to Disney, but was denied by her parents concern for her health. That's when Disney stepped in. When they heard her story, they contacted the parents and made arrangements for them. After they closed the park, the family showed up. They kept the park open all night. This allowed the child to play , without the suit, just like any other child. KUDOS to Disney.

@SirWillow Ай бұрын

Disney has done this a number of times. Usually in conjunction with Make a Wish or other similar organizations, so they can also coordinate transportation and provide the same opportunity for a number of people who suffer similar issues. It's pretty amazing what they do sometimes.

@kevinpetit9886 4 жыл бұрын

This video makes me 😥. But in a good way. Great video. 🌝👍❤

@robynheart716 5 жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing your story.

@JanayDiamond 5 жыл бұрын

I ❤️ your attitude and overall spirit!!!

@kkgilby166 5 жыл бұрын

Oh my I am in tears listening to this video

@anaisb3622 5 жыл бұрын

This is so sweet. Ive been thinking about going to disney world for my make a wish!

@briannaferrell6771 5 жыл бұрын

Beautiful video bless those kids going through such hard times and bless the people like you at Disney who go above and beyond for making magical moments 😊👏🏻✨

@theannechann642 5 жыл бұрын

Just amazing. I love kids and people who have difficulty’s. There’s just something special about them. They always make my day. This video makes me even more excited to go to Disney for the first time. It’s going to be a super special trip for me. God has done ever so much for me. And watching Disney movies and seeing him in them. Anyways. Great video.

@chriscalvin5083 5 жыл бұрын

Great video

@mermaidciara6609 5 жыл бұрын

Great video I missed your videos

@sarahalberts3699 4 жыл бұрын

Two of my kiddos are wish kids. My son went on his this past year and my daughter gets her next year. We appreciate you guys! My son is now facing an epilepsy surgery and we are so blessed to have had that trip and looking forward to my daughters!

@elijahsanders7157 Жыл бұрын

so i have Cerebral Palsy and one kidney and in 2008 I got to go on the Detroit Piston's private jet to Disney World on a make-a-wish trip. Then when i got back i used my position in student government to raise money as part of Make a Wish for a girl to swim with dolphins. I just graduated from Oakland University in December 2021 and now i'm preparing for law school.

@strongsadventures 5 жыл бұрын

We have always supported Make a wish and St Jude’s. Great video Sir Willow. Yes I teared up a bit on this one but that’s okay.

@acertainpointofview4744 5 жыл бұрын

You never disappoint me Sir Willow. I found your channel about 6 months before my most recent trip to Disney in December of 2017. You do such a good job of talking about all of the things that Disney does to create that special magic. But as much as I love Disney movies and the parks, the actual "magic" comes from the cast members. Most Disney cast members are wonderful, but there are others that are beyond priceless. And I wish that I had gone to Disney when you worked there, because you bring joy without even trying. Because of the multiple health issues that I deal with, I had to look deep into my soul to figure out how to live my life without becoming bitter and angry. In a quiet moment when I was finally ready to listen, God whispered two words to me. "Choose Joy". So now I work very hard to keep that in mind, especially on my worst days. While I know that you have bad days like the rest of us, I look forward to your videos, because I know that you will raise my spirits. In many ways, whether you have made a conscious decision or not, I see that in you. It's very helpful. When I was on my trip, I met several cast members with the same spirit. It's very hard for me to understand in those cases why there are jobs who pay their employees so little. I still go a bit crazy when I see famous people leading lavish lifestyles who really aren't very nice people (I'm not saying every celebrity is like this.) But I will never understand how our society became so upside down. I will always believe that the most deserving are people in the service industry who can work a full shift on their feet and still go out of their way to make a moment special for a stranger. Certain teachers that you never forget, a nurse who will find a few spare minutes for a patient who hasn't had visitors, a police officer that decides to buy a carseat for a family instead of ticketing them. Those folks and so many others are the real heroes. But, even if they never get what they truly deserve here, at least I know they're building up their rewards in Heaven. As always, thank you for helping me continue to choose joy.

@AshleyMeamora 5 жыл бұрын

My family and I went to Disney for my sisters Make a Wish trip and the staff was awesome one of the things the people said at GKTW that you might not get to skip the lines for the characters but we got to go right up to everything. It’s the most magical thing for such a hard time. All the cast members were just incredible!

@HakuHikari 5 жыл бұрын

I'm applying for the Disney College Program and Photopass Photographer was the role I was most interested in. I even really sold myself as one during the phone interview. I was already pretty certain I wanted it, but this video definitely convinced me it's the role for me. Your videos are great, keep up the good work!

@SirWillow 5 жыл бұрын

That's awesome! Hope you get in. Keep me updated on how it goes

@steviefunk-kelly7186 5 жыл бұрын

We would on occasion see the Make a Wish families at some of the fairs and festivals when I worked for some of the traveling carnival shows I worked for over the years. I was a ride operator on the Midway. I too have cried on more than one or more occasions. We didn't have characters like at Disney, we did have photographers. And so it was usually up to use ride operators and crew to pull out all the stops! And by the end we we're all crying, emotionally spent, but inspired.

@shayleeboger2558 2 жыл бұрын

I know I am a few years late but I am going on my wish trip in 61 days to disney. I was supposed to go to the 2020 olympics but covid happened.😒 Now I am a little older then a normal wish kid(I was 15 when I was referred and now I am 20 bc of the wait to the olympics). For my genetic disease, no one really knows that I have weekly infusions for the rest of my life, or that my disease impacted me before I was diagnosed and left me with skeletal issues that I am just now finding out about and trying to fix. They don't know that on the day of my senior prom, I had a doctors appointment and physical therapy and did my makeup on my way because that's just how life is. To most people I look "normal" because I walk and have all my hair.

@AshWild420 5 жыл бұрын

Had a good friend of mine who chose Disney as her make-a-wish. She had been diagnosed with DIPG in March of 2017, less than 4% of kids live past a year of diagnosis. She passed away this June, shortly after turning 13. She's always in our hearts though

@myturtlesoup 5 жыл бұрын

Hello George: it is so nice that people do nice things for kids or adults that are going thru traumatic/sad events. I particularly like Johnny Depp's visits to the children hospitals dressed up as Captain Jack Sparrow and his interaction with these patients, all over he (JD) is an awesome actor, there is a character performer at WDW that portraits Jack Sparrow @MK and I always enjoy the way he is with the little ones, I heard Disney is cancelling the show at the end of September after 10+ years; bummer. I know you must have witnessed a lot of touching moments during your time at the parks as a photographer. Greetings, Patricia.

@SirWillow 5 жыл бұрын

I see a lot of blogs posting that the show is closing, but nothing from Disney itself. Which is always interesting. Hopefully it isn't closing, or if it is it's just temporary. Depp has done some really neat outreaches as Captain Jack.

@tlt935 5 жыл бұрын

Make A Wish is my absolute favorite charity! When I worked for Things Remembered (a Make A Wish partner,) we would sell Make A Wish pins year round and Make A Wish branded snowglobes and ornaments for Christmas. Some of the money from those would go to Make A Wish. I asked with every transaction if they would like a pin and a quite a few people would actually buy them and thank me for pointing out the pins because none of my coworkers would even acknowledge it, even though there were boxes of them at every register... And at Christmas time, I was put on the floor because the manager knew I would push really hard to sell the merchandise, especially the Make A Wish stuff knowing a huge portion went to helping. I'm very proud to have had worked at a company that donated to Make A Wish. I didn't even realize Things Remembered did that until I stared working there.

@geekmoto1363 5 жыл бұрын

when i worked at half a dozen flags, we didnt get many make a wish kids for whatever reason, but every now and then, we would get a family with kids that it was dead (poor word choice but lacking a better term) obvious they were going through something and my fellow ride ops and I would try to do something to brighten that kids day, sometimes even just talking to them about their favorite subject was enough to bring a smile to their faces. most times no one grumbled but every once in a while, we got that one, that just wouldn't let it go. we found fun ways to deal with that, and once i heard( heard this from another ride op later) my ride lead call for a character to meet a family at the exit of our ride and the kid was so amazed and just utterly confused. no one knew how to explain it to the kid. after I had heard about this, i came up with a simple line to give kids for just this situation. "their parents sent bugs bunny (or whomever the character was) a letter and that's how they knew where to be and when to be there." kept the magic going and the kids never questioned it.

@TheThomson8 5 жыл бұрын

Great video, not so sure about the 49ers shirt however. JK. Seriously great job.

@Disnickfanatic 5 жыл бұрын

Do you have any stories or do a video on what experiences you may of seen or had with Extreme Makeover Home Edition?

@SirWillow 5 жыл бұрын

I've got no experience with them at all. When they had families like that, Photopass wasn't involved with them at all.

@tdadp 5 жыл бұрын

Love make a wish families..their is nothing more magical then seeing them smile . It’s a blessing to make magic for them .its hard not to tear up. Have you had an make a wish ask you for an autograph ?

@tdadp 5 жыл бұрын

Steve Ross some people feel entitled it’s mind boggling to see it. But I see more people more accommodating to these kids and their family even on line other then the special people who can’t understand that hey this person might not be here next year the guest are great at calling them out as jerk .

@tdadp 5 жыл бұрын

Steve Ross Exactly

@dnightwalker 5 жыл бұрын

Quick question: How much does the actor portraying a character needs to know about said character? For example, is the actor playing Donal Duck, need to know about "Kingdom Hearts" just in case a guest brings it up.

@SirWillow 5 жыл бұрын

The characters know their stories well. As what happens with age sometimes they might get short refresher courses, but they're usually really good about remember what they've done. :-)

@DanaL-u3e 5 жыл бұрын

i was on vacation visiting disney world; i can't remember when exactly it was but one of the days during that trip when i was on one of the monorails, several kids and their loved ones or/and chaperone's were on it when i looked over in which they of course had their "Make A Wish" shirts on. it ended up being somewhat of a bad experience the fact one of my loved ones asked one of the chaperone's about it, i was like "my loved one wasn't being intentional about asking in a respectful manner about; some people just clearly don't know much about the organization, he then snapped at my loved one; she was just asking "what is that organization all about?!" he then snapped at her and then pointed at me saying by asking "you should know, you're daughter thats in a wheelchair right there is apart of it isn't she?" that was way out of line especially coming from one of the parents of one of the kids or/and a chaperone that had a t-shirt on. then i was like "mom stop, you're just making it worse, but then again i said to her while he looked at her then me and said "he's just being insensitive", as we were getting off, i said "i have nothing nice to say to you"(me to that volunteer, parent of one of those kids or chaperone) then just went my merry way. For those parents of those kids alongside those volunteers and chaperone's to those kids; with all do respect; for those of us disable person(s) that are disabled; not all are within the organization, some people in this world just need to get their facts straight. when someone asks you whple within the organization?! don't snap at the person asking, be polite with kindness, my mom wasn't being rude at the time when this was taking place during one of our trips in the past years ago, i was at least in my early to mid 20's when this was happening luckily since i said "i have nothing nice to say to you"(me back to the volunteer, parent, or chaperone) then went on my merry way. that was bizarre!!!!! i know we all as a human can have a bad day, its like don't take your anger out on someone with all do respect. on the positive side of that experience, it was neat seeing that group of kids alongside their volunteers, chaperone's and all what not : ).

@SirWillow 5 жыл бұрын

Without knowing what that person was going through, I'm guessing that it was a parent/ relative, not a volunteer. Oftentimes when they are on their "wish trip" it will come at a critical and very stressful time during whatever that child is going through. I doubt that they intended to be disrespectful, but if they were stressed, worried, overwhelmed, they might have felt like they were being put on the spot and pointed out, even though that wasn't what was happening. Often the families are very sensitive about what the kids are going through. In fact, a big part of our training for them was to not ask or talk about what the kids were going through- if the parents volunteered it, that was fine, but we didn't ask or discuss it ourselves because of the emotional situation that it might cause as well. I'm sorry it got dumped on you. I'm not excusing them, but I know when I have been in extremely emotional situations I haven't always handled even the simplest of things or questions well, even if well intentioned.

@DanaL-u3e 5 жыл бұрын

SirWillow i definitely felt offended cuz i felt at the time he was making an offensive comment then put me on the spot. i just wanted to say a huge thank you for re-assuring me of what you mentioned back in response to me. i as a little bit older young woman understand people are human including me can bump into someone a cross the line with that person at times; we're all guilty of it in our lives including me. i definitely didn't let that moment ruin the rest of my trip with my loved ones during that same week we bumped into them. have a blessed rest of your weekend sir! thank you for your kind words : )