It’s no surprise that Disney parks are a dream vacation for many kids. In addition to the fun rides and attractions, the park employees do a great job keeping the magic alive in the park, making everything a fully immersive experience. The character performers especially take their roles seriously, bringing their roles to life for the kids.
The parks can also be overwhelming for some: the crowds and sights and sounds can be distressing for kids with autism.
But one recent story proves that park workers are adept at handling these difficult situations, ensuring that the experience is unforgettable, even for kids with sensory issues.
When Lauren Bergner, from New Jersey, took her family on a recent trip to Disney World, she was concerned about her 6-year-old son, Brody, who is nonverbal and has autism, and is sensitive to noise and crowds.
Lauren told Today Parents that she spent months preparing her son for the trip.
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Even so, a long, hot day at Epcot triggered a “meltdown” while the family was on line to meet Snow White.
“Brody was overheated, sweating and overwhelmed by everything,” Lauren told Today. “He just started crying.”
While an incident like like that can threaten to derail a family vacation, crisis was averted, thanks to an unexpected hero saving the day: Snow White!
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Amazingly, the performer playing the Disney princess knew how to handle the situation perfectly, comforting the crying boy and letting him rest in her lap.
“Snow White was amazing with him!” Lauren wrote in a Facebook post. “She kissed, hugged and cuddled him. He was laying his head crying on her lap.”
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“I lost it. I was crying,” Lauren told Today. “She lead him to a bench and he was leaning into her and she was hugging him.”
“Brody loves squeezes and soft, soothing voices.”
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Snow White didn’t just calm Brody down—she reignited some of that Disney magic by walking around and dancing with him.
“She then took him for a walk away from the crowd! She was amazing,” Lauren wrote. “She held his hand, danced with him … She went above and beyond!! She took so much time with him. She was a pure angel! She was magical and my family is forever thankful and touched!”
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Lauren says she was worried about the people waiting in line to meet Snow White, but it turns out the crowd was just as amazed by the whole scene. Onlookers sent her photos of Brody and Snow White.
“I turned around and they started clapping,” Lauren told Today. “It was this magical moment that we will never, ever forget.”
Lauren wrote about the inspiring moment on Facebook, hoping to thank the performer for her act of kindness. The post has gone viral, with currently nearly 90,000 shares.
She shared pictures of framed, autographed photos of Snow White and Brody, delivered to the family’s hotel room:
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It’s a beautiful moment that this family will never forget, and a reminder that sometimes a little Disney magic can happen in the real world. Share this heartwarming story!
