GUESTS: Disney Magic
“Cats and rabbits
~ Disney’s Alice in Wonderland – Songwriters: Sammy Fain / Bob Hilliard
Would reside in fancy little houses
And be dressed in shoes and hats and trousers
In a world of my own”
Most who have known me knew I wanted a B&B from a very young age– 10, to be precise. And ten-year-old girls have dreams of what the future holds. Just like in the Disney version of Alice in Wonderland and the song Alice sings, “In a World of My Own”, having a B&B is a world of my own. Fortunately, I have a family who believes in dreams coming true.
It seems apropos, after all these years, that my imagination and my love for Disney play hand-in-hand. All our children adore Disney movies and music which brings me to a story about some guests we had stay with us. As a matter of privacy, we do not share who stays at the White Rose Manor and when. With permission, I am able to share this story of a family who came to stay.
Fast forwarding to the last day, I appeared at breakfast wearing my Mickey Mouse button apron. Ms. Mama Guest smiles and says, “Mickey.” Mr. Papa Guest grins from ear-to-ear and asks if I am a Disney fan. Well, yes. My whole family loves Disney and could break out in Disney song, or spout a quote, at any given moment. We “whistle while we work” and dream of “a whole new world”, especially when it snows, and we head out “to build a snowman”. We tend to be Disney trivia nuts, as well.
Our story begins when a newlywed couple came to visit Lincolnton and chose to stay with us at the White Rose Manor. We were quite excited because we had not been open very long and they rented all three guest rooms. With them, they brought the bride’s parents and her brother. They came to Lincolnton to see the groom’s family.
On the heels of the wedding and having traveled from China, I was not surprised the bride slept for most of the five days they were here. The others spent time in front of the fireplace playing chess, reading, and having coffee or tea throughout the day. The father apologized “for being slugs” the whole time and was appreciative of the down time. No worries, Mr. Papa Guest. We hope that each guest gets what they need when they come to the White Rose Manor.
On the other hand, Ms. Mama Guest spent her time lounging on the couch surrounded by multiple laptops and tablets. Every time I came with tea or to check on them, she would turn them face down or pull the one she was using close to her chest. No worries, Ms. Mama Guest. Just checking on you.
Back to breakfast on the last day, Mr. Papa Guest continues his questioning of our love for Disney and asks, “Do you know what an Imagineer is?”
“Yes, Sir, I do.”
“Do you really?”
“Yes, Sir. We all do,” I say with a smile. (I am not sure he believes me.)
“Did you know there is one sitting here at your table this morning?” he asks. From the astonished look on my face, it confirms that I do, in fact, know what an Imagineer is. He motions to his wife and introduces the Lead Disney Castle Imagineer for Shanghai. While “lounging” on our sofa, she has been designing drawings for the yet-to-be-completed castle for Disney Shanghai which was still under construction at the time.
Yes, we do get unique, fascinating guests–from all over the world. *sigh . . . my wonderland.
