A relaxing day at the Hippy Dippy Pool at the Pop Century Resort . PHOTO BY JUDD HELMS
MAKING THE BEST OF A YOU-KNOW-WHAT SITUATION I was drawn deep into the pages of a book I was reading , water nipping at my kneecaps as I sat poolside . But just as I was reaching the climax of the chapter , a lifeguard ’ s whistle drew me from my imaginary world and back to real life .
I can ’ t remember what he shouted , but it didn ’ t take long for the chattering guests to play a game of telephone that eventually reached me . A small kid had done that thing in pools that you ’ re not supposed to do in pools . And unlike Caddyshack , this wasn ’ t a candy bar .
Guests were obviously frustrated . There went our relaxing pool day — but at least we weren ’ t the ones who had to clean it up .
The lifeguard who had to take care of the mess could have huffed and puffed and rolled his eyes , but I remember watching as he danced around the pool to the music while cleaning and testing the water . Guests began to whistle and cheer for him , so he gave us a twirl and a high kick , grinning from ear to ear . And like that , guests were smiling again , allowing themselves to get over their frustration and instead de-prune while enjoying some lazy snacks poolside .
A BUS RIDE LIKE NO OTHER Back before Mears Connect took over Magical Express , I had the opportunity to ride with perhaps the most magical Cast Member of all : Santiago , a CM I ’ ll truly never forget .
On my first adult trip to Disney World , I missed all the very obvious signs leading me to the line for Magical Express . Instead , I went straight to a bus outside . Santiago stood guard of the bus knowingly .
I brandished my Magical Express paperwork and said , “ I ’ m in the right spot , yes ?”
Santiago grinned and said , “ Too bad they don ’ t put GPS in those papers .” He then pointed me in the right direction back inside MCO , where I needed to check in and wait in line . As I thanked him , he said , “ They ’ re excited and waiting for you .”