LTMB: Jeff's Story

Here's a fantastic memory from our friend Jeff about his son Anthony's magical interaction with his favorite friend, Tigger.


"We took our son Anthony on his first visit to the world when he was 3 1/2 years old. We'd worked all summer getting him ready for the big trip to see Mickey and his pals.

Finally, we arrive at the Magic Kingdom! Well, I guess seein' Mickey, Minnie, and Goofy was one thing on television, as cartoon characters, but seeing them in real life was pretty intimidating for a li'l guy who didn't yet come to my waist! He didn't want to have ANYTHING to do with ANY of the characters! No pictures, no autographs, no NOTHIN'! Not even with mom and dad between him and the character! But we didn't push it. No need to make the happiest place on Earth the most FRIGHTENING to a toddler!

Came time for the afternoon parade, Mickey Mania, at the time. We get a very good seat RIGHT on the curb in front of Town Hall, and wait for the excitement to come up Main Street, U.S.A. Susie and I are loving it, all the colorful floats, characters, and cast members singing and dancing along the parade route. Anthony? Eh, no biggie....

No biggie, that is, until the float with Winnie the Pooh and HIS friends came by. Pooh and pals had always been Anthony's favorite, I guess because we had decorated his room with them, and he had the entire plush family of characters. Well, as the float passed, there, hanging off the back of the float, was Anthony's BESTEST buddy, Tigger. Anthony perked right up at the sight of him, and, for the first time, actually got EXCITED at the sight of a character. He JUMPED up off my lap, and shouted "HEY YOU TIGGER! WHAT ARE YOU DOIN' UP THERE???" Now...I don't know if it was just coincidence, or if Tigger actually heard that little three year old voice, but right at that second, Tigger pointed right AT Anthony and waved a big ol' wave! That was all it took. Anthony's little eyes got as BIG as saucers, and he fell back into my lap laughing. He turned around to me and said "Tigger waved at ME, dad! He waved at ME!" "He sure did, buddy!" was about all I could choke out!

After that, we couldn't pry the Boy away from the characters...he was just fine with them...and even now, 12 years later, he loves 'em just as much."

Now if that doesn't bring a tear to your eye, there's something wrong with ya! Thank you so much for sharing such a beautiful memory, Jeff!

Keep them coming, Mousekateers!