Disney World has long been considered the “most magical place on Earth” for families worldwide. But this is especially true for Jessie Barger, whose son is disabled.
The two were dining together at the Crystal Palace Restaurant in the Magic Kingdom when Winnie the Pooh turned up.
What happened next ended up on Facebook.
For those of you who have disabled children know the feel when people look but aren’t sure how to interact with your kiddo. This Winnie the Pooh melted my heart and knew exactly what to do! He spent 10+ minutes with our little guy and he loved every second of it.😍Thank you Pooh!
Posted by Jessie Barber on Monday, November 12, 2018
In the video, Winnie the Pooh wastes no time making sure Jessie’s son is having a good time.
Barber said:
“For those of you who have disabled children know the feel when people look but aren’t sure how to interact with your kiddo. This Winnie the Pooh melted my heart and knew exactly what to do!
He spent 10+ minutes with our little guy and he loved every second of it.😍
Thank you Pooh!”
Her son, who has cerebral palsy, can communicate only via facial expressions. This didn’t stop the actor playing Winnie the Pooh from spending over 10 minutes with him.
Barber told Fox News:
“This was his first time at Disney World. I had no idea the video would go viral. We were just hoping to reach other special needs families to show this amazing interaction and that it is worth the trip to Disney.”
People wanted to know who the person in the costume was so they could thank them.
Absolutely gold!!! Can we use Twitter to find out who this wonderful person is?!? Deserves all accolades and to be on @TheEllenShow
— Camilla Stengård (@Grausenstein) November 18, 2018
That’s what I’m trying to figure out as well, was it at an @Disney park! @WaltDisneyCo @DisneyStudios @WaltDisneyWorld @DisneyPixar @DisneyParks helps us out if this is one of your employees!?
— Make Nazis Cry Again (@25thThe45thPls) November 18, 2018
It’s at Crystal Palace, a restaurant in Magic Kingdom. Could try #CastCompliment?
— Cat Phillips (@Cat_Phillips) November 18, 2018
Thank you, this person needs to be recognized even if it’s just the employers who do it! Maybe if more companies gave their employees recognitions and told them how much their actions are valued, more employees would be eager to do the same!
— Make Nazis Cry Again (@25thThe45thPls) November 18, 2018
Also maybe others could learn how to interact with a child with disability. Some may not know what to do. I have a grandson with Autism, so I know how to interact with others. It’s all about learn & being kind & loving.
— Josseline (@Jossfjh) November 18, 2018
This is very important too. I think a lot of people shy away from interacting because they don’t want to aggravate the parents or the child or do something that may cause the child or parents to be uncomfortable.
— Make Nazis Cry Again (@25thThe45thPls) November 18, 2018
The video warmed many people’s hearts.
"How do you spell love?" asked Piglet.
"You don't spell it, you feel it," said Pooh.— Megan needs Coffee & Cocktails (@MsMeganTweets) November 18, 2018
You just broke me!
Those words and those magical Pooh kisses. 💗💞😭— karen (@krashe848) November 18, 2018
Oh… all the kisses.. makes me cry every time I watch it.. just beautiful
— Andrea Pontani (@pimbom) November 18, 2018
Its glorious.
Bub's reactions are just beautiful too. 💞
That Pooh is a gentle loving soul.— karen (@krashe848) November 18, 2018
Some shared similar stories.
Mickey and my autistic nephew ❤️#proudofDisney pic.twitter.com/NK3JOz5I0M
— CRISTIANE MOYA BRUHN (@CRISBRUHN) November 19, 2018
Same Pooh, same place, giving lots of love to a disabled kiddo 6 years ago – my son pic.twitter.com/do3xsWfc5s
— Elizabeth Picciuto (@epicciuto) November 18, 2018
My dear departed grandson at Disney! One of the few times in his short life that he giggled! pic.twitter.com/neIHYyOygk
— Papajoe #WeAreCorbyn 🌹 “#GTTO 🌹#JC4PM 🌹 (@Papajoe1407) November 18, 2018
It was ten years ago now, but we had a similar experience. After seeing Barney’s show at Disneyworld, an usher told us to stay behind because Barney wanted to meet our son. Just him. He came back out and spent ten minutes with him. You never forget kindness like that. pic.twitter.com/xTXG1M1Hqn
— Steve Redmond (@sjredmond) November 19, 2018
Memories are made from moments like this. My daughter Milla with Winnie the Pooh in 2012, Disney World Florida. So many smiles. Milla passed away in 2016, but these moments were the most special of times and are so invaluable. The video is beautiful & brought tears. Best wishes. pic.twitter.com/s41suF2epa
— Tony Frobisher Ⓥ (@vegpedaller) November 18, 2018
And most felt this was a lesson for people who may not know how best to interact with someone who has disabilities.
I know the feeling, and we need much more of this.
And while Pooh is the unrivaled best, it doesn't even take a costume to find gentle ways to interact. If you really look & pay attention, the child will often "tell" you.— Jana Ben-Moshe (@jb_in_motion) November 18, 2018
Consider for a second, even how many smiles & acknowledgements most folks get in a day. As my son got older & less adorable-looking, he became (at best) more like glass- i.e. see-thru.
So starting is simple- with a warm smile.— Jana Ben-Moshe (@jb_in_motion) November 18, 2018
Thanks for this gentle reminder. ❤️
— Emily Schaffhausen 🥂🥂 (@silly_emily3) November 18, 2018
Thank _you_ for being open to it!
I really appreciate it.— Jana Ben-Moshe (@jb_in_motion) November 18, 2018
We need more of this kindness in the world.
H/T: Fox News, Facebook, Twitter
