We entered Epcot one afternoon through the International Gateway entrance. It was slow (this was 12 years ago) and we were the only ones coming in. On the other side of the turnstiles was Snow White. My (then) 5 year old daughter struck up a conversation with her.
Some background: this was “the big one” - 10 nights at the Beach Club in early Nov, knowing that our kids would soon be in elementary school and such a trip wouldn’t be feasible again anytime soon. We were worried that the trip would cost ALOT but not be worth it. We entered Epcot after checking in at the Beach Club, upon arrival...
So my daughter is chatting with Snow White, with no end in sight; no one else in line or even standing around. We’re still near the turnstiles.
My daughter gushes “I was just in a play with Belle!” (She was a townsfolk in the local high school production of Beauty and the Beast) Snow White asks “So you’re from Belle’s hometown, the quiet village?” My daughter: “yes!”
Snow White says “Well follow me, I’d like to introduce you to a friend.” And we begin walking.
Snow White takes us out to the main World Showcase path and takes a right. Over the bridge, toward France. I don’t recall seeing anyone else around, but there must have been.
We walk into France and turn into a garden area. There’s Belle, sitting alone. Snow White says “Belle, this is Janey from your village.” On cue, Belle replies “Janey, so good to see you again!” And the three of them chatted for a while like long lost pals.
We were 10 minutes into our big vacation, looking on in amazement. We hadn’t been on a single ride or done a single thing on our complicated spreadsheet itinerary...yet my wife and I knew that the trip was already worth every penny, that the rest was really gravy.