Since the movie, Pay it Forward (2000), inspired thousands to perform random acts of kindness, many have discovered the surprising bliss that comes from giving to strangers. With Fort Wilderness at its most crowded (and expensive) during the holidays, levels of impatience rise accordingly. Yet the most magical moments of the day at the campground are not always the appearance of Chip and Dale at the campfire. Or even the early morning, foggy boat ride to the Happiest Place on Earth. Rather it is the new friend we made at the tavern. The gentle man from New Jersey who helped us with our RV electrical short. Or the child who shared her Mickey float with our fussy kid at the Meadows. These are the people and the moments that stay forever etched in our hearts.
I’d like to consider taking a u-turn this season at the Fort (or other campground) by slowing down and feeding less into my own consumerism, and instead being more compassionate and focusing on making someone else’s day. I can take the money I would spend on a Boma dinner for six, make some bologna sandwiches, and use those funds to bring smiles to many strangers. And sometimes, the best things of all are simple and free. Here are a few of my favorite ideas for #fortkindness:
Send Postcards to Family and Friends at Home
Ah, the lost art of handwriting. I used to love to get the mail as a kid in the 70s and find that pretty card with the cool stamp from my Aunt Carol. Whether it was Bermuda or West Palm Beach, it all looked sooooo exotic to me. And I still have those wish-you-were-here little delights 40+ years later. I can’t even imagine the surprise of getting a Fort Wilderness postcard now from a friend today. This is a great one to get the kids to do.
Buy a Handful of Disney Pins and Give Them Out to Grumpy Children
You’ll see it at least 50 times during a three-day stay at Fort Wilderness – so much that you begin to block it out. It’s the about-to-drink-a-whole-bottle-of-wine mother and her three precious offspring who are weary and hangry from a day in the park. One is screaming at 90 decibels and another is whining about sand in her shoes. And this is when you get to become fairy godmother and give each one a pin and a kind word of encouragement. It may or may not cure their angst instantly, but they will always remember.
Bring a Dozen or So Rain Ponchos and Distribute During a Downpour
Almost one out of every three days in Orlando sees some sort of rain. In Fort Wilderness, it seems to come in torrential buckets out of a clear blue sky. Catch people running through the rain from the Meadows to their campsite and hand out ponchos to the unprepared. No one will care if they are ugly.
LOOK for trouble
At every place that there are RVs and travel trailers, there are also mechanical issues and unexpected problems. It seems like there is always some kind stranger at Fort Wilderness around to loan a tool, troubleshoot electrical problems, or just help you get backed in. Be that person.
Hide $5 Bills in a Few Books or Magazines at the Trading Posts
Attach a sweet note of encouragement or inspiration or forgiveness along with it. I remember when I was in college I used to receive anonymous $10 bills in the mail. Attached would be a little sticker that said something like “Go to Church.” Of course, I knew they were from my grandfather, as he had one of those old-timey calligraphic handwritings that you see on things like the Declaration of Independence. Those were wonderful days.
Leave a couple of free small boxes of laundry detergent in the Comfort Stations
Remember to attach a note that says, “Free,” and perhaps “Have a rip roarin’ day!” Take it a step further and fold somebody’s dry laundry in a perfect little pile. Double bonus: tuck a little money or prizes into some of the pockets.
what the world needs now is a new wandering firepit or two
I mean a wandering firepit is a lot like love. It’s hard to find, makes you feel warm, and is meant to be shared. You see, a firepit is required to be covered at Fort Wilderness, and these can run $100 or more. But they are messy and can be a chore to take home. So, there used to be three wandering fire pits at the Fort, and campers used group Facebook boards to share their whereabouts for the next guest. And hark the herald, they all disappeared one day. We need some new angels to bring some new ones and leave them behind.
PRINT KINDNESS CARDS in MEMORY of SOMEONE and Leave with a gift
It’s inexpensive to print 100 or so cards with a photo of someone you miss, along with a message of kindness. Tape it to a Mickey treat and leave them in random places at the Fort for people to discover. Comfort stations, the porches at the trading posts, or parked golf carts are fab places.
pay florida tolls of next five cars behind you
Just when you’re anticipating finally arriving at Fort Wilderness, there’s the panic of the quarters. A small investment will make the Turnpike a joy ride.
use your extra dining credits to pay for trail’s end meals for strangers
You’re leaving tomorrow and have only gained five pounds. There’s no way you can use all your remaining dining credits. Watch for an opportunity at breakfast or dinner to gift them to another family. Make sure you are well out of sight when the family gets their zero bill. Bonus: leave $100 or more for the server.
Place small gifts at every site on your loop
Wrap small presents or leave bags or small stockings. Fill them with handmade woodsy ornaments, wrapped candy, glow-sticks, and other small treasures. Place at each site discreetly and guard your anonymity.
don’t be blown by every wind for at least three solid days
Look, this one can be an extremely tough one. You plan a perfect agenda, and your wife decides she doesn’t want to go to see the Christmas trees at Disney Springs after all. A cast member yells at you to move up in the line (and even points with one finger). You’ve waited 30 minutes for the boat to come. Somebody posts some cray-cray political stuff on a Fort-related Facebook group. Imagine what a peaceful world it would be if we all just took a minute to calm down, and be a little more compassionate. Maybe the cast member just lost a family member or a pet, or got a cancer diagnosis, or failed a class, or has been there 12 hours, or can’t pay the electric bill this month. Maybe your husband’s blood sugar is low. I have to go back and remember – every single day – that life is not what happens to us. It’s how we react to it.