If you’ve seen our #FeelGoodFriday post, then you know 8-year-old Sydney Russell and how she wowed the crowd at Magic Kingdom Park – and then many, many more online – with an adorable, impromptu dance in her Princess Tiana costume.
After the magical moment, we invited Sydney and family back to the park where we learned more about the unforgettable performance that touched so many people.
Sydney was originally celebrating her birthday at Walt Disney World Resort and visited Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique at Disney Springs for a surprise makeover before visiting Magic Kingdom Park. When she started dancing to music from the park’s Main Street Philharmonic Band, a Disney cast member offered his arm and led her to the band – and the magic began!
“I made up that dance right off the top of my head,” Sydney says. “I was just in my world and I was just living my moment. And when the moment was over, I was just like – did that just happen?”
Sydney’s mother, Tiffany McKinnon Russell, calls the Disney cast member who led Sydney to the band the real star. She says the family is still amazed the video became so popular with more than one million online views. “We’re so glad Sydney could touch so many people and everyone can share in her joy.”
And the magic continues on Wednesday for Sydney and family as they’re scheduled to appear on the ABC-TV talk show “Strahan, Sara and Keke.” Be sure to tune-in tomorrow at 1 p.m. EDT / 12 p.m. Central and Pacific on ABC-TV.
Comments
Some of our most favorite experiences in WDW have been as a result of PhotoPass Photographers who were:
1. Skilled,
2. Creative in suggested poses, etc
3. Entertaining in their interactions with us.
Cast members USE technology to directly create the magic, the technology is worthless by itself.
I am so grateful for magical moments like this. Well done Sydney for being fearless and dancing your heart out. You’ve inspired me and many others I’m sure. I have an 8 year old daughter who loves Disney and loves to dance, you are precious and truly leading the way for others like my own daughter to be courageous by just having a really good time. Bless you.
So sweet…What a great makeover and I agree love reading about real people and how their dreams are coming true at disney. Thank you for sharing!
Sydney’s dance moves and beautiful energy were fantastic! I absolutely adore her confidence and hope she has a joyfully wonderful visit with Strahan, Sara, & Keke! Dream big, princess!!
The best video and magic moment for Sydney and her family! Kudos to the Cast Member photographer for noticing her dancing and escorting her to the band. We love Disney and especially the way a Cast Member can help in creating a once in a lifetime memory.
Beautiful family. Keywords: “The PhotoPass photographer who was the real MVP in this story. PPPs make magic happen. No box could do that.
How fun! Thanks for sharing this story. We love seeing your stories featuring everyday people. Could not care less about the ‘celebrity visits’ to the parks.
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