Amanda Jackson, eighth-grade language arts teacher at Thomas County Middle School, recently gave an assignment to her students to write a “Dear ____” poem to someone or something that inspires you.  Loralei Payson, eighth-grade TCMS student, decided to write her poem to Disney about all of the inspiration, experiences, and memories that Disney provides to herself and so many others through the theme park, movies, characters, and songs associated with the Disney movies.  

Jackson stated that “As a teacher, reading Loralei’s poem inspired me to dream again!”  

Loralei, excited about her poem, shared it with another teacher, Angela Witcher, who thought Loralei did an amazing job and her poem should be shared.  Witcher decided to send the poem to Disney.

To all of their surprise, Loralei received a heartfelt response from Disney!  Keith Secord with Guest Experience Services at Walt Disney World Resort, took the time to not only read Loralei’s poem, but respond with a very encouraging letter.  Secord stated in his response to Loralei, “You have the soul of a poet that seems to be released by your words.”  He went on to say later in the letter that he looked “forward to seeing what great things lie ahead” for Loralei, and he hopes “that Walt Disney World Resort and Company can continue to be a pillar of strength, creativity, and imagination for years to come” for Loralei.

The response was sent to Witcher’s email.  Wanting to surprise Loralei with the response, Witcher and Jackson, along with fellow teachers, Brenton
Smith and Tammy Melear, decided to print and frame Loralei’s ‘Dear Walt Disney’ poem and the response.

Loralei was thrilled to receive a response and the presentation of her poem and response from her teachers.  Witcher stated, “I’m so happy that Loralei has found her voice in writing and hope that this is something that she will continue to pursue.”

Pictured below in the first image is Amanda Jackson and Loralei Payson showing Loralei’s prints.

Pictured below from left to right are Amanda Jackson, Loralei Payson, and Angela Witcher, as the teachers presented the prints to Loralei.

Loralei’s poem and response:

Dear Disney,

From the first time 

I met you 

You showed me how to be myself 

From the first time I visited you 

For all the times we’ve been to you as a family 

For all the times you showed love to anyone 

To all the times I would watch your movies,

You helped me through the good and bad. 

For all the times I remember all your songs 

For all the shirts that I have to wear to you

You will never know how much I love you.

I have known you since I was a baby. 

If I had to choose between you and sea world 

I would choose you 

You gave me a good imagination

I have all of your movies. 

You put me back together. 

You gave me the joy to do pageants 

You made me happy.

You have brought joy to me. 

You are always happy. 

There’s never hate where you are. 

Your castles have always been there.

You have always been nice to others. 

Even though your “ears” are a lot of money 

You have weddings and birthdays... 

4000 weddings with you

Even though you are 3 hours and 46 minutes away from me, 

you seem closer. 

Your workers have always brought joy to others 

And on birthdays you make sure they feel special

Mickey, Minnie, Goofy... 

And we can't forget Pluto 

Running around to say “Hi”. 

They always bring joy to little ones eyes

Your lines may be long, 

But you’re worth the wait. 

Never change! 

You make everyone's day. 

From, 

Lorelai

Apr 16, 2021, 4:55 PM EDT

Dear Lorelai, 

Thank you for allowing me the pleasure of reading your poem. You have the soul of a poet that seems to be released by your words. I am very happy to hear that the Walt Disney World Resort has been a part of your life for as long as we have. Through the good and the bad and everywhere in between, thank you for continuing to support us as we have continued to support you. While we may be the place "Where dreams come true," those dreams need to start somewhere. Typically, somewhere with dreamers like yourself. Walt Disney once said, "You can design and create, and build the most wonderful place in the world. But it takes people to make the dream a reality." And while that may be true, it is our Guests such as yourself that keep all of us coming back to work day after day and year after year. Seeing the smiling faces of our Guests as they meet characters or take their first ride on Space Mountain is why we do what we do. 

But Walt also said, "We keep moving forward—opening up new doors and doing new things—because we're curious. And curiosity keeps leading us down new paths." Never stop moving forward. While things may change in life, new directions, new goals, new ideas, the one thing that will stay constant is being true to yourself. Be curious. Never stop learning. Never stop remembering who you are and how far you've come and how much lies ahead of you. Be bold. Be daring. Be a little mischievous like Mickey Mouse (but not too much). Be kind. Be goofy! Be yourself. Never stop moving forward. I know you said that we make everyone's day, well reading your poem made mine. Thank you for sharing some of your own magic with me. I look forward to seeing what great things lie ahead for you and I hope that the Walt Disney World Resort and Company can continue to be a pillar of strength, creativity, and imagination for you for years to come. 

Take care, thank you again, and I send my best wishes for a magical day. 

Kindest regards,

Keith Secord

Guest Experience Services

Walt Disney World Resort