This month, my family discovered a new side of Tinker Bell when we stayed at Walt Disney World for the weekend to celebrate my children’s birthdays. Can you believe the resident fairy knows the Tooth Fairy and often steps in for her when children lose their teeth while they are staying at the resort?
Earlier in the week, my almost 10-year-old daughter lost a tooth while we were at home, and the Tooth Fairy visited, leaving her usual monetary payout. So, it seemed out of the blue when my almost-10-year-old daughter announced on the drive to Animal Kingdom Lodge that same week that she had lost another tooth at school that day. She was somewhat worried about the Tooth Fairy being able to find her when she was away from home and staying at Walt Disney World.
That’s when we broke the news that Tink often takes over for the Tooth Fairy at Disney properties, and her anxiety turned to excitement. There was much speculation with her older brother about what pixie-dusted prize the fairy might deliver. As it turned out, Tinker Bell went all out and left my daughter an autograph book and a collector’s pin with her own image, an Animal Kingdom Lodge pen and Disney Dollars. It became a joke in our family that Tinker Bell really loves herself. After all, she left gifts that had her image on them.
So, how does that Disney Magic happen?
It can begin by mentioning to a cast member at your resort what has happened. He or she may be able to assist Tinker Bell’s efforts, though, of course, nothing is guaranteed. When I inquired, I was given the Tinker Bell autograph book for my daughter, which she loved. Other guests have reported receiving everything from pixie dust and balloons to cards signed by Tink and other small gifts. (Some resorts, such as Animal Kingdom Lodge, have restrictions about confetti and balloons because of the nearby wild animals.)
Even if a cast member is unable to offer assistance, most gift shops carry merchandise of some sort with Tink’s image so parents can provide the fairy with help, as well. Other ideas: Look for other themed merchandise, such as a Disney toothbrush or fairy jewelry box or character wallet in which to put Disney Dollars for safe-keeping. Pressed pennies, which cost 51 cents, are popular, too, because they can be found all over Walt Disney World.
My daughter was so thrilled by her special gifts that she wanted to thank Tinker Bell in person. Luckily, we were planning to go to the Magic Kingdom that day so we made it a point to stop by. She had a fun interaction with the mischievous fairy, and I got some great photos to remember the “magical moment.”
Has your child lost a tooth at Walt Disney World? Tell us in the comments how you marked the occasion.
My daughter lost her very first tooth at WDW last year. We had no idea Tink knew the tooth fairy and we held on to the tooth until we got home – no small feat considering she lost it on our first night and we changed resorts too.
My daughter ended up deciding to not give the tooth fairy that tooth because it was too special to let go so she hasn’t had a visit from the fairy yet (for that tooth – she has visited for the next 4 hat came out in the 9 months following!).
We are going back to WDW in a few weeks. Maybe this will be a way for her to finally let go of that tooth if we told her Tinkerbell might just visit. Of course, she’s got another loose tooth so that one may come out too!
I read this with interest as one of my sons once lost a tooth at WDW. He was playing in the Boneyard at Animal Kingdom and lost it on a slide. He said it went rolling down the slide in front of him. Fortunately he found it at the bottom of the slide. He too was concerned about the Tooth Fairy finding him. It was our usual Tooth Fairy that showed up. I wish we had known about asking Tinker Bell to show up!
Hi, I’m 72 so I haven’t lost a tooth at DW but it is such a cute idea. I do have a question… can you still buy Disney Dollars and if you can where do you purchase them? I had thought they were dis-continued a few years ago.
KRISTIN: Disney Dollars can be purchased at Guest Relations in the parks and at the front desk at the hotels.
$5.00 plus a pin and autograph book. I think “Tink” does a much better job then the tooth fairy 🙂
KRISTIN: Definitely! The Tooth Fairy has never left that much loot at our house. But everything is a bit more magical at Disney World, right?
I lost both of my front teeth at WDW – one while riding the PeopleMover, and the other while eating at Cinderella’s Royal Table (King Stefan’s Banquet Hall, at the time). The Tooth Fairy/Tinkerbell brought me Disney dollars both times, and it was super magical.