An 8-year-old girl who impressed guests (and went viral) with her impromptu dance with the Main Street Philharmonic Band was invited back to the Magic Kingdom to tell her story.
Video of Sydney Russell, dressed as Princess Tiana, was posted by her mom on Facebook and over 1 million views later it caught Disney’s attention.
During a visit for her birthday last week, Sydney went to Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique at Disney Springs for a surprise Tiana makeover, then headed to the Magic Kingdom. While there, the family happened upon the band playing “When I’m Human” from The Princess and the Frog.
When a PhotoPass photographer saw Sydney dancing along to the music, he led her to a prominent spot in front of the band. Sydney says that she made up the dance off the top of her head. Adding, “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?”
During their return visit, Sydney’s mom, Tiffany McKinnon Russell, said that the Cast Member was “the real star.”
“We’re so glad Sydney could touch so many people and everyone can share in her joy.”
After Disney shared Sydney’s video on Friday, her total views jump to nearly 2 million.
Here’s a look at Sydney’s story told during their return visit:
The Russell family is also scheduled to appear on ABC’s Strahan, Sara and Keke on Wednesday afternoon (1pm EDT/12pm CDT & PDT).
Source: Disney Parks Blog
Tom is the host and producer of the DIS Unplugged: Disneyland Edition podcast, plus Disneyland Editor of The DIS. He enjoys traveling with his wife and teenage son. At this point, their favorite destination is Alaska, with a FIFTH cruise there planned for the Summer of 2019. In his spare time he volunteers with Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts, and help found his son's former Cub Scout Pack. His favorite Disneyland attraction is Space Mountain.
