When I started Imaginears Club 3 years ago, I had no way of knowing how immensely it would not only affect my life, but the lives of so many of our CMs, Managers, and Guests. I knew what I was creating was unique. I also knew Disney could convey a myriad of emotions– I just never imagined how much of a true family we would become.  What started with a dream on a laptop in my bedroom has blossomed into one of the world’s most beloved Minecraft servers.  We have truly had a positive impact on so many lives.

As part of our celebration of 3 years, many of our Cast Members, Managers, Special Guests, Interns, Guests, and DVC members were all able to meet at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida from August 5th through August 7th.  We were gathered from all over the world for this once in a lifetime opportunity. Of the many moments we shared,  the ones that stand out for me were the deep and fulfilling friendships I watched grow even more. Online friendships came to fruition in real life. I watched as everyone (usually hindered by the limitations of a text or voice chat) were able to goof off together and laugh, in real life. That initial awkwardness soon making way for more personal and personable moments. From silly shoulder punches, to Pillsbury-style belly poking, to laughter, to hugs…this was our moment. It was simply beautiful.

What struck me the most, though, were the moments when we met our Guests.

One young man was so overwhelmed, he was rendered speechless upon meeting our Cast. He heard we were in the parks and ran from one side of the park (Space Mountain) to the other (Main Street USA) to find us. Breathless and wide-eyed, he could barely speak. You could see and feel it hit him –  the people he had only previously met as avatars in a game were sitting before him, interacting with him, and just hanging out. For him, it was a dream come true. A moment in his life that will be forever etched amongst his favorite memories. His father, equally affected, shared stories with us about how important this was to his son and how much it has helped him. In fact, he said it helped them both! A unifying bond created in a world we created. Truly, a Magical Moment.

Another Guest fought her way through the crowded park, receiving vague texts about our location as we kept darting across the park from location to location.  Finally, as we were all sitting down to our meals and playing silly games, she came bolting in, announced who she was and just stood there. It was obvious she had a plan walking in, but the sheer amazement on her face when she realized how many of us were there, and how much all of us meant to her in so many different ways…just took over. We happily gave her our autographs, and she was soon on her way back to the parks with a little bit of a skip in her step. She had her Magical Moment.

When I got home, I genuinely cried. I was overcome by the love, compassion, honesty, brevity, and souls of everyone I had come across those few days. Tears of joy and a smile. My Magical Moment.

Those are the reasons we do this. Those moments are what this is all about. Creating magic in everyday life, in the game, on the servers, and anywhere we can to make the lives of so many people across the globe happy, joyful, and complete. We make fantasy a tenable and rational reality for so many people. We keep that magic spark alive through our actions, our servers, our rides, and so much more.

Imaginears Club has been around for 3 years, now. We hope to be around for many more. Even if we’re not, though, the paths of so many lives were changed in a positive way by their interactions on our Family of Servers…and that is something NO ONE else can claim or take away. Ever.

We hope you will continue to join us in the upcoming years, grow with us, & find new ways to enjoy the parks and our amazing Guests.

You are the reason we have lasted. You are the reason we’re the best. You will always be our focus, too.

Thank you all for a MAGICAL 3 years. Here’s to many MANY more!!!

All my love,

therealduckie

Owner & Founder – Imaginears Club