Just returned from a trip to Disney with my four-year-old son. What a remarkable place to study customer service.

I wish I had the sticker concession for the Magic Kingdom. Disney is one company that has mastered the value of the Sticker Reward. Each worker has some kind of sticker, from the security guards who check your bag at the gate, to the photographers and wait staff. The stickers were different too, so my son has a junior security helper sticker to save next to his Mickey and Goofy.

Craft industry retailers would be well-served to invest in some stickers to distribute to children accompanying shoppers. Make up your own customized stickers or load up on closeouts from the many sticker manufacturers. If they are different each time it is good.

For a few pennies you can engage or distract a child, thus earning the gratitude of the consumer. If kids look forward to coming to your stores to get stickers- mom is inspired to come more often.

Brainstorming here... what if the craft industry helped the Disney folks come up with "Wait in line" craft projects. A little craft activity sure could take the edge off off a 45 minute wait for the Flying Dumbo ride.

Or what if crafting was just another of the activities at the park? What if we sponsored the "scrapbook your memories" pavilion where folks could download digital pictures and make the scrapbook before they leave the Park?

I couldn't get over how many little girls were dressed up as princesses. Oh, I would have loved to line them all up for one shot of how fabrics and trims have been combined by moms and grandmas to create the princess dress to wear to the park. SO cute. What if the craft industry sponsored the "Decorate your own princess dress pavilion." I'm telling you, kids of all ages were lining up to have their hair braided, to buy one of a dozen versions of Mouse Ears and get their faces painted.  A visit to Magic Kingdom is fashion parade. The kids  not dressed up as characters were part of families all sporting matching shirts. Total eye candy.

By the time we get to Florida again, my ideas for inserting crafts into the day-to-day operations could be a reality. It is a magical place after all. A place where dreams come true!- Beth