A Big Thanks to Art The Greeter At Disney's Beach Club Resort and Villas: The Everyday Adventures Of The Purple Van September 30, 2009
I think that if you look up the word "gentleman" in any dictionary, there should be a picture of Art, the greeter at Disney's Beach Club Resort and Villas. Art has decided to retire next month and I'd like to pause and say thanks to Arthur Lark for making this world (and Walt Disney World) a better place.
There are lots of advantages of driving a purple van and stopping at great resorts every day but chatting with Art at the Beach Club has always been one of my favorites. Art is a very kind, gentle man who has brought smiles to everyone who comes through the door for years.
There's usually a crowd around him...he's a bit of a magnet with that infectious smile.
I walk by him almost daily, watching him trading pins, greeting people going and coming and posing with guests for whom a visit to the Beach Club wouldn't be complete without a photo of Art.
I never interrupt him when he's at work but often, early in the mornings, when the lobby is almost empty, we'll talk...and I have treasured those conversations. Art is not only warm and caring, he's a very shrewd and has a great business head. He always asks about how Owner's Locker is doing and I know he has a genuine interest in our success.
I stopped by this morning to chat and he told me that he had decided to retire in October. It is his decision and he's going to hang up his uniform at the top of his game. Just have a look at that smile!
I know that life is full of change but this is one bit of change I could do without.
Good luck, Art; stay in touch and thanks for making us all smile.
john
click here for a high resolution version of this photo
j
Comments
We will miss Art tremendously. His smile lights up all of Disney and his warmth knows no bounds. I am glad we will be able to say one last goodbye to him next week before he heads off to retirement.
Posted by: Alison | September 30, 2009 5:56 PM
Art will be missed at the front door of the Beach Club, but he has definitely earned his retirement! We are wishing him many happy years of lazy days. Thank goodness for our memories of Art to carry us through our BC/BCV vacations yet to come. Best wishes, Art!
Posted by: Christa | October 1, 2009 10:39 AM