Beloved Teddy Bear Lost at Disney World Travels 4,200 Miles to Reunite with 5-Year-Old Owner
Date: July 6, 2024
A heartwarming incident occurred all the way from Darlington, England, when a 5-year-old girl was tearfully reunited with her cherished teddy bear, Jofli, after it got lost over 4,000 miles away in Disney World, Florida.
Photo credits: Lynne Cullen
Young Leilani Hatton from Darlington had recently visited Disney World in Orlando, Florida with her family. Unfortunately, she returned from the trip without her most beloved companion, her teddy bear Jofli.
Leilani’s grandmother, Lynne Cullen, 63, revealed that the “journey of life” bear is a constant travel companion for Leilani. This special bear also comes with an online journal, allowing its young owners to document its adventures.
“This bear was more than just a toy for Leilani. She carried it everywhere during our trip to Disney World, even collecting all the Disney Princesses’ signatures with it,” Cullen shared.
However, during the trip, the family returned to their hotel one day, only to discover that Jofli was missing.
Photo credits: Lynne Cullen
Despite a thorough search, the family had to bid farewell to Disney World without Jofli, almost giving up hope of ever seeing the treasured teddy bear again. But fate had a different plan. About two weeks later, a surprise package arrived at their doorstep from Disney World, bringing a wave of happiness. The diligent employees at Disney had found Jofli and shipped it 4,200 miles back to Leilani’s home in Darlington.
“Leilani was ecstatic when we got him back,” Cullen recalled. “We told her that it was Mickey Mouse who found and returned her teddy bear. She was absolutely delighted.”
David Hatton, 38, Leilani’s dad, couldn’t contain his marvel at Disney’s customer service and their efforts to reunite the lost teddy bear with his daughter. “We never imagined that we’d get it back, considering the massive size of the Disney park. But they did it.”
Thrilled to have her teddy bear back, Leilani proudly showcased Jofli in a show-and-tell session at her school. She even penned an endearing thank-you note to Mickey Mouse, reading, “Dear Mickey, thank you for finding Jofli. Love, Lani.”
Consider supporting our mission to spread positivity by making a kind contribution to Sunny Skyz.
