Recently, after years of visiting Disney parks, I saw one of Disney’s best-known — and most adorable — unwritten rules in FULL EFFECT!

Before I tell my story, though, let’s run down the “Hug Rule” just in case anyone is unfamiliar. The so-called “rule” refers to the fact that Disney characters won’t break physical contact or a hug with a child until the child releases first. According to theme park urban legend, the “rule” dates back to Walt Disney himself, who once allegedly expressed something along the lines of “You never know how much that child may need that hug.” While that’s unsubstantiated, there’s no doubt that the “Hug Rule”, aided by exposure on social media platforms like TikTok, has become somewhat well-known. Which brings me to my story…

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