Not a joke: Raleigh restaurant owner takes her employees to Disney World

"We were told we'd be going to Disney World, and of course nobody believed it," said Jasmine Kamel, an employee.

The word around the restaurant was that owner Gypsy Gilliam was going to load up the employees and take everybody to Disney World after Christmas.

"I did not believe it," said Jessica Burr, another employee. "I thought it was crazy."

The rumors, however, were true. Last week, Gilliam closed the restaurant for a few days, loaded up about 20 employees and their families and took them to Disney World.

"It was so amazing. I cried a couple of times," said Kamel in an interview with WRAL News. "I could cry right now. I don't think she'll ever understand how grateful we are for what she did for us."

Gilliam made sure her 50 or so guests didn't have to worry about a thing -- except having a good time.

"The room, the board, the food, the rides -- everything was free for us," employee Nelson Ellison said.

"I have a 5-year-old son," added Burr. "I don't know what the future holds, but I know this is something I wouldn't be able to do for him. I am forever grateful to Gypsy, and I don't have any idea how to pay her back."

But Ellison, who has worked at the Farmers Market Restaurant for 15 years, said he thinks Gilliam has already "been paid."

"She just enjoyed seeing us happy," he said.

Gilliam said there would be no restaurant without her staff. She said she wanted to show her appreciation, adding that she was "blessed to be able to give them a little magic in their lives."