WHirlwind Trippers Strike Again - Anniversary Trip w/LOTS o Surprises! REAL END PG 5!

[FSUMARCHIEF]

nothing

[lillygator]

Oh how fun! How long are you staying? I tried to convince Charming to go this weekend as well...no go...and eat some Krystal's for me...since the one in Ocala closed I don't get my fix on the way to Gator games anymore!!!

[Minniespal]

Great :goodvibes

[sheridac]

Hey Mark!!

Just keeping it up there for ya buddy! :teeth:

[nicolemarie]

So tomorrow, after church, we'll have the car packed up and ready to hit the road. NicoleMarie swears she's coming too and bringing krystals. I know, however that I won't get Krystals for lunch. It'll be Wendy's again. I guess I'll survive.

Dadgummit, Markymark! We really DID go to Atlanta instead of the World. We're such rookies.

Can't wait to hear about your trip... :)

[Frickles]

How cool!!! Mark I thought about the same thing when we went to Atlanta for a very expensive night & day at the Aquarium not too long ago! It is insane! Disney is the better choice and I hope you all have a magical time!!!

[AshClan]

Mark, you know Rhonda is right...those Krystal onions are just tooooo smelly.

We've all been thinking about you guys, and can't wait to hear all about the magic when you get back!! Hope you are havin a ball!!! :banana:

[kpk89]

So true, Mark. You guys are so lucky to live semi-near to Disney! ITA about the FlyLady thing. It is very freeing. Especially when you have a passion like Disney and can use that for the inspiration to de-clutter!

I wish you both a very happy anniversary tomorrow -- can't wait to hear about the rest of the trip!

[Shelby5514]

Can't wait for the trip report! :banana:

Off to find out about this Flylady of which you speak.

[FSUMARCHIEF]

nothing

[sheridac]

I knew it was probably silly to spend so much money for the grand total of about 7 hours that we would be there.

Mark~ NOT silly at all!! A very lovely gesture. And so very like you!



I pulled a Zzub. :rotfl2: :rotfl2: :rotfl2:

[AshClan]

At 8:45 I decided that I would do my best to give it a go. I was determined to make it somehow to Disney World. I also knew that if we were going to drive all the way to Orlando, I HAD to make it to church. Can’t you see that one? I’m sorry, I don’t feel like making it to church this morning, but I think I’ll go to Disney World instead. Let’s just say that would not go over very well.

:rotfl: :rotfl2: :rotfl: :rotfl2:

That's funny, Mark. I was thinking...well, maybe he could call in to church and get some more sleep, then be okay for the drive. Guess I didn't think it through! :lmao:

Can't wait to hear all about it...............

[2infinity&B-ond]

Great installment Mark!! Can't wait to read more!

[Backstage_Gal]

Great writing as always, Mark, love your style :thumbsup2

Looking forward to the rest.

[NAB]

I'm glad you made it for your special trip. Getting sick is not a fast pass.
Just wondering you didn't make any sound affects to make your sermon more funny. My kids think the best sermons are when the priest makes them laugh.
Great report, waiting for more... :)

[nicolemarie]

For those of you who never get the pleasure of driving, you’re missing out.

I TOTALLY agree, Marky!!

The signs and the anticipation seem to be even greater on the drive. I used to fly to Orlando regularly for my job (before the Disney lovin' days) and it is such a short flight from Atlanta. Yet we still drive to the World because getting up before the sun and driving down is part of the fun for us.

Great start - good thing I didn't make it with the Gut Busters. Looks like you had already had some!! :)

[Lan]

I drive that route (1-75 South, turnpike, I-4, DISNEY!!!). So I love seeing the signs as well. Can't wait for the rest of the trip report.

[ZZUB]

I pulled a Zzub.
I imagine this means you spent 2 1/2 hours being very witty? Saving money? Taking 6 months to describe a 7 day trip? Rooting for Bama? Avoiding a white van of death? What?!

Unless you actually hurled on a keyboard and/or splashed your monitor with bagel bits, you technically didn't "pull a Zzub."

In light of your extremely odd and offensive tag, I wonder if "pulling a Zzub" is very confusing to your readers.

Other than that, it looks like this TR is going to be good. :moped:

[Grammyof2]

Mark - Just getting caught up. How did I miss you were Zubbing it????

I thought for sure we would hear "Jesus Wept" :rotfl2: :lmao: especially after praying to the porcelin gods.

I am in and waiting for more.

[wdwr]

Great trip report as usual. BTW, congrats on the 2 tags by the Tag Fairy.

[Minnie]

MarkyMark - OMG pulling a ZZUB - gotta love it!!!!

So sorry you were sick. I've missed out on the Maelstrom thread a lot lately and missed it :guilty:

I'll have to hiho myself over there more often :blush:

Can't wait for more :cool1:

[1000thhappyhaunt]

So glad you're back with a new TR. I love your TRs.

I laughed at the "pulling a 2 1/2 hour ZZUB". That was really good. Well... not so much for you. But GREAT for the rest of us. Thanks. For that.

I'm glad your sandwich stayed down after that. See... You can always trust a ham and cheese. Gotta say.

I also laughed so hard at one particular "comment post" to this thread. Priceless.

Just like you guys. You rock!!!! Git R done. Again, my friend.

Cheers, Mel.

[pongoperdigirl]

Just bumpin ya up Marky Mark


I love your report...I can't wait to hear the rest.
When's Rhonda doing hers?????

[SoNotAPrincess]

Please, sir...can I have some more? (spoken in my very best Cockney accent whilst looking extremely pitiful)

What? you've never seen Oliver?

Great report...terrific way with words!

[FSUMARCHIEF]

Hey everyone. Thanks for the comments! And yes, Zzub, whether you like it or not, you will forever come to my mind when ever I pull another zzub. Shameful, but true.

I have been gone out of town for a few days, but will try to post the next installment tonight - If I can get to it. I'm pretty tired!

Blessings!
MarkyMark

[Lisa_Belle]

Lovin' it. And even to a newbie such as myself, "pulling a Zzub" isn't confusing. Word gets out ;)

[2xcited2slp]

Thanks MarkyMark (if I may)

You and Rhonda seem like good people to know. I like you (if I may). Enjoying your trip reporting (if I may)........ok, enough of that.

Thanks for sharing--you really do seem like great people, though.
Poor Zzub, he's gettin' a bad rap. All around the world the new phrase is coined. "if you must pull a zzub, please use...".
I'm getting all zzubbie just thinking about it. :crazy2:
And he was so nice to me a while back. Sorry Mr. Zzub.

Keep it coming, MarkyM.

[Perrier]

Subscribing...LOVE reports from you & Rhonda.

[Ron from Michigan]

Glad to see that you felt good enough to make it down to the world. I would have did the same thing and stayed at the Contemparary for the night. It makes it a whole new experience when you stay somewhere different. Looking forward to reading the rest of your report. :)

[polyprincess2]

Mark,


This trip report is almost as spectacular as I imagine you to be! I am sorry you were zzubing it for the day but at least Rhonda was doing her duty as your nurse maid, right?? Good job Rhonda!

What a great dh to upgrade resorts!! Please speak to my dh about upgrading to concierge at the Poly next time, will ya?


Keep writing because I like your style! :Pinkbounc

[LaLa]

Marky Mark-

Lovin it so far. Pullin a ZZUB. How funny is that? Apparently the phrase has taken on a life of its own. Sorry Z. We love you anyway though.

ITA on the driving to DW thing. There's nothing cooler than the very first time you see that green sign with Disneyworld and the arrow printed on it. We all smile and point and take pictures of it. The kids seat dance. Yeah, we're cool like that.

Keep it comin' MM. Can't wait to hear if there were any more Pirate Poopy Pants adventures. Wait. On second thought, don't tell us. I might pull a ZZUB.

[nicolemarie]

ITA on the driving to DW thing. There's nothing cooler than the very first time you see that green sign with Disneyworld and the arrow printed on it. We all smile and point and take pictures of it. The kids seat dance. Yeah, we're cool like that.

You mean this one, LaLa?

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j182/nicole0330/101_1048400x265.jpg

Actually, there's not an arrow on this one - just a "left lane". Still - BORG. We're cool like that, too.

[FSUMARCHIEF]

n othing

[nicolemarie]

After dinner, we made our way to Buzz Lightyear and used our fast passes left over from our trip with Our Wendy. The Cast member at the fast pass taking up point said that he liked all of Wesley’s pins and so for him, we got to keep our fast passes. Yaaaaay!

Dadgum, Marky! I need to start travelling with ya'll - you get more magic than the Mouse himself!!

I love reading your report. Glad you started feeling better and were able to enjoy the trip!!

Take care! :)

[lovethattink]

WDWR brought me into reading your trip reports. She says you are the only other person she knows who goes to Disney as often as me, lol, but you write reports...and very good ones! She's right! I'm loving reading this. And I did keep my eye out for you three while we were there. It might be a small world, but it is a big resort. Didn't catch a glimpse of you, but am loving this trip report! :)

[pongoperdigirl]

MarkyMark....I love your reports.
I can't wait to hear more :)

Do you know about the Year of a Million Dreams???

[MommyPoppins]

You guys have it down with the upgrades! It was my birthday AND I mentioned that it was our belated honeymoon and still nothing. ;)

[1000thhappyhaunt]

How come YOU GUYS get upgrades all the time?

You must be in SOMEONE's good book.

I LOVED: "jerk a knot in his tail!"

So much so that I'm gonna use it all the time. Even when it doesn't make any sense.

LY~MI, Mel.

[LaLa]

Still, nothing from mommy and daddy, who, from the looks in their eyes as they chatted, didn’t think there was enough cuddlesome fluff in their first one and that perhaps they wanted to make another.

This made me do the silent shake thing.

I'm with you though Marky Mark. One of my pet peeves is parents who do nothing to keep their kids in line. At Disney or elsewhere, but for some reason it's always worse at Disney. Too many Mickey bars and rice crispy treats maybe. Not enough Supernanny. Or jerkin' a knot in their tails.

Anyway, I loved this installment. Keep in comin.

[GADISNEYGIRL]

Oddly enough, LaLa... we find that some of the worst behaved kids are at CHURCH!! LOL!

But Disney, you know, does bring out the... ummm.... worst (best??) in some people.

And, for the record, we were not at WDW yesterday. (For a change!!) Our Wendy left WDW back in February, and is now in the cast of Mickey's Magic Show. It's in Atlanta this weekend, so we went up to see it. It was good... but NOT the same (by a long shot!) as being at WDW!! :-)

[2xcited2slp]

A stoller over the toe. Lovely. Your description of this scenerio is hilarious!!!
I work in a spa and some people never cease to amaze me. We have had clients who bring not only one but four (yes, four) children in with them while having services done. They are having their eyebrows waxed.......with, well........their eyes.......CLOSED. They think lollipops and cookies will provide babysitting services. Just gets to be a sticky situation on all aspects. :rotfl2: Not to mention other clients who are trying to relax behind closed doors having facials and massages. Unfortunately the owner does not want to "offend" anyone by putting up notices about children in the spa. Hmmmm, Okay.


Glad you were feeling better. Gatorade....it's a wonder.
Thanks MM and can't wait to hear more. Good evening to you and Rhonda.

[Ron from Michigan]

Thanks for another..... great report. I'm glad to hear that they now have stroller derby with your Disney dining. They sure do think of everything. :rotfl2:

[sheridac]

They apparently didn’t like lemon lime.

Mark!!!

you make me laugh buster!!!

[LaLa]

Oddly enough, LaLa... we find that some of the worst behaved kids are at CHURCH!! LOL!

True dat.

And, for the record, we were not at WDW yesterday. (For a change!!) Our Wendy left WDW back in February, and is now in the cast of Mickey's Magic Show. It's in Atlanta this weekend, so we went up to see it. It was good... but NOT the same (by a long shot!) as being at WDW!! :-)

Sorry for the confusion, Rhonda. I retract my earlier statement and have since taken both you and Marky Mark off Permanent Ignore. ;)

I read that yall were going to see Mickey's Magic Show and missed the Atlanta part. And since yall go to DW more than anybody else I know (gotta love those APs right?) I thought yall were heading back to see the new thing they're doing with Playhouse Disney at MGM. I stand corrected.

We then headed over to Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, which has swiftly become one of our favorite rides. Wesley cackles like I don’t know what when we ride it, and I just love listening to it. It’s a ton o fun!

This is also one of our family favorites. Right up there with Test Track and Philharmagic. The kids squeal everytime we ride it. Good times.

Lovin' the TR, MM. Keep it comin'.

[lillygator]

Hey (fsu) did I mention that K-R-Y-S-T-A-L-S cures all? especially feeling ZZUB'ly, us Gators know about the sour, upset, hungover tummies and a surefire way to overcome that is a Krystal burger....



I couldn't remember if I previously told ya!!

[AshClan]

Looking forward to hearing more. You guys are just burstin with Magic, all the time (well....except with the Strep thing.....)

Keep 'em comin! :cheer2:

[GeorgiaAristocat]

MarkyMark (and Rhonda):

So, I go to the trip reports board to see if all of my favorite people have updated their TRs, and I'm scanning all my check marks on the right, and YOU were MISSING.

What the . . .? Turns out, I have NEVER RESPONDED about how I am enjoying the latest TR.

Bad Kitty!

Waiting for more!

[HaleyB]

:happytv:
Love the trippie.

No child young enough to ride in a stroller should ever push one. It is a simple rule really.

[NAB]

Mark and Rhonda,

Loving your report.My kid like Sonny Eclipse too and they are 6 and 9. Even just walk though to see him.

I don't understand some parents either that laugh at kids for doing something wrong. It's like those parents that laugh when there kids are small and swear. Kids just look at the parents and think they are making there parents happy so they keep doing it.

Hope Wesley is getting better too.

[FSUMARCHIEF]

Our night at the Magic Kingdom continues! Might I remind you that we had just left Big Thunder Mountain when we came across the end of the Spectromagic parade. I have determined that I really like watching these parades. I’ve said before that part of it for me is that Wesley gets excited about them. He just waves his little arm as much as he can trying to get their attention. Often he does. And it makes his day! Plus, most of the parades have lots of princesses in them! Hee hee

So we determine that we’ll walk over toward Aladdin’s magic carpet. I don’t do the round and round rides - so it will be Rhonda’s turn. Plus if you toss in the facts of my night prior, going round and round probably would not have been a good thing. But when we got there the line was looooong. Even Wesley didn’t want to wait in it. His substitute was to see the Tiki Birds show. But thankfully it didn’t have any more shows for the day. We then decided to head back over to ride Peter Pan again.

But, knowing that we needed to hit the potty (see previous tr’s for the reason) we headed into Fantasyland, where we (I) were all hoping to see Ariel in the grotto. But alas, she wasn’t there. Right about this time, Wishes was starting. We didn’t have time for that this time, so we headed into Mickey’s Philharmagic - which is one of our favorites.

I noticed something in it though. There is a hidden Dumbo in the Aladdin and Jasmine scene. Our Wendy tells us that there is a hidden something else in it too - we’ll have to look for that in October.

Then we plopped down for a good seat to watch the last Spectromagic for the night. This was probably a mistake cause we had a good 30 minutes to wait. I was worn out. Wesley was getting sleepy. Our initial thought was that we would stay until 2, when the Extra Magic hours ended and then sleep in the next morning. But it was becoming obvious quickly that this was not going to happen.

Spectromagic was great. And we determined that it was indeed time to head back to the Contemporary. Plus, we figured that if we went to bed earlier then perhaps we wouldn’t need to sleep so late in the morning. So, there we had it. Our plan. Go back, go to bed. Get a good nights sleep and then have a full day before driving back to Macon late. There. That sounds good, right? Right.

It would have worked too.

So we walked back to the Contemporary. We thought Wesley would fall asleep on the way. But he didn’t. When we got back to the room, we all got ready for bed fairly quickly. Wesley was in the sofa bed, and we had the big king. Everybody tired? Ready for sleep? Mickey and stank stitch wake up call ready to go? Check! Lights out.

It didn’t take long for any of us to go to sleep. I know I’m about to insert something that isn’t directly related to a Disney trip. But if you’ll stick with me, you’ll see that it is. Eventually. I think.

In the mornings, or in the middle of the night, if Wesley gets up and comes in our room, he goes directly to Rhonda. He does this cause he knows if he comes to mine, I’m going to put him back in his bed. For a long time, he would wake up in the middle of the night. He would try as hard as he could to sneak into our bed without waking us up. But I always heard him at about the door. And before he could run to Rhonda, I would catch him and take him back to his bed so he wouldn’t wake her up. Now, I think its habit. He always wakes up before us. He’ll come into our room and poke Rhonda in the forehead until she wakes up. Either that or he’ll stand there and stare at her until she wakes up.

I told you all that to tell you this. I woke up that night around 1:30, Had I really been to sleep that long? Wesley was standing in front of me - on my side of the bed. I had heard him walk over and when I opened my eyes, he had that look. He said, “Dad, my tummy hurts!” DANG! I knew immediately what that meant. He had what I had. I asked him if he was about to Zzub, and he looked at me not knowing what I was talking about. Turns out he just needed to go to the bathroom. I know, TMI, right? Well, he got back in his bed, I in mine, and went back to sleep. Whew, that was it. Close call - then, more sleep.

Well, it hadn’t been that long. I don’t know what time it was really, but I woke up to the little feet padding their way across the carpet - once again to my side of the bed. Now, remember - he never comes to me! When he got there he said, “Dad, I’m cold!” At first I thought, okay, the air conditioner is on, perhaps I’ll put him in bed with us till he warms up, then back to his bed. So I picked him up, trying not to wake Rhonda and I put him in bed with us. Only when I picked him up, I knew something else was wrong. Way wrong.

He was burning up. With Fever.

Can you believe it? We didn’t have a thermometer, but I am certain he was probably up around 102 or something. He whimpered when he laid down and Rhonda woke up. I explained the events of the evening that she had missed so far, and she agreed - he was frying.

Why oh why did we come to Disney World? I had Zzubbed for almost 3 hours. That should have been enough. But now, we’re such Disney freaks that we went anyway, and now Wesley was sick with who knows what. We both said, “We should have stayed home!” We did have some Motrin with us, and so we gave some to him and we all tried to go back to sleep.

He woke up the next morning with still a fever, but not near as hot as he felt the night before. Rhonda and I had the same thoughts. We should just go home. Forget about going into the park, just go home and rest.

Did we? You’ll just have to wait and see. For now, I am tired. And going to bed.

Up next - The decision…

Blessings!
MarkyMark

[GeorgiaAristocat]

Mark -
Poor little Wesley punkin! I'm going to bed now, too, and hope to catch another installment tomorrow! YAWN!

Amy

[lillygator]

Hey Marky!!

Poor little Wes, sounds like Samantha on our May arrival night.....thank goodness for Motrin right??

oh and I hope beyond hopes you ate me a Krystal burger!

[Backstage_Gal]

Mark and Rhonda,

Poor little Wes. Great installment as always.

Waiting for the next report...

[NAB]

Not good when a child is sick on vacation. Then we all blame ourselves as if you could have provented it. Son was sick on the Magic on the last night. It was pretty and I tipped housekeeping well.

Hope everyone is feeling better now. Great report.

[tammyandtommy]

waiting.... hangin on.... how long can we wait? LOL

[sheridac]

Our Wendy tells us that there is a hidden something else in it too - we’ll have to look for that in October.

I'm sorry Mark. This is just not acceptable. I want details and I want them now!!! I showed you mine, now you show me yours!! :teeth:

[FSUMARCHIEF]

Just so you'll know, I will likely be finishing up the report tonight - unless something really interesting happens to deter me. Thanks for reading everyone, hope it's been midly enjoyable!

Sher - If you, or others wanna know what it is - I'll have to put it in a PM - can't put it out for general viewing.

See y'all later!

Blessings!
MarkyMArk

[FSUMARCHIEF]

Alright - it would seem that I have fibbed. That's different from FFubing by the way. I didn't get finished with the TR tonight. But will work on it later. Night all!

Blessings!
MarkyMark

[pongoperdigirl]

It's ok Mark...we can wait...I guess
If we haaaave to.
But hurry up already.

:)

Rhonda...where's yours?

[FSUMARCHIEF]

In this slot, I had posted a short, meaningless last day of our trip report, originally in protest. It was dry and boring. But due to the kindness and change in policy from the mods, I have taken the old ending down and posted the real ending on page 5. Enjoy it.

BLessings!
markyMark

[sheridac]

Mark~

Did you not get to Epicot??? To Canada???

[NAB]

Mark, Rhonda and Wesley...I enjoyed reading your Trip report. :thumbsup2

[AshClan]

I am glad you finished your report. Always love to hear about da Rev and his family's trips. Thanks for sharing!

[horsegirl]

Dearest Mark

Your final installment was not up to your earlier vibrant and exuberant chapters, but I applaud you're finishing it. One of the things I loved about your trip was the fun and excitement I got reading it. I could see the glimmer in your eyes...

I hope you get inspired again, and I will look for your trippie over there, you know that other place.

LYMI, and .......Blessings!

[kayeandjim00]

I like your "old" style reports better but we all know why it has to be this way - it's a shame really as the trip reports like yours really are what make the magic happen for those of us not there right now. :( Oh well don't want to get too off topic :rolleyes: so great trip report except for that last part :teeth:

[Chapter 11]

Wonderful trip report Mark, especially that last installment. :teeth: Thanks again for posting your report -- just adding my encouragement.

[lillygator]

Krystalman...........
does this mean no more TR's?

[FSUMARCHIEF]

Krystalman...........
does this mean no more TR's?


I'm not sure my likeable, but confused friend from Gainesville. I will have to give much thought to it.

I can say this, there definitely won't be one for a while cause we're not going back to Disney until the Maelstrom meet in October.

So we'll see my leathery skinned crocidile fan. I won't know until after October. But thanks for reading. Come find us on the CB! We miss seeing you around - and especially in a couple of months when football season starts - I must pick on you about your loyalty!

Blessings!
MarkyMark

[2xcited2slp]

Thanks MM for finishing your trip report, although I must agree that the last installment lacked the usual "oomph", but what must be will be, I suppose. Sad around these parts lately. Kind of takes the fun out of reading TR's. Thanks for your time and hope all is well with your family. Cheers.

[aGoofyMom]

I agree with the lack of oomph - I felt a pang of disappointment reading the last installment. I was so looking forward to reading your report and the surprises. I am glad you finished even though it is very obvious that your heart wasnt' in it. I hope to read a report after the fall then...

[Ron from Michigan]

Glad to read your last part Mark. You have a wonderful family. I will be following you to the CB board too. It's sad that it has to be this way here on the TR board. That we can't say anything that's "not on topic". Oh well. You and your family take care. We have enjoyed reading yours and Rhonda's trip reports just the way they are. :)

[nataliz]

Thank you for sharing your trip and your family with us.

I appreciate all the time that you put into your trip report to help us all go to Disney with you.

[FSUMARCHIEF]

Alrighty folks, buckle in and grab some popcorn. The real last day report of our Anniversary Trip to the Happiest Place on Earth is about to begin.

There is nothing like being sick at Disney World. Please forgive me whilst I take a tiny little jaunt to a trip a few years ago - our second anniversay trip. Remember - this current trip is our 8th. On our second anniversary, Rhonda and I went to the world, stayed at the Contemporary – this was in '99. We had been there for about a day and a half, when Rhonda started feeling rotten. I can remember we were sitting under the covered area at the electric umbrella with her crying, because her throat was hurting and she was so sad she was going to ruin our trip. I kept trying to tell her that she was not ruining it. We would just get the most out of our dollars for the room! And we did. We stayed in our room for the next 3 days. Our doctor called in a prescription for Rhonda, and she stayed in bed for 3 days. I will say that we did indeed eke out every red cent of the money we paid for the room that week. I share this cause I want you to know we have experience knowing what its like to be sick at the Contemporary.

So anyway, here we were, back at the Contemporary - the 8th anniversary trip - for our first stay since that awful week. It is ironic I guess that it happened this way. Wesley woke up in the middle of the night with what appeared to be a very high fever. He has had strep for about a month. He was on his 2nd round of antibiotics at that point. We assumed that this round of augmentin was working. But when he woke up the next morning, he was not near as hot. In fact, we wondered if he had a fever at all. But the tell tale whining and lazing around told us that he was not feeling good.

So what would you do? Go home? Go to the Kingdom? We knew he wouldn’t be contagious because he’d had 2 rounds of the antibiotic already. As we talked about it, he was listening, of course. In the most pitiful sounding of voices, he said, “Are we really going to go home? I want to see Princess Aurora, and Cinderellabration, and ride the Haunted Mansion.” It seemed as he kept naming things he perked up and up and up.

We decided to go to the Magic Kingdom as planned. Now, let me say here, please do not flame me for this. I read a thread on here somewhere where a family decided to do the same thing – take a sick kid into the parks. Man, did they tear that poster up! But our decision was basically this…Wesley will feel bad in the car if we go home, or at Disney. He won’t be passing germs around. If we go into the parks for a little while, perhaps he’ll sleep the whole way home.

Don’t hate. We did what we did.

LOL

By the time we got the room packed and everything in the car, it was getting pretty late. The park had been open for quite some time, and our usual flair for being able to catch Fantasyland before the crowds get there was not going to happen this time. But we pressed on. As we entered the Magic Kingdom, we could tell that the crowd seemed to be a little off – which was indeed a pleasant surprise. We figured that Monday on Memorial Day weekend would be wall to wall people. But no. Thankfully!

One of Wesley’s loves is to watch Cinderellabration. It was just about time for the next show, and surprisingly enough, there weren’t very many people waiting to watch. We got a spot right up next to the little chain rail at the stage and waited. Wesley did not want to be held – he just wanted to stay in his stroller. Sign number one that he was not feeling good. Usually, he’s either on my shoulders or jumping up and down with excitement at getting to see the hotties, er…um…princesses. But there he sat, all pitiful in his stroller. Rhonda and I discussed whether or not we were being silly. But as soon as the music started, Wesley perked up. He has seen the show so many times that he knows the music and was singing along. He would even do some of the arm movements with them.

When it came time for the princesses, Wesley was indeed himself – at least for the moment. He had gotten out of his stroller and was standing there waving with all of his might. I have shared before with you that this is part of what makes Disney so neat. He loves watching the parades, and shows with characters in them. He loves them so much, and he just wants them to love him back. And they have almost never disappointed!

First out was of course, Cinderella. She waved right at him, blowing him a kiss – he dug that. When the time came, out came Aurora and Prince Philip. They both noticed him, and waved – which made his day – cause they are his favorites.

Out next is Jasmine and Aladdin. She was the one we had seen when we had the special meet and greet back in January – boys…mmmmm.mmmmm! Anyway, it seemed that she remembered him too. She waved and blew him a kiss.

Last to come out that day (apparently Snow White was not there that day) was Belle and Beast. This Belle is the one whom we have met before, both as Belle and Princess Aurora. She knew we would be there. She saw Wesley and waved. He made the “I love you” sign with his hands, and she did it back to him. He was in heaven!

After the show, Wesley had perked back up and wanted to ride some rides. So we headed to the Haunted Mansion. Once again, he sought out a couple of HM cast members to show them the Hitchhiking Ghost thing, and they thought he was funny doing it. He is so funny in this ride. Usually. But the feeling bad seemed to take over, and instead of looking for the hidden mickey in the ballroom scene, he just sat back in the doom buggy and watched. We continued to think we had perhaps made a mistake, but we pressed on.

Lunch was next on the agenda. We had a reservation at Liberty Tree Tavern. The waitress we had was very nice and pleasant. Before the other family was seated, she was very attentive. Yes, there was indeed a table right next to us where the kids were extremely unruly. But these parents were also apparently oblivious to the behavior of their kids. The kids, talking in loud voices argued with each other. The dad changed his order like 3 times. The mom buried her face in her map. And didn’t seem to care that the rest of us lost contact with our waitress because of the demands they made. I can’t stand people like that.

Our poor waitress. I don’t know your name. But we salute you. You should be making loads more money than you are.

After lunch, Wesley was still not feeling good. We decided to just walk around a bit. Our plan was to ride a couple more rides, watch the parade and then head back to Macon. But with him being sooooo down, we were beginning to think that we might ought to go on home. As we walked around, we happened to come out right at the right time to see Peter Pan and Wendy. Wesley got out of his stroller and walked up to them. He actually seemed to enjoy the company. She was the Wendy we had seen in January several times, and also participated in the Family Magic Tour with her. She remembered him, and told him so. She told Peter that he had helped "Save the Magic Kingdom!" They played with his hat, and took pictures. After this little meet was done, Wesley turned around and said, “Peter Pan and Wendy cheered me up! Let’s go ride Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.”

So we did. He cackled like nobody’s business.

But then the doldrums returned. Poor little guy. We asked him if he wanted to go, and he said he wanted to see the parade. We figured, what could another hour hurt at this point?! So I went to secure our space for the parade and Wesley and Rhonda roamed about in the Christmas shop and around that area.

One thing that was really cool though, you know how they always have something special come around right before the parade starts? Sometimes its a high school band? That kind of thing? Well, this day they had a Calliope from one of the early Disney movies that Walt himself bought. It was huge! And really cool. They had some of the pretty Disney horses pulling it and I just thought that was really neat. First because of the connection to Walt himself, and second, just cause you don’t see that kind of stuff anymore.

When it got time for the parade to start, Wesley was once again burning up. He did not want to stand to see the characters, he just wanted to sit and watch. That is - until Captain Hook came around the corner. Wesley jumped up quick and got his hat and Peter Pan knife and started pointing it with this mean look on his face. It really is funny – you have to see it! Captain Hook spotted him as he got close and just stood there looking. The face off was on.

Slowly he turned, step by step. He made his way to Wesley, hook reaching out. Wesley continued to have his look of, “I’m going to mess you up Hook.” When Hook got close though, Wesley backed down and started waving. I think it melted Hooks heart – a little. Instead of making him walk the plank, all he did was kinda give Wesley a little touch with his hook on the side of his face.

By this time, Wesley was into it and turned around to ask if the Belle that we know would be in the parade. We told him that we didn’t know and that we’d just have to wait and see. Sure enough, as the princess float drew close, Wesley spotted her. And once again, either by sheer Disney magic, or perhaps she had told, every prince and princess on the float turned right to Wesley and gave him much attention. Belle was doing the “I love you” sign to him, and he did it back. Aurora blew him a kiss. It was just way cool, and Wesley was now acting like himself – even though we knew he didn’t feel like it.

Once the parade was past us, he wanted to ride the Haunted Mansion one more time before we left. But we knew that we probably ought to finally do the right thing and followed the parade out to Main Street. We walked through the Emporium on our way out and bought a couple of things.

Then it was back to the Contemporary, and back to Macon.

A couple of last thoughts. First of all, this was our Anniversary – 8 years. Rhonda I love you with all my heart. I’m glad God gave you to me. I may not always be the best of husbands. I may spend too much time online in the spice rack at times. I may holler too loud when FSU scores a touchdown. I may not be everything you ever dreamed of. But I love you, and I’m glad God gave you to me.

By the way, we vote every year on our anniversary to see if we’re going to continue for another year. So far it’s been unanimous, though there have been a couple of years where the vote was close! This year, it was indeed unanimous.

Part of me wondered if this trip was wasted with all the sickness. I don’t think so. Disney is always fun. Even when you’re sick. At least it is to me.

Hope you have enjoyed this report. Who knew it would take like 3 weeks to write a report on a trip that only lasted less than 24 hours. I must be longwinded or something!

Blessings!
MarkyMark

[Backstage_Gal]

DaRev finished his trippie for real, and great as always.

Thanks, Mark, and blessings to you and Rhonda and Wesley.

Can't wait to read about the October meet.

[LaLa]

Marky Mark, that was a great trip report. Thank you for sharing it with us. The second ending is much better. ;)

I hope Wesley has finally kicked strep and that you and Rhonda have many, many more unanimous votes to come.

We'll be looking for another TR after October.

[Minnie]

MarkyMark - I am so glad that you wrote the "real" ending to your trip report! The love for your family shines through your words.

BTW - My DS's 1st "real" roller coaster was the BTMR and now he loves it. He enjoyed it so much that I was able to get him on EE because it was also a "train".

[jamal]

:cheer2: :woohoo: :dance3: :dance3:

Best wishes, Mark and Rhonda, for manymany years of unanimous votes!!!

[Ron from Michigan]

Thanks Mark for a "real" ending to your report. I hope Wesley is feeling much better by now. My Wife and myself will also be back to our favorite place WDW in October, maybe we will see each other there. You and your family take care and make sure you visit us here on the TR boards. :)

[TLinden16]

Sorry that Wesley wasn't feeling well that day. Sounds like he did a good job of letting you know what pace he could take, and he had some magical memories anyways :) He is a cutie!

Word of advice, Mark. I think you need to not stay in the Contemporary anymore. It's a cursed resort for you ;)

[jodistar]

Marky Mark, I love the trip report......The most touching part was the last post showing how much you love you wife. Too sweet!

You guys are so lucky to have one another :cloud9:

[Grammyof2]

Mark thanks for giving us the ending. And for Rhonda and Wesley too

till October :banana: :banana:

[kathymc]

awww how sweet - poor wesley - hope it passed quickly and congratulations!

[missj1975]

Thanks for sharing. I enjoyed the trip report. Hope everyone is feeling better. :sunny:

[Shelby5514]

A couple of last thoughts. First of all, this was our Anniversary – 8 years. Rhonda I love you with all my heart. I’m glad God gave you to me. I may not always be the best of husbands. I may spend too much time online in the spice rack at times. I may holler too loud when FSU scores a touchdown. I may not be everything you ever dreamed of. But I love you, and I’m glad God gave you to me.




Ack, Gag, Zzub... You've pushed the "mush' meter too far... :rotfl2:

In all honesty, we all wish our DH's were more like you Marky! I've said it before and I'll say it again, Rhonda is one lucky girl! Thanks for posting the end!

[schmoopypoo]

What a great report and the ending was just perfect...well besides your son being sick, but still, any trip to disney is always magical. glad he got to enjoy the "hotties" LOL