Poppy Ran Me Over With His Scooter - A PHM Trip Report UPDATE!! 7/23 Pg. 21

[Poolrat]

Loving the Popadon Pictures being so excited to be in WDW. I almost spit out my drink when I first hear about the Scooter Tutor.

I had the blue Mickey head too. I had a bad band this past trip. I think they put the code in wrong when they sent it because they had to totally redo it. Luckily at the gate I had my card ticket so that let me in.

Love the makeup.

 

[amberg93]

Oh your Pop, such a happy fellow.

I'm sorry the pull out situation is no fun.

That is a lot of brushes, but you can't argue with your results.

AKL is so beautiful and you got some great pictures.

People can be really great sometimes and I'm glad you got to meet some of them who were so nice.

Not the blue Mickey of death! I got that several times my last trip.

 

[ashw100]

Your makeup is amazing. This has to be my favorite look you've done. I wished I was as talented, I'm lucky if I can just get one shade of eye shadow onto my eyelid. I have to say, I totally understand your fear about the scooter. People can be so judgmental especially when the scooter makes them wait for the bus. I am glad you ran into nice, understanding people.

 

[TheLittleKatie]

I'm here! (Finally!)

First of all, this is AMAZING. You go girl!! I have so much respect for people like you who take responsibility and actively make changes

Also, I totally understand how hard it is getting into running! The first time I went for a run on the treadmill, I completely messed up my knees, and I could hardly walk for the next two weeks! Once you've experienced all the aches and pains it can be difficult to find the motivation to face the treadmill again. I'm so happy you were able to persevere and run the Princess Half!!!! Congratulations

Jelly. Belly. Factory. By my house.

OK. Why isn't there a Jelly Belly factory near my house? That sounds amazing, I would be there every day

Me: Tell me why I'm waiting for the plane, there are open seats everywhere, and this lady sits next to me smelling like onions?!

but the guy who sat next to me was the kind that takes both armrests. Ugh, what is that?! And I don't mean to be gender specific but for real, the people that I've encountered that do it. Guys. All guys.

Errrgh. This is not ideal This reminds me of when I was on the Hogwarts Express (a totally normal occurence in my life ) - we were cramped into the tiny little compartments and the guy sat next to me sat with his legs spread SO wide. The worst part - we were both wearing shorts, so his sweaty hairy leg was literally TOUCHING my bare skin. PERSONAL SPACE PEOPLE.

Hahaha! This perfectly sums up arrival day

I have some serious brush envy right now. (If that wasn't a thing before, it is now.) I've been searching everywhere for some new brushes that are nice but not ridiculously expensive. Do you have any brands you recommend?!

Congratulations on your perfect wing!!!! Love the Spaceship Earth theme, and your blue eyes are amazing!

Great photos! I'm eating at Boma in September, I can't wait to visit AKL for the first time

My fears about judging were put aside though, because there were some really nice people waiting near us that said that they could help to lift the scooter on the bus if we needed it. I thanked them, but told them it wasn't necessary, that we didn't mind waiting. They said they felt bad. I told them it was a new world for us with the scooter, and explained about his heart surgery. They offered again to lift the scooter into the bus, and I told them not to worry about it.

This sounds like a really nice exchange. I've read some horror stories on the boards about rude people in these situations. But I like to think that people publicize the negative stories MUCH more than the positive. Like, no one's really going to start a new thread saying "Hey, we encountered some nice people today who didn't judge me for being in a scooter." But those who occasionally experience someone rude do like to vent about it. So I hope it's just disproportionately misrepresented I'm glad you came across nice, understanding people

Wow, that blue sky!

Great updates Danielle, I'm looking forward to hearing more!

 

[Mom2m&k]

I love chatting with nice people on buses! It just makes it more magical!

 

[Queenofallthings]

You my girl, are amazing! You have always been beautiful but now you're beautiful AND healthy! Second, my team does the same thing when I go on vacation, so much so, that when I read your comments I laughed out loud! They made me promise to never leave them for 3 weeks again!

People judge very quickly so I completely understand your apprehension about your dad and the scooter! I have a friend who has MS and people make comments all the time! Sad really!

On a happy note...Can't believe I get to see you in May!!!!!!!!

 

[TinksThree]

Awe a new TR! I probably have missed the others...I'm so far behind I can't even remember! I'm trying to get back in the DisBoards groove! Props to Popadon and being a trooper on the scooter! And...every once in a while, humanity can redeem itself!

 

[KathyM2]

Loving your TR so far!! Firstly, your skill with makeup is inspiring...I can barely put on mascara. I can't wait to hear more about the run too. My hubby is a marathoner...I've done a few 5K's and hope to one day do more. Running at Disney would be amazing though. And how cool that you have a whole team of people there with you!! Looking forward to hearing all about it all!

 

[BibbitybobityLu]

Hi long time lurker first time poster! I have followed along with your other trip reports from the shadows of lurkerdom but I just wanted to pop up and say hi. I love your reports they are fab. Your transformation is so inspiring I almost went running! I'm not a fan of running as a rule unless I'm being chased or there is a designer shoe sale ...but seriously major kudos you look great. Plus your makeup looks are epic and I wish I had some of your skills (and brushes! Super jelly)

 

[kellyfam03]

Woot WootI'm following one of your TRs as it happens, so I'm officially saying hi ! Found your November one a couple months ago and have been reading thru all the old ones too... love your writing style, thanks for helping me get thru the never.ending.winter

 

[Hardheadedwoman]

I'm JUST catching up with your TR now! Your dad is looking great - I'm so glad he was able to join you on the trip!

I felt the same way you did when I started running - I thought I was going to collapse!

Can't wait to read more!

Lissette

 

[Nermel9]

Haha, your dad was just SO happy to be in WDW, it's awesome! So glad he was able to go on this trip with you!

I love the DVC studios, but you're right, if you're stuck sleeping on the pull out sofa, it's annoying, they are horribly uncomfortable.

Your makeup looks amazing!

I love your pictures, I might have to check out that camera! I bought a camera for my September trip last year and I hated it, but maybe I should just research how to use it a little more...

Oh no, the blue Mickey, not a great way to start the day!

 

[Curiouser&curiouser!]

I am excited to read your report! I read your last TR (I may not have commented? I can't remember. I do just read reports sometimes without saying anything- I'm not as clever as some other DISers!)

I am really looking forward to this one as my DH and I have been talking about running one of WDW's 1/2 marathons and can't wait to hear your experience! I've only been running casually (and very slowly!) when the weather is nice here in New England, but did make it up to about 6 miles last year before the fall got too cold!!

 

[beckyx3]

Just wanted to say hi and that I'm in! Your story is inspiring! I'm not a runner at all but it makes me want to get out there try. Also, you met some awesome Disney people, that's magic right there. Can't wait to read more!

 

[JAMIESMITH]

I am so impressed that you ran the PHM! I hope to do it myself someday.

You look amazing! Running agreed with you! I did my first 5K last October after completing Couch 2 5K, but I didn't lose any weight!

 

[KatMark]

I'm slowing making my away around and trying to catch up. Impossible I tell you.

I love your Spaceship Earth inspired make-up. And I agree with the bus people...you look lovely.

I had no doubt that Popadon would be a pro at the scooter the day he got it.

Oh no...the Mickey bluehead.

 

[RGirl]

Dang, Danielle! This TR is at page 9, and this is the first time I've seen it. I cannot keep up with you, your many trips, and your multiple TRs. I'm going to try to at least keep up with this one. Until you go on another one and start another TR, wash and repeat.....

We asked her if that was a problem and she was all "no problem! I have five months between birth and the race, so I'll be all good!"

Sorry for the long drawn out story, but believe me. This half marathon was a long time coming. This was the end state of my work. The start of a new chapter. See, because if I could do this half marathon. It meant that I could do more half marathons! And get better at them.

I think it's wonderful, Danielle! You should be so proud of yourself!!!!

This was how Pop felt about being in WDW already.

So happy to see Pop feeling good and back at WDW!!!

My fears about judging were put aside though, because there were some really nice people waiting near us that said that they could help to lift the scooter on the bus if we needed it. I thanked them, but told them it wasn't necessary, that we didn't mind waiting. They said they felt bad. I told them it was a new world for us with the scooter, and explained about his heart surgery. They offered again to lift the scooter into the bus, and I told them not to worry about it.

Awww - this is so sweet. I'm glad that you had such positive experiences with people's attitudes toward the scooter (at least on this first day).

 

[eandesmom]

Before I start this chapter, I have to share with you a photo that my Mom took the night that they arrived in Disney. They originally hadn't planned on arriving in WDW until Tuesday the 17th. However, there were snowstorm warnings all through the path they were driving through, so rather than stopping when they were supposed to, they continued driving and arrived in WDW on Monday the 16th. So they booked a night at All Star Music since they arrived early. This was how Pop felt about being in WDW already.



Yup. He's up to his same old antics.

And we wouldn't want anything less!

The one complaint that I have regarding DVC studios is the fact that everything is a bed and a pull out couch (other than at Old Key West). And me typically being the third person in the room when we travel, I end up sleeping on the pullout. They are terrible! Just really uncomfortable to sleep on. Now, obviously things could be worse. I could be at home and not in Disney. But still, they could do better on the bed situation.

Agreed. GCV is 2 beds I think...although now I am not positive. Some of the pullouts seem better than others. the GCV 1 bedroom pullout and the AKV chair win the worst with my crew so far.

I had to sit down and create my Disney inspired makeup look for the day. Followers on IG like to see those, so I try to put thought into them. I also took a picture of my makeup brushes.


My makeup today was inspired by Spaceship Earth.

Love it! But my word, that IS a lot of brushes! You always look amazing.

Soon, the scooter was picked up and we were ready to go for the day. I wasn't sure how Pop was going to handle the scooter in terms of him having to be in it. He's not a proud man as a whole, but you have to admit that to be taken down by a surgery and basically have to be in a scooter can affect you. But he did really well.

What I was concerned with were judgy people. And believe me, I've been one of them in the past. The ones that look at someone in a scooter and you think they're in it for various reasons. I knew that on the outside Pop looks fine, but that he had to be in the scooter the majority of the time. I didn't want people judging him.

You don't want to make me angry. Nor do you want me to go all protective Mama Bear when it comes to my Pop. Cause I'll take you out.

So anyway, initially I was worried that people were going to look at him and judge him. So of course, the Epcot bus comes, which we were waiting for. They open the back door, because Pop is going to be let on first, before everyone else. And the ramp doesn't lower. The bus driver kept on trying and kept on trying, and it didn't lower. He spent a good five minutes trying to lower the thing. I told him not to worry about it, and to just go ahead. He called another bus.

My fears about judging were put aside though, because there were some really nice people waiting near us that said that they could help to lift the scooter on the bus if we needed it. I thanked them, but told them it wasn't necessary, that we didn't mind waiting. They said they felt bad. I told them it was a new world for us with the scooter, and explained about his heart surgery. They offered again to lift the scooter into the bus, and I told them not to worry about it.

So my faith in people was restored.

I would not want you to go all mama bear, that frightens me just thinking about it! LOL

Thankfully, another bus came about 10 minutes later, and that ramp worked just fine. The bus driver on the new bus said that he didn't quite understand why the other driver couldn't get it to work. He basically implied that the other bus driver was kind of a dee dee dee. Haha! I call it pebkac. A common IT term that my brother uses anytime someone says that something with their computer was wrong.

"Well IT man, what was wrong with his computer."

"Pebkac".

"Pebkac?"

"Problem Exists Between Keyboard and Chair".

Jason (being an IT man) and I use this all the time so that we can speak in code with each other.

I
LOVE
THIS!

New term. Totally stealing it.

Pop expertly pulled that scooter on to the bus and parked it. One, two, three.

Like a glove.

This amazing ability to drive a scooter with drive a later conversation that Pop had with Cynthia about opening a Scooter Tutor school. Cause you all know that most people that rent scooters around WDW can't drive them to save their lives. And all I have to say about that is. Imagine them driving a car...................

It's true! Oh my, did you read Andy's update not that long ago about the woman driving smack into a column near HM?

I'd be scared to be anywhere near ME driving a scooter, that much I know. I won't drive a golf cart!

Such a nice way to start the trip though. They were such nice people and you could truly see that they were major Disney fans. When we arrived at Epcot, we all told one another to have a nice day, and they wished me luck on the half marathon.

We headed into the park. I headed right in, Pop headed in after me.

And Mom got the blue Mickey of death. And was told she had to go to Guest Services outside?!

What the heck?

Up next: You impostor you!

Such a lovely morning to be followed by the blue Mickey of Death. Poor Ann had the same thing and a similar result if memory servers....

 

[courtneybelle]

Hey girl!!! Sorry I missed the beginnings of this one, but obviously I'm on board!

The family is adorable as always. Troy's face is so round! BABIESSSS. And I'm so happy Popadon could make the trip.

Wooo AKL! I just booked Boma for the weekend before I check into my DCP, so I'll be visiting that resort for the first time and I can't wait!

LOVE that Spaceship Earth look.

Aww that family was too sweet to say such nice things to you!! Definitely would've made my day.

 

[DisneyLuver2013]

Wonderful start to your TR! And CONGRATULATIONS on all of your accomplishments! I'm thinking about getting started in running this summer, and I hope to be as successful as you!

If you don't mind my asking, how did you get such an awesome boarding position on Southwest? We are flying Southwest on Saturday, and would love to get into the lower A section!