vacationman
Don't take your kids to WDW unless you are prepare
- Joined
- Aug 28, 2000
- Messages
- 249
Most times, it is hard to explain to others the happiness that can envelope someone when at WDW. Many of the factors used to explain a love of WDW are ones that probably could be duplicated elsewhere - like the resorts where the theme is reflected throughout the resort and is expressed in even the smallest of details. I enjoy seeing the arrows and quivers that serve as the hinges on the fireplace grill at Wilderness Lodge or the moose tiles in the bathrooms of the VWL rooms. I try to explain that the details that enrich the wait lines for attractions like the Tower of Terror make them into way more than a "ride". As hard as I try, most people do not understand that, for me, WDW is not the same as Six Flags or Universal.
Once in a while, something happens at WDW that makes me love it even more. Such a thing happened on our trip which just ended yesterday. While checking in at VWL on 2/23, I asked my wife to check with Guest Services to see if they had any openings for Flag Family during our visit. I did not expect anything since we were only to be there for four mornings and I had heard of folks staying there for 10 days that did not get to be Flag Family. Luckily, there was an opening for our last morning there - 2/27.
Since my family did not know about the whole Flag Family thing, I told them about it and opined that it would be one of the highlights of our trip. As the day approached, I explained that there was a man named Stan who may be the "Ranger" for the event. On Deb Wills site and this board, I had read that Stan was THE expert on the WL and that he was a very special person but that he may retire soon. We hoped that he had not already retired.
On our Flag Family morning, it was cool and very windy. We went to the lobby and met our Ranger - STAN!!!! If you have already met him, you know why being Flag Family is now my family's favorite Disney moment. If you have never met him, you need to make sure you do the WL tour with him (or be Flag Family if there is an opening). Make time on your next trip - you will not regret it. Stan is THE nicest Cast Member we have ever met. He took time to learn about us and personalized the entire experience for us. My wife and daughters all fell in love with Stan. To quote my ten year old - "I want to marry a man just like Stan, only younger". Even as the over-protective father I am, I agreed that it would be fine with me. Stan was a little surprized that we had heard so much about him but right away he knew that it must have been through Deb Wills and the Internet. Since that event, we have all thought about the great experience Stan gave us. Yes, the view from the top of the WL was great, but the best part was raising the American Flag and saying the Pledge of Allegiance with Stan.
Now for the real reason for this post. Stan has a problem with his knee. He has bad arthritis and will need surgery. He has a very tough time climbing the 66 steps up to the roof. He is hoping that he will not need a completly new knee and that a less radical surgery could be done. If all goes well, he would not need to retire.
SO, I am asking that each of you keep Stan in your prayers. He is one of those rare folks that make life special.
Once in a while, something happens at WDW that makes me love it even more. Such a thing happened on our trip which just ended yesterday. While checking in at VWL on 2/23, I asked my wife to check with Guest Services to see if they had any openings for Flag Family during our visit. I did not expect anything since we were only to be there for four mornings and I had heard of folks staying there for 10 days that did not get to be Flag Family. Luckily, there was an opening for our last morning there - 2/27.
Since my family did not know about the whole Flag Family thing, I told them about it and opined that it would be one of the highlights of our trip. As the day approached, I explained that there was a man named Stan who may be the "Ranger" for the event. On Deb Wills site and this board, I had read that Stan was THE expert on the WL and that he was a very special person but that he may retire soon. We hoped that he had not already retired.
On our Flag Family morning, it was cool and very windy. We went to the lobby and met our Ranger - STAN!!!! If you have already met him, you know why being Flag Family is now my family's favorite Disney moment. If you have never met him, you need to make sure you do the WL tour with him (or be Flag Family if there is an opening). Make time on your next trip - you will not regret it. Stan is THE nicest Cast Member we have ever met. He took time to learn about us and personalized the entire experience for us. My wife and daughters all fell in love with Stan. To quote my ten year old - "I want to marry a man just like Stan, only younger". Even as the over-protective father I am, I agreed that it would be fine with me. Stan was a little surprized that we had heard so much about him but right away he knew that it must have been through Deb Wills and the Internet. Since that event, we have all thought about the great experience Stan gave us. Yes, the view from the top of the WL was great, but the best part was raising the American Flag and saying the Pledge of Allegiance with Stan.
Now for the real reason for this post. Stan has a problem with his knee. He has bad arthritis and will need surgery. He has a very tough time climbing the 66 steps up to the roof. He is hoping that he will not need a completly new knee and that a less radical surgery could be done. If all goes well, he would not need to retire.
SO, I am asking that each of you keep Stan in your prayers. He is one of those rare folks that make life special.
