Whirlwind Trippers Strike Again:The One With the Broken Arm*DONE! PG 5*PICS ADDED!!

[jw50]

Pics?

 

[DisneyNutMary]

I just caught up with your TR.
Poor Wesley- I hate to say it, but when I saw the title, I hoped it was you or Mark with the broken arm
None of us is a perfect mom, Rhonda, but believe me- Wesley is lucky to have you- you are a great mom, and it shows in his smile.

 

[Yzma and Kronk]

Hey Rhonda!

I just got to your TR! Great report.

I also didn't get a chance to say that I so glad to hear Wesley is feeling better. I felt so bad for him when it happened, but for some reason couldn't get into the DIS on DH's laptop and therefore couldn't post when we were away. I'm after all the "bad stuff" that goes along with broken bones, I'm sure he thinks the green cast is cool!

I feel like such a bad parent that when Katie broke her arm (we were in GA) we didn't take her to Disney. L0L!

BTW - we are car drivers at the World too. In 10 days we only took the bus twice. And we don't have a stroller. So, I know what you mean!

Look forward to reading more.

 

[Tanya90210]

Loving the trip report so far!! can't wait to read more and see the pics

 

[GADISNEYGIRL]

Day 2, Part 2

I left you with a happy, beaming family. A family who remembered how magical Disney really is. And all it took was a wave from a princess. I say, once more: THIS is why we come. Again and again and again.

The weather, surprisingly, has not been unbearable. On Friday night, in fact, it was very pleasant. And even this morning has not been as hot as we’d feared. However, standing there for Cinderellabration… it got pretty warm. Mark was in desperate need of some water. He stopped for a bottle, then we made our way to the Haunted Mansion.

After Haunted Mansion, we let Wesley choose which Fantasyland ride we should go on. He picked Peter Pan, a favorite for us all. While on the ride, we talked to another Viking friend. She said she was jealous!

Wesley has overcome his not wanting to see the characters attitude… and he wants to see some hotties! I mean… princesses. Off we go to Toon Town. Our favorite place to see princesses is at Epcot. But since we were at the MK… we went to Toon Town.

After our wait, we were the first ones in the room. And there’s Aurora!! Need I remind you all how Wesley feels about Aurora?! (Once he is in “the mood” to see characters, that is!) He and Aurora had a nice conversation and shared some kisses. She expressed lots of concern over his arm. He probably told her he injured it fighting dragons, or some such thing! Because he IS, of course, Prince Phillip! We had Aurora sign his sling. Wesley likely would’ve stayed with her all day. Maybe next time, he can be Prince Phillip and stay with her, like sometimes Prince Charming is in there with Cindy? But sadly, we had to leave her and let some other kids come talk to her. Hmmph. Half of them probably don’t even know her name! Next we saw Cinderella… he didn’t have as much to say to her, but she did sign his sling, as well. She gave him a kiss on the head, and then we moved on to Snow White. Snow White is not one of my favorite princesses. I don’t think she’s one of Wesley’s, either. For me, it’s her voice. I think. For Wesley… I’m not sure why. Maybe because her prince is boring? I just know that he prefers Aurora, Ariel, and Belle. Well, and Jasmine. Because she, most definitely, is a hottie. Like the belly dancer. Just ask him. But he has never been so enamored with either Cinderella or Snow White. This time, however, he seemed very pleased to see Snow White. She finally got him to talk with her, and she signed his sling. Then she gave him a Dopey style kiss on the forehead. You know what this is, right? When Snow White takes Dopey by the ears and kisses him on the forehead (cause he was hoping for on the lips!)… that’s what she did to Wesley. And he thought that was the funniest thing! So. Finally! A neat Snow White experience! Okay, two, if you count her kissing him in the parade last night…

Wesley’s face is now covered in lipstick. I think Aurora got both cheeks. And Snow White Red on his forehead. Cinderella on top of his head. Let’s hope it’s that sweat proof no run kind, because it is time to claim our spot for the afternoon parade!

While Mark drowned in his own sweat (because it was undeniably HOT at this point), Wesley and I browsed in the Christmas shop. Or is that shoppe? We came back, and Mark went in search of drinks for us. He came back with drinks and bananas. A good idea. A nice little pick me up.

I don’t think we have ever had a not-so-magical parade experience. Wesley is sooo “into” the parade, he waves at everyone. Mickey, or the people dancing with the broom and bucket… he loves them all. Walt waved and spoke… a cyclist gave him a picture of Mickey… Gepetto and Snow White waved/blew kisses… Mary Poppins actually came over to him and shook his hand (she is no longer on the back of a float, or at least she wasn’t that day)… Mad Hatter yelled to him from the middle of the street… Pooh gave him a hug… Donald, Chip, Rafiki and a few others gave him high fives. And then came Captain Hook and his pirates. The pirates ALWAYS notice Wesley. I think maybe they were friends with OUR Wendy. Anyway, they pointed Captain Hook in our direction. Peter and Wendy both waved and blew kisses (well, Wendy did, not Peter). And then Aurora blew him a kiss. A magical end to a magical parade… and a magical end to our visit to the Magic Kingdom. So long til September!!

We walked through the Emporium, where we made a few small purchases. Like a Mater. Cause Wesley NEEDED a Mater. He had been borrowing Colleen’s, but Colleen wanted hers back. So Wesley needed his own. He also got a new pin. Nope, not an Aurora one. (We have every Aurora one they sell!) It’s Goofy, pretending to be the pirate with the “hairy leg”/”stinky foot”. Pretty cool!

Off to the monorail, for our return trip to Epcot. When we departed at the TTC to board the Epcot monorail, this incredibly rude woman pushed aside every one in the line so that she could be first in, and therefore get a seat for herself. Which she did. I can’t stand people like that. Maybe she felt everyone glaring at her. Before the doors closed, she disembarked. Bye bye, rude lady!

Once back at Epcot, the plan was to take a quick walk through Mouse Gear, and then head to Tangierine Café for a bite to eat before we left. Here’s what ACTUALLY happened:

We arrived at Epcot. Mark thought maybe we should just *see* how long the line was for Character Connection. Hey, it’s not bad at all! Sure, we’ll have Mickey and the gang sign his cast! So we did: Mickey, Pluto, Minnie (she gave his arm a kiss, and gave him extra big feel better hugs), Donald, Chip and Dale. But gosh, Terk is in the hallway, and Wesley LOVES Terk… he says she is soft and cuddly. So Terk signs, too. And then there are Goofy and Max… more pictures and signatures.

Well, we’re SO close to Figment, might as well take a spin on that… we know there isn’t a line! Of course now we’re waaaaay behind schedule, so we take a really quick turn through Mouse Gear.

As we walked through World Showcase… everything was smelling soooo good… We debated trying to get a walk in at San Angel Inn. Decided we probably couldn’t, so kept going. Then we thought maybe some egg rolls in China would be good… and no doubt, they would have been… but we kept going. When we got to Germany… we started thinking about that yummy buffet… so thought we’d just ask if we could get it without too much of a wait. Sure, how about right now?? Well how cool is that!

Remember that Wesley got 6 hours of sleep the previous night. And no nap. And he had been incredibly good. No whining, even! But I think it was all catching up with him. We were seated at an almost-full table (we took the last three seats), and they were pretty friendly and talked a good bit. Our waitress was incredibly sweet, her name was Michaela. She was quite taken with Wesley. And he proclaimed her a “hottie”. But he spent most of the meal with his head in my lap, his feet in his chair. He was flat worn out. He certainly didn’t eat $13 worth of food (or whatever we had to pay for him). However, he did perk up when the band came out. He really enjoyed that. I think he would’ve gone down and danced, had anyone offered to go with him. Maybe I should’ve asked Michaela to take him! Well, our bellies are full, and it is much later than we had planned on leaving… but we had thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. When Michaela returned with our check, she said to Wesley, Wait, I have something for you. She returned a few moments later with a gingerbread boy, his arm in a cast! It was one of those magical make-me-want-to-cry moments. We took a picture of Wesley and Michaela, and told her we’d see her in September. So now that I think about it, Wesley’s “meal” was well worth $13. There are more important things than food, after all!!

As we strolled on through World Showcase (had to, we were parked at the Yacht Club, remember!), we found Aladdin and Genie in Morocco. More cast signings commenced. No more characters in France at this time of day, but geez, we’ve come all this way, we might as well see if any of our Hundred Acre Woods pals are in UK, right?? After Pooh, Tigger and Eeyore signed, it was really time to be on our way. We walked back to the Yacht Club, and on to the car. After a stop at the Hess station for gas and caffeine, we left Disney property around 8pm.

The Trip Home

Naturally, the trip home is never as exciting as the trip TO wherever you’re going. But Mark and I actually enjoy it, because that’s when we do our “debriefing”, and discuss in explicit detail every single thing that happened. And what our favorite moments were. Ad nauseum. And then, we turn to our next trip, and talk about our hopes and plans for THAT trip. Wesley passed out before we got to I-4, I think. And he slept all the way home. We got into some rain, but otherwise the trip was uneventful. We went over and over and over the details of the last 24 hours. We marveled at how special a princess can make a 4 year old feel. We marveled at how special a waitress can make a 4 year old feel. Mostly, we marveled, again, at how magical Walt Disney World is, in general. We arrived back home at 1am. But even then, we stayed up til almost 2:30 watching video footage!

After Thoughts

First, let me say this. If you ever come to our house, don’t be alarmed (or interested!!) to see the video camera in our bedroom. That’s where we watch all our past (home) Disney videos. We really need to get them on DVD… some, like the Cinderellabration Meet and Greet from January, are going to stop working properly, we’ve seen them so much. I can always tell when Mark is really missing The World. He’ll pop in a (home) Disney video and fall asleep watching Wesley and the characters hug one another…or Wesley waving at everyone in the parade… or Wesley dancing with Princess Aurora. Now that *that* is out of the way…

Wesley has now been to WDW 15 times. And I have to say, it is JUST as magical to him now as it was 10 trips ago. In some ways, MORE magical, because he has gotten so much more comfortable with the characters. And, he knows what to expect. He doesn’t always do well with the surprise element, so having gone so much, WDW is “home” to him. Not only does he LOVE the characters, but I *think* many of the characters love him, too. Not because they “know” him, because they don’t. But because they can tell (I think) how much he loves them. Take the Cinderellabration cast, for instance. None of those royal couples know us. But they’ve seen Wesley time and time again, waving at them from the audience. Hopefully, it makes them realize that we really enjoy what they do, that’s why we keep coming back. For other characters… he just… I don’t know… has a *way* with them. We have never figured out how and why he has repeatedly gotten so much attention. But we will be forever grateful.

I know he won’t be this way forever. I know that one day (much sooner than I want it to be) he will decide that the princesses aren’t “hotties” after all, just yucky girls. Already, a chapter in his Disney life has closed. I mentioned in a previous report how much he used to love Toy Story. He cradled the movie boxes in his arms at night, and would wake up in the mornings talking to Woo-wy and Buh. Just two nights ago, I asked him which pin he wanted to take off his lanyard, to make room for his new Goofy pin. Imagine my surprise when he said “the one with Woody, Jessie and Buzz”. Really? I questioned. That’s the one you want to take off? Yeah, he replied, casually. I’m not really into Woody and Buzz anymore. I left his room, and burst into tears. My 4 year old has left behind his “babyish” fascination with Woo-wy and Buh, his first true Disney loves.

But Disney, just like life, is an ever-evolving thing. His Toy Story phase was replaced by a Peter Pan phase… that has largely, but not completely, been replaced by his long-lasting Sleeping Beauty phase. He’s over the Wiggles, and into Little Einsteins. Eventually, he’ll move on to films such as Pirates of the Caribbean. One day, we’ll stop riding Pooh, and start riding Rock n Roller Coaster.

People are always saying that they miss the time when their kid(s) were babies, or when they were this age or that age. I only have one, and granted, he’s only 4, so I’m no expert… but so far, every stage of his life has been “the best”, to me. I have no reason to expect that our Disney experience should be any different. It’s one of the beauties of Disney. There’s something for everyone, at every age, with every experience. How lucky am I, to share so many Disney moments and memories (and to-be-made moments and memories) with the two most wonderful guys in the world? I don’t know if Walt would be 100% pleased with everything that goes on in his company (or in his parks) today. But I think he would agree that his goal has been 100% realized in our family!

Soon after our return home, we learned that our beloved Cinderellabration is ending. Which means, of course, that a Farewell to Cinderellabration trip is in the works. So… until then… this is (the female part of) the Whirlwind Trippers, signing off…

Pictures to come, hopefully tonight!

 

[offwegotoneverland]

Wow what a report.

I agree they are each the best ages...and mine just turned 11.

We do now spend time on RNR and not so much on Buzz (his first trip at 6 we went on it over and over one night).

I wish you many many more "bests" and thank you for sharing yours.

 

[aGoofyMom]

Wow - I am sad that your report is finished -except for pics! (I suppose that is why I haven't finished my own report yet!) Your family had another magical time. I am glad Wesley's spirits were raised so well - I hope it made for a speedy recovery.

until the next one...

 

[tink38]

Great report, Rhonda!

I have to say I welled up a bit there with the Woddy and Buzz moment. I am right there with you on that, sis! I remember when Richard didn't want to watch his Disney Singalong fun tape (the MK one) for the first time.Dick and I were BOTH flabbergasted. We STILL have that tape, BTW. Ain't letting that one go. EVER.

LY/MI!

 

[Yzma and Kronk]

Hey Rhonda.....great finish!

I loved your mini-report!

I also envy your Disney loving family! You are so lucky to have the right mindset to say, "hey, let's just do it!"

I know he won’t be this way forever. I know that one day (much sooner than I want it to be) he will decide that the princesses aren’t “hotties” after all, just yucky girls. Already, a chapter in his Disney life has closed.

Our recent trip was a bit different for us to. Jack was not into characters at all. Katie no so much......just the cute and cuddly ones. We've moved on. But to other Disney experiences, so you will too.

I just keep thinking - oh well, but I'll be able to do this again when I take the grandchildren some day!!!

Thanks for sharing!

 

[latoberg]

Rhonda that was a great finish to a great report. I got a little teary on the passing of much loved characters.

We have two Disney loving boys. The odd thing is they love totally different characters. Our oldest was a Buzz kid. Our youngest was a Woody. They have moved past Toy Story. Now they are both pirate lovers - CAPTAIN Jack Sparrow for one, Captain Hook for the other.

But here's a word of hope and reason not to get rid of anything. Nick's first Disney movie was Sleeping Beauty. He started watching it at a year old. He passed out of it for a while, but guess what. He is back again.

I wouldn't be surprised if one day in a year or two Wesley asks where that pin is or digs out a Toy Story box.

Again, a great trip report. Thanks for the time you put into it (even if work didn't get done) and sharing your life and loves with us.

 

[pongoperdigirl]

Wow Rhonda. You can really write.
You had me all choked up there.
or verklempt or however you say it.

I love your reports and I can't wait to hear about the next stage in the little prince's life.

 

[GeorgiaAristocat]

Oh Rhonda ~

That ending, it was just, so beautiful, and heartfelt and you all over.


Wonderful.

 

[FSUMARCHIEF]

Howdy folks! It's Marky Mark - the other half of this Whirlwind Tripping Team. I'm posting pictures for Rhonda...so here goes...

What started it all...

The cast before we went to Disney...

Waiting for so long at the Yacht Club for this!!!

And this pool view...

More coming...

Blessings!
MarkyMark

 

[FSUMARCHIEF]

SO we finally get to head into the Magic Kingdom...

I think this is really cool!

And here's the boy after Snow White kissed him in the parade!

I know this one's blurry - but you can see Cinderella blowing him a kiss!

The next day before the Princess Breakfast - Wesley is a Stromer!

This one cause Belle is a hottie!

And this one - just cause if you look closely, you can see he was eating eggs for breakfast! LOL

After we rode the ride - which we love - we became vikings. I got wet in the ride - see my shirt?

More in a minute..

Blessings!
MarkyMark

 

[FSUMARCHIEF]

Then we headed back to the Magic Kingdom - for the Cinderellabration show - Belle loves Wesley!

And I think her face is funny - don't you?

Rhonda's favorite prince - aren't I SUPPOSED to be?

Waiting to see his favorite Princess!

Getting to see his favorite Princess...

Right before he got the special Dopey ears kiss..

More...

Blessings!
MarkyMark

 

[FSUMARCHIEF]

Next was the parade...

Boy was it hot?!? Mickey needed some water too!

Wendy likes Wesley!

Now back to Epcot...It all started with a mouse...

Minnie kissing Wesley's Arm...

Cause Terk is so soft and cuddly!

Why is it that Max never goes to school?

To quote my son, "She's a hottie!" Michaela in Germany...

The cookie she made for him...

Two broken arms...

 

[FSUMARCHIEF]

We finished with dinner and I posted this one, just because....

A Hard Day's night...

The cast after having been at Disney...

And the inside...

 

[Backstage_Gal]

Beautiful report, Rhonda!!

Time passes so quickly. I had my son at 27, he just turned 27 himself! Daughter just got her first summons to jury duty today (none too happy about it either) and is starting substitute teaching this fall toward her goal of being a univerversity professor! I always thought (before kids) that I would not enjoy the gradeschool years,but I was wrong! They were all great, and now i have 2 great adult kids.

Just enjoy all the stages of Wesley's life, it will be a great journey.

Thanks for sharing with us.

 

[javamom]

Great pics. Wow, how he has grown!

 

[DisneyNutMary]

Wesley is just the sweetest little boy- makes me wish I was one of the princesses, to get a kiss from him
It sounds like you a had a great trip, even after the rocky start. Thanks for sharing your trip with us.