Whirlwind Trippers: The One With All the Friends 9/27-10/8 *NEW PG 6, 1/23*

[Yzma and Kronk]

Rhonda - another great chapter!

and had a swanky dinner at Pecos Bills. LOL!

Thanks!

 

[Backstage_Gal]

Rhonda,what a beatiful story, and so happy all that work with Amy worked out. Wish I had time to visit the pics and story on Mark's report, but it's late and I have ugly chef meeting tomorrow. I'll be back tomorrow.

 

[HaleyB]

Loved this chapter. That boy is a prince.
Sleeping Beauty is my favorite movie too. I love the music.

Too bad Mark BROKE his later in the week.

I will check this summer to see if Disneyland still has them. We forgot our GOH badges this time,

 

[Minnie_Moo]

And the two other people that had seen Wesley, and KNEW that he was Prince Phillip… they asked if they could have their picture made with my Wesley. Of course, I said! But first, more pictures with the Royal Couple. They talked to him at great length about his costume. And when they were done, the other two were waiting. A couple of pictures with them. We’ll just call them “another royal couple”. No, we didn’t know them. As in, we’re not friends with them. We have seen them before. But that’s all. But. They knew Wesley. He’s famous. At Disney World. Partly because his parents are character stalkers. But also, because he’s a cute little kid who genuinely loves the characters. And for whatever reason, our little Magic Magnet makes an impression on the characters. He imparts a bit of magic to them.

After seeing the photos over in Mark's TR, it is easy to understand why Wesley is so memorable and well-loved by the CMs. And other Disney guests.

Do I detect a teaser here . . . ???

 

[GeorgiaAristocat]

Magic abounding! Loved to read about it Rhonda (and I need to e-mail you some photos, that you may want to pass on.)

And you know how happy it makes me that the costume made you (the collective Whirlwind family you) so happy!

Wanted to know where we found Wesley’s costume. Found? No, sweeties. Custom made, that.

Do I need to make up business cards?

 

[AshClan]

What a wonderful couple of installments! I had already read your dear husband's account, so I had read SOME of the details previously, but Wesley's 1st Aurora meeting in his costume made cry all over again! I can just imagine how much magic abounded!

I know I've told you before, but it is no wonder at all that Wesley is so loved by the characters. Aside from the fact that he is SO cute and handsome, he is so obviously "into" the magic himself. His enthusiasm and excitement shines through....and why wouldn't the CMs want to get a piece of that?!?! After meeting him, that was underscored even more. What a great, great, kid! You two did good!!!!

 

[PKK/MJK]

Hi Rhonda,

I'm really enjoying reading your trip report--and Mark's too! You are so insightful--I especially liked your comments about making magic. You are definitely right when you say " And let me tell you: Disney CMs appreciate magic just as much (maybe MORE) than guests do." The CMs are thrilled when they receive some special love from the guests. Oh, I have it on 'very good authority' that Prince Philip has been mumbling around the Castle that he doesn't particularly like his costume and that he wants one just like Wesley's!!!!!!!!!

 

[AshClan]

Oh, I have it on 'very good authority' that Prince Philip has been mumbling around the Castle that he doesn't particularly like his costume and that he wants one just like Wesley's!!!!!!!!!

QUICK! AMY!! Get those business cards printed up! This could be a whole new career!!!!

 

[Minnie]

Rhonda - I was able to convince my way tooooo old for princesses son to get his picture taken with Aurora because I "knew" a little boy that loved Aurora. It is a priceless picture that I will make sure to bring back out when he has grown

 

[Joanna71985]

I just have to say that I really am enjoying your TR so far. And I feel the same way you do about Cinderellabration. I miss it a lot. But Dream Along with Mickey is a good show. Keep up the good TR (and btw, your son is adorable! ).

 

[FSUMARCHIEF]

Hey Babe - Had to tell you in front of all our friends how much I enjoyed reading your last installment. Quality stuff. MUCH better than mine.

I love you!


Me!

 

[Backstage_Gal]

Quote" How do I get on Disney’s payroll? Marita? "

Rhonda, Mark, I can give you "you have been discovered" cards to get you hired.

That might even get me a bonus, LOL

Wonderful report, Rhonda!

 

[horsegirl]

Bumpity bump bump!

 

[NAB]

Wesley is going to be someone's prince charming some day......

You have done a great job raising him you can tell just look at his face.



--

 

[kpk89]

Hello? ((Hellooooo... Hellooo... Hello......))

Rhonda, your report is so lovely. It's great to read all of the wonderful experiences that you lot give and receive.

So, are you coming back here soon to continue the magic? 'Tis not like you to leave a trip report dangling so!

 

[GADISNEYGIRL]

Kimmie (and everyone else), I'm still here! Just busy. My boss thought, since I'd had a 12 day vacation, that I should WORK when I got back. Therefore, I have not been able to do my TR at WORK, which you all know is my normal place to do them. Home life takes precedence over TRs, work does not. Ahem.

I've been working on this day for about 7 days now. At least.

But here it is, finally!!

 

[GADISNEYGIRL]

Day Five:
It’s always hard to follow such a MAGICAL day. But we were off to do our best!

We were starting the day at MK, but ending at Epcot. So we pulled our old standard of parking at Epcot and monorailing over to MK. We got to ride in the front! With a driver-in-training. Who was possibly the most talkative driver we’ve ever had. He was very nice. Gave Wesley a co-pilot license. Cool stuff.

We arrived at MK and started for Buzz Lightyear. Starting in Tomorrowland was ALWAYS the way to go. Until we had a child. And then we realized that Fantasyland was the place to start. But not today. After Buzz, we did head to Fantasyland though. And walked on Snow White. We don’t ride Snow White unless it’s a walk on. Which it is. Most of the time. In heavy times, it gets up to 25 minutes or so. You wouldn’t catch us in that queue. Snow White is a 5 minute or less ride. But for some reason, Wesley loves it. Especially waving to Dopey at the end. I just have to wonder why the story of the ride is out of sequence from the movie story. But that’s probably just me.

It’s time for Let’s Have a Ball. Are you sensing a theme here? We have a thing for shows. Particularly if Prince Phillip (and Aurora, of course) are in them. Again, Wesley didn’t want to participate in the games. Over there. He wanted to do them over by the wall. So he did. And we waited for another meeting with the Royal Couple. We were excited to see Prince Phillip today. We know him. Well, no, we don’t. We don’t KNOW him. But he was in Cinderellabration. And probably thinks we’re stalkers. And not just character stalkers, which is something altogether different. But at any rate, we knew he’d recognize Wesley. And we always like that!!

And I have to do a little aside here. It used to be that Prince Phillip was IMPOSSIBLE to find. Except at the Christmas party. Which in some ways, was kind of cool. Because it was a CHALLENGE to find him. Remember the story from the 2004 Christmas party, where we found Aurora, Phillip, Cinderella and Prince Charming in the castle all alone? That was a FIND! A rarity! The whole reason we got the Cinderellabration meet and greet back in January was because Wesley was dying to meet Prince Phillip, and a CM with authority (and pixie dust) decided to bestow some magic on our family. It was a cool thing, a special thing, to see Prince Phillip. Now, you can meet him 6 times a day. Not to say that it’s all the thrill of the hunt, so to speak. But it’s different. To say the least.

On the other hand, Wesley is THRILLED to see his hero so often. He just doesn’t want to have to play games in front of people in order to do this. So. There we were, waiting by the side. To be first in line for the Royal Couple.

We were rewarded for our wait. Prince Phillip did, indeed, know Wesley. And. He was terribly jealous of his costume. He told Wesley so. Wanted to know why he had to wear the stupid pink and black thing with the weird pheasant feather on his top hat. Top hat??? Prince Phillip does NOT wear a top hat!! Okay, he didn’t really say that. But his BODY LANGUAGE was saying that. And. We heard later that he DID say that. To some other royalty in the castle. Anyway, he was glad to see Wesley, and pumped to see that Wesley was dressed like him. I mean. As he is SUPPOSED to be dressed. Prince Phillip was impressed. Big time. So what does he do? Shakes Mark’s hand. Does he shake MY hand? Give ME a hug? ME, the one who arranged with our Mad Skillz Sewing Friend Amy to get this REAL Prince Phillip costume made? No. He shakes MARK’S hand. Hmmmph. As if Mark had anything to do with it. Not that I was jealous. And I’m sure Mark would’ve preferred a hug (or a kiss) from Aurora. But. Anyway. Aurora was happy to see Wesley again, also. Why wouldn’t she be? Wesley is her biggest fan, and she knows it. It's always good to remember who butters your bread, so to speak.

It was time for a mini-meet. With some Vikings. At the Haunted Mansion. In honor of the Original Viking. Maelstromer. Who happened to BE at the World. And did not even tell us, much less visit with us. But no hard feelings Mel!!! We also were there without the Maelstromer who proposed the idea of the Honorary Haunted Mansion Meet. (See her TR for details~that would be FRICK! Hi Frick!!) But we were there. And for the first time, we met many of the screen names who have become so familiar over these many months. Kim(mie), Susan, Grammy, Haley, Mr. Silly and kids, YAK (who we HAD met previously), Horsey, and Shelley. Is that really all of us that were there? I think it was!

Kimmie recognized us first, and came running over for hugs and squeals. Soon to be joined by the down-but-not-out Ash with her bum ankle. And then it sort of mushroomed from there. Shelley recognized us the day before, at Epcot. She yelled “Hi Whirlwind Trippers” to us as we went downstairs to Soarin’, and she was headed upstairs. It was kind of weird, to be “recognized”. Like we were famous or something. Not that we are. But it was funny, just the same! I had deduced it was Shelley. But wasn’t positive. On Sunday, we found out that I was right!!

So. We rode Haunted Mansion. And Mark banged on the DoomBuggy behind us. And then got retaliation. (Take it up with Horsey!!) Wesley loved it, as always. Someone asked us if he was afraid of this ride. The answer is, No, he’s not. He occasionally pretends to be… but he’s not. In fact, this is one of his favorite rides.

Afterwards, we decided to ride Splash Mountain together. In the short(ish) line, we were all talking, Kimmie was taking pictures, Wesley was flirting. He liked Horsey’s orange crocs. His are khaki. But she had her strap pulled forward. Therefore, HE had to pull HIS strap forward. My son, the follower. LOL! (Just ask me about the trouble he got in at school last week, by being a follower!!) Believe it or not, ALL of us made it in the same boat. Of course, some of our number left. But I believe there were 11 of us. We were in the very back. Behind Jay and Susan. Who are very, very tall. We felt safe. From the water.

Apparently, we were also safe from the picture. I’ll let Grammy explain that. Cause I don’t know HOW we got “washed away”!! But. No picture. To quote a friend (SID!!): BAH!!!

We then took our leave of the group. I believe they were going to ride Pirates. We were going for lunch. At Cosmic Ray’s. Which is NOT my favorite restaurant. But Wesley likes it. He likes Sonny Eclipse. So we found a table, and waited for Mark. And waited. And waited. And waited some more. He FINALLY arrived. We ate. While a hoverer stood over us, just waiting for us to finish. Like she really wanted to sit down with us. It was almost uncomfortable. We finished, and she sat down before we even got up. You think I’m joking.

We set off to use our BTMRR FPs, and got done just in time to claim our parade spot. We got some good interaction, as usual. I love Disney parades! Then back to BTMRR for another go, and then to stake a spot for Dream Along With Mickey. We got magic during the show, too. (Have I mentioned that we also love Disney shows??)

It’s been fun at the MK, but there’s an ADR in our name at Epcot!! Actually, no, it wasn’t in our name. It was in Chris’ name. But. We went to Epcot anyway.

ASIDE TO PAY HOMAGE TO CHRIS:
As you no doubt know by now, Chris has many Mad Skillz. Which do not include ironing. But do include many other things. Like turning ADRs for 3 people into ADRs for 127 people. Or something like that. And for getting ADRs at Le Cellier when there are no ADRs to be had at Le Cellier. We were talking one night, I mentioned that we’d been trying to get LC, with no luck, and she happened to have one. Which she would not be using. And she offered it to us. See? Not only is Chris beautiful and full of Mad Skillz, she is also a generous, giving soul! (And she had better say nice things about me in HER TR, at such time that she GETS to me in her TR, which could be several years from now, at the rate she’s going. But really, I love Chris. And I know that she knows that… You know how that goes. And she knows that I know that she loves me, too, but mostly she loves my son. However, I am accustomed to people being more taken with my son than with me, so it’s all good.) So. All of that to say that our wonderful dinner at Le Cellier was compliments of Chris. (HOMAGE NOW OVER, START READING AGAIN LOU!)

While several of our number gathered at California Grill, we were waiting outside Le Cellier for our table. The Cali Grill group was probably seated before us (Chris and her Mad Skillz again!! LOL!), and our ADR was about 3 hours before theirs, I think. No, they weren't seated before us, not really. But we waited about an hour past our (umm, Chris’) ADR time. Wesley was very confused when we answered to the call for the Sheridac party. He had not yet met Ms Chris (he’d only talked~briefly~to her on the phone) so he did not yet understand the range of Ms Chris’ power and skillz. He did not know that she had the power to transfer her last name to us.

When we were finally seated, everything was great. It was one of my top meals for the trip. They had recently changed their menu, and no longer offered the cheese plate as an appetizer (or dessert), and that disappointed me a bit. But otherwise, no complaints.

All that sitting around waiting (and then sitting in the restaurant) made us realize something: we were dead on our feet. Though we had planned to see Illuminations, we knew we’d never make it through. We stopped to see Pooh in the UK, and headed for Riverside.

Another aside, which Chris will refute. But it must be said. In January, we were also there for 12 days. What a difference! With temps in the 60s or 70s… we were up early every day, out late every night. Searching out the park with EMH. This trip, I have NO idea what park had EMH on what day. Nor did I care. The heat and humidity sapped us. Listen, folks, we live in GA, we KNOW heat and humidity!! We are more than acquainted with it, thankyouverymuch. But for some reason, we couldn’t take it this trip. Fortunately, it got a bit better as the days went on. In that first week, though, as the sun beat down… It was then that I remembered what NM had reported that her friends said: It was BRUTAL. It was, folks. Believe Chris if you want. But she lives in the frozen tundra for half the year, so I doubt she’d know a heat wave if it knocked her down. (I still love you Chris!!)

So. Sunday night, we were in bed no later than 10. Maybe earlier. It was for a good cause. We had Big Doin’s the next day!!

 

[GADISNEYGIRL]

One thing I failed to mention... Wesley was sooo at ease with all of these "friends" of ours. He is always good with adults, but he even shed most of his shyness with these special people. He is still too young to question our "friendships", so we didn't have to explain that they were actually strangers we'd met online. And. He was almost as happy to meet them as we were. Look at all these people (with no children!) to give him attention! What's not to love!!

 

[kpk89]

YAY!! So glad I could badger, er, encourage you to get back here!!

I love hearing yours and Mark's reports for the he said/she said perspective. With a touch of homage thrown in for good measure.

 

[Loubon]

What? No pictures?