May 11, 2010

Walt Disney, I could kiss you… and all the wonderful people who work in your unbelievable wonderland of fun.

We started out the day in the Village with autographs and photos of Boots from Dora the Explorer, then made the trek to the Magic Kingdom for one awesome day. Tanner’s coughing is still bad, but still no fevers. She clearly didn’t feel herself this morning, though. She was determined to be there, but not her usual animated self. I began thinking we were losing the battle and was wondering what the children’s hospital here would be like. But, a visit with the princesses and fairies really perked her up and she actually seemed somewhat better this afternoon.

Can I just tell you what being able to go to the front of the line at Disney means to us? I know many of you who have been to Disney are salivating at that concept, but I finally fully understood today why this privilege is extended to Wish kids. It’s not just because they deserve it (which they, of course, do), but because most could not do Disney without it. We were able to ride and do probably four times the amount of stuff today than we would have if we had to wait. And, Tanner wouldn’t have lasted otherwise. Just standing in the lines is too much for her over time. By skipping the lines, we spend most of our time sitting on rides and riding in the stroller and she is able to last long enough for us to have a good time. It’s essential… and really cool!

Jake experiencing the wonder of It's a Small World

She gets the total royal treatment. When we went to see the princesses, we were escorted by the nicest lady, through the exit line into the princess room where the princesses spent tons of time doting on my girl. They had real conversations and Tanner was fully wrapped in magic. Jake, on the other hand, wanted nothing to do with those princesses, but was pretty smitten with Tinkerbell. After the princesses, the lady took us next door to see the fairies, too. Wow! Talk about feeling special.

We left at just the right time, before everyone was completely exhausted, and after some rest, went to dinner in the Village. Tanner and Jake got to make pillows with a pillow machine and we found Tanner’s star, which she decorated last night, mysteriously placed on the ceiling overnight by the star fairy. There are thousands of gold stars on the ceiling of the Castle of Miracles in the Village… both and inspiring and a sobering sight. Makes you wonder why so many kids need to face life threatening illnesses.

We skipped Village Idol night (an American Idol spin-off) because Tanner was coughing non-stop and we wanted to get her in bed on time. Tanner will forever believe that event was canceled… she would never forgive us.

Her coughing appears to be a virus… one which Jake unfortunately seems to be catching. But, tomorrow marks seven days of coughing, so hopefully, we are on the down side of hers. If she had pneumonia or something else, she would have had a fever by now. They both had a virus like this over the winter, and it passed uneventfully.

So, tomorrow we’re starting with some pony rides in the Village. Then, it’s off to Disney Hollywood – High School Musical, Star Wars, Playhouse Disney, etc. We’re going with Tanner’s friend, Meredith, who happens to be here this week, too. Her Dad is being deployed soon, so this is a special trip for them, too, and we’re glad to be sharing tomorrow with them.

Feel the Magic!

Love,
Beth