A Farewell to Wallaby

The four of us exit the theater. It was a fun show, but it does feel good to be up and moving again. The Studios are closed now, so it’s straight out to the buses for us. Since the Fantasmic! crowd was small and the park has otherwise been closed for thirty minutes, we don’t have a long wait for our bus.

The bus we get is one in the 2000 series, which Big Wallaby confirms is one of the older buses, due to be replaced soon. He admits that while they are not as nice as the newer buses, they have one redeeming feature – they are not fitted with the automated announcements, so the driver is free to talk to his or her passengers. Even so, our driver doesn’t say much.

We take seats at the back of the bus, although Wallaby opts to stand. As we chat openly about the ins and outs of the buses, MIMS, and features of Walt Disney World that we are passing, the guests on the bus around us clue in that Wallaby is a cast member, and they start joining the conversation and asking questions.

Wallaby lights up at the opportunity to chat with all of the different guests around him. He is such a natural at talking with people. It’s fun to watch, especially since I am not that way by nature.

When we reach the Contemporary, Wallaby confirms that once we get back to the Polynesian our evening is over. Yep, I’ve gotta pack – Walt Disney Suite tomorrow, you know. He tells me to take lots of pictures, and then returns my jacket and says he’s going to get off here and visit another friend.

We say our goodbyes – I ask him to say “hi” to the gang online and tell them I’ll be back on in a few days – and the boys and I give Wallaby our thanks for a fun and unique evening. Of all my many trips to Walt Disney World, this was my first time ever to hang out with a cast member, and it was a great experience. Thanks, Big Wallaby!

The ride to the Poly is uneventful, and we head back to our room. Our outing was fun, but it is very nice to be in a heated room! We get cleaned up and pack most of our bags, knowing we’ll have to have them ready to go by 8:00 tomorrow morning for transfer to the ship. I’m in bed by 11:15.

Did I mention that we’ll be in the Walt Disney Suite tomorrow???