Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

July 18th 2025

"You look nervous," Janelle said, raising an eyebrow as she glanced at her husband.

Bruno chuckled softly, and smiled shyly. Despite the laugh, his nerves were written all over his face.

Well, that much was obvious, he thought, eyes shifting down to the monorail floor.

"Me? Nervous?" he squeaked, his voice cracking as he forced out another chuckle. "Pfft. Of course not. Why would I be? It's not like I'm about to perform in front of thousands of people or anything... heh... heh."

Janelle tilted her head, confused. "But you've done this before, during the Adventure Friends Cavalcade."

Bruno protested, reaching over to poke her forehead. "That was a cavalcade, not a parade. Two very different things, Your Royal Gorgeousness. During that, I just wave. Tonight? I have to talk. And interact. With the whole crowd."

Janelle gently took his hands, lacing their fingers together. "Listen to me. You've got nothing to worry about. There is good news all around. A nighttime parade has returned to the Magic Kingdom! It wasn't supposed to start until July 20th. But it'll be a magical surprise for the guests, I'm sure!" She smiled, her eyes gleaming with excitement. "And you won't be alone. You'll have nuestras pequeñas sobrinas with you the whole time."

Bruno let out a breath, shoulders finally relaxing as her words soothed his spiraling thoughts. He smiled faintly at the mention of their nieces—those two girls were his heart.

"Okay, okay... you've got a point," he admitted. "And you're right. They'll definitely keep me busy up there."

Janelle beamed, proud of the calm settling over him. "And trust me, once we get home we can—"

Squeak.

She stopped mid-sentence, blinking. "What was that, miel?"

Bruno went stiff.

"What? Nothing! I didn't hear anything! You heard something? I didn't! Amor, you must be imagining things."

Squeak.

Janelle looked around, even peeking behind her.

Meanwhile, Bruno, seeing his chance, quickly stuffed his small rat deeper into his ruana. "Shhh! She'll hear you!" he whispered urgently.

Janelle whipped her head back to face him. "Bruno..."

He stood frozen, then flashed a not-at-all-suspicious grin. "Yes, cariño?"

"Did you... bring your rats with you?" Her hands flew to her hips, voice rising. "Powinnam po prostu odmówić ci dziś wieczorem uścisków i pocałunków, tylko dlatego, że odwaliłaś tę głupią sztuczkę!" she snapped in Polish. "You know I had Wilbur and Wally watch them for you while we weren't home!"

Bruno scratched the back of his neck, sheepish. "W-well...yeah I may or may have not have brought one with me. But I couldn't leave him home alone! He gets lonely without me!"

Janelle exhaled deeply. "Is it Stamos that gets lonely? Or did you bring him to calm your nerves all night?"

Bruno opened his mouth to respond, then closed it. Caught red-handed. "...Both. Okay? It's both."

Janelle tried to scowl, but his flustered honesty was too endearing. She let out a smile. "Fine. But he's your responsibility tonight, mi rey. You brought him, you keep him safe."

Hand over heart, Bruno nodded. "I promise. No nerves, no runaway rats. Just me, being brave." He added, a little softer, "For you."

She touched his cheek tenderly. "Don't do it for me. Do it for yourself. You're going to be amazing."

"Ladies and gentlemen—" the monorail intercom chimed in, "we are now approaching Main Street, U.S.A., gateway to the six themed lands of the Magic Kingdom."

"Ready for this?" Janelle asked, gathering her things.

Bruno took her hand, squeezing it gently. "I think so... I mean, I am King of this place. I should be ready for anything."

They stood together as the doors slid open.

"Remember," Janelle said with a teasing smile, "please stand clear of the doors—"

"Por favor manténgase alejado de las puertas," Bruno echoed with a grin.

Arm in arm, they stepped into the heart of the Magic Kingdom.

Bruno's thoughts whirled. What if something goes wrong? What if the crowd hates me? But as he looked around at the shimmering lights, the joyful guests, and Janelle's confident stride beside him, he forced himself to breathe.

People began to notice the royal couple. Janelle greeted them with radiant waves, cheerful hellos, and the grace of a queen. Bruno, meanwhile, offered awkward smiles and shy little waves, quietly mumbling "H-hello" to anyone who made eye contact.

Eventually, they arrived in front of Tiana's Bayou Adventure, where Janelle turned to him.

"Okay, listen close. Go backstage. The cast members will take you where you need to go. You've done this in rehearsal, you've got this. You'll see some of our subjects—don't be nervous. After the parade, I'll meet you, Isabela, and Mirabel backstage."

Bruno clung to her hand again. "What am I supposed to do without you by my side?"

She rolled her eyes fondly. "Oh please. We've been apart longer than this. You'll survive."

He didn't argue. Instead, he lifted her hand and kissed her knuckles softly.

"And besides," she added with a wink, "this'll be good practice for Pueblo Esperanza."

With one last kiss, she spun him around and gave him a gentle push toward backstage.

Meanwhile...backstage.

Funny Funhouse (who decided to be known as Whimsy for the parade) has arguably the biggest responsibility of the parade. Carrying so many classic disney characters during the grand finale. Since Whimsy can shapeshift and transform into any mode of transportation for the parade he decided to take the form of a train.

Funny Funhouse—known on parade nights as Whimsy—was bracing for the biggest responsibility of the parade. Carrying all the stars of the grand finale. Whimsy was a shapeshifter and could transform into any mode of transportation. And took on the form of a train similar to casey jr. 

But the weight of the role was starting to crush him.

He watched the hustle and joy around him—characters smiling, cast members adjusting costumes, music softly humming through the speakers—but Whimsy could only feel dread.

He glanced around. "Mickey?" he called out weakly.

But Mickey was deep in conversation with Minnie, Rapunzel, Flynn Rider, Jasmine, and Aladdin. Donald and Daisy were helping Snow White and Dopey. Pluto was play-wrestling with Dante, and Goofy—Goofy was enthusiastically asking Elsa if he could turn her snowflakes into snow cones.

Whimsy didn't want to interrupt. Or burden anyone. He hated asking for help.

He was the helper. The cheerer-upper. The one who made others laugh.

So why couldn't he do that now?

His breathing quickened. He blinked rapidly, trying to stop tears before they started.

Bruno finally arrived backstage. While looking for his nieces he saw Asha and the Blue Fairy talking. 

"Uhhh... hi, you two!" He approached with an apologetic smile.

"I haven't seen either of you since my royal wedding," he said.

The Blue Fairy offered a graceful curtsy. "Hello, Your Majesty. Yes, it's been quite some time. Ruling keeps one busy, I imagine."

Asha folded her arms, teasing him. "Well, well... look who finally shows his face."

Bruno laughed nervously. "I know, I know! I've been hiding like I'm back in the walls. Things have been... hectic. Unfortunate circumstances lately for my wife and I. But—it's fine! Totally manageable!"

He realized he was rambling and quickly pivoted. "Have either of you seen my nieces? I need some of their chaotic comfort right about now."

The Blue Fairy tapped her wand. "They're already on their float. And what a float it is. The candle glows like something out of a dream."

Bruno nodded. "Imagineers never miss."

She gave him a warm smile. "Be brave, Your Majesty. The people adore you."

He blushed slightly. "Thanks. That means more than you know."

"Tell Luisa I said hi when you see her!" Asha called as he walked off.

Bruno waved. "Of course!"

"Valentino?!" Asha calls out to her pet goat. "Valentino, where are you? We gotta get ready!"

Adjusting his ruana, Bruno finally found his float and began to walk up to it. "Respira, solo respira!" He muttered, looking down at his feet, making sure he wasn't stepping on any cracks.

"TÍO!!" Mirabel shouted, running up to her uncle and giving him a tight squeeze without another thought. Isabela came up to him shortly after, also hugging him. 

A warm smile appeared on his face as he heard his niece call out to him. His expression instantly softening as he saw them running towards him. He gladly accepted the tight hug from Mirabel, wrapping his arms around her and hugging her back. When Isabela joined in on the hug, he did the same, hugging her with his free arm. 

He let out a content sigh, instantly feeling at ease as his nerves faded away just a bit. Having his nieces with him really did make him feel comfortable. "Hey there, my two little flowers." 

They both laughed in his arms before breaking away from the hug, Isabela still keeping a smile on her face. Mirabel, on the other hand, was already getting distracted by everything around, her eyes darting everywhere in excitement, as the adrenaline slowly started to kick in. 

"It's absolutely gorgeous here in the magic kingdom!" Isabela said. She's been at disneyland before. But never Disney World. It was very similar but also very different. 

"Come on famila!" Mirabel called out to them as she got up onto the float. "Showtime starts in 15 minutes!"Isabela nodded, following her little sister and sat on her swing on the float decorated with all types of flowers she created. 

Bruno adjusted his ruana and made his way into his float—but something in the corner of his eye made him pause.

Over near the back... a brightly colored train wasn't moving.

Bruno's brow furrowed. He stepped closer, noticing how stiff the train was, how his expression—though cartoonishly painted—seemed small, almost frozen in fear.

He moved closer. "Hello there."

The train's eyes stayed down. But he sniffled, whispering, "Hi..."

Bruno's heart twisted. The guy looked like he was on the verge of crying.

"Hey," he said softly. "Look at me."

The train's eyes lifted, glassy and uncertain.

"I don't think we've met. I'm Bruno Madrigal. What's yours?"

"Fun—" the train coughed, then corrected himself. "Whimsy. My name is Whimsy."

Bruno gave him a sympathetic smile. "I know exactly how you feel Whimsy. When I made my debut here- well- it wasn't here. It was at Disneyland. And it wasn't during a parade it was during oogie boogie bash but, besides the point! I was just as nervous as you."

Whimsy looked surprised. "You... were scared?"

"Terrified," Bruno nodded. "Listen, I know my wife picked you to be in this parade for a special reason. She believes in you. And even I can feel how brave you are Whimsy. But now we need you to believe in yourself the same way we do. The way you're friends believe in you. Can you do that?"

Whimsy's wheels shook beneath him.

"I... I'll try," he whispered.

"That's all we can ask," Bruno said with a nod.

"Showtime in 10 minutes!" a cast member called out.

Bruno quickly jogged toward his float. But something was bothering him.

His crown.

He couldn't do it. Not tonight. It was too much pressure, too formal, too heavy—not on his head, but on his spirit.

Near the Moana float, he tapped a nearby dancer on the shoulder. "Uh—excuse me?"

The dancer turned and gasped. "Oh! Your Majesty!"

Bruno chuckled awkwardly. "Could you maybe... hold onto this for me?" He lifted the crown. "Or give it to someone who can?"

"Of course, Your Excellency. It's an honor to perform with you."

"Thank yo- what was your name?" Bruno asked.

"Garrett."

"Thank you, Garrett."

He ran the rest of the way, climbing onto his float just in time.

9:00 PM...

Janelle stood at the edge of Frontierland, right where she'd left him, watching as the park buzzed with anticipation.

"Your highness." It was a fellow cast member walking by, checking up on the crowd. "Why isn't Bob Iger with you?" 

"He's back home in california to celebrate the 70th anniversary of disneyland. But I'm here today to support all my subjects and fans."

Backstage...

The lights dimmed. The music surged. The gates opened.

The Blue Fairy floated out first in a shimmer of silver and blue. Then Asha, radiant and confident. Then the Encanto float began to roll forward—Bruno standing tall, though his nerves still whispered at him.

He turned, eyes scanning the lineup behind him.

Whimsy.

Still trembling. Still doubting.

Bruno shouted, a little louder than he intended, "WHIMSY! As your king, I command you—don't be anxious!"

All eyes turned. Whimsy blinked in stunned silence.

Bruno immediately winced, mouthing, Sorry! Sorry!

Whimsy gave a tiny, trembling laugh.

Bruno faced forward as the parade truly began. Elsa's float came next, then the princesses, then Miguel, Moana, and Peter and Wendy.

Finally... it was Whimsy's turn.

He was nearly hyperventilating.

Mickey called out to him from the back of his float. "Hey pal, if you want... just us can go. You don't have to."

Whimsy shook his head. "No, Mickey. I have to. I promised."

He took a breath. Then another.

"What was that parade again?" he whispered to himself. "The one Wilbur and Janelle always told me stories about...?"

The Main Street Electrical Parade.

Yes. That was the one.

"I'll play the music from that. Maybe it'll help everyone believe in the magic a little more tonight."

The gates opened for the grand finale. Whimsy lit up from within, pulsing softly with glowing colors. He forced a smile, trying to believe in it.

"Follow me, Mickey!" he called, voice nervous—but proud.

Chapter Text

The lights dimmed. The music swelled. The gates opened.

The Blue Fairy floated gracefully onto Main Street, a shimmer of silver and blue surrounding her like stardust. The crowd instantly fell silent, eyes wide in awe, many holding up their phones to record the breathtaking moment.

Raising her wand, she addressed the crowd in a soft, radiant voice, “By virtue of starlight and all that is good... may each and every one of your dreams come true.”

The audience erupted into cheers.

Next came Asha, proudly standing with Valentino beside her. They beamed with confidence, their smiles bright enough to light the path before them.

“We all deserve to have our wishes,” Asha declared. “They belong to us and they are beautiful.”

Her glowing friend Star floated close behind, adding a gentle sparkle to the moment.

Then came the Encanto float, rolling into view.

Bruno stood tall at the front, waving to guests, but inside, his nerves still whispered doubts. He glanced behind him again.

Whimsy.

Still trembling. Still unsure.

“Whimsy!!” Bruno shouted, louder than he intended. “As your king, I command you, don't be anxious!”

All heads turned. Whimsy blinked, stunned and embarrassed.

Bruno winced, mouthing, Sorry! Sorry! He quickly turned forward, taking a few steadying breaths.
“I can do this. I can do this. I can do this,” he repeated under his breath.

Squeak!

Stamos, his rat, tumbled out from his ruana, nearly slipping off the float.

“Oh, Stamos!” Bruno gasped, catching him just in time. He gently placed the little rat on the edge of the float’s barricade and gave him a loving pat on his head. “Comfortable? Good. Now you can wave to the guests all night.”

As the other floats passed, Whimsy’s moment arrived.

He took a breath. Then lit up in brilliant red, yellow, and blue as cheers greeted him from every corner of the park. It was dark yet his glow lit up not just the street, but every smiling face watching him.

The music shifted. Whimsy began to play the original Main Street Electrical Parade score.

The crowd’s reaction was electric. More cheers. More tears. More magic.

And just like that, the fear melted away.

This—this—was what he was meant to do.

He was taking his friends on an adventure again. For the first time since April. He hadn’t felt this alive in months.

Though his train cars remained still, the joy radiating from Whimsy was obvious. He swayed with the music, a glowing burst of steam rising from his chimney as he rolled on.

Frontierland...

Janelles eyes widened as the first floats came into view. As the Blue Fairy approached, Janelle greeted her with a regal curtsy.

The Blue Fairy nodded in return.

Next, she spotted Pinocchio and Geppetto also in the float together, dancing with joy. Janelle smiled, it was such a heartwarming and adorable sight.

Then came Asha. At the sight of her friend, with the music swelling and the crowd alive, tears welled in Janelle’s eyes. She blew Asha a kiss as the float passed.

Behind them, Bruno’s voice could be heard nervously mumbling “Knock, knock, knock on wood…” He said to himself to calm his nerves.

His float rounded the corner. Isabela gasped, pointing.
“Look, Mirabel! There’s tía!”

Mirabel lit up. “Hi!!” she shouted, waving to Janelle while dancing in place.

Bruno scanned the crowd. Where is she? Where’s my wife?
His breath caught.

There she was.

Janelle stood near the front of the crowd, tears still in her eyes, but smiling with all the love in the world. She blew him a kiss.

And in that moment, Bruno knew, he was doing just fine.

The parade continued. And Janelle? She couldn’t stop crying.

It was all too beautiful. The music. The lights. The characters. The nostalgia. Just something about all this in the Magic Kingdom felt amazing. Even the iconic Main Street Electrical Parade theme playing through Whimsy’s float pushed her over the edge.

By the time the finale rolled by, she was fully sobbing, happy, overwhelmed, proud.

She waved to Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, and all of her dear friends. Then, gracefully, she curtsied to Whimsy as he passed.

Whimsy held onto his smile until they rolled backstage.

As the parade ended, the park filled with thunderous applause.

Janelle, her mascara streaked with tears, wiped at her eyes. They were red and swollen but she was glowing.

A cast member approached. “Your Majesty? Are you alright?”

She laughed through the emotion. “I’ve never been better. That was simply… gorgeous. Please let me through. I need to see my family.”

Backstage…

The moment Bruno saw her, his whole face lit up. He rushed forward, arms outstretched.

Only for Janelle to dodge him completely and scoop up Isabela and Mirabel into a tight hug.

“My girls! You were incredible tonight!” she said, kissing the tops of their heads.

Bruno blinked, arms still open. He laughed awkwardly, then joined the group hug as Janelle turned back to him, smiling.

Nearby with Mickey and Friends…

“That was one magical soft launch for the Starlight Parade,” Mickey said proudly.

“I’ll say!” Minnie giggled. “The audience loved every float!”

“Did you hear them during the Coco one?” Mickey added. “So much cheering!”

“Solid 10/10,” Daisy said. “But what about you, Whimsy? How’d it feel?”

A small sniffle answered her.

“Whimsy?” Daisy asked gently.

They turned to see them… crying. Quiet tears streamed down his face.

“Oh no! Buddy, what’s wrong?” Mickey asked, concerned.

“Was it too soon? Too much?” Daisy said.

“Should we have waited longer?” Minnie offered.

Whimsy tried to speak through the sobs. “They… they liked me,” he whispered. “They really liked me this time.”

The group relaxed, smiles returning as they surrounded him. Pluto, Dante, and Pepita bounded up, licking and nuzzling their friend in comfort.

Janelle overheard the commotion and turned to Bruno. “Why is Funny crying?”

Bruno blinked. “Who’s Funny?”

She cleared her throat. “You know what? Nevermind, darling. We need to get you ready for the next show.”

Bruno frowned dramatically. “What about the churro you promised me before we got here?”

Janelle sighed. “Bruno, this is kinda important.”

“And a Dole Whip?”

“…Okay fine. A quick Dole Whip. Then we prep for the next show.”

Bruno lit up. “Ooh! Is it from that restaurant with the Orange Bird?”

“Yes, miel, yes it is.”

Mirabel popped in with a grin. “We should definitely serve Dole Whips at Café Esperanza.”

Janelle nodded. “We’ll bring that up with your mom.”

Chapter Text

Thank you so much for reading my work! As someone whose english is my second language, I apologize. My english is definitely not my best. A lot of you probably know me from my story "Dinoland: A Time Torn" I am working on future chapters for that one so please stay tuned. I grew up with the main street electrical parade and I LOVED it. I would force myself awake after a long day in the magic kingdom just to watch it. When it left, Magic Kingdom did feel like it was missing a piece of its heart. When Starlight was announced, I was very hyped! And when it finally debuted a couple days ago, I watched a live on youtube and couldn't stop crying. I cannot WAIT to see it in person next month. Hopefully I won't sob into my poor friends arms haha. My favorite floats were of course the encanto one and Whimsy. That train looks, acts and just reminds me a lot of Funny. From Mickey Mouse Funhouse. So a good friend and I just decided, "Yep! Thats Funny. They're just going by the name Whimsy during the parade." This fanfiction idea came to me one night. Both Bruno and Funny we're nervous for the debut of the parade. And since Bruno is a little more experienced then he is, he definitely gave him a pep talk to calm him down beforehand. You can definitely catch a couple Tropical Americas (Pueblo Esperanza) references in here. Since Bruno is shown to have one of his rat friends in the parade, I decided to include him in the story. I decided to name the little guy Stamos. I had a private meet and greet with Bruno back in April and he said Stamos was the name of one of his rat friends. It was so, so sweet!! And also "Garrett" is a real cast member that actually performs in the Moana section of the parade. He's super cool he also plays a gravedigger in Mickey's Boo to You Parade and Sleigh/Bubbles in the christmas parade! Since my OC is Polish (just like me) she often speaks in Polish whenever she gets angry (also just like me). "Powinnam po prostu odmówić ci dziś wieczorem uścisków i pocałunków, tylko dlatego, że odwaliłaś tę głupią sztuczkę" Is basically saying "I should deny you any hugs or kisses tonight since you pulled this stunt on me." And for my non spanish speakers; "nuestras pequeñas sobrinas" means "our little nieces" "miel" means "honey" "amor" means "love" "carino" and means "dear" This is my first time writing about my OCs relationship with Bruno (this is my first time writing about my OC in general) and I thought them giving each other cute pet names in spanish would be adorable! There's probably some other references that I forgot to mention but I'll leave it up to you to find them! <3 

Chapter Text

Magic Kingdom Playlist (Spotify)

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5ueiI3COFDxH6oACq8CebB?si=7Xb3UhuRRFap91OLsc7s-g