8/8-8/12 trip-hot but not too bad

[homer424]

Hi! This is my first trip report ever since I am pretty much a newbie so bear with me!

This trip had the usual cast of characters: Me, my dd5, Jamie, and my grandmother who has osteoarthtritis in her knees and a neurological condition that caused her to have to use a wheelchair. This is my 9th "trip" (meaning this is the 9th time we have planned a vacation at Disney, I have been on a few more day trips when we went to visit family), DD's 4th, and my grandmother's 6th.

While it was blazing hot, I actually found it very easy to manuver around the park and didn't have very long to wait for any rides. To me, it didn't seem very crowded at all. My grandmother needed to walk as not to stiffen up so 95% of the rides(excluding shows, The Living Seas, Universe of energy and Imagination-she stood in her wheelchair for those) she parked the chair and stood on line. It was very doable and never had more than a 5 minute wait for all the rides we wanted to do. We honestly saw everything we wanted and ever did a few new things (tea cups, being one. I sat that one out-my stomach can't handle it). The longest wait was Dumbo and we always have a long wait for Dumbo-even when I went in December in 1996 and the parks were dead.

One of our new favorite attractions is Philharmagic. I had heard not so great things from some people about this and I went in with low expectations-and we were going to skip it. I need to learn to experience things for myself before I draw conclusions. We absolutely LOVED it and went in 3 times to see it. I thought it totally caputred the Disney magic-so much I found myself caught up in it just like Jamie!

We only did 2 parks since this was a quick trip-technically we were only in the parks 3 1/4 days so we stuck with MK and Epcot since we can spend entire days in them. Although this time we needed rests because of the heat.

Jamie did the Kidcot funstops for the first time this year and had a great time. And it was nice to be able to sit and relax awhile. I didn't do Soarin' because I was nervous-I usually get sick to my stomach and dizzy on those sorts of rides. Anyone like me who weathered it ok?

Epcot is our favorite park, again. We also did the leave a legacy-we wrote a little blurb to my mom who passed away 6 years ago(it just says "we love you mom!" With our names afterwards). She was an even bigger Disney Nut than I was. We are already planning on going next year just so we can see them! LOL

DTD is pretty much the same from the last time with the exception of the home store being moved and now being just the "pantry". I wanted to get another soap dispenser since mine broke but I could not find one! Do they still have the store like that on Main St? Oh! Jamie FLIPPED over the "Build a MY Little Pony" set. Well worth the price since she loves her Ponies. And we liked the build a cup at Goofy's Candy Co. but they were quite pricey.

Speaking of pricey, Jamie discovered pin trading this trip. Although she doesn't quite get the hang of it-she refuses to trade any, she just wants them for herself! LOL

Funny point-everywhere we went when someone asked where we were from (NJ) they all had said "Wow! You are the 5th/6th/10th/Etc person from NJ today!" or" there are a lot of people here from NJ/NY this week!" Is this the new "Jersey Week"? LOL

I only have one complaint and it has nothing to do with the parks-you can not imagine the amount of people who would rush in front of and literally step over my grandmother in her wheelchair or when she was walking with her cane. (Not to mention smacked her in the face with bags-which happened twice with no apology) I am surprised I didn't hit anyone. And 3 times I had heard a version of "hurry up and get in front of the wheelchair/person with the cane" . I was literally in TEARS in The Living Seas when we were trying to get to the Hydrolators. NO ONE would let us pass no matter how many times I shouted "excuse me". I was right at the doors but everyone would rather step over my grandmother and squeeze by to just let us pass. The CM saw me and escorted us through and got us to the front of the Hydrolator line. While I am sure there are those who use Strollers and wheelchairs as battering rams, I am disheartened to find the amount of people who are willing to step over someone who is clearing struggling with a wheelchair or who is handicapped to just "be first". I know this-I will FOREVER be mindful of those who are in wheelchairs or are walking with canes-as if I wasn't already-and have the courtesy to give them right of way.

I am sorry, I am off my soap box now. But other than than-FANTASTIC as usual!

Donna

 

[melissa5583]

Great trip report!!! Sounds like y'all had fun!!! Epcot's my favorite park too!!! I love it!

Sorry bout you bad experience in The Living Seas. That's horrible!!!! My grandmother was in a wheelchair and I totally understand about how hard it is for people in wheelchairs, especially manuvering in crowds!! It's horrible! I don't understand why some people are so rude!!!

 

[homer424]

Thanks!

I have to say, despite the people, the CMs were FABULOUS. I only encountered one CM who was less than stellar(in the Camera Center) but the rest of them were off the chart awesome. I actually wrote an email to management as soon as I got home commending them on how great they were!

 

[Minniespal]

Enjoyed reading your report ~ Thanx for posting.

 

[lynn71092]

Thanks for posting!
I am making a mental note to self "ALWAYS watch out for wheelchairs and canes". I don't ever jump in front of people with disabilities but now I will be even more aware and help anyway I can. Thanks for giving us all a heads-up on this!

 

[7thdwarf/dopey]

Hi! This is my first trip report ever since I am pretty much a newbie so bear with me!

This trip had the usual cast of characters: Me, my dd5, Jamie, and my grandmother who has osteoarthtritis in her knees and a neurological condition that caused her to have to use a wheelchair. This is my 9th "trip" (meaning this is the 9th time we have planned a vacation at Disney, I have been on a few more day trips when we went to visit family), DD's 4th, and my grandmother's 6th.

While it was blazing hot, I actually found it very easy to manuver around the park and didn't have very long to wait for any rides. To me, it didn't seem very crowded at all. My grandmother needed to walk as not to stiffen up so 95% of the rides(excluding shows, The Living Seas, Universe of energy and Imagination-she stood in her wheelchair for those) she parked the chair and stood on line. It was very doable and never had more than a 5 minute wait for all the rides we wanted to do. We honestly saw everything we wanted and ever did a few new things (tea cups, being one. I sat that one out-my stomach can't handle it). The longest wait was Dumbo and we always have a long wait for Dumbo-even when I went in December in 1996 and the parks were dead.

One of our new favorite attractions is Philharmagic. I had heard not so great things from some people about this and I went in with low expectations-and we were going to skip it. I need to learn to experience things for myself before I draw conclusions. We absolutely LOVED it and went in 3 times to see it. I thought it totally caputred the Disney magic-so much I found myself caught up in it just like Jamie!

We only did 2 parks since this was a quick trip-technically we were only in the parks 3 1/4 days so we stuck with MK and Epcot since we can spend entire days in them. Although this time we needed rests because of the heat.

Jamie did the Kidcot funstops for the first time this year and had a great time. And it was nice to be able to sit and relax awhile. I didn't do Soarin' because I was nervous-I usually get sick to my stomach and dizzy on those sorts of rides. Anyone like me who weathered it ok?

Epcot is our favorite park, again. We also did the leave a legacy-we wrote a little blurb to my mom who passed away 6 years ago(it just says "we love you mom!" With our names afterwards). She was an even bigger Disney Nut than I was. We are already planning on going next year just so we can see them! LOL

DTD is pretty much the same from the last time with the exception of the home store being moved and now being just the "pantry". I wanted to get another soap dispenser since mine broke but I could not find one! Do they still have the store like that on Main St? Oh! Jamie FLIPPED over the "Build a MY Little Pony" set. Well worth the price since she loves her Ponies. And we liked the build a cup at Goofy's Candy Co. but they were quite pricey.

Speaking of pricey, Jamie discovered pin trading this trip. Although she doesn't quite get the hang of it-she refuses to trade any, she just wants them for herself! LOL

Funny point-everywhere we went when someone asked where we were from (NJ) they all had said "Wow! You are the 5th/6th/10th/Etc person from NJ today!" or" there are a lot of people here from NJ/NY this week!" Is this the new "Jersey Week"? LOL

I only have one complaint and it has nothing to do with the parks-you can not imagine the amount of people who would rush in front of and literally step over my grandmother in her wheelchair or when she was walking with her cane. (Not to mention smacked her in the face with bags-which happened twice with no apology) I am surprised I didn't hit anyone. And 3 times I had heard a version of "hurry up and get in front of the wheelchair/person with the cane" . I was literally in TEARS in The Living Seas when we were trying to get to the Hydrolators. NO ONE would let us pass no matter how many times I shouted "excuse me". I was right at the doors but everyone would rather step over my grandmother and squeeze by to just let us pass. The CM saw me and escorted us through and got us to the front of the Hydrolator line. While I am sure there are those who use Strollers and wheelchairs as battering rams, I am disheartened to find the amount of people who are willing to step over someone who is clearing struggling with a wheelchair or who is handicapped to just "be first". I know this-I will FOREVER be mindful of those who are in wheelchairs or are walking with canes-as if I wasn't already-and have the courtesy to give them right of way.

I am sorry, I am off my soap box now. But other than than-FANTASTIC as usual!

Donna

Hi Donna,

I am happy to hear you all had a great time despite the heat and shoving. This will be my first time using an ECV at WDW. I was wondering where to park the ecv as your grandmother did. At both the rides and restaurants.
I appreciate your help.

 

[Cinerama]

Thanks for the report...glad you had a good time! One question...what are "build a cups" at the candy store? Sounds interesting.

 

[homer424]

Hi Donna,

I am happy to hear you all had a great time despite the heat and shoving. This will be my first time using an ECV at WDW. I was wondering where to park the ecv as your grandmother did. At both the rides and restaurants.
I appreciate your help.

We just parked it right at the "Stroller Parking"! I asked a CM and they said that was the best place to stick it since those are usually in wider areas designated for a cluster of "wheeled devices". HTH!

 

[7thdwarf/dopey]

We just parked it right at the "Stroller Parking"! I asked a CM and they said that was the best place to stick it since those are usually in wider areas designated for a cluster of "wheeled devices". HTH!

Mahalo Donna!

 

[homer424]

Thanks for the report...glad you had a good time! One question...what are "build a cups" at the candy store? Sounds interesting.

In Downtown Disney, where I believe the Disney At Home store used to be (across from Earl of Sandwich and back by Rainforest Cafe) they have the Goofy Candy Company (? I believe that is the name). When you first walk in they have Goofy's Glaciers. On the far wall you can choose from different "tops" (Mickey Ears, Minnie ears, Goofy's hat, the top of Stitch's head and a princess pointy hat) and "feet" (again, Mickey shoes, minnie shoes, goofy's shoes. Stitch's feet and Princess shoes). you bring it to the counter and they assemble it with a choice of like 10 different slushes (we got the Coke one and it was yummy). Here is a bit of a blurry picture(sorry, took it really quick). The head and feet come off and under the head is a screw top so it is rather safe and won't spill all over. The cup itself is very thick and sturdy, too(oh and it comes with a big straw)

 

[shondad]

I only have one complaint and it has nothing to do with the parks-you can not imagine the amount of people who would rush in front of and literally step over my grandmother in her wheelchair or when she was walking with her cane. (Not to mention smacked her in the face with bags-which happened twice with no apology) I am surprised I didn't hit anyone. And 3 times I had heard a version of "hurry up and get in front of the wheelchair/person with the cane" . I was literally in TEARS in The Living Seas when we were trying to get to the Hydrolators. NO ONE would let us pass no matter how many times I shouted "excuse me". I was right at the doors but everyone would rather step over my grandmother and squeeze by to just let us pass. The CM saw me and escorted us through and got us to the front of the Hydrolator line. While I am sure there are those who use Strollers and wheelchairs as battering rams, I am disheartened to find the amount of people who are willing to step over someone who is clearing struggling with a wheelchair or who is handicapped to just "be first". I know this-I will FOREVER be mindful of those who are in wheelchairs or are walking with canes-as if I wasn't already-and have the courtesy to give them right of way.
ASTIC as
Donna

U N B E L I E V A B L E ! ! ! ! ! ! !
It is really sad that this is the state of our world today. How could anyone be so cruel. Obviously these were not just children, but adults too. We have all heard, "what goes around, comes around".

Adult's should lead by example, (maybe that's what they did, a pathetic example). At least the CM did the right thing. Too bad, more than likely the rude people probably did not/have not thought twice about what they did. (If they even realized what they did!)

Glad the ultimate outcome was good.