Dad surprised me

[Justin Jett]

May 27, 2009:

Dad got home around 4pm on Wednesday. and we started listening to the podcast. Halfway through the podcast, Dad just says "Let's Travel.....turn off the computer and pack." We packed some clothes, put drinks in the cooler, and called Mom at work. Dad told her that we just feel like driving to Disney for a day. She laughed and said "Have a good time." We were on the road by 6pm. No tickets, no reservations, no plan. Dad just said "Let's Go!"

We arrived in Orlando Thursday evening, and decided to go see "The Blue Mans" (as Walter called them). We got a wheelchair aceesible Disney view room at the Best Western Lake Buena Vista in Downtown Disney. I got to lay in bed and fall asleep watching the "Wishes" fireworks in the distance. Only at WDW!

Friday was a FULL day of park hopping! First time in the parks with my wheelchair that was designed for the Disney parks. Only used 1/4 of my battery power, and the seat held me very stable during the fireworks. I watched IllumiNations without ttensing up or jumping. The chair did EVERYTHING I designed it to do. A very proud moment!!!! We stiopped at the California Grill for dinner when passing through Orlando last December, so I got to try the chair on the monorail then. This was the first time actually in the parks though. I loved it. Very proud that the design worked.

We covered a lot of ground in 12 hours. Flower and Garden and Star Wars Weekends! Dad saw Tony Orlando while I did the Kim Possible Adventure. I took a round trip on the monorail, because it's bad luck if I dont ride the monorail at least once. I love the monorail, and it's a MUST DO whenever we visit Orlando.

We made it home in time to do our volunteer work at the Greyhound Adoption Kennel on Saturday Night.

It was the shortest WDW trip we have ever taken, but the very first time we just got in the car and left. Very fun. We will be there for DIS-A-Palooza, but Dad says who knows when we will "just go" for a day again.

Pictures:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=96296&id=691146539&l=ffb31f06fa

 

[wdwluver]

Wow! What a wonderful story. You have a great dad!

 

[calypso*a*go-go]

Sounds like a fabulous adventure -- thanks for sharing!

 

[Tonya2426]

Your dad is my kinda guy!!! Not much better than a surprise Disney trip!!! Glad you had a great time and can't wait to see you at DAP (DIS-A-Palooza).

 

[Natasha&Matt]

What a great suprise glad you had a fantastic time =) lovely pics too

 

[FireDancer]

Wow, what a great trip.

 

[auroralark]

What a great dad! You definitely had a very memorable trip!

 

[TXYankee]

WOW!

I am glad you had such a great suprise trip! I LOVED the photos!

Thank you for sharing your happpy day!

 

[Disneybridein2k3]

What an amazing day!!! Having a chair designed for you sounds like it made it all the difference. That is so awesome that you and your dad got to experience such a great day together. Thanks for sharing - you brought tears to my eyes.

 

[elemusing]

EXCELLENT! Loved the pictures!

 

[WaltD4Me]

What an awesome story! Thanks so much for sharing, what an absolutely cool thing to do!

 

[kafitty]

i'm so jealous - i wish nearly every day that i were close enough to even begin to toy with the idea of a spontaneous trip!! glad to hear the chair worked out well, that must have been great for you!! and i LOVEEE the pictures of the doggies!!

 

[wishspirit]

Wow! That's awesome! I am so glad you had one of those really magical days! If I didn't have an ocean in the way, i'd love to do it!

What kind of modifications did you make to your chair if you don't mind me asking? It looks like it has quite a battery pack on it! I work with kids with motorised wheelchairs, and they are forever wearing them down (and running them over my feet, but that's a different matter)! I wonder how you made a very full day of Disney with only one battery!

I am so glad you had a good time, and the photos are great!

 

[Justin Jett]

It was a very special trip. Mom and Dad surprised me with a trip when I made the honor roll in 6th grade...but they planned it. This time.....Walter Echols gave Dad the idea. Walter mentioned Blue Man Group, and got Dad curious. It was truly a spur of the moment decision, and I thought he was kidding at first. Thanks to Walter and his rapid fire.

It was my first time at Star Wars Weekends. Star Wars Weekends is how I found the podcast. Bob's video! I've been trying to write Pete a letter about Bob for a long time, but I keep thinking Pete is too busy. I relate to Bob in soooo many ways. I like editing videos for my brother's company, but I am not able to hold a video camera. Now, my Dad and my brother are making a version of Bob's Kart Kam for my chair, so I can make Youtube videos.

The positioning harness is detachable, and the headrest folds down out of sight. This allows the chair to comply with Disney Look guidelines when I start working there. I cant wait to start UCF's Rosen School next year!

 

[daisyyy]

Awesome.... I wish my dad would surprise me.

 

[Pinky166]

Wow what a great dad & a lovely time you had.

 

[Justin Jett]

Hi Wishspirit,

I researched seating and wheel bases myself. My seating needs had changed, but my goals had not.

The chest harness is detachable, and the headrest folds down out of sight. I dont like the look of lateral supports, so I used a racing back instead. This allows the chair to comply with Disney Look guidelines when I'm working there.

When at Disney, I cover as much ground as possible during my stays. Battery life is very important. The chair kept up with me just great!... Read More

The seat cushion I chose has an abductor. I did not plan it that way, but the abductor has really helped me. I did not understand abductors until I accidentally bought one. The ankle cuffs really help too. Now, my feet stay on the footplates.

The seat cushion and headrest are made of Sunmate foam, to stay cool in the Florida heat.

 

[DVCsince02]

What a great Dad to just get up and go on an adventure. So glad you had fun.

 

[WaltD4Me]

It was a very special trip. Mom and Dad surprised me with a trip when I made the honor roll in 6th grade...but they planned it. This time.....Walter Echols gave Dad the idea. Walter mentioned Blue Man Group, and got Dad curious. It was truly a spur of the moment decision, and I thought he was kidding at first. Thanks to Walter and his rapid fire.

It was my first time at Star Wars Weekends. Star Wars Weekends is how I found the podcast. Bob's video! I've been trying to write Pete a letter about Bob for a long time, but I keep thinking Pete is too busy. I relate to Bob in soooo many ways. I like editing videos for my brother's company, but I am not able to hold a video camera. Now, my Dad and my brother are making a version of Bob's Kart Kam for my chair, so I can make Youtube videos.

The positioning harness is detachable, and the headrest folds down out of sight. This allows the chair to comply with Disney Look guidelines when I start working there. I cant wait to start UCF's Rosen School next year!

First, you should write that letter! I know Pete would appreciate it.

Second, I have to ask...Disney has Look Guidelines for wheelchairs/kahts?

 

[DVCJones]

WOW!!! What a great story. Spur of the moment trips are the most special. You will be talking about this one for years.