Dad surprised me

[tinkbutt]

WOW too cool I'm a bit too far for a day trip! you have a great Dad!

 

[BRobson]

What a fantastic story - great memories

 

[DSNY4ever]

Wow- lucky! We always say we are going to do a spontaneous trip and just hop in the car one day and start driving to DL, but we never do. Someday I hope! I am glad to hear that your Dad took the chance and you guys went, glad you had fun!

 

[mpetti]

Way to go Dad!!! What a great memory for both of you to have and share. Thank you for sharing.

Maryann

 

[katscradle]

Wow cool!
You have a wonderful father to just up and take you to WDW.
I loved all your pictures!
We will be there in December as well, I can't wait to meet you.

 

[cocowum]

Thanks for sharing such a great story! Sounds like you have an AWESOME dad!

 

[safetymom]

A short visit to Disney is better than no visit to Disney!! I am glad you had a good time. Isn't it great to lay in bed and see the Disney fireworks!!!!

 

[kab407]

What an awesome and exciting trip! Your pictures are great.

 

[DisneyKevin]

Hey Skip...

NONE OF US ARE TOO BUSY!!!!!!

Write the letter.

And you darn well better let me know the next time you are going to be in town.

You have an excuse this time because it was short notice!

Sounds like an awesome adventure.

Dad sounds way cool.

 

[irunnoft]

Your dad ROCKS!!!

 

[BillM99999]

Beautiful story, very nice FB pix, beautiful father. Great all around!

 

[dpuck1998]

Awesome! Sounds like you had a blast!

 

[KatheeME]

Justin what a great trip with your Dad, and great memories too!

 

[DUHgreg]

What a way cool trip and story Great photos too.

Some sort of OT questions. Since our favorite granddog is a rescued greyhound named Murphy, I have to ask: Where is the shelter and what's the name of the grey in the photos.

 

[SGB13]

Congrats on your spur of the moment trip. It sounds like you really had a blasts.

 

[Justin Jett]

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

There is nothing official specifically for Cast Members' wheelchairs that I am aware of.... Back in 1997, I was in the College Program....when I checked into Vista Way, the counselors just told me to keep the chair clean, and not to add anything to it that would get guests' attention. Same general rule of thumb as the personal grooming and appearance.

I got sick and had to go home early. I never finished the College Program, and since I did not know what I really wanted to do other than WDW.....I took a few years to try to find myself. In 2003, I got involved with Greyhounds in Randleman, NC. Another volunteer happened to be from Orlando. She was up here going to college. I had never met anyone who actually lived in Orlando before. I was totally starstruck for a while. A total WOW factor. We became great friends, and she told me about the Rosen school at UCF. After 9 months of thinking about it, With the encouragement of my friend and her awesome family, I got up the courage to go back to school and try for UCF. Another VERY IMPORTANT goal is finally completing the College Program.

Two years ago, I needed to get a new wheelchair to meet my needs. We designed the new chair with my WDW dreams in mind. First thing was to make sure the chair would clear the arch over the "It's a Small World" boarding area. When I started designing the seat, I took the basic rules of the Disney Look into consideration. I am sure that they would allow the positioning harness and headrest if I asked, but they would detract from the look of the costume. I want to be the best cast member I can be, and not ruin the magic for the guests. I have not talked to Disney to see what they will accept as "reasonable accomodations" for the costume. Rather, I just chose supports that can detach or fold out of the guests' sight. I really want to make Mickey proud. In addition, I chose a paint color that would not stand out in the parks. I wanted Gator Orange, but decided to go with "Midnight Blue" to look more professional.

 

[Justin Jett]

Some sort of OT questions. Since our favorite granddog is a rescued greyhound named Murphy, I have to ask: Where is the shelter and what's the name of the grey in the photos.

Greyhounds are wonderful! My family is part of Project Racing Home in North Carolina.

I have a video of me working with the dogs, if it is okay to post the link here.

 

[daneenm]

Wow! Wish I could pick up and go...TODAY!

Looks like you had a great trip! I hope to hear you are back and working at WDW soon. If I knew as a college student what I know now, I would so be trying for that program. I am sorry I missed the window of opportunity!

 

[WaltD4Me]

There is nothing official specifically for Cast Members' wheelchairs that I am aware of.... Back in 1997, I was in the College Program....when I checked into Vista Way, the counselors just told me to keep the chair clean, and not to add anything to it that would get guests' attention. Same general rule of thumb as the personal grooming and appearance.

I got sick and had to go home early. I never finished the College Program, and since I did not know what I really wanted to do other than WDW.....I took a few years to try to find myself. In 2003, I got involved with Greyhounds in Randleman, NC. Another volunteer happened to be from Orlando. She was up here going to college. I had never met anyone who actually lived in Orlando before. I was totally starstruck for a while. A total WOW factor. We became great friends, and she told me about the Rosen school at UCF. After 9 months of thinking about it, With the encouragement of my friend and her awesome family, I got up the courage to go back to school and try for UCF. Another VERY IMPORTANT goal is finally completing the College Program.

Two years ago, I needed to get a new wheelchair to meet my needs. We designed the new chair with my WDW dreams in mind. First thing was to make sure the chair would clear the arch over the "It's a Small World" boarding area. When I started designing the seat, I took the basic rules of the Disney Look into consideration. I am sure that they would allow the positioning harness and headrest if I asked, but they would detract from the look of the costume. I want to be the best cast member I can be, and not ruin the magic for the guests. I have not talked to Disney to see what they will accept as "reasonable accomodations" for the costume. Rather, I just chose supports that can detach or fold out of the guests' sight. I really want to make Mickey proud. In addition, I chose a paint color that would not stand out in the parks. I wanted Gator Orange, but decided to go with "Midnight Blue" to look more professional.

Well...I have absolutely no idea how your dream could NOT come true.

I've heard of Rosen College and that it's excellent for hospitality management. I don't know who is going to learn more though, you from Rosen College or Rosen College from you.

I can relate to meeting someone from Orlando. As incredibly silly as it sounds, I was the same way when I became IM friends with someone in Orlando. (this was before I discovered the DIS)

Have you written that letter yet?

 

[Justin Jett]

Hey Skip...

NONE OF US ARE TOO BUSY!!!!!!

Write the letter.

And you darn well better let me know the next time you are going to be in town.

You have an excuse this time because it was short notice!

Sounds like an awesome adventure.

Dad sounds way cool.

Hi Kevin,

You are great! I will definitly let you know. This was a shock to Mom and I both. The rapid fire segment of the May 27th podcast inspired Dad to make a rapid decision.

I will write the letter once I get the courage. I identify so much with Bob on many levels, and want to write to Pete privately about Bob. You all just seem sooooooo busy, and I dont want to bother you all.