I just feel the need to clarify. We were very greatful to get to be at the games, and to be in the know for the parade.
I was also appreciate that disney let us know that the games would be less 'fan friendly" this year. We went to just be apart of what ever. I was super excited that I was able to get concert tickets.
It was just hard because disney has been so amazing in the past for us. At wdw life is more normal for us, and if we need alittle extra help, there is usually an accomdation that can be made. This was not the case at the games. I was not prepared for this.
As I have said before, we would have been happy just being a part of things, but when ds saw the autographing/photos, like any kid, he wanted to be a part too. I never told him that he would get to meet anyone, just that we might see some. I had tried for months to get info before hand, but it was a no go. When we arrived, I also was unable to find any help. So I ignored my limitations to try and facilitate magic for my kid.
This is where I was let down. We didn't just show up and expect to be catered to, we showed up and spent all day there too. When we secured a way for ds to view, he was shoved, pushed, and crushed by folks who would just run over for a star, then run off somewhere else. Then he was skipped over so many times, and finally by two of his favorite stars after having waited so patiently and calling their names.
The first night it was tough. Having your child emotionally crushed in front of your eyes and no recourse is tough. Knowing all the trauma and pain your child has endured and how special this is made it almost unbearable. Having rude wdw employees made it worse.
So i had already completly depleted my personal reserves. I was beyond exhausted and in a great deal of pain. Then I spent all night trying to calm and soothe my child and explain why "Ky" wouldn't speak to him and why he didn't come back like he said he would (multiple times).
I tried to make the best of it. I did. I took ds back Thursday and spent the day, following only his que, frequently offering to take him to a park, swimming, anything he might want to do. When it happened again (with Arwin) at the end of a long day of being shoved in the heat, it was just too much. (For the record, I really, really tried to avoid this, but ds has an eagle eye, and he wasn't leaving without an autograph. He also knew that they were going to be there that they day, so there was no avoiding things, or he would keep asking everyday and meltdown).
So I am glad that so many were able to have magic moments. That's fantatstic. I just wanted a little magic for my guy too. I didn't expect to be entitled to anything, but I am dvc, a passholder, and not only doI skimp and save every dime for wdw, I also spend a great deal of energy and time trying to plan things because it is what brings joy to ds. I just wanted to have an equal opportunity at the magic like wdw usually delivers.
There are a lot of pictures of the International Stars which was really nice to see.There is also a great picture of her and her Minutemen Co-Star Jason Dolley at the DCG 2008 All-Star Party.
