Driving 6000 Miles for the Magic: A Miracle Trip

[slyjly]

I am so glad you are home! I pray for all best with your tests and hope that the worst is over!

 

[kpk89]

Christamae, I am just catching up to see that you've been ill, in the hospital, and now home again. I hope you are feeling better soon and that they figure out what is causing all the abdominal pain.

We can be patient for an update until you are up to it! Hang tough, girl.

 

[ellindea]

One thing you didn't mention, Christamae, was the monorail ride. For some reason, I actually had forgotten about the monorail! I mean, I knew it was there but I had forgotten that we have to actually either take it or the ferry to get to Magic Kingdom. It's a little tricky boarding. There aren't really slots for a wheelchair so we just pull in and sit sideways. Whoever goes in first has to pull all the way to the right and as close to the opposite doors as possible, and whoever goes in second has to pull all the way to the left and as close to the back of the other wheelchair as possible. Mom and Grandma had to ride separate from us because only two wheelchairs fit per car. I was little nervous about how able Grandma would be to maneuver, but still really enjoyed the ride. It really does just get you in the Disney mood, doesn't it? With the cool air conditioning blowing on you, the pleasant Disney-guy's voice telling you all about "the happiest celebration on earth", and then the Florida landscape and eventually Disney landscape whizzing by as you clip along in your ultramodern vehicle.

I have to agree about the magic being palpable that morning. That monorail ride had brought us to the gates of a different world. The clip-clop of horses hooves, the strains of familiar Disney melodies and then those of the awesome barbershop quartet, and finally watching and hearing the historically-dressed man "tickle the iv'ries in a raggedy way" (lyrics from the same song Christamae mentioned) reminded us why this place was given the name Magic Kingdom.

I actually found Buzz Lightyear to be pretty stressful. If I recall correctly, this was not our scheduled first stop. We, well at least I , had planned on doing Carousel of Progress first. It was a classic, it was air-conditioned, it wouldn't be too busy at that time of day, and we knew we could all ride on it. I was feeling a bit of the control/commando spirit myself and confess I was a little annoyed when Christamae lead us to this unscheduled stop. Dad was in his usual fast-walk mode as he led the way to where the CM had indicated the wheelchair loading area was. It was loud and I had no idea where we were going. Trying to get on the irde was a fiasco. Then there was the stress of scanning the exits and surrounding area for Grandma. She eventually emerged, the only one in our party that actually rode the ride. Lol. Carousel of Progress was now the undisputed next stop.

I also appreciated the CM’s kind explanation of why we couldn’t ride Stitch, and for actually double-checking for us. Mom was not the only one hungry at this point. I for one was famished, and since Dad didn’t make any argument against eating I’m guessing he was pretty hungry, too. So, yes, we did a lunch break at the absolute peak lunch time. It was extremely busy in there. We all scanned the place for an empty table. They were seriously all taken. Until…I noticed that one group appeared to be winding things up, gathering their trash, having a few last laughs. They got up and I immediately rushed over to claim the spot. We actually had just been about to leave.

So I popped a wheelie and did a touchdown-esque celebratory dance.

Hehe, ok I didn’t. It was way too crowded to even try. I did feel rather pleased with myself, though.

Yes, it was a very lengthy lunch break. We all ate as fast as we could, though. It worked out okay I think b/c we ended up getting done around the time people were heading over for the afternoon parade. We’d decided sitting in the heat forever to watch the parade, as fun as the characters and floats are, was not worth it this year. We knew Fantasyland would be a lot less busy with all the kids gone for the parade, and we were right. I enjoyed it’s a small world. I got to ride with Mom, which doesn’t happen too often b/c usually there’s only one wheelchair spot per ride vehicle. But these boats allowed for two, so yay! We embarked on the “happiest voyage” together. It had been a while since I’d ridden this, so I found it really fun, watching all the different detailed scenes. I also like how they have the greetings in all the different languages. I’m pretty sure I picked out the Korean for goodbye, because I knew a Korean man who taught me how to say hello (an-yong-hah-say-oh) and this was very similar…An-Yong-Hi-Ka-Ship-Sio.

Mickey’s Philharmagic was one of the attractions I was most looking forward to b/c we had never done it before, and I had heard such rave reviews. It did not disappoint in the least! As always, even the waiting area was impressive. I thought the gold pillars were a great touch. I absolutely loved the show and loved all of the effects.

I also really enjoyed Winnie the Pooh, though the delay once Christamae got on was a little nerve-wracking. This one I rode w/ Grandma. That CM Marjorie was great. She and Dad joked back and forth, and it was so cool of her to give us each a pin. Here was my first pin:

The experience w/ Cinderella was of course really cool. Totally unexpected. I wasn't quite sure what to say. So I told her I liked her dress. Because I did. I don't think she heard me, though. That happens a lot to me. People say I'm soft-spoken. I say they're all hard of hearing. Anyway, that was sweet of them to let me have that little memory. She signed one of our notecards, too.

On the way to Liberty Square, we stopped for some frozen treats. If you look close at the picture of me and Christamae in front of Liberty Bell, you can see mine on my desk. I thought about getting the classic Mickey ice cream bar, but knew I would have a hard time eating it. Basically Dad would have had to sit there and hold it while I tried to chomp off bites faster than the Florida sun could melt it. But what’s this? A Mickey ice cream sandwich? Eureka! With it on my desk and a fork I was in heaven. I am happy to say that I was able to finish most of it while en route and then the rest before seating for the next showing of HOP started.

I think this is one of the better pictures of me. I was on Cloud 9 at that point. It had been a great day. I was totally soaking in the surroundings, gearing up for the journey around Magic Kingdom. I’ve always liked train rides. You just can’t help but feel excited as you smell the steam, hear that whistle, and then rock with the first chug, chug, chugs. Plus we were all together. Every one of us in the same area, joking and laughing. The ride would have been perfect if the person had not been so whistle-happy. Still very enjoyable.

I don’t really have anything more worth adding for the rest of the day’s activities. I will say a couple of things about Spectromagic, though.

The characters that night were on top form. As Christamae said, Peter Pan actually came up and talked to me. That was great. He was totally in character. His voice and speech patterns even sounded authentic. Very cool.

The lady who did the evil woman from Snow White looked so much like the real thing I couldn’t believe it. She was also totally in character, coolly staring us down.

Now probably the highlight of the parade for me was the float with Prince Charming. As the float approached I intended to get a good look at him. He is a prince, after all.

So…I looked at him.

He looked at me.

Wow, was that young man handsome!

I smiled at him.

He kept eye contact!

Move over Cinderella! There ain’t room enough in that carriage for both of us! Your prince and I have been talking with our eyes and I like what I’m hearing. Seriously, we kept eye contact almost the whole time the float was passing. That was totally surprising …and very nice, especially since he was so easy on the eyes. Honestly, though, when he was looking at me I got the feeling he was thinking back to another time or another person. Somehow I made him sentimental. Maybe I reminded him of someone he knew. In any case, it was definitely memorable for me.

That whole day was very memorable and definitely magical.

 

[katielou]

Thanks Danielle for the next installment. I hope Christamae is doing ok. Is she still home or did she have to go back to the hospital. Please let her know that we are all praying for her. Ya'lls trip report has been wonderful and you have taught all of us compassion. Your family is awesome.

Beth

 

[eternaldisneyfan]

Below this post will be the next trip report post...but first I have to respond to all your wonderful posts.

I am happy and relieved to say that my pain is almost completely gone. No one has called about the CAT scan and I don't think I am going to pursue it. This is my guess as to what happened. The pain started shortly after the GJ tube was changed. The tube was in for 10 months-all my other tubes have lasted no more than 4 months. I know with my trach changes, the longer I wait to change the tube, the more painful it is. Also they use a metal wire to insert the tube. When we were in the ER, the doctors said that they wouldn't be able to see lesions or injuries where the tube tract is. The tube started feeling distinctly better after it bled quite a bit (the night I spent in the hospital). I am betting that I had some lesions and blisters. In any case, all is well.

ellindea: Thanks for the bump, sis.

eyeheartgoofy: Yes! You must see Spectromagic!!!

thptrek: Thanks for the tip. Wishes is good material.

fizz13: Thanks for joining the journey. And your comments are so sweet

Tanya90210: Thanks! I had some great material to work with. I just googled the lyrics to Wishes...

katielou: Thanks for coming along for the ride. You are too kind.

jlcd: Next installment comin' right up.

Tanya90210, disneymoon0307, Heluvsme, whogirl'smom, meeskamouska, CatStarr, burly, serendipity, jlcd, slyjly, Our2Girls&Disney: Thanks for your prayers and kind words.

Disboarder: Thanks for hopping on the bandwagon

DebIreland, Lan, DisneyJo, jlcd, AC179, wdw1014, goofyluver, jackdis, eyeheartgoofy, kpk89: Thank you for your support and care.

50 years Too!, Halloweenqueen, 3DisneyBuggs, aalan, pierresgirl, Disneypofq05, never enough pooh, KathyRN137: Thanks for subscribing and your well wishes.

OhMari: Thanks for your comments...and all the work you do for disboards

Thank you, thank you for all your wonderful words of encouragement and inspiration. It means a lot. All the thank yous aren't enough.

You made my heart happy

Without further ado...

 

[eternaldisneyfan]

Epcot World Showcase (July 20-Thursday)

Today the plan was to go to the World Showcase. We slept in a little and did some essentials like laundry. The washing machine was very loud. SQUEEKA SQUEEKA SQUAWK THUMP THUMP SQUEEKA…We didn’t leave the house until 3:00.

By the time we got to the park, through the line, and bathroom, it was about 4:15. Our first stop per Danielle’s request was Mexico.

Danielle speaks Spanish quite well. Her minor is Spanish.
“Danielle, talk to that lady in Spanish!” I urged, gesturing to a CM painting ceramics in traditional art.

“I don’t know…”

“Come on, you speak Spanish well.”

“Well, all right.” She then proceeded to talk to the CM. I don’t know what they said but there was smiling. And the CM told Danielle that she spoke Spanish well.

The entrance to Mexico:

[/IMG]

Then it was off to El Rio Del Tiempo. I was a bit nervous in Mexico because it was loud (will they hear me) and dark (I can barely see in the dark). The CM directed us to the wheelchair entrance. Grandma was asked to park her scooter and then join us. Okay-no problem. Well, we waited and waited. Then we saw Grandma coming through the regular queue. Grandma actually got completely through the line before a wheelchair vehicle was available. It took three rides for all of us. The ride was pleasant but I don’t know if it was worth the wait-especially the 3x+- the wait, turning the 7 minute ride into about thirty minutes.

Here are some pictures. These are from the old El Rio Del Tiempo. Antique pictures

The companion bathroom in Norway was an excellent size but frequented by many families. It was fun to watch the kids play on the boat as everyone cycled through the restroom. Around this time, we got caught in our first downpour. Up until this point, we had always been indoors seeing a show or riding a ride during the afternoon rain. We dawned the rain gear-taking special care to cover my ventilator. The ironic thing was that about 15 minutes after everyone was rain proof, it stopped raining.

Then it was off to China. On the way to China, we lost Grandma, again… Danielle’s major in college is Chinese. She is especially interested in the culture. So we watched the Circle Vision movie. The movie was pretty good. It was a little difficult to see because everyone stood.

We always enjoy the Acrobats in China. We reserved some concrete and waited expectantly for the stunts. And waited. And waited. Twenty minutes after the scheduled showtime we concluded that the show must’ve been canceled because of the rain.

After that disappointment my family needed chocolate. The best kind of chocolate.

German chocolate.

Every trip we always get some fresh treats. Alas, no chocolate for me this year.

*picture removed per Danielle's request*

And Dad posing:

My Dad is 1/2 German. I am at least 1/4 German. I say at least 1/4 because I have that much from Dad and I also have some from my Mom's side.

Off to America. American Adventure is always good and makes you feel patriotic. The disgruntled Cast Member informed us that the elevator to the show was broken. She seemed to be braced for us to verbally thrash her. When we simply asked when the elevator was expected to be fixed, she visibly relaxed and cordially answered “30 minutes to an hour.” I suspect that some people may have layed into her. It’s not her fault. As the old saying goes, “Don’t shoot the messenger.”

Everyone had to go to the bathroom. The nearest companion bathroom was quite a walk and we didn’t want Danielle to get her kidney reflux problem. According to the bathroom notes, the bathroom by Liberty Inn had a large wheelchair stall. Okay, let’s try it. Danielle went first.

While Mom and I waited for our turn, we observed a family with Disney burn out.

The little boy couldn’t get his light up spinny toy to work and whined to the Mom about it. The mother launched into a speech on how she told him that it wasn’t a good choice and what a stupid choice it was and it was his fault it broke because he was careless and $@#% if she was buying another one or any other souvenir-that was his choice.

When the Dad arrived she thrust the light up spinny toy into his hand saying, “Your son broke this and wants it fixed. Fix it so he’ll shut up.”

The boy headed to the bathroom and the little girl started in. “I really like those umbrellas (parasols) and want one with my name.”

“$%#@ it. You got that shirt. I told you to make a better choice and warned that would be your only souvenir…So stop whining for another one…Why is it so $%#@ hot!”

Then speaking to the general vicinity, “If I ever even think about coming from Maryland to this oven-shoot me.” With that, she left.

How sad.

By this time it was my turn for the bathroom. Before I got to the handicapped stall, a Mom directed the small girl to the stall-the girl entered alone. Another member of their party tagged out and guarded the door. Um, okay, if there are two females for one child, who entered the stall alone-why is she using the one handicapped stall when several other stalls are open??? The worst part was that the person guarding the door (unlocked) kept giving me these looks like, what the h$$$ are you doing here, people like you shouldn’t be out. And with these looks she spoke in a disgusted tone to the other lady who emphatically nodded her head and made comments while glancing disdainfully at me. They were speaking in a foreign language but I can imagine what they were saying. Finally, they left and I was able to use the handicapped stall. It was a very good size with room for my wheelchair and room for Dad to comfortably transfer me.

After those two distinctly unmagical encounters, I was ready for a Disney moment.

We headed back over to American Adventure to discover…

Hooray! The elevator is working!

We headed down to await the show. While we were waiting we chatted with the group in front of us. The group consisted of a mother with a small girl (about 4 years old) and the grandmother who was using a wheelchair. The mother explained her dilemma. She couldn’t leave her daughter unattended (who during the conversation was dashing around the room) to help the grandmother transfer. The only ride they had been on was it’s a small world. The little girl couldn’t sit through a lot of the shows. And bathrooms were a nightmare. Their much looked forward to trip was turning into a bust. We asked if she knew about wheelchair accessible rides…No, she didn’t. We showed her the symbol on the map. We recommended some rides (Journey Into Imagination, Winnie the Pooh). We also suggested some kid friendly shows (Philharmagic, Playhouse Disney, Beauty and the Beast). We also told her where she could get a list of Companion Bathrooms. Then we just chatted until show time.

American Adventure always makes me feel patriotic. The animatronics are pretty cool, too. Unfortunately, the family we had been talking to had to leave about ten minutes in-I think the little girl was afraid of the dark.

Two songs are particularly poignant to me.

The first is played during the civil war sequence and is called Two Brothers

“Two brothers on their way
Two brothers on their way
Two brothers on their way
One wore blue
And one wore grey

One wore blue and one wore grey
As they marched along the way
A fife and drum began to play
All on a beautiful morning

One was gentle, one was kind
One was gentle, one was kind
One came home, one stayed behind
A cannonball don't pay no mind

A cannonball don't pay no mind
Though you're gentle or you're kind
It don't think of the folks behind
All on a beautiful morning

Two girls waiting by the railroad track
Two girls waiting by the railroad track
For their darlings to come back
One wore blue, and one wore black

One wore blue, and one wore black
Waiting by the railroad track
For their darlings to come back
All on a beautiful morning

One wore blue, and one wore black
Waiting by the railroad track
For their darlings to come back
All on a beautiful morning

All on a beautiful morning”

The song along with the visual sequence really captures the sorrow and division of the Civil War.

The other song is Golden Dreams. It plays at the end as great moments and people are shown in a moving sequence.

America,
Spread your golden wings,
Sail on freedom's wind,
Cross the sky.
Great bird,
With your golden dreams,
Flying high, flying high.

Restless one,
In a world of change,
Keeping dreams aloft,
In the rain.
Spirit free,
Soaring through the clouds,
Of time, of time.

America,
You must keep dreaming now.
Dreaming of promise now,
Of your pioneers.
America,
Keep on flying now.
Keep your spirit free, facing new frontiers.

Spirit free,
You must keep flying now.
Reaching to touch the sky,
On the winds of change.
O restless one,
Search for brighter days,
Soaring through stormy skies,
With your head held high.

America,
Spread your golden wings,
Sail on freedom's wind,
Cross the sky.
Great bird,
With your golden dreams,
Flying high, flying high.



After being instilled with pride and patriotism, it was time to grab some food. We got food from Liberty Inn and started the walk to find a spot for Illuminations. I had chosen a spot by England/Canada. It was quite a trek. On the way we happened upon none other but Off Kilter!

We stopped for a few minutes to listen. I would’ve liked to stay longer but my family wanted to eat.

We found a good spot free of trees and with a good view of the barge.

An older man in a scooter started up a conversation with us. He had nothing but praise for Disney. He had purchased 2 AP passes years ago for him and his wife. She was dying. She died that year. Between all her treatments and not feeling well, they only used the pass twice. One of the times they went they saw Illuminations. They loved it.

He went to renew his AP pass the year after her death. The CM asked why the pass had only been used twice. He told his story to the CM…who then proceeded to renew his pass for free.

Ever since then, he has purchased an AP pass every year.

Danielle and Mom were both a bit chilled being close to the water. I was paying close attention to which way the wind was blowing. The last thing I wanted was a bunch of smoke blowing in my trach…Thankfully the wind cooperated with my wishes.

Soon the amazing show began. Fire, fountains, fireworks all synchronized to awesome music. Disney magic at its best.

Afterwards the man in the scooter remarked, “That is worth the park admission by itself.”

Illuminations is my family’s favorite. I prefer Wishes…but Illuminations is very good.

This day was a bit crazy. Getting separated, being exposed to unDisneyish people, but also helping others capture a good trip, reveling in my country, hearing about the kindness of Disney, and closing with an awesome show.

But our two days of Epcot seemed to have less magic. Epcot was our favorite park in previous trips. But Epcot, you're disappointing me. Will you redeem yourself?

Next installment on Saturday, June 23: MGM-A Practically Perfect Day

MGM: A Practically Perfect Day- Page 20, Post #288

 

[jlcd]

Christamae,

I'm glad you are back and feeling better! Looking forward to reading about the rest of your journey.

 

[nyyankeegirl]

So glad you are feeling much better! Can't wait to hear about your day at MGM! I still think the most amazing part of your trip must have been the drive. Just knowing I had 3000 miles to go, there & back, would just put me in a major funk. I guess I can easily do our 600 next Sept.!

 

[SueM in MN]

I just got caught up with your adventures and am happy to hear you are doing well after your hospital stay.
I am going to put a link to your report in the disABILITIES FAQs thread on the disABILITIES Board. That way it will always be available and more people may find it.

 

[tokyodisneydad]

Hi Christamae! Ok I'm late and even got lost along the way to find this trip report. I'm really enjoying it and it makes me even more excited for the trek from Japan to WDW in August. Yep gotcha beat in miles but not in spirit. Thanks for the wonderful report.
Wally

 

[KathyRN137]

Hi Christamae!

I'm so glad that you're feeling better!!

About your unpleasant BR experience... well, what can I say? There are, unfortunately, a small number of people out there who are completely clueless about the needs of others, disabled or not.... its quite pitiful. Really. They are to be pitied. And then forgotten.

They will never experience the simple joy of helping out another person, like you did that little family at the American Adventure. I'm so glad you had that experience!

I'm looking forward to hearing about the Studios....

Kathy

 

[disneymoon_0307]

Great update. I'm so glad you're feeling better. I can't believe that lady would use that kind of language in front of anyone...especailly her kids. I feel so bad that she can't have fun in disney and I feel really bad for her kids cause she ruined it. Some people amaze me...that lady and the ones in the bathroom. I'm hoping that Epcot redeems itself for y'all cause right now it sounds like Universal would have been better. Keep it coming.

 

[burly]

Hi Christamae So glad you are back and feeling better. Thanks for the update. will look forward to more. I personally think EPCOT can redeem itself. it has the potential. KIM

 

[Kimberly815]

American Adventure always makes me feel patriotic.
[/B]

ME TOO!

I have always liked the American Adventure since my first Day trip to Epcot back in the day. My DH and I had never been able to make it see the show in all our trips together though- until our honeymoon this past January. \

We walked into the rotunda hoping to see the Voices of Liberty and then the American Adventure and were stopped by a Cast Member. She brought us upstairs to the top part of the rotunda and gave us seats to look down and hear the Voices of Liberty sing. Then we got to go into the theater before everyone else and take as many pictures as we wanted (which is normally not allowed in there) and pick our favorite seats. Finally before the show started the Cast Member announced us as the First Family of the American Adventure to the entire audience!! It was just so magical!! Needless to say, it is now my one of my DH's favorites!!

We left feeling very Patriotic and RED, WHITE, and BLUE that day!!

 

[LITTLEKID58]

Tfs

 

[Tanya90210]

Glad to see you are feeling better!!!


What a wonderful chapter....

 

[DisneyJo]

Loved your's and Danielles installments, can't believe some of the people you encountered and what is it with people using the large toilets You were so sweet explaining lots of good rides etc to the other family

 

[whogirl'smom]

Thank you, Danielle, for your update a few days ago! Didn't know you and Charming were making googly eyes during the parade!

Christamae, I'm so glad you're feeling better! I've been off the computer for a few days, so I had to get caught up. It never ceases to amaze me how many rude people there are , but it's wonderful to hear how you spread some pixie dust to that other family with grandmother in a wheelchair!

I love Epcot, too, and I'm sure it will redeem itself!

 

[eyeheartgoofy]

I'm glad you're back ! I enjoyed the Epcot part II installment! I get tears whenver I visit the American Adventure and see the film ...

 

[Lan]

I am soooo glad that you are feeling better