Make A Wish Sends Lauren to Disney World! * IT IS FINISHED...* *Updated 1/28/09*

[maroo]

To my dear sweet fans and friends...You guys are so sweet!!

Here is a little something to tide you over...let's see...how to make this on topic...well...Lauren misses Disney World soooo much...that she had to add some more excitement in her life.

Lauren participated in the Youth Legislature this weekend. The Youth Legislature is made up of high school students from all over the state that write bills to be passed by their peers. These kids actually get to hold the Legislature in the actual State Capitol Building on the actual floor of the House of Representatives and the Senate floor.

She wrote a "bill" for the Youth Legislature regarding Medicaid benefits for working disabled people. It was a great bill. It passed through the Senate Committee, the Senate, the House Committee and the House of Representatives. It is on the Governors desk to sign...hopefully she will!

Here are some pics...

Lauren and her bill partner and good friend from school.

Lauren on the floor of the House of Representatives. Lauren is on the top left of this photo at the end of the first row.

Lauren presenting to the House of Representatives.

And Lauren on the floor of the House...a floor view.

LINK TO THE UPDATE>>> Did her bill PASS?



.

 

[mrsksomeday]

That is wonderful!! Tell her Bill thanks her for writing up things like this. It is a shame how people willing and able to work can't or are afraid to because they would lose medical benefits.

You must be so proud of her, I am and I don't even "know" her!!

 

[Clare D]

Maroo that sounds really exciting. I don't have a clue about the US Legislature procedure but it sounds exciting nontheless

 

[tinytreasures]

she looks so calm I would be shaking in my boots if I was her

 

[zeppy68]

Go Lauren!!!!!!!! I would be nervous to. She looks so Calm

 

[bex271]

That is so awesome that she got to do that she looks so good on the floor I agree she looks calm

becca

 

[jamal]

WTG Lauren! What a pro!

 

[AmberGreenawalt]

So cool!!! I did model UN in college. It was hosted by Harvard and we wentup to the Plaza hotel in Boston. It was a total blast and I learned so much! My professor at the time was the former house whip for the Republican party. Professor Polk. He always wore a navy suit. Ah...now I'm just rambling...Well thanks for bringing back the memories for me. Hope Lauren's bill passes.

Lookinf forward to more DISNEY!

 

[kimbo0569]

WTG, Lauren!

 

[Stephres]

Very cool! I have been reading more than commenting but I enjoy your report very much. Let us know if Lauren's bill is signed!

 

[SueM in MN]

That is wonderful!! Tell her Bill thanks her for writing up things like this. It is a shame how people willing and able to work can't or are afraid to because they would lose medical benefits.

You must be so proud of her, I am and I don't even "know" her!!

Thank you Lauren!
That is a big problem. People who would be willing and able to work can't because they would loose the services they need to live.

 

[maroo]

UPDATE:::::

Well, keep in mind that this is the "Youth Legislature"...so the governor was a high school student. She was a cute, blond-headed young lady...and from what I hear she is very smart...but evidently she didn't quite understand the bill...because she VETOED IT! Can you believe that?

We couldn't either. Lauren was not happy. We were not happy. But several folks came up to her after the awards ceremony and told her they liked her bill. In fact words like "brilliant"..."fantastic"...and "this bill should already be a law"...were all used!

Lauren proposed that they lift the cap on the income limits for disabled people that are on Medicaid. And it would require that people who had incomes that were higher would have to pay back INTO the Medicaid program. So, basically, they would be paying for the benefits like someone else would pay for insurance. Lauren also proposed a $1.00 tax on cigarettes to help pay for the extra people and balance our Medicaid budget. Right now our state has the lowest tax in 50 states and the dollar tax would bring us to the middle of the states...not a major tax.

Under this law, if Lauren wanted to be a solo practice psychologist, she could!

As of now, she can't. She can stay at home and do nothing. Or she can work part-time. Or she can volunteer her time. But if she goes out and gets a decent job, making a decent income, contributes to society and the economy, she will lose her benefits and have to pay for her medical care. Yeah, right.

Anyway...the Youth Governor did not think it was a good idea. I think she didn't understand it. I mean, the students who listened to the bill, debated the topic...they all loved it and voted for it. In fact, in the real world, they would have a filibuster and it would have passed.

 

[maroo]

That is wonderful!! Tell her Bill thanks her for writing up things like this. It is a shame how people willing and able to work can't or are afraid to because they would lose medical benefits.

You must be so proud of her, I am and I don't even "know" her!!

Tell Bill that Lauren says thanks!!! It really was a good bill. And it is so crazy that the government would rather disabled people just stay at home and collect benefits...they make it almost impossible for disabled people to really work. I hope they fix it!! Because what is just a "youth legislature" bill today will be Lauren's real world in about 5 - 10 years.

I am sooo proud of her!

Maroo that sounds really exciting. I don't have a clue about the US Legislature procedure but it sounds exciting nontheless

It was exciting! It was really cool to be able to sit on the floor of the House of Representatives and watch the kids learn about all of that stuff!

she looks so calm I would be shaking in my boots if I was her

Go Lauren!!!!!!!! I would be nervous to. She looks so Calm

Oh, she was very nervous! But she does calm down...at just the right time...right before she goes out there, she gets calm and knocks folks out when she speaks or performs something!

That is so awesome that she got to do that she looks so good on the floor I agree she looks calm

becca

She did pull it together pretty good before she went up there!!! We are proud of her!

WTG Lauren! What a pro!

Thanks! She is pretty excited she got to participate! Can't wait till next year!

So cool!!! I did model UN in college. It was hosted by Harvard and we wentup to the Plaza hotel in Boston. It was a total blast and I learned so much! My professor at the time was the former house whip for the Republican party. Professor Polk. He always wore a navy suit. Ah...now I'm just rambling...Well thanks for bringing back the memories for me. Hope Lauren's bill passes.

Lookinf forward to more DISNEY!

Oh, that DOES sound cool!! They got to stay in a nice hotel downtown, too and it was fun! I am so glad we got to bring back some happy memories!! Sort of like Disney!! (Gotta stay on topic, ya know!)

WTG, Lauren!

Very cool! I have been reading more than commenting but I enjoy your report very much. Let us know if Lauren's bill is signed!

Thank you so much for posting!! I love it when lurkers post!!

I did post an update just a second ago...it was NOT signed into law...but I think the Governor just didn't understand the bill or how much it is needed in the "real world"...

Thank you Lauren!
That is a big problem. People who would be willing and able to work can't because they would loose the services they need to live.

I know! It is pretty crazy to me, actually. I had no idea of the scope of the problem until I started hanging out with Lauren and looking at her future...what she wanted to do, etc. I do hope that they fix this problem...and SOON!! Because it really doesn't make any sense the way it is now.

I really appreciate all of your hard work, awareness and what you are doing for disabled people all over with what you do here in the DISboards. It is an inspiration to me.

 

[maroo]

Hollywood Studios – Take ONE!

After a morning of shopping, eating and enjoying Downtown Disney …it is time for Disney Hollywood Studios (DHS!). Our trip over there from DTD was uneventful, i.e. I didn’t get lost! One point for us! We were able to park in handicapped parking, so our spot was close. Two points for us! But, it took us 10 minutes to unload…so minus two points…now we are even!

Remember earlier when we were running in the rain…well, the rain has sort of cleared out the park some. So it isn’t very crowded! Yeah!

First stop? You got it…bathroom break!! (and stretch out time for Lauren). The First Aid folks were great at DHS! After about a 30 min break, we headed for that big hat, and then, like most first time newbie “I have no idea where I am going” people…we sat there for 10 minutes trying to figure out what we were going to do next. And all agreed on Beauty and the Beast.

They had us go around the back and down the side of the theatre so that Lauren could get one of the front row handicapped seats. I was quite pleased to see a CM who was using a wheelchair. This was the first CM we saw with an obvious disability. He was very nice, and proceeded to direct us to our seats.

But…they were out of seats! There was a family in the front row (handicapped section)…but no one in a wheelchair was with them. So the CM asked the family to allow us to sit with Lauren on the front row…but the family could not speak English. UH OH… And they wouldn’t move. The CM was not happy about this and called another CM to try to explain the situation…but no luck. Those folks were not moving!!

So we stood there, I mean, what were we going to do? There was a seat for Lauren, but not for us. Finally, a family in the second row realized what was happening and made room for us. Wasn’t that nice! So we took our seats.

But, we had a little problem. You see, Rick was low blood sugar. Not just a little bit, either. He was pretty low. And when he gets that low…he gets agitated. And the fact that the folks would not move to let us sit by Lauren…well, it kind of made him mad. So, he was standing up to go “talk” to the family that would not move. Not good. Lisa and I basically had to hold him in his seat! Thankfully, we were able to talk him into eating a little something…before a fight broke out at Beauty and the Beast!


Anyway…here is Lauren on the front row!! Whoo Hoo…NOT sick! And back enjoying this wonderful vacation!

She has a bag over her joystick because it was still raining a little bit and that joystick can't get wet!


And some Beauty and the Beast pics.

Following Beauty and the Beast, we met another Wish child that was in the audience. I won’t post a picture here, because I did not get permission. But they were from overseas and got to participate in the American Airlines WishFlight . It was a very fun exchange! In fact, we stayed and talked to them for a while, took pics and had a good conversation with them.

We only had a little while before we should be heading to Fantasmic…so we decided our one ride would be Toy Story. Lauren was not too sure about this ride. She was afraid to get on anything that moves, really. I think she was afraid it would make her feel bad again. But we headed through the back entrance (which means we didn’t see the queue at all) and went to the wheelchair loading area. Now, all of this happened very fast…we were first when we got there. Lauren was not at all sure she wanted to ride. The ride looked pretty jerky. So, the CM had the rest of us ride so that we could see how jerky it was. So, in a matter of just a minute or so, we were on Toy Story. I know, crazy, huh! William and I shared a car and Rick and Lisa shared a car. I didn’t even have my camera, much less take any pictures. I was so sure we would ride it again! Over and over, even. But…it WAS jerky. Lauren got to watch the loading and unloading and by the time we got back, she was sure she didn’t even want to try it. So, we headed out. I felt SO bad for Lauren…because I really wanted her to ride it. But she was totally fine with it and ready to move on to something else. It is amazing to me that something that is on so many folks “I have to ride that or I will just die” list would not excite Lauren in the least.

So, it was time for Fantasmic! I was quite excited because it was really our first big show. Which is sort of sad, since it is the end of our FOURTH park day! But, exciting anyway! We ended up with seats in the very back, as this is where the handicapped seating is.

After grabbing a quick snack and some drinks we were ready to watch the show.

Now, this may surprise some of you guys…because Fantasmic is also on many folks “I have to see it or I will just die” list…but, well, we didn’t like it. At all. And it was unanimous. So much so, in fact, that we left before it was over. I know the show gets better! The CM on the way out even tried to tell us that it would end on a good note…but we were just not into it…it seemed “dark” to us…not happy Disney that we wanted after 2 days of BLAH! But, the good news is…we were able to leave and there was no crowd!

And the kids were tired. But…I wasn’t...I wanted to go check out the MNSSHP! I mean, we have already bought the tickets...And who says we have to take the kids? If they don’t want to go, they don’t have to, right? But at least two of us adults can go?!?! Did we make it? Did we dress up? If so, what in the world did we do there with NO kids?



Another MNSSHP!

 

[Skyw]

I didn't like Fantasmic either. Nor did my DH or DS (4). I didn't know what the fuse was about. We liked the parade there better.

We don't hit every ride. If the line is too long, we pass. We still have a very fun time. I have yet to go on every ride at WDW nor do I aspire to either. We are very laid back when we go.

 

[eyor44]

Not good about Fantasmic. I have been kind of wanting to see it and DH really has. I realize everyone has a different opinion and likes, but your "dark" comment is one thing I have been thinking from the descriptions I have read. I will go with an open mind though. Gram loves the shows and I got the Fantasmic package so she wouldn't have to wait in line.

 

[iu97alum]

Hollywood Studios – Take ONE!

After a morning of shopping, eating and enjoying Downtown Disney …it is time for Disney Hollywood Studios (DHS!). Our trip over there from DTD was uneventful, i.e. I didn’t get lost! One point for us! We were able to park in handicapped parking, so our spot was close. Two points for us! But, it took us 10 minutes to unload…so minus two points…now we are even!

Remember earlier when we were running in the rain…well, the rain has sort of cleared out the park some. So it isn’t very crowded! Yeah!

First stop? You got it…bathroom break!! (and stretch out time for Lauren). The First Aid folks were great at DHS! After about a 30 min break, we headed for that big hat, and then, like most first time newbie “I have no idea where I am going” people…we sat there for 10 minutes trying to figure out what we were going to do next. And all agreed on Beauty and the Beast.

They had us go around the back and down the side of the theatre so that Lauren could get one of the front row handicapped seats. I was quite pleased to see a CM who was using a wheelchair. This was the first CM we saw with an obvious disability. He was very nice, and proceeded to direct us to our seats.

But…they were out of seats! There was a family in the front row (handicapped section)…but no one in a wheelchair was with them. So the CM asked the family to allow us to sit with Lauren on the front row…but the family could not speak English. UH OH… And they wouldn’t move. The CM was not happy about this and called another CM to try to explain the situation…but no luck. Those folks were not moving!!

So we stood there, I mean, what were we going to do? There was a seat for Lauren, but not for us. Finally, a family in the second row realized what was happening and made room for us. Wasn’t that nice! So we took our seats.

But, we had a little problem. You see, Rick was low blood sugar. Not just a little bit, either. He was pretty low. And when he gets that low…he gets agitated. And the fact that the folks would not move to let us sit by Lauren…well, it kind of made him mad. So, he was standing up to go “talk” to the family that would not move. Not good. Lisa and I basically had to hold him in his seat! Thankfully, we were able to talk him into eating a little something…before a fight broke out at Beauty and the Beast!


Anyway…here is Lauren on the front row!! Whoo Hoo…NOT sick! And back enjoying this wonderful vacation!

She has a bag over her joystick because it was still raining a little bit and that joystick can't get wet!


And some Beauty and the Beast pics.

Following Beauty and the Beast, we met another Wish child that was in the audience. I won’t post a picture here, because I did not get permission. But they were from overseas and got to participate in the American Airlines WishFlight . It was a very fun exchange! In fact, we stayed and talked to them for a while, took pics and had a good conversation with them.

We only had a little while before we should be heading to Fantasmic…so we decided our one ride would be Toy Story. Lauren was not too sure about this ride. She was afraid to get on anything that moves, really. I think she was afraid it would make her feel bad again. But we headed through the back entrance (which means we didn’t see the queue at all) and went to the wheelchair loading area. Now, all of this happened very fast…we were first when we got there. Lauren was not at all sure she wanted to ride. The ride looked pretty jerky. So, the CM had the rest of us ride so that we could see how jerky it was. So, in a matter of just a minute or so, we were on Toy Story. I know, crazy, huh! William and I shared a car and Rick and Lisa shared a car. I didn’t even have my camera, much less take any pictures. I was so sure we would ride it again! Over and over, even. But…it WAS jerky. Lauren got to watch the loading and unloading and by the time we got back, she was sure she didn’t even want to try it. So, we headed out. I felt SO bad for Lauren…because I really wanted her to ride it. But she was totally fine with it and ready to move on to something else. It is amazing to me that something that is on so many folks “I have to ride that or I will just die” list would not excite Lauren in the least.

So, it was time for Fantasmic! I was quite excited because it was really our first big show. Which is sort of sad, since it is the end of our FOURTH park day! But, exciting anyway! We ended up with seats in the very back, as this is where the handicapped seating is.

After grabbing a quick snack and some drinks we were ready to watch the show.

Now, this may surprise some of you guys…because Fantasmic is also on many folks “I have to see it or I will just die” list…but, well, we didn’t like it. At all. And it was unanimous. So much so, in fact, that we left before it was over. I know the show gets better! The CM on the way out even tried to tell us that it would end on a good note…but we were just not into it…it seemed “dark” to us…not happy Disney that we wanted after 2 days of BLAH! But, the good news is…we were able to leave and there was no crowd!

And the kids were tired. But…I wasn’t...I wanted to go check out the MNSSHP! I mean, we have already bought the tickets...And who says we have to take the kids? If they don’t want to go, they don’t have to, right? But at least two of us adults can go?!?! Did we make it? Did we dress up? If so, what in the world did we do there with NO kids?

more! I net you went!

 

[kimbo0569]

I have to admit - I haven't seen Fantasmic yet and I really don't have any desire to. I've been to Disney a few times since Fantasmic's been there and we just weren't interested. Now talk to me about Illuminations or Wishes and I'm all over it.

 

[AmberGreenawalt]

It's so funny how opinions vary...I love it! That's part of what is great about Disney..something for everyone's taste's.

Of all the evening shows we like Fantasmic best In fact on Sebastian's wish trip we plan to skip Illuminations and Wishes. I thought that those two shows were too short for the LONG waits on the pavement to get a good view. Plus they started late. During our trip Fantasmic starts at 7:00 p.m. as opposed to Illuminations at 9:00. We love that it's choc-full of Disney characters, especially on the boats at the end. We booked the Fantasmic package again to avoid the wait for seats.

We vowed to never again be a part of the mass exodus leaving the MK after Wishes. Last time we had to get a cab back to our hotel at 10:30 p.m. sleeping toddlers in tow. I think if we ever do that again we'll try seeing it from the rail road platform at the park entrance and thus ahead of the crowds or maybe from the California Grill when the kids are all old enough to enjoy fine dining....Ooo now there's a thought.

Anyway, I'm rambling again!

Another wonderful installment Maroo!!!

 

[SueM in MN]

UPDATE:::::
Anyway...the Youth Governor did not think it was a good idea. I think she didn't understand it. I mean, the students who listened to the bill, debated the topic...they all loved it and voted for it. In fact, in the real world, they would have a filibuster and it would have passed.

Hope someday the real world does work that way.

Tell Bill that Lauren says thanks!!! It really was a good bill. And it is so crazy that the government would rather disabled people just stay at home and collect benefits...they make it almost impossible for disabled people to really work. I hope they fix it!! Because what is just a "youth legislature" bill today will be Lauren's real world in about 5 - 10 years.

My DD is not capable of employment where income would be an issue, but I know people who are dealing with this problem.
In many cases, even if they had a good job with a good rate of pay, their paycheck would not cover all the care that they need. So, they have no choice. It is a cruel position to put someone into.

I know! It is pretty crazy to me, actually. I had no idea of the scope of the problem until I started hanging out with Lauren and looking at her future...what she wanted to do, etc. I do hope that they fix this problem...and SOON!! Because it really doesn't make any sense the way it is now.

I really appreciate all of your hard work, awareness and what you are doing for disabled people all over with what you do here in the DISboards. It is an inspiration to me.

First stop? You got it…bathroom break!! (and stretch out time for Lauren). The First Aid folks were great at DHS! After about a 30 min break, we headed for that big hat, and then, like most first time newbie “I have no idea where I am going” people…we sat there for 10 minutes trying to figure out what we were going to do next. And all agreed on Beauty and the Beast.

Those First Aid folks there are not just nice. They are really, really nice.

They had us go around the back and down the side of the theatre so that Lauren could get one of the front row handicapped seats. I was quite pleased to see a CM who was using a wheelchair. This was the first CM we saw with an obvious disability. He was very nice, and proceeded to direct us to our seats.

We've seen a number of CMs with wheelchairs over the years and we probably saw this same CM at Beauty and the Beast when we were there in October.

She has a bag over her joystick because it was still raining a little bit and that joystick can't get wet!

Lucky you remembered it. We usually remember we need a bag after it has started to rain.

We only had a little while before we should be heading to Fantasmic…so we decided our one ride would be Toy Story. Lauren was not too sure about this ride. She was afraid to get on anything that moves, really. I think she was afraid it would make her feel bad again. But we headed through the back entrance (which means we didn’t see the queue at all) and went to the wheelchair loading area. Now, all of this happened very fast…we were first when we got there. Lauren was not at all sure she wanted to ride. The ride looked pretty jerky. So, the CM had the rest of us ride so that we could see how jerky it was. So, in a matter of just a minute or so, we were on Toy Story. I know, crazy, huh! William and I shared a car and Rick and Lisa shared a car. I didn’t even have my camera, much less take any pictures. I was so sure we would ride it again! Over and over, even. But…it WAS jerky. Lauren got to watch the loading and unloading and by the time we got back, she was sure she didn’t even want to try it. So, we headed out. I felt SO bad for Lauren…because I really wanted her to ride it. But she was totally fine with it and ready to move on to something else. It is amazing to me that something that is on so many folks “I have to ride that or I will just die” list would not excite Lauren in the least.

We did ride it (several times) with DD, but it is jerky. That's the part she liked best (my wild child!). I was a bit concerned on one ride because her wheelchair tipped back against the anti-tip bars during one of the jerky parts. She was OK with that (as long as the velcro straps don't come off her feet, she's OK with jerking. If the velcro comes loose, you would think her whole body was in danger of falling out of her chair - even on flat ground in the house.)