Mickey's BBQ Question

[krosmith]

Hi,

We are going to WDW Dec. 09 for a first visit. We are staying at the cabins. I have a son in a wheelchair and was going to take him to the BBQ, but I have heard some negative comments about the behavior of kids, pushing and shoving to get to the characters. I could use some advice as to whether or not this was a safe activity for a child in a wheelchair.

Thanks,

krosmith

 

[sarahk0204]

Well, I've been to the BBQ, and we loved it, but it is a bit chaotic. The characters do not come around to the tables and sign autographs. Instead, they are out dancing. Kids can go dance with the characters. My twins were 4 last year, and they were able to dance without too much pushing or shoving. I or my DH was with them on the dance floor, though. When the rope trick guy performs, kids are encouraged to come up to the front and sit on the floor to get a good view. If you are willing to bring your son in his chair to "dance", I think it would be ok. Does he enjoy big parties like that? It is kind of like a big wedding reception, so think of it along those lines. I'd call Disney too and ask about it, and maybe ask on the DISabilities board if you haven't done so already.

 

[retired and happy]

We take our 3 special needs, medically fragile, handicapped (hate that word) children who are in wheel chairs to the back yard barbecue every December. In fact we take them (and some of the grown kids and grandkids) two times.

The characters have always come to our table (and others) and posed for pictures and played with our children. I also take them out on the dance floor, yes in their wheel chairs, and they have a ball. The characters make it a point to come over to see the children in their wheel chairs.

Your son will love it, I think. Ours do.

Go and enjoy it all.


Judy, Ken and the 3 special Angels

 

[krosmith]

Thank you so much for the info. Edward loves music, is not bothered by large groups and he loves to dance in his chair. So i am definitely am going to put it in our schedule. You've made me feel much better.

I really appreciate all the great info sharing I have found on this board, learning from other people who have gone to WDW is making planning a trip much easier.

Joy to you all!

Kathryn

 

[michelle9343]

I also have a specail needs child who uses a WC and we have been to the BBQ many times. They usually allow WC parties to enter first and get settled. I really helps use get a seat by the dance floor. My DD LOVES it. We will be going again over the summer.

 

[krosmith]

It's good to hear from other families with special needs kids and how they travel and what they do. We rarely travel for fun, so any hints and experiences from others are very helpful!

Can't wait until we get there in Dec.!

Joy to You All!

Kathryn

 

[retired and happy]

Kathryn,

I don't know your location or your circumstances, but we have fostered or adopted about 25 medically fragile, special needs kids since 1995. We currently have three and we take them everywhere we can possibly imagine a way to do so. We go to the Dollywood area every Thanksgiving for 10-15 days, then home long enough for them to go to school for a couple weeks, then we're off to WDW for three weeks for Christmas and NewYears. Several short family-visit trips during the year and a summer vacation to who-knows-where complete our travel year.

We have equipment more or less permanently in our motorhome to cover their needs, and we tow a trailer to carry their wheelchairs, oxygen tanks, etc. Some of them don't even know when they've been somewhere, but most have at least smiled at the Disney characters. We can't wait until December and have found a way to sneak in a rare (for us) June trip this year.

We try to expand their world and expose them to a variety of experiences and fun.

 

[krosmith]

We live in the Houston area. My son is profoundly brain-injured and is in a wheelchair. We travel to Philadelphia twice a year to take my son for medical treatment. Those trips take 3 weeks each. We drive up and back. We have been looking at motorhomes for years but it is almost impossible to find one that is accessible. Hopefully, sometime in the future we can afford one and have it adapted. I think it's wonderful the love and experiences you have given to all those angels.

Take Care,

Kathryn

 

[liv luvs disney]

Kathryn,

I don't know your location or your circumstances, but we have fostered or adopted about 25 medically fragile, special needs kids since 1995. We currently have three and we take them everywhere we can possibly imagine a way to do so. We go to the Dollywood area every Thanksgiving for 10-15 days, then home long enough for them to go to school for a couple weeks, then we're off to WDW for three weeks for Christmas and NewYears. Several short family-visit trips during the year and a summer vacation to who-knows-where complete our travel year.

We have equipment more or less permanently in our motorhome to cover their needs, and we tow a trailer to carry their wheelchairs, oxygen tanks, etc. Some of them don't even know when they've been somewhere, but most have at least smiled at the Disney characters. We can't wait until December and have found a way to sneak in a rare (for us) June trip this year.

We try to expand their world and expose them to a variety of experiences and fun.

I was reading this and thinking "what a blessing you must be to these kids", but someone as special as you would probably reply, "what a blessing these kids are to me (meaning you)"!