Beccabunny
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- May 31, 2007
- Messages
- 438
Took a quick trip to Disney, October 12th-15th. DD8 has autism, Tourette's, and severe anxiety, so needless to say we weren't sure what to expect on this visit. It was an overwhelmingly positive trip. With only minor exceptions, everything went amazingly well. We knew we would need a stroller, so we rented a special needs model from Discount Mobility. It was waiting at our hotel when we arrived. For anyone who rents one, keep in mind there is no storage basket, so you will be carrying all your stuff around. On Saturday morning we headed to MGM where we obtained our GAC. The CM couldn't have been nicer! She gave us the "stroller as wheelchair" tag before we even asked for it. And she very clearly explained how the GAC worked and how the entrance to be used would vary on the different attractions. With just one exception, every CM we encountered at attractions was just wonderful. The crowds at MK were heavy that Saturday afternoon. We were let in the back entrance at POTC, and after the ride was over we waited while they brought her stroller around to us. The next day the wait was minimal, and they asked if we would be able to go through the regular lines. We did, and afterwards walked through the gift shop at the exit and back to the entrance where our stroller was waiting. This was not a problem for us, as DD can walk short distances, but it might be a problem for someone of limited mobility. We tried to use regular lines when possible, but once when my daughter was getting out of the stroller at an attraction entrance, she was basically plowed over by an entire family, so after that when there was a separate wheelchair line we used it, even if the wait was longer. At Peter Pan we waited in the wheelchair line, and the CM apologized for the longer wait. She didn't need to apologize, as we expected a longer wait and just wanted to be in that line because it was safer for DD. At times her needs were quite apparent, and CM's went out of their way to be helpful and make things extra special for her. At Tinkerbell's Treasures the CM's let her "see" Tink, even thought she wasn't the first person in the shop that day. Food allergies were handled beautifully. The chefs personally prepared and served her meals at all TS restaurants. I had emailed LTT beforehand to ask about a cake, and the chef prepared a peanut-free, limited dairy cake that was delicious, with a light-up clip-on Tinkerbell for my daughter. He even gave her an extra one! All these little things just made the weekend so magical! My daughter struggles so much with so many things every day of her life. I'm so thankful that she could have this experience! We're already planning the next trip.
