Hello Everyone,
I am pleased to say, I just graduated from crutches and I went to Disney World.
Three months of planning to attend the IECA Conference for work and it was now or never. My fourteen-year-old daughter set me in motion. She rules the nest for my after-conference-time activities and no foot pain would stop her or me. So I put on my walking boot and went.
But of course I made a plan. First I researched the Disney World web sites and planned my adventure. I bought special socks, moleskins and round doughnut pads (callas pads) to prevent foot sores. I also bought an ankle brace for my good foot. The broken foot and the walking boot caused me to be off balance and place more weight on the opposite leg. The ankle brace prevented me from turning that ankle.
On Sunday morning early we left for the airport. Since we sere staying on the Disney World property, the Magical Express Baggage Tickets were sent to us prior to leaving on the trip. The Express tags allowed our bags to be delivered to our resort rooms after we arrived. (Please note to bring black luggage since my new red suitcase got to the resort with many black marks.) We changed airplanes at the Miami Airport without a problem. However there was a lot of walking from one gate to another
We arrived at the Coronado Springs Resort and were greeted with friendly personnel. The room was great, however the Resort is very spread out and requires a lot of walking. The large pool with the outdoor food area is situated a great distant from the conference area and our rooms. My foot became very sore during our explorations. I ask the front desk if they had special transportation around the resort, but they did not tell me of any. I later saw an outside rental agency scooter, near the lake, a little too late for me to use. (A secret at the Coronado Springs Resort is to stay at the Cabanas. These buildings are situated near the conference area, the bus stops and nearest the large pool.)
I will admit the food and drinks at the resort were terrific. The large food court was impressive with reasonable prices and very tasty meals. The take along beverage container for $11.00 can be refilled at any Coronado Springs Resort food area for the entire stay, a great savings. The conference food was also delicious. However, I am a Dr Pepper fan and could not find this beverage anywhere on the Disney World property.
The IECA conference was well worth the trip with loads of interesting speakers and exhibitors. You would probably find them boring since I work with geologists, planners and developers. My friends and I find alternative sewage systems and stormwater ponds good topics for dinner discussions. My daughter thinks my colleagues and I are mind numbing and upsetting.
Well after the morning discussions, we bought Disney World convention tickets that began at 2PM. We hopped on a bus and headed for the Hollywood Studios Park. My foot was really acting up at that time and I had to purchase a rental scooter for $40.00. ($5.00 was refunded when I returned the scooter also the scooter rental is transferable to other Disney parks if you get a park hopper pass). My foot did enjoy the rest. However, it was a holiday and the park was very crowded. Also people have no respect for the disabled and my daughter felt embarrassed with a mother that could not walk.
I only wish someone had told me some Disney World secrets and the best way to travel around the theme parks. This is why I am giving you this information. Now you can walk in my shoes or to be exact, take a walk in my boot and enjoy the ride.
Now back to the adventure. The lines were discouraging at the Indiana Jones Attraction, so we started with the Jim Carey Show. My daughter found it very boring. Although, I bet it is nice during a very hot day. It did get better. After looking thru several shops, we headed for the Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show. That was an extremely awesome show.
My daughter video taped the action and took great pictures from her HP Photosmart R742 Digital Camera. (This camera is a find with clear pictures and great shots. You can’t beat the price.) Good weather made great pictures and a glowing sunburn to show off, to her friends. Back home we had snow!
After the show, we followed the crowd to the opposite side of the park and entered the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror. It was the best ride ever. We went to this ride and stood in line for over 30 minutes. (The fast pass machine was out of order) but the ride was worth it. When the ride went up, the doors opened to the beautiful park lights and then you fell.
After that ride was over we headed to Fantasmic and were allowed to drive the scooter into the show and sit above the crowd. Although it stared to rain, the show went on as usual and it was spectacular. The lazar lights, music and fire works were amazing. After the show we hoped to eat at the Sci-Fi Restaurant, but the manager said it had been packed with reserve seats all day. (If you decide to eat at this special place remember to call ahead for reservations.) We ended up eating a hot dog at a deli style place. I did not get its name but the food was good. We also snacked on Churros, which were a real treat. We later took the bus back to the resort and crashed.
Day two went much better. The Holiday crowd was less and we ventured into the Magic Kingdom. Of course this was after a morning of first-class lectures at the IECA conference. We arrived at 2:00 PM and took the train to Frontier Land. I did not get a scooter this day because my foot was feeling better. We took a right upon leaving the train and headed across the bridge. I headed to a nearby store and made my best purchase of the trip, a Mickey Mouse bottle holder. I used it to carry my spring water, since there was no Dr Pepper on the property. Since we had not eaten lunch, we proceeded to Pecos Bills and got very lucky. We purchased a Chicken Wrap and a Taco Salad at a very good price and sat on the wall facing Main Street. A rope was put up along the street and we noticed the street was being lined with a huge crowd. It was great! We had a front row seat for the Main Street Family Fun Day Parade".
After the parade we got fast passes for Splash Mountain and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. We then rode the boat to the Tom Sawyer Island but found out there was no exit on the other side. So we rode the ferry back. The rides were next and the fast passes worked well. We then proceeded to the Haunted Mansion. Beware a portion of this line is in complete darkness. If you have problems seeing in the dark, this place is not for you. Also this ride was a little disappointing for a teenager.
We really enjoyed the Magic Kingdom. Also the Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor was the best. Remember to sit near the front and you might be in the show.
Now you can take a walk in my boot and have fun at Disney World. Please take me with you or at least, let me know if this information has been helpful. Have a wonderful trip.
Twilight
takeawalkinmyboot@yahoo.com
I am pleased to say, I just graduated from crutches and I went to Disney World.
Three months of planning to attend the IECA Conference for work and it was now or never. My fourteen-year-old daughter set me in motion. She rules the nest for my after-conference-time activities and no foot pain would stop her or me. So I put on my walking boot and went.
But of course I made a plan. First I researched the Disney World web sites and planned my adventure. I bought special socks, moleskins and round doughnut pads (callas pads) to prevent foot sores. I also bought an ankle brace for my good foot. The broken foot and the walking boot caused me to be off balance and place more weight on the opposite leg. The ankle brace prevented me from turning that ankle.
On Sunday morning early we left for the airport. Since we sere staying on the Disney World property, the Magical Express Baggage Tickets were sent to us prior to leaving on the trip. The Express tags allowed our bags to be delivered to our resort rooms after we arrived. (Please note to bring black luggage since my new red suitcase got to the resort with many black marks.) We changed airplanes at the Miami Airport without a problem. However there was a lot of walking from one gate to another
We arrived at the Coronado Springs Resort and were greeted with friendly personnel. The room was great, however the Resort is very spread out and requires a lot of walking. The large pool with the outdoor food area is situated a great distant from the conference area and our rooms. My foot became very sore during our explorations. I ask the front desk if they had special transportation around the resort, but they did not tell me of any. I later saw an outside rental agency scooter, near the lake, a little too late for me to use. (A secret at the Coronado Springs Resort is to stay at the Cabanas. These buildings are situated near the conference area, the bus stops and nearest the large pool.)
I will admit the food and drinks at the resort were terrific. The large food court was impressive with reasonable prices and very tasty meals. The take along beverage container for $11.00 can be refilled at any Coronado Springs Resort food area for the entire stay, a great savings. The conference food was also delicious. However, I am a Dr Pepper fan and could not find this beverage anywhere on the Disney World property.
The IECA conference was well worth the trip with loads of interesting speakers and exhibitors. You would probably find them boring since I work with geologists, planners and developers. My friends and I find alternative sewage systems and stormwater ponds good topics for dinner discussions. My daughter thinks my colleagues and I are mind numbing and upsetting.
Well after the morning discussions, we bought Disney World convention tickets that began at 2PM. We hopped on a bus and headed for the Hollywood Studios Park. My foot was really acting up at that time and I had to purchase a rental scooter for $40.00. ($5.00 was refunded when I returned the scooter also the scooter rental is transferable to other Disney parks if you get a park hopper pass). My foot did enjoy the rest. However, it was a holiday and the park was very crowded. Also people have no respect for the disabled and my daughter felt embarrassed with a mother that could not walk.
I only wish someone had told me some Disney World secrets and the best way to travel around the theme parks. This is why I am giving you this information. Now you can walk in my shoes or to be exact, take a walk in my boot and enjoy the ride.
Now back to the adventure. The lines were discouraging at the Indiana Jones Attraction, so we started with the Jim Carey Show. My daughter found it very boring. Although, I bet it is nice during a very hot day. It did get better. After looking thru several shops, we headed for the Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show. That was an extremely awesome show.
My daughter video taped the action and took great pictures from her HP Photosmart R742 Digital Camera. (This camera is a find with clear pictures and great shots. You can’t beat the price.) Good weather made great pictures and a glowing sunburn to show off, to her friends. Back home we had snow!
After the show, we followed the crowd to the opposite side of the park and entered the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror. It was the best ride ever. We went to this ride and stood in line for over 30 minutes. (The fast pass machine was out of order) but the ride was worth it. When the ride went up, the doors opened to the beautiful park lights and then you fell.
After that ride was over we headed to Fantasmic and were allowed to drive the scooter into the show and sit above the crowd. Although it stared to rain, the show went on as usual and it was spectacular. The lazar lights, music and fire works were amazing. After the show we hoped to eat at the Sci-Fi Restaurant, but the manager said it had been packed with reserve seats all day. (If you decide to eat at this special place remember to call ahead for reservations.) We ended up eating a hot dog at a deli style place. I did not get its name but the food was good. We also snacked on Churros, which were a real treat. We later took the bus back to the resort and crashed.
Day two went much better. The Holiday crowd was less and we ventured into the Magic Kingdom. Of course this was after a morning of first-class lectures at the IECA conference. We arrived at 2:00 PM and took the train to Frontier Land. I did not get a scooter this day because my foot was feeling better. We took a right upon leaving the train and headed across the bridge. I headed to a nearby store and made my best purchase of the trip, a Mickey Mouse bottle holder. I used it to carry my spring water, since there was no Dr Pepper on the property. Since we had not eaten lunch, we proceeded to Pecos Bills and got very lucky. We purchased a Chicken Wrap and a Taco Salad at a very good price and sat on the wall facing Main Street. A rope was put up along the street and we noticed the street was being lined with a huge crowd. It was great! We had a front row seat for the Main Street Family Fun Day Parade".
After the parade we got fast passes for Splash Mountain and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. We then rode the boat to the Tom Sawyer Island but found out there was no exit on the other side. So we rode the ferry back. The rides were next and the fast passes worked well. We then proceeded to the Haunted Mansion. Beware a portion of this line is in complete darkness. If you have problems seeing in the dark, this place is not for you. Also this ride was a little disappointing for a teenager.
We really enjoyed the Magic Kingdom. Also the Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor was the best. Remember to sit near the front and you might be in the show.
Now you can take a walk in my boot and have fun at Disney World. Please take me with you or at least, let me know if this information has been helpful. Have a wonderful trip.
Twilight
takeawalkinmyboot@yahoo.com
