Weird December Graduation Question

[mellers]

Has anyone done anything special for their high-schooler's graduation at Disneyland--in December? I have a very special high-schooler (who is SERIOUSLY looking forward to the Mad T Party and the Glow With The Show Ears) who is graduating from high school in three weeks.

We're doing all of the usual good stuff (WoC, character meals, etc.), but I was wondering if anyone had done something really special, and what they thought of it.

Here's the situation:

My daughter was diagnosed with mild to moderate autism, and cerebral palsy, as a child. We were told it was unlikely she would graduate high school, and we would probably need to find some assisted living situation when she grew up. She has not only proven them wrong, she's proven them wrong in spades.

While she had a very difficult childhood, she worked hard and learned the skills she needed to leave the special education classroom for the regular classroom. Then she learned the social skills she needed to work with the other students, and now, while most people think she's a little eccentric, most people cannot tell she is autistic. She's incredibly independent and responsible--more so than a lot of 16-year-olds with no challenges at all.

Finally, she started raising the roof academically. She's finished a full, college prep high school program, and the only reason she is graduating early is because if she waited, she'd have to wait to take some of the college courses she needs for her major. She's been attending college through the Running Start early college program this semester, and her last quiz was a 14/15--in Anatomy & Physiology, considered the hardest science class at the college. She'll finish up her English class just after Halloween, and as soon as the high school gets the grade, that will be her 24th credit, and give her the diploma.

For any kid to graduate high school at 16 and be taking college classes is quite an achievement, but for a child who had to start out where my daughter had to start out, it's a miracle. Disney parks have always been my daughter's favorite place to be, so if somebody has a good suggestion for a graduation surprise, please post.

 

[yupikgal]

First of all congratulations to your daughter what an accomplishment! It Goes to show that anyone can do anything they put their mind to!! We celebrated our Daughters high school graduation in Disneyland couple of years ago, Although we went at the end of May.. Maybe it's because that is the traditional graduation Time of year, but they Seemed to have a lot of graduation memorabilia for sale, Including candied apples with Cute little graduation hats! Anyway, we stayed at the Paradise pier Hotel, Concierge level, I had called ahead of time And asked if they could get a special graduation basket ready So when we were at the park one day we came home and there It was, With a little Minnie with graduation hat, Hey special graduation pin, And some other goodies! They also have placed balloons in room! My daughter loved it sure yours will too!! Keep us informed as to what you end up doing!!

 

[Girimama33]

What a great story! Your daughter sounds like an inspiration.
Are you staying on-site when you go? If so, you could do an in-room celebration, like PP mentioned.
If she is really into Disney, a tour may be fun...or even a spa day at the GCH. Fantasmic Dessert seating is another special treat.

 

[rewardsinlife]

Congrats to your daughter!

If you are planning December, I would definitely make sure you go on one of the parade nights that has the "snow" falling...it is really memorable and makes the night really special. The only other thing is to maybe buy a couple Disney gift cards before the trip and give them to her to buy whatever she likes while she is there.this will not only help her continue to feel independent( though she seems to be doing very well anyway ) but also takes some if the pressure off of you on what to do. She can look in shops, plan out the money she has, and get something big or lots of little things to remember her accomplishment!

Have a great time!

 

[mellers]

Thank you all so much for the great suggestions! We have never done the Fantasmic! dessert--I'll definitely think about that, particularly since we have the Candlelight Processional to think of as well.

She is an amazing kid. I am incredibly proud of her.

 

[JennyN]

Hi Mellers, your story made me cry. You have every right to be so proud of your daughter, but I know that she has accomplished this with a lot of love and support from her family. Congratulations.