It was a short trip but a WONDERFUL one !!!!
Here is some history ... Our Great Aunt Petty came to live with us almost two years ago. She worked all her life and never went on vacation (gave all her money away to those in need and never asked for anything in return.) When her husband died her house that she lived in since 1942 could not be lived in any more (it was that bad) and she could not live on her own so it was us or the county home. She never had any children of her own but loves children, took care of children and is actually a child at heart.
Our family has been going to Disney for years and we love it !!!! Over the years Aunt Petty would see our photos and videos and say what a wonderful place. She watched all the parades on the TV and loved all the Disney programs they use to air. My DH wanted more than anything else to take her to Disney and show her all the holiday lights. When we first started planning we thought it would be easier to go during the off season but then our DD's (19 and 17) protested ... Why would we get to be able to see Aunt Petty smile and not them so we decided to go during Thanksgiving Break (DD's just can not take off of school this year.) DD's never complained, they stayed by her side for almost everything and loved it all. They are such good girls they make me so proud (they did not even roll their eyes when we had to walk through the resort to check out with the bed side commode on the cart because the rental place did not have a box.)
A lot of work went into planning and preparing for this trip. It was expensive, it was exciting but it was also scary. This would be her first plane trip and her first vacation at the age of 91. She has limited mobility to say the least and her cognitive skills are so so but we were determined.
Details ...
We stayed at Bay Lake Towers in a one bedroom lake view (7542) ... It was amazing !!! Having two bathroom, the kitchen and the laundry access was wonderful. Aunt Petty thought she was a princess when she saw her king size bed with 8 pillows and snow white bed covers (she actually cried.)
We started each day with coffee and hot chocolate on the balcony watching the sun rise. The girls and DH would go off early to open the parks and ride those rides that Aunt Petty could not. When she and I were ready we would meet them there. Transportation was a breeze. So fast, so safe ... WOW what a relief. She loved all the parades, the fireworks, the lights, the shows, the entertainers (favorites were Elliot Dyson, Off Kilter, the World Showcase Players and many more) the rides we could do (favorites were the jungle cruise, the little mermaid, its a small world and the tiki room to name a few) the restaurants (favorites were the Sci Fi Cafe and the 50's Prime Time) and absolutely everything else !!!! I can tell you I have NEVER seen anyone smile soooooooooooo much soooooooooo long in my life !!!! Most of the people we encountered were happy to see her and her joy for life. It was crowded but we managed (DH actually pushed the wheel chair most of the time because I had a hard time navigating the people ... it is so much harder than it looks.)
Now that we are at home and all unpacked we can relax and reflect.
What a trip ... What a family ... What a PLACE !!!
We asked Aunt Petty before leaving the Magic Kingdom on the last day if she would like to come back and she said "YES PLEASE" so we plan to return, perhaps for Halloween.
She has already forgotten about the trip for the most part (I made her an album to share at the senior center and with herself) but that is not why we went ... We went to make memories, however those memories are remembered.
