Disney Part 1

 This past summer my family and I were supposed to go to Disney World.  Our plans changed with me being in too much pain to travel.  After surgery I felt I now had every possibility open to me... so that's when my dad and I decided it was time to plan our next adventure. We knew just where to start, we had canceled everything from our first plans from the summer. In our original plans we were going to stay at the Polynesian.  The hotel and amenities would offer fun for the things I would be unable to do. This time that location was all booked, and we decided that we wanted to stay at the Beach Club Resort which was a straight walk into Epcot. I have been planning a Disney trip for some time.  I had went when I was 3 but really didn't remember anything but the pictures. I have always thought the World Showcase in Epcot and seeing all the countries in one place would be one of my favorite things at Disney. There was only one more thing to decide after that... if I was going to leave Tibbs at home, or take him with me. I put a lot of thought into this decision. I eventually decided it was better for me and him for Tibbs to stay with my grandparents.  I think I made the right decision considering how busy, the crowds, the loud noises, as well as the rides and limited space with my chair on them. Tibbs enjoyed his rest and vacation, maybe a little grandparent spoiling.  We were happy to see each other and he will be back in future blogs as we adventure together. 

With planning out of the way all we had to do was wait for the dates to arrive.  When it was finally time to hit the road we all got excited. After a long couple of days traveling we finally arrived in Florida.  We made it just before closing and were able to stop at the Florida visiting center. They had some orange juice and grapefruit juice samples! The next day after a short finishing trip to get to Orlando, we headed to Disney Springs. It is a shopping center that you do not need a Disney park ticket for. That is where I got some of my best souvenirs, and we were able to setup our photo pass. My mom and I spent a full afternoon there while my siblings and dad went to the water park. When we were shopped out my mom and I left there to get checked into the Beach Club. The room was not huge. It had two queen size beds and a fold down couch that uniquely folded over to turn into a bed.  It was an accessible room and had an automatic door opener a feature, I really enjoyed this and wish there were more of them at other locations. We didn't spend a ton of time at the hotel, and it met most of our needs. 

The second day we woke up early to get into Epcot.  The main reason for picking this hotel was not needing to use transportation to get to Epcot park. After going through security and ticket entrance we were finally in the parks.  The first ride we went on when we got in was the the Ratatouille ride. In this ride you load into a car that looks like a mouse/ cute rat.  I liked that for mobility needs they have a dedicated space you are led into near the ride loading zone.  Once there you are able to get into the accessible car in your wheelchair. It can accommodate two people (one with mobility device and one without).  It really makes you feel like your a  mouse, because it feels like you're scurrying. It was my first ever ride that I remember going on so a big experience.  I had so much fun riding it, and it was worth the very long and crowded wait in line with my family.   The next thing to do was go on the ride Living With the Lands.  We loved the Living With the Lands boat ride. We actually rode it four times (over the whole trip). Once we rode it during night time, and because it was during the holiday season everything was lit up with lights and decorations. The night ride was my favorite time, it was so beautiful. There was an accessible boat that was a very easy transfer... you just drove your chair right on, and one person could sit next to you.  The rest of my family were able to sit in a row right in front of us. We went to Soarin' Around the World ride next.  Fortunately it wasn't a long wait the first time. It was by far my favorite ride of the whole trip. I had to transfer (this is the only ride I rode that I could not sit in my wheelchair for), but it was worth it! After I got transferred and got safely secured.  The ride attendant made sure my mom had time to get my chair stored safely.  Luckily you can still see it while you ride so I was confident it would be available right after the ride.  You have to put your "carry-on" and the compartment under your seat. Every time I had to put my sandals in the compartment.  When it takes off your stomach drops, and you feel like you're going to fall. It was completely safe, it raises you up in the seat and it makes small movements while you watch a screen. After we got off Soarin' we went to Journey Into Imagination With Figment which was super fun. It was one of the best for accessibility, and the loading process for my chair was the easiest of any ride. After that we went on the Finding Nemo ride which was very fun, but it was one of my least favorites. The ride itself just didn't wow me as much as the others did.  The chair loading process is also difficult and inconvenient. After we got off that one you go straight into an aquarium which was very cool, you can skip the ride itself and just to the aquarium.  I think this might be a better option for me.  We saw manatees, and all kinds of different sea life.  I have been to some pretty awesome aquariums in other parts of the US.  This one is neat, but I cannot give it my favorite rating. 

Next we all split up my siblings and my dad went on the thrill rides while me and my mom went around the World Showcase in Epcot park. While we were going around the world showcase we went to all the countries and explored, and rode the Mexico ride. In it you go into this pyramid to get on the ride.  The pyramid is filled with all kinds of different Mexican cultural crafts and items for sale.  They also have a restaurant in it. You go through the shops area, and you head down to the ride which wasn't a long wait. When you board the boat it is super easy, you can drive your chair onto it and you go down a simple ramp. Then they put wedges into secure your chair. When the ride starts you can see the restaurant that is right next to the ride, and then you head into the rest of the ride... starring Donald Duck playing in a mariachi band. After we got off I decided Mexico was one of my favorite countries that we visited in Epcot. My other favorite was Paris! I have always wanted to go to Paris, as well as learn French. My other favorite countries in Epcot on this trip were England where I met Winnie the Pooh, in Morocco where watched fireworks and sampled Moroccan pastries such as baklava, and almond ghriba. My mom and I spent a lot of time in the World showcase over the trip making sure we could pick our favorites.

  

One night we headed out to Magic Kingdom with plans for the light parade and fireworks.  We planned to catch a couple rides while we waited for it to be time. At Magic Kingdom we rode the Little Mermaid ride which was a very fun ride.  Its loading process is just like the one on the Finding Nemo ride so it had that drawback. It was very busy seeing that it was almost time for the fireworks and parade and the park was packed with people.  It was hard to even move in the park.   We were able to watch the Mickey's PhilharMagic Concert show. After that we headed over to try to get a good spot for the parade.  (this was two hours before the parade was even scheduled to start). Luckily we found really good spot, and we saw the parade great.  We had to really work to not get pushed out of our location by people who wanted a good spot, but did not want to wait in advance.  If you ever go to Disney World and if you're in the front I ask that you please sit down. It makes it easier (and possible) for the people in the back to see. After the parade was done we waited another hour in our spot to watch the fireworks. They were very pretty. After the fireworks were done my dad and my siblings were going to catch a couple more thrill rides and stay for the extra hours in the park.  My mom and I were tired, and really tired of the crowd.  When we were heading out it was very busy and hard to get anywhere. Everybody wanted to get somewhere and fast. We headed into a shop to let the crowd pass and stop getting pushed and shoved on. A long while after that we had a clear shot to get to the bus. The bus was very crowded, but I had had a great day.  Magic Kingdom was my least favorite park due to the crowd and rude people. Disney is a big experience and too much for one blog....be sure to check back for parts 2 and 3!