Disney World

We took our trip to Disney World a few weeks ago. I've been planning to write some stories about our adventures there, but it's taken me a little while to get at it. Here is the first, an overview.

Everything I read about Disney World said that it is very accommodating to individuals with disabilities. I was hopeful that would be the case, so we could have an enjoyable trip, but I was also skeptical. When I called Disney World to get more information about traveling there with Kimmie, they seemed hesitant to give me any information. In one book I had read that we should go to guest services upon entering the park and request a "Guest Assistance Card" based on Kimmie's disabilities. We decided we would try that and see what happened.

Wow! We were amazed at how well we were treated. Between the wheelchair and the Guest Assistance Card, we were immediately directed to an alternate entrance at each ride/attraction, either the fastpass line or a wheelchair line. We usually had to wait a few minutes for them to work us into the queue or for the few people who might be in line ahead of us, but the wait was minimal and almost always out of the sun.

Occasionally, as Kimmie tired, she would get impatient if she couldn't get immediately on the ride, but usually she was ok or we were able to keep her distracted. She would not have been able to tolerate the regular lines, and it would have been very difficult had this not worked out. We were very grateful, felt a little guilty, but were very appreciative.

Bethany put it this way: We are not taking advantage of Kimmie, because we would not have chosen to come to Disney World. The only reason we're here is because Kimmie wanted to come.

Which is true. We were there because of Kimmie. And the rides that she could not ride, we had to wait in the regular line or get a fastpass and go back.

The Disney staff ("cast members") were very nice to Kimmie, especially the older ones. And especially Aladdin. He was very sweet with Kimmie. I'll write about that later and include pictures!

--Mom