Faith, hope, trust, and Pixie Dust!

[pampam]

I've got many stories, but I'll post our first one. We were at the Disney shopping village, in 1977, having lunch. DD, who was mostly non verbal picked up a french fry and said "J". She held it another way and said "L". She moved it upside down and said "R". As I type this, I realize some of you may not realize how profound this was, but we were really celebrating!!

Many more stories to follow.

 

[maroo]

Ok...first of all...I have been on these boards WAY too long to have missed this thread!

I really, really need some kleenex!

We have several stories from our trip...but I will share one for now...and then...it is my new mission to keep this thread alive...I will subscribe and bump it often...so add more stories! This is WONDERFUL!

Lauren's quote after her trip..."I love Disney World...it is the only place on Earth where I don't feel disabled." Now, that my friends...is why we are going back!


With her GKTW magic button, they had put us to the front of a line at Hollywood Studios to meet Mickey. William, Lauren's little brother, was collecting autographs for all of his classmates and he needed a lot from Mickey. I felt bad for holding up the line while Mickey signed like 8 signatures for William's class. I told the CM what was up...because I felt really bad!

But the CM was not at all bothered...in fact...she thought it was so wonderful that she ran and got 3 certificates and had Mickey sign them. Mickey had made Lauren a Princess for the Day and William was an Honorary Mouseketeer. And William's class got their own certificate! They were all made Honorary Mouseketeers, too!

It was a total magical moment for us. It was especially nice because they recognized William, too. And it is hard to be the sibling of a special needs child.

I love, love, love Disney World and the CM's mean the world to Disney...and children with special needs...and adults, too!!

Thank you, Disney!

 

[JohnnySharp2]

I agree this is a thread to be cherished.
I will have a good read through everything again later.

So many memories with Joshua , who was diagnosed Autistic in 2001.
We had I think 3 holidays with him in Florida before we knew this and around 4 since.

Disney is a special place and Josh always enjoys himself, especially at Magic Kingdom.

Don't want to move away from the 'Disney Magic' theme, but if I had to pick one moment it would be the first time Joshua ever danced to anything.
Was actually inside the Barney playground at Universal Studios, they had a TV on showing one of the shows, he just started dancing to a song being played.
Thankfully I got the whole thing recorded on camcorder, including my wife's tears.

The one thing we do find continually touching is watching some of the earlier tape recordings of holiday's before his diagnosis, to be honest we rarely view them as we do find it a bit upsetting - especially as in those early years he didn't show any autism signs and was actually trying to talk.
We now have to accept the fact he probably never will, so there is a kind of mixed feeling in seeing him so happy.

He always smiles when we enter Walt Disney World, and over the years MK has become his favourite.

 

[maroo]

I agree this is a thread to be cherished.
I will have a good read through everything again later.

So many memories with Joshua , who was diagnosed Autistic in 2001.
We had I think 3 holidays with him in Florida before we knew this and around 4 since.

Disney is a special place and Josh always enjoys himself, especially at Magic Kingdom.

Don't want to move away from the 'Disney Magic' theme, but if I had to pick one moment it would be the first time Joshua ever danced to anything.
Was actually inside the Barney playground at Universal Studios, they had a TV on showing one of the shows, he just started dancing to a song being played.
Thankfully I got the whole thing recorded on camcorder, including my wife's tears.

The one thing we do find continually touching is watching some of the earlier tape recordings of holiday's before his diagnosis, to be honest we rarely view them as we do find it a bit upsetting - especially as in those early years he didn't show any autism signs and was actually trying to talk.
We now have to accept the fact he probably never will, so there is a kind of mixed feeling in seeing him so happy.

He always smiles when we enter Walt Disney World, and over the years MK has become his favourite.

What a precious story. I am sorry for all of the pain and stress in your world. I am so glad that you guys have found a place, though, that makes him happy!

Those videos...and these stories...will be something to cherish in the months and years to come.

 

[Talking Hands]

Disney Magic doesn't always happen at WDW. For me it happened at a conference I was attending but the person involved was a Disney CM who was also at the conference. I had broken my leg in May and this was in October so I was still afraid to walk on the leg much and was still using a wheelchair pretty much full time. This CM kept teasing me to go ahead and walk. Well I finally did and ended up going to the banquet without the wheelchair. I still use that wheelchair in the parks but I am no longer tied to the darn this thanks to this CM's encouragement.

 

[bex271]

Our magic moment didn't happen at the parks but it did happen with Mickey and Minnie. When you go through make-a-wish you stay at a place called Give Kids the World, if there is a villa available when you go. Anyway, they bring in some of the disney characters, Mickey and Minnie, Goofy, pluto and Mary Poppins this day.
Here is the magic moment, it was Jonah's turn with mickey and minnie we rolled him out and were helping him interact and it came up that the next day was his birthday, they directed everyone to sing Happy Birthday to him while we stood on stage with him. I cried my eyes out after that moment. I don't think that anything could top that moment in his life and the look on his face was priceless When you talk about disney magic that is what i think about.

I have a couple more but i'll share those a little later

becca

 

[pigletforever]

My youngest son has Asperger's. We were waiting in line to meet the Storm Troopers. The CM cut the line off right before us. DS didn't understand and went into melt down mode. He thought the Storm Troopers didn't like him and were leaving because of him. ANyway, my older DS stopped the CM and explained what was going on. The CM told us to go stand by the sign that was next to the Star Wars ride. We were perplexed but did as we were told. Next thing we knew There was a Storm trooper motioning us to follow him. It was so cute. They took us up gang planks, and thru all these hall ways. The storm trooper kept motioning us to stop and he would punch in "codes" to allow us to go thru make believe gates. We were up above the crowd waiting to get in to the ride. Everyone was looking up at us. Next thing I knew, we were at the front of the line being escorted into a pod with the storm trooper. He took pictures with our son, buckled him, saluted him, gave my older son a high five and left. They held the line and no one could get in until after we were settled. My son still talks about it to this day. I cried the whole way and still do when I think about it. It was such a magical moment.

 

[maroo]

I think one of my favorite Disney times was the MNSSHP this year (08). Lauren was on her Wish Trip and this was the day before she would end up sick, eventually in the hospital getting IV fluids. (Horrible virus.)

We ended up at the dance party in Fantasyland. Lauren was tired, and although she can "dance" in her wheelchair, she was just watching all of the other kids. Then Donald Duck came up to her, grabbed her hand, and started dancing with her. It was so sweet. And it totally got her in the mood. She danced for almost an hour.

Pluto ended up joining Donald...Chip and Dale also danced with Lauren...and eventually Lauren's whole family (parents included!) were dancing. They paid special attention to all of the kids that night...but Donald reaching out to Lauren to encourage her to join in...was extra special.

It was a completely magical moment!

 

[maroo]

bumping this back up as promised...

I hope that the stories will bring a smile to your face!

If you have any to add...Please feel free!!!

 

[LindaBabe]

Have just gotten my dose of joy from this thread again! Thanks for bumping it up, Maroo!

Not a tear jerker, but worthy of praise all the same. Just had a wonderful 4 night stay at the AKL with ALL NICE BUS DRIVERS on my travels! (Have they been reading some of the threads on this board?) It made SUCH a difference.

Also, at one bus stop there wasn't enough room to back up without putting the nose of the ecv under the railing into the line, so I warned people and then asked some pre-teens to spot me backing up. They DID A GREAT JOB! And I didn't get ANY frowns

 

[pilgrimr]

We just got back from WDW and had a great time. One special experience we had with my autistic son (6) was at Epcot in France. We went to see Belle and Beast, but the line was closed. As we started to walk off, the CM stopped us and told us to wait at the exit. After Belle and the Beast was done with some guest they came over and spoke to my son. He had a great exchange with them and was a nice visit with them. We really appreciated the CM, Belle, and the Beast.

 

[crzyeeyoreangel]

All these stories made me smile. I work at center for developmental disabilities and I know that simple things mean the most.

 

[wendygrace]

We just got back from WDW and had a great time. One special experience we had with my autistic son (6) was at Epcot in France. We went to see Belle and Beast, but the line was closed. As we started to walk off, the CM stopped us and told us to wait at the exit. After Belle and the Beast was done with some guest they came over and spoke to my son. He had a great exchange with them and was a nice visit with them. We really appreciated the CM, Belle, and the Beast.

I could have written this ourselves. Except I think our character was Aladin, Genie and Jasmine. Aladin also twirled our kiddos around in circles which made my vestibular input seeking son's day! LOL

Another incident we had:

We were at MVMCP last week and it was our first night at MK. Ds and I stopped at the line for Peter Pan and Wendy but the line was closed as they needed to get ready for the parade. They told us when to be back and so we came back after the parade. When it was our turn, I told PP and Wendy that he was ds' hero and he didn't want an autograph and I didn't have my camera with me (dh had it with dd) but that Ds just wanted to talk to him. They were great with him. Michael chatted up a storm (amazing!) and they played their parts so well. Michael went as far as to ask PP who changed his work money (they had earned dollars the month prior to our trip for coming to work with me) into "Mickey Money" (disney dollars). We had told him Tink did it. They played along with him and chatted for a long time. Finally, we said "good-bye" and as we were leaving, PP asked me to wait a few minutes which we of course did. When they were done, PP and Wendy took Michael by the hand and skipped to a little "alley way" that leads to a back stage area. They disappeared and asked us to wait. They came back with a "Lost Boy" Certificate signed by Tink, PP and Wendy. But they also took pictures of him with his certificate and PP and Wendy! They asked for my address so I am hoping to get the pics but really, Ds will always remember skipping down the street with his hero! That was the highlight of his night. PP is just awesome!

 

[maroo]

I could have written this ourselves. Except I think our character was Aladin, Genie and Jasmine. Aladin also twirled our kiddos our in circles which made my vestibular input seeking son's day! LOL

Another incident we had:

We were at MVMCP last week and it was our first night at MK. Ds and I stopped at the line for Peter Pan and Wendy but the line was closed as they needed to get ready for the parade. They told us when to be back and so we came back after the parade. When it was our turn, I told PP and Wendy that he was ds' hero and he didn't want an autograph and I didn't have my camera with me (dh had it with dd) but that Ds just wanted to talk to him. They were great with him. Michael chatted up a storm (amazing!) and they played their parts so well. Michael went as far as to ask PP who changed his work money (they had earned dollars the month prior to our trip for coming to work with me) into "Mickey Money" (disney dollars). We had told him Tink did it. They played along with him and chatted for a long time. Finally, we said "good-bye" and as we were leaving, PP asked me to wait a few minutes which we of course did. When they were done, PP and Wendy took Michael by the hand and skipped to a little "alley way" that leads to a back stage area. They disappeared and asked us to wait. They came back with a "Lost Boy" Certificate signed by Tink, PP and Wendy. But they also took pictures of him with his certificate and PP and Wendy! They asked for my address so I am hoping to get the pics but really, Ds will always remember skipping down the street with his hero! That was the highlight of his night. PP is just awesome!

Aww...Wendy! I have read your Wish Trip Report and it is just AWESOME!!!!

This makes me so happy...that Peter Pan was so sweet to you guys again!! I bet it would really confuse him if PP wasn't, ya know!

Magical. Fabulous!!!

*** If anyone reading this has not had a chance to check out their TR, please do! It was awesome. But grab some kleenex!!

 

[maroo]

bumping this thread!!

I just love these stories!!!

 

[Leshaface]

I could have written this ourselves. Except I think our character was Aladin, Genie and Jasmine. Aladin also twirled our kiddos around in circles which made my vestibular input seeking son's day! LOL

Another incident we had:

We were at MVMCP last week and it was our first night at MK. Ds and I stopped at the line for Peter Pan and Wendy but the line was closed as they needed to get ready for the parade. They told us when to be back and so we came back after the parade. When it was our turn, I told PP and Wendy that he was ds' hero and he didn't want an autograph and I didn't have my camera with me (dh had it with dd) but that Ds just wanted to talk to him. They were great with him. Michael chatted up a storm (amazing!) and they played their parts so well. Michael went as far as to ask PP who changed his work money (they had earned dollars the month prior to our trip for coming to work with me) into "Mickey Money" (disney dollars). We had told him Tink did it. They played along with him and chatted for a long time. Finally, we said "good-bye" and as we were leaving, PP asked me to wait a few minutes which we of course did. When they were done, PP and Wendy took Michael by the hand and skipped to a little "alley way" that leads to a back stage area. They disappeared and asked us to wait. They came back with a "Lost Boy" Certificate signed by Tink, PP and Wendy. But they also took pictures of him with his certificate and PP and Wendy! They asked for my address so I am hoping to get the pics but really, Ds will always remember skipping down the street with his hero! That was the highlight of his night. PP is just awesome!

Oh how awesome! I bet he was so stoked!

 

[maburke]

I didn't think I had a story, but I realized that I do. Last May, we had dinner at Chef Mickey's. Though my kids love the characters, they can be a little unpredictable and grab noses and such, if I'm not quick enough. (I have so much sympathy for what the characters have to put up with!) So my 8yo son reached for Mickey's nose, and I intervened, and quickly explained to Mickey that he had autism and that he was just curious and didn't mean to be nasty or anything. Then the most amazing thing happened. I swear, Mickey made eye contact with ME and reached out for my hand and kissed it, as if to say, "You are doing a great job as his mom, don't worry about my nose!" It was exactly what I needed to "hear" at that moment, and it made me cry (then and now)!

 

[maroo]

bumping this as promised!!

 

[Eeyores Butterfly]

I hope you all don't mind if I share some from the other side of the equation.

As most of you know I am a former CM from WDW. I worked in Fantasyland Attractions and Entertainment.

-One day I was helping Mickey at the Oasis in Animal Kingdom (front of the park) when a young boy with a GKTW Button and a walker came up. He left his walker with his mom and struggled to walk up to Mickey. The mom began crying. Mickey was a bit perplexed but interacted with the boy and both had a great time. When we got backstage, I asked the attendant what was going on (she had been talking to the mother.) According to the mom, the little boy had MD. He was told by his doctor that when he returned from his trip he would have to start using a wheelchair- permanently. His wish was to walk up to Mickey Mouse unaided. Those were probably the last steps that little boy ever took. That is perhaps one of my fondest memories of my time in entertainment.

-I'm sure most here know the story of Ben and Snow White's Scary Adventures. I used to see Ben every week when I worked that ride, and he was one of my (as well as all the other CMs') favorite guests. It was amazing to see how his face would light up every time he rode the ride. You could be having a bad day, and it would all just go away when he came.

-I was helping Mickey at DHS (then MGM) when a girl who was blind came up. Mickey helped to guide her hand to his face so that she could feel his features (they dont normally like their faces touched because many kids don't know how to be gentle). The girl seemed very happy. Later that night I was watching Fantasmic! after my shift when the family came and sat next to me. Without realizing who I was they started talking about how much she enjoyed meeting Mickey.

-One day after parade at Magic Kingdom we brought back a family to guest relations (GKTW) to do a group meet and gree with the characters. The little boy was so sweet, and you could tell it meant the world to the parents.

-At the Sorcerer's Hat at DHS we did a group meet and greet with a GKTW family. The tween girl had cancer and was in a wheelchair. The family kept apologizing for taking up our time, but we kept telling them not to worry. It was amazing how good the other guests were. Not one person tried to come up and bother us or complain to us about the time we were taking, or the fact that nobody else was getting group pictures. When we approached the girl looked tired, but when we left she was smiling and happy and looked reenergized.

-I can't tell you the number of kids who have said a first word in front of me, or children with disorders like autism who don't normally interact well with others but ended up loving the characters and doing some amazing things around them. Each one is very special to us, and it is one of the reasons I want to go back and work there part time.

-Not disability related BUT: I was helping Stitch at the Timekeeper when a woman and her mother came up to him. They handed him an autograph book and the younger woman said, "Stitch, this is for my son Andre who I am adopting next month." On a whim Stitch wrote, "To Andre, love Stitch. P.S. I'm adopted too." (He can be good sometimes.) The woman and everyone else in the room started crying when they realized what that little devil (I mean angel) had written.

It's nice to know that so many people appreciate the job we do (and that so many CMs go above and beyond), but please know that you also make our job special. My most treasured memories are the times that I was able to make a gest feel special, to give them something unexpected, turn around a bad day, or just help thigns go a little smoother. You make magic for us just by coming to the parks and sharing your stories and your lives with us. Thank you.

 

[Applemomma]

Eeyores Butterfly.....