Faith, hope, trust, and Pixie Dust!

[zaksmom]

My son who has cp uses the strap between the legs too. He's about 5'6" 150 lbs. Our last trip as we were taking off the CM called out to my son to stay put when it's over so he could ride again. So thoughtful as he rides this a lot and the in and out of the wheelchair takes its toll. Have fun.

 

[OneLittleSpark]

I thought I'd bump this wonderful thread up, to see if anyone has any more stories to add. I love reading about how the Disney magic has touched each and every one of our lives, especially during those times when we really need it

 

[KPeveler]

Bumping this thread back up for more stories!

 

[blessedmom4]

Our youngest daughter had just turned three when we went to WDW with her the first time. She IS adorable and was in her wheelchair. Merlin the Wizard, came to talk to her as we paused for some water and offered to sign her autograph book…our other children had never cared about that before, so we didn’t HAVE an autograph book (who knew, lol). He asked us not to move, he would be back shortly. He went into the nearest gift shop in Magic Kingdom…we saw him PURCHASE a book and large Disney Pen and came back to open it, sign it and present it to her…she was hooked! She has been to Disney three times now (waiting on her Make a Wish…which is Disney, of course). She still loves autographs and has even had a few Cast Members ask her for HER autograph! (I always decorate her Wheelchair…I say, if you have to ride in a W/C, you might as well ride in style)! Sorry for the long post, you just reminded me HOW MUCH FUN the autographs can be…my middle two enjoyed gathering them that year...maybe due to the magic of Merlin! We never saw Merlin again in the three trips since, she always looks...

 

[pampam]

Our youngest daughter had just turned three when we went to WDW with her the first time. She IS adorable and was in her wheelchair. Merlin the Wizard, came to talk to her as we paused for some water and offered to sign her autograph book…our other children had never cared about that before, so we didn’t HAVE an autograph book (who knew, lol). He asked us not to move, he would be back shortly. He went into the nearest gift shop in Magic Kingdom…we saw him PURCHASE a book and large Disney Pen and came back to open it, sign it and present it to her…she was hooked! She has been to Disney three times now (waiting on her Make a Wish…which is Disney, of course). She still loves autographs and has even had a few Cast Members ask her for HER autograph! (I always decorate her Wheelchair…I say, if you have to ride in a W/C, you might as well ride in style)! Sorry for the long post, you just reminded me HOW MUCH FUN the autographs can be…my middle two enjoyed gathering them that year...maybe due to the magic of Merlin! We never saw Merlin again in the three trips since, she always looks...

Thanks for posting. I would dearly love to see pictures of how you decorated her WC. I've thought many times of trying to decorate DD's WC but don't know where to start.

 

[cm8]

Our youngest daughter had just turned three when we went to WDW with her the first time. She IS adorable and was in her wheelchair. Merlin the Wizard, came to talk to her as we paused for some water and offered to sign her autograph book…our other children had never cared about that before, so we didn’t HAVE an autograph book (who knew, lol). He asked us not to move, he would be back shortly. He went into the nearest gift shop in Magic Kingdom…we saw him PURCHASE a book and large Disney Pen and came back to open it, sign it and present it to her…she was hooked! She has been to Disney three times now (waiting on her Make a Wish…which is Disney, of course). She still loves autographs and has even had a few Cast Members ask her for HER autograph! (I always decorate her Wheelchair…I say, if you have to ride in a W/C, you might as well ride in style)! Sorry for the long post, you just reminded me HOW MUCH FUN the autographs can be…my middle two enjoyed gathering them that year...maybe due to the magic of Merlin! We never saw Merlin again in the three trips since, she always looks...

, that was so nice of him, and so sweet, he really did leave a lasting impression on your DD

 

[blessedmom4]

Thanks for posting. I would dearly love to see pictures of how you decorated her WC. I've thought many times of trying to decorate DD's WC but don't know where to start.

I will try to post some pictures if I can figure it out…She has had a very hard life, medically, yet has the sweetest of smiles and disposition…just like a Princess . One of our favorite “things” we do at Disney to make her feel extraordinary is to use a small sign that slides in the back of her chair and sits just over her head, so it doesn’t disturb anyone else. It says “Lisa’s Princess Mobile” and is decorated on both sides with a crown, jewels, stickers, etc…she LOVES it and is so happy when someone calls her Princess Lisa! (The sign in the picture posted was a last minute idea the first year, I have gotten MUCH better over the years, lol) She ALWAYS dresses in a costume in the parks as well…it is amazing to me how many people see her from park to park and come up to tell her something they saw several days earlier…she is so cute and waves to everyone as we walk around and she rides in her W/C, as if she is in a parade all day, it makes her feel special. Also, we have had LOTS of People ask us who made the sign (I did), They want one and wish they could be purchased at the parks…I have told DH we should move there so I could start my new career making Disney signs, lol….

Thank you CM8 and PamPam for the nice posts.

 

[lovetoscrap]

I can't think of any stand out major experiences but for me the Pixie Dust is in all of the little things.

Like the CM that stopped foot traffic on a walkway because I could not even merge into the crowd and was stuck in one spot.

All the ride CM's that tell me to take my time, ask what I need to transfer to the ride, and make sure that I am able to get on and off safely. They put a hand out to steady me if I stumble.

The shop CM's that notice that I exist and don't just look over me at the cash registers, and offer to assist with getting something if needed.

The restaurant CM's that make it seem like no big deal to find a place that is easy for me to get to and find a place to park nearby, even though the place is packed with people.

The CM at Fantasmic that made sure to find a spot for my girls and I to see the show even though all the HC spots were filled.

But most often it IS the other guests. I have encountered more friendly and helpful people in WDW than anywhere-- and certainly at least 100x more than I have encountered that annoy me . Helping me open doors, stopping and letting me merge into the flow of traffic after a show or just when it is busy, offering assistance in a store or in line. Ones that do pay attention and realize that the ECV is there and grab their child's hand so they don't walk in front of me with an apologetic smile. The ones that realize I am behind them for some thing like the street performances at DHS and tell me to move in front of them so I can see. We do read about the negative here on the DIS but I have had so many more positive interactions with other guests than negative.

 

[Joanna71985]

Our youngest daughter had just turned three when we went to WDW with her the first time. She IS adorable and was in her wheelchair. Merlin the Wizard, came to talk to her as we paused for some water and offered to sign her autograph book…our other children had never cared about that before, so we didn’t HAVE an autograph book (who knew, lol). He asked us not to move, he would be back shortly. He went into the nearest gift shop in Magic Kingdom…we saw him PURCHASE a book and large Disney Pen and came back to open it, sign it and present it to her…she was hooked! She has been to Disney three times now (waiting on her Make a Wish…which is Disney, of course). She still loves autographs and has even had a few Cast Members ask her for HER autograph! (I always decorate her Wheelchair…I say, if you have to ride in a W/C, you might as well ride in style)! Sorry for the long post, you just reminded me HOW MUCH FUN the autographs can be…my middle two enjoyed gathering them that year...maybe due to the magic of Merlin! We never saw Merlin again in the three trips since, she always looks...

Merlin is no longer out in the parks, unfortunately

 

[blessedmom4]

Merlin is no longer out in the parks, unfortunately

We suspected that, thank you for telling me. I makes it an even more magical moment that was meant to be cherished from our memories. I wish WE lived in MIckey's backyard!

I agree with you lovetoscrap that the PEOPLE make Disney memorable, good or bad...I look for the good too!

 

[Joanna71985]

We suspected that, thank you for telling me. I makes it an even more magical moment that was meant to be cherished from our memories. I wish WE lived in MIckey's backyard!

I agree with you lovetoscrap that the PEOPLE make Disney memorable, good or bad...I look for the good too!

It's really disappointing. I used to watch the show all the time, and hate that it ended (plus I miss seeing Merlin, as he was a super-nice guy).

But I love living in FL (as much as I love working for Disney).

 

[Nebula]

12 years ago on our first trip to Disney, we went all out on our vacation. It was the biggest trip we ever took. My Dad was very sick and was having surgery when we got back. We didn't know if I was going to make it, so we wanted some happy memories.

Dad was a big man - Pooh-sized, if you will - and needed an ECV. Because of his size, and his bad legs, there were a lot of rides he couldn't do. He really, really wanted to do PotC, though. One cast member made it one of the most special parts of our trip.

Dad parked the ECV and we got him into the boat. Jaime, the cast member, made sure Dad was comfortable and that he had no troubles. Now, my memory is skethy here, because it WAS 12 years ago *L* But I know that the ECV was at the entrance and Dad was at the exit after the ride. He told me to go fetch the ECV.

Well, I couldn't steer the thing. I was plowing through the crowd, afraid I was going to kill someone. I stopped the ECV and was near tears, knowing Dad was stranded without the cart but not wanting to hurt anyone trying to steer the darned thing!

And then... my knight in shining armor... er, pirate gear. Jaime showed up, saw my distress, and offered to get the ECV to Dad. Just picture a cast member in full PotC regalia, steering an ECV through the late July crowds of Adventureland He deposited the ECV, made sure both Dad and I were OK, and went about his business. I know it's a small thing, but he made our day. Jaime, I'll never forget you!

And Dad (who posted as Marshall here on the boards) made it through his surgery and we had him for another 8 years. Thanks to all of the great CMs, we had some wonderful memories!

 

[OneLittleSpark]

Merlin is no longer out in the parks, unfortunately

We suspected that, thank you for telling me. I makes it an even more magical moment that was meant to be cherished from our memories. I wish WE lived in MIckey's backyard!

I don't know whether they'd be able to manage anything, but you might want to talk to your wish co-coordinator, and see if they can arrange for your DD to meet Merlin on your trip. As I said, they may not be able to do it, but it's worth asking

 

[dmccarty]

WHAT! This thread is over? No more posts?

I guess I needed a break the tissues were used up....

Later,
Dan

 

[KPeveler]

WHAT! This thread is over? No more posts?

I guess I needed a break the tissues were used up....

Later,
Dan

Who said it is over? It's not locked so let's keep the stories going!

 

[dmccarty]

I do have a story..... Had it almost done and danged it someone interrupted me at work with work!

Back in one of the late 90's trips, pre Disney Kids(DK), the DW and I were at EPCOT. She is not a big ride person and I have been going WDW since it was only MK and it had just opened so I can skip a ride if I *** HAVE *** too.

Pre DK we would just wander here and there in the parks literally smelling the flowers. We made our way over to one of the buildings on the east side and on the way over I got a nice photo of two butterflies doing the wild thing under a bush. It was spring and it was the Flower and Garden Festival! It would have been a great photo but I needed a flash which I had not brought with me....

At the time the building we walked into had a small retail area. As soon as we got into the building we noticed there was a Make A Wish family just standing to the side. The girl was in bad shape. She was sitting in a wheel chair, breathing O2, and I think she had an IV. My guess was she had liver problems at a minimum because she looked jaundiced. She was one miserable and unhappy child. She looked so sad and uncomfortable.

DW took one look and started crying. She had to move off into the retail area to hide. I could sorta kinda hide/control the tears so I stayed around to see what was going to happen because you could tell the family was waiting.

Shortly thereafter Chip and Dale or Tigger and Pooh showed up. Can't remember which anymore but what I do remember was the look on this child's face. She went from so sad. So pained. So unhappy. To very happy and very excited. It was like turning on the light in complete darkness. Those characters flicked the switch and turned off her darkness.

A few people were around and seeing what was happening. There was NOT a dry eye in the place watching this kid finding a moment of happiness. I still tear up thinking about her.

I told the DW about this thread and the first thing she did was mention crying after seeing this little girl and what those character did for her. That little girl left a happy/sad memory that we will carry forever.

One of my life's regrets was not being able to get photos of that child. It was too dark in the building and I did not have a flash. One good photo would have been priceless for that family and I really wish I had been able to provide it for them.

Later,
Dan

 

[retired and happy]

We are foster/adoptive parents and take our children, all special needs/handicapped children, to Disney at least once every year. We are there for 3 weeks for Christmas and New Year and sometimes in the summer.

While there in 1999 we had a precious little almost 2 year old boy with Spina Bifida. He could not hear anything.
He failed every hearing test administered to him.

While in the Magic Kingdom we noticed him really be attentitive to the characters and most especially Buzz LightYear.

That night when were back in the RV at F/W everything got really quiet and my husband, who was convinced Justin
had heard something that day, said "Justin" and that baby turned toward my husband and we knew he was now able to hear.

When we got back to Atlanta we took him to once again be tested and the specialist wanted to know what we had done to him because he now had almost perfect hearing. No one could believe it.

I told them all "it is the magic of Dianey".

 

[kampfirekim]

We are foster/adoptive parents and take our children, all special needs/handicapped children, to Disney at least once every year. We are there for 3 weeks for Christmas and New Year and sometimes in the summer.

While there in 1999 we had a precious little almost 2 year old boy with Spina Bifida. He could not hear anything.
He failed every hearing test administered to him.

While in the Magic Kingdom we noticed him really be attentitive to the characters and most especially Buzz LightYear.

That night when were back in the RV at F/W everything got really quiet and my husband, who was convinced Justin
had heard something that day, said "Justin" and that baby turned toward my husband and we knew he was now able to hear.

When we got back to Atlanta we took him to once again be tested and the specialist wanted to know what we had done to him because he now had almost perfect hearing. No one could believe it.

I told them all "it is the magic of Dianey".

OK! I'm officially choked up! Beautiful story!

A couple of years ago we weren't sure if DS 5 (autistic) would remember or understand where we were going, but as we neared the entrance and began seeing the billboards, his eyes brightened, he stared out the window at every sign...and then we heard him say "Wall Dissey Wurl" as we continued he began to repeat "Mickey Mouse, Mickey Mouse"... You can imagine our excitement (even DS6 was excited about the spontaneous speech!) I just happened to be videoing the scenery going in...and WE CAN HEAR IT ON OUR HOME VIDEO!

 

[pampam]

OK! I'm officially choked up! Beautiful story!

A couple of years ago we weren't sure if DS 5 (autistic) would remember or understand where we were going, but as we neared the entrance and began seeing the billboards, his eyes brightened, he stared out the window at every sign...and then we heard him say "Wall Dissey Wurl" as we continued he began to repeat "Mickey Mouse, Mickey Mouse"... You can imagine our excitement (even DS6 was excited about the spontaneous speech!) I just happened to be videoing the scenery going in...and WE CAN HEAR IT ON OUR HOME VIDEO!

tears of joy folks, tears of joy. We need some smilies for happy tears. I'm enjoying each and every story.

 

[cm8]

OK! I'm officially choked up! Beautiful Story!

A couple of years ago we weren't sure if DS 5 (autistic) would remember or understand where we were going, but as we neared the entrance and began seeing the billboards, his eyes brightened, he stared out the window at every sign...and then we heard him say "Wall Dissey Wurl" as we continued he began to repeat "Mickey Mouse, Mickey Mouse"... You can imagine our excitement (even DS6 was excited about the spontaneous speech!) I just happened to be videoing the scenery going in...and WE CAN HEAR IT ON OUR HOME VIDEO!

Sorry...I have no idea how I posted this twice! BTW, TERRIFIC THREAD!

that was so sweet and moving,