Disney Part 2

One of the things that amazes me about Disney (and that list goes on and on), is how accommodating they are to people with disabilities. No matter what your disability is, there is always something for you to do in Disney.  Some rides even allow you to ride in your wheelchair. Others you have to transfer out of your chair.  But no one ever complains or seems annoyed when they have to wait several minutes while someone helps you on the ride. I have even been allowed to ride certain rides twice, to make up for the time and effort it took me to get on. (And if anyone asks, I will deny it!) The shows, parades, and exhibits are enough to keep one entertained.

The number of times I have been to Disney World is almost in the double digits, and I have yet to meet a disgruntled or rude employee who is unwilling to help. I am sure there are people who disagree with me, but in my experience, it’s never happened. About a decade ago, I went with a youth group for people with various disabilities.  We were at Hollywood (MGM) Studios, and someone’s wheelchair broke. A call was made, and the wheelchair was fixed within hours.

 During my latest trip in April, I had forgotten to call ahead of time to request a shower seat. Around 11 PM, after a long day at the park, I told the woman at the hotel front desk that I needed a shower seat. I figured either A, they wouldn’t have one, or B, it would take at least a day or two. I was told it would be at my room within 30 minutes. I was very pleasantly surprised. Even more surprising, was that it did not take me 30 minutes to make it to my hotel room, and the guy was already there with my seat!

So if you have a disability, whether mobility, vision, hearing, emotional etc, Disney World is definitely something you should try at least once.

Disney Part 1

I recently returned from a trip to Walt Disney World with my family; Mom, dad, sisters, brother-in-law and my almost 6 month old nephew. It was a trip I have been looking forward to for over a month. And then a few days before we left, it hit. The dizziness, headaches, fatigue. I experienced the same thing last year at the Spina Bifida Conference in Cincinnati, and realized it was extreme dehydration. So for the next few days leading up to my departure to the Happiest Place on Earth,  I drank water like it was liquid gold.  Didn't help. I felt even worse when we arrived in Disney. The whole week is kind of fuzzy to me. I went to bed almost every night with the chills, and woke up every morning soaked with sweat. Headaches all day, and I didn't have the energy to do much.

Don't get me wrong, I did enjoy myself. I went on rides and saw shows and enjoyed being with my family and seeing my 5.5 month old nephew enjoying himself (which really just consisted of him being entranced with the lights on the monorail, the ceiling fans in the restaurants, and those sticks that light up when u swing them around).  But I did come home feeling a little disappointed. Especially when the dehydration turned out to be a major UTI. Thanks Spina Bifida. You're one thing I can count on always being there. So when I was finally home, I had one of my rare and fleeting "why me" moments. But I have my moment and then I move on. No point in wallowing in it, it's not going to get you anywhere but depressionville.  Then I'd be really stuck.

So thankfully my UTI is now under control, and I am patiently awaiting my next disney trip.  and I would really appreciate it if my Spina Bifida would behave itself next time.

Welcome!

Welcome to my blog! Here you'll find my sad, angry, funny, smartass and otherwise random thoughts about being a young woman with Spina Bifida. Enjoy!