Magic Kingdom

We spent the afternoon at Magic Kingdom this past Saturday. It was a hot, hot day but we managed to have a good time. We are really lucky in that we can take our time when we go and go on the rides that interest us. We don't have to feel rushed or cheated when we go since we have seasonal passes for residents. 

Lane wore a full Snow White costume and as the day went on, her hair formed perfect ringlets from the humidity. We went to Gaston's Tavern mid-afternoon and got healthy snacks (for real!) and drinks. Lane, at the young age of four was able to score free chocolate milk and a souvenir Belle goblet. She really wanted that $9.99 cup and I really didn't want to pay $10 for a cup that looked like it would fall apart within a week. Since it was free, we were both thrilled. She loves her Belle goblet and says that it's her favorite cup ever.

After our snacks and drinks, Alex found a small door. He was positive that Gaston was hiding behind the door. He knocked hard but no one answered, much to his dismay. I don't think I ever noticed that little wooden door before, despite all the times we've been in that area of Fantasyland.

Lane insisted on riding the carousel. It's a nice carousel but we've never gone on it before. It seems kind of silly to get on a carousel at Disney when there are so many other incredible things to experience. The kids thought it was super cool though so what do I know after all??

We went on one of my favorite rides, Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin. Gabriel and I usually ride together and work to defeat Zurg. Usually I'm in charge of the spin feature in the middle but Gabriel took over and we spun. And spun. And spun. Oy. It might not be my favorite ride any more. The kids insists on a photo with Zurg at the end of the ride.

 
During our visit to Magic Kingdom, we found out that Gabriel is afraid of clowns now. This fear isn't a quiet type of fear, it's a full screaming, holy crap, clowns freak him out fear. We first found out when we saw a group of clowns while walking to the Ariel ride. Andrew had to walk an extra distance with Gabriel because Gabriel couldn't handle walking near the clowns and they blocked the entrance. I thought we were in the clear after that encounter of clowns because clowns aren't commonplace in Magic Kingdom.
Gabriel asked to go on It's a Small World to see the little people. We happily went through the Fast Pass lane with our red disability pass and laughed about how we get stuck on this ride EVERY time. As annoying as the song, It's a Small World gets when you're stuck on it, it's manageable because it's air conditioned and on a zillion degree day, that is a favorable location.
Did you know that there are CLOWNS on It's a Small World??!! I didn't. I learned something though. If your son with autism has a fear and you get stuck on a ride, the object of that fear is bound to be right where you get stuck. My G-d, that was torture. I know, what a ridiculous thing to complain about and I sound like a whining spoiled brat, complaining about a ride at Disney World, where people save up to travel for a vacation of a lifetime and we go on a whim on a weekend.
But my son became a terrified screaming little monster. I think he would have climbed down my throat had he been able to rip my mouth open far enough. He was trembling and his eyes were huge saucers. Guess what? There is NOwhere to go when your 8 year old is panicking on the boat in It's a Small World. Stupid clowns.
We were able to finish our afternoon at the block dance party where the kids danced with Chip and Dale, the chipmunks. Alex thought he could climb on the float to dance with Mickey Mouse too. I don't know where he got the idea that it was okay but it took a minor miracle to get that child to the sidewalk so the floats could continue and the poor, underpaid, sweaty dancers could find air conditioning.