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. 

Disney last minute

We purchased annual tickets to Disney and Sea World this year. As Florida residents we receive a discount for these tickets. We have taken advantage of this perk and we have gone to the parks many times.
We couldn't decide what to do with the kids on Saturday. We stopped at a garage sale and found cute clothing for Lane. Andrew didn't want to go shopping and I didn't want to go to the beach.
So why not Disney we thought. I still can't believe that if we choose to go to Disney, we can drive thirty minutes and choose which of the parks we want to frequent. We chose Magic Kingdom this past weekend.
It was a nice, somewhat magical, day. We did things we havent done before. They met Princess Aurora and two fairies, including Tinkerbell. WHen Aurora told Lane that she could be her little sister with her curly, blonde hair, Lane giggle with delight. We climbed a treehouse, went on a jungle ride, and watched pirates. We ended our day by watching a character filled parade. Life is good.

Roller Coasters and Golden Tickets

I have blogged about the disability card we get to use at Disney. I am starting to feel like it's the Golden Ticket. I wanted to skip down the hall ahead of the 45 minute wait when we used it last weekend. I really wanted to start singing... we've got the golden ticket and wave it around in the air. There aren't many other times when disability are a true advantage but when it comes to Disney, we've got the GOLDEN TICKET! I am giddy when I get to use it! We recently realized that Gabriel is tall enough for all of the rides. When we were at Epcot, Andrew took Gabriel on the Everest ride. Gabriel LOVED it.

Last weekend, I took Gabriel on Space Mountain while Andrew took Lane and Alex on another ride. Gabriel had no interest in the ride they were going on so I decided it was a good time to conquer Space Mountain! Gabriel made me hold his hands through the entire ride.

Shortly after, we realized that Alex is now tall enough for Space Mountain. He wanted to check it out. Within a couple months, both boys went on their first roller coasters.

I honestly think this is one of the best Space Mountain photos ever. Alex's reaction is perfect! Gabriel and Alex think Gabriel can protect Alex so he can go on Everest too. They are very sweet to each other. I think it will be a couple years before Alex meeets the height requirement for Everest though.

The Golden Lady

We went to downtown Disney for dinner. The kids still enjoy trading pins while we are there. Andrew and I enjoyed Wolfgang Pucks for dinner so we all won! Thankfully the smells in the restaurant weren't too strong for Gabriel so we were able to have dinner inside the restaurant. (note: remember to discuss any dietary or allergy concerns with the wait staff. They happily help!)
The entertainers and musicians were great Alex did some dancing for us. I hope pursues some type of lessons with his ability.
Gabriel wanted to see "the golden lady" tonight. He was so excited to go up to her and she bent down to hold him. He was over the moon. I will add photos from tonight His smile is wonderful. Alex later walked up with Gabriel and she played patty cake with them. It was adorable

Magic Kingdom

I am extremely grateful for the Disney's disability pass for Gabriel. We are able to go to the fast pass lane for most rides and avoid the longer lines. It makes life a lot easier because lines and Gabriel do not mix. We usually stand in line with other guests in wheelchairs. It tends to work out well because they talk to the kids while we wait in line with them.
Today we took the kids to Magic Kingdom for the first time since moving here. The starting point was rocky. Gabriel could not get handle where we parked the van. Apparently it was the wrong spot. Unfortunately, we aren't able to pick another location to park the van. So we sat in the van for a while until he calmed down enough to walk to the tram.
That experience alone is exhausting. He continued to complain and organize his mind for the next hour. We went on the Tom Sawyer ride and explored the island. Life seemed better for him and Alex took his meltdown time. Sometimes we cannot win.
We decided to sit down for lunch. Gabriel could not handle the smell in the restaurant and insisted on staying outside with Daddy. The smell of the pot roast was too much for him. These are the moments I can't predict. Who would have known that the smell of the restaurant would prevent him from entering it? BUT Go Disney! They allowed Gabriel to eat outside AND the chef talked to me about gluten free food available for us. WOW!!
As much as I want to dislike big enterprises that suck the money out of my bank account, I can't hate Disney. My kids throw fits and they go above and beyond to accomodate them.

The kids enjoy trading pins at the park. It's adorable to watch them pick a pin and trade with a cast member. Alex is very funny because he will trade the same exact pin or a pin that Gabriel trades with the cast member. Lane likes the Princess or Minnie pins. Alex hasn't narrowed down his favorites and always surprises us with his selection. Gabriel leans toward Mickey and Pluto.
Overall, it was the worst trip we've taken to a Disney park and we came home exhausted but we did have some good times. The kids had fun on rides including It's a Small World, Peter Pan, Winnie the Pooh, and Snow White.
We have also learned to talk to Gabriel about our van on the way out of the parks. It eliminates the flip out moment he has on the tram to the van. It's nearly impossible to stop it if it starts.

Here We Come Disney!

We did it - we took advantage of the Florida resident discount on Disney passes. It was a last minute decision and not a well thought out plan but we managed to muddle our way through the process. After purchasing our tickets at Magic Kingdom, we went to Epcot because MK was having the Not So Scary Mickey Halloween Party. I didn't want to spend an extra $60 per person on another party. Besides, Gabriel was very annoyed that people were celebration Halloween five weeks early.
We had dinner at Epcot and walked around - a family who was leaving gave us their double stroller which was AWESOME! We stayed for the light show too. The kids were completely silent during it. I think the fireworks and fire stunned them.
While I was at my advocate training today, Andrew took the kids to Animal Kingdom. The boys met some characters and their smiles are over the top cute.

Andrew also took the kids to Rainforest Cafe for lunch. I'm impressed - it's not easy to take our three children to a restaurant alone.

A photo from Animal Kingdom:

Gabriel asked Andrew for a stuffed lion. He explained that we aren't going to buy items every time we go to Disney because it will get too expensive. Gabriel decided to ask people for the money to buy it and Andrew had a tough time getting him to stop. Gabriel asked an older woman in a wheelchair. Andrew apologized for Gabriel's behavior. She told Andrew that she wanted to talk to Gabriel because "a rich old woman can give a handsome young man money if she wants to." She pulled out a huge wad of money and handed him $15 in exchange for three kisses. He was able to purchase his lion. I'm quite sure what to think of this but Gabriel was one happy 6 year old today.