My Birthday Adventures in Disney World, Part Three

Dear Readers,

Over the past few days, I have reminisced about my experiences at Disney World- both when I was younger and now. When my dad heard about this, he was able to dig out a picture of our first visit in February 1998. What a difference right? Unfortunately, my brother wasn't able to come with us that time.  But my mom says  there's always the possibility of us coming back  and sharing the whole experience with my nieces.. Although they have already  been there once it's always different  together as a family. Even  as I say that, I can't believe we would be  sharing it with  the next generation.  Wow, how time  flies!

Debbie  and  family at Epcot- February 1988

Debbie  and Family- April 2017

Our  last day  at Disney World  was spent at Epcot (obviously); we got a late  start  that day  because it was due  to the hottest day..  The report was spot on! As we began our journey through the different countries,, I was taken back  by  enormous flower gardens and sculptures;  the creativity it took to shape some of those plans into Disney characters (like Elisa from Frozen or  Belle from  Beauty and the Beast) is brilliant. In  all, there are about 100 topiaries  to admire  around Epcot. For  our first ride, we decided  to go to on Spaceship Earth. For  this ride, I  had to transfer out of my wheelchair-  but it was worth it. This ride  takes you  back in time from the Stone Age, showing the evolution of  man.  (I'm using the term   "evolution"to  mean  the growth  in  man's intelligence; I do not believe  in the  theology of  evolution.)  What  I liked  most about the  ride was  the fact that it  was interactive; it allowed  riders in each  seat to "choose" what their  future looked like based  on answering a few questions   posed  to them along the way.The pics captured at the beginning of the right are then placed in a video used to portray the future. This is something that riders can take with them if they supply their email in the database on computers near the ride.Another interesting fact is that  the ride takes  place  "inside" the Epcot ball.

Next,  we attended The  Voyage of the  Little Mermaid  show.  This 15 minute performance includes live puppetry with performances of popular  songs from Sebastian the  crab as well  as Ariel.  During the show,  I felt  like  I was  truly  "under the Sea" because bubbles cascaded from the ceiling at one point.

What's a trip to Disney World without saying Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse? It's not a trip, of course! For the reason, I actually took some time to wait in line and meet the popular characters as well as get my picture taken with them. For those that say I'm too old for that, well, you are only as old as you feel. Here  is two of  my favorites.

After that, we continued  our trek around the  "world"stopping by Germany to look at the intricate Cuckoo clocks and then  went to France to sample  the delicious crepes (thin pancakes)  that reminded  us of   Grandma (mom's mom).  In one building, they  even had a widescreen movie that gave us a tour of the country; we soared about  the vineyards that created wine and went  through famous churches. This gave us a in-depth  view of the country without having to  actually go there. One of the final things we did there was go to see The  America Adventure  at The World Showcase. This 30 minute performance utilizes audio- animatronics and film to go back in time and view the major events that  made America the great country it is today.

My Birthday Adventures at Disney World, Part Two

Hello Again Everyone~

I hope you all have enjoyed reading about my adventures in the Magic Kingdom at Disney World. In this post I will share with you what I did during my second day on vacation at Hollywood studios. For this adventure, we had to take a bus; the buses must run back and forth every 15 to 30 minutes because we had to wait 10 minutes for ours. During that time I encountered a disabled intern working there in charge of the bus routes. I later learned that there was a special internship opportunities for college students wanting to work there during the summers..

But I digress...

A bus arrived to take us to a Hollywood Studios; this particular bus had a hydraulic system which lowered it to the ground for easier access. Then, a lift opened up and I got in with no trouble. At that point, they secured my wheelchair down with straps and we were on our way. Shortly  after  arriving my family and got a bite to eat. We then  decided to  attend the Beauty  And the Beast: Live On Stage  show. This 25 minute musical extravaganza highlights popular songs  from the original movie.  What makes this so different than the movie? First,the  host selects  a member  from  each audience  to give  a special rose to- it  symbolizes    the special  bond, a father  has with his daughter.  Second, specific  shows  have real-time  American  Sign Language (provided by translators) for those  that are deaf and hard of hearing.

After that we spent some time walking around the streets, sightseeing (and shopping) before going on The Great Movie Ride. This attraction  is accessible to those in wheelchairs as well as those  able to transfer in and  out by themselves or with the help of  other people. The ride insists of  real-time clips of the  greatest moments in movie history, as well as reenactments that put you right in the middle of the action. From there, we  toured  the Walt Disney: One Man's Dream  "museum". It follows him through the  monumental years  of his career and  gives people a in-depth  glimpse on what it takes to create an animated film.

Another live show that I enjoyed was the  Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular. This exciting show gives viewers a behind the scenes  look  at how stunts are filmed in the movies

My Birthday Adventures in Disney World Part 1

Welcome Back Readers~

After 30 years, I can finally say I’ve been to Walt Disney World twice in my lifetime. The first time when I was seven years old or so and my parents wanted to show their children a good time. This time, I am 37 years old and trying to rediscover some of that magic and childlike awe we tend to lose in the process of growing up, I can honestly say I’ve done that. In this post, I will highlight some of my favorite activities to do in the Magic Kingdom that are handicapped accessible for those in wheelchairs.

 My mom made reservations or three days at Disney’s Polynesian Resort, which incidentally was the same hotel we stayed at originally. The resort still had its Hawaiian style decor; however, it has seen its share of technological advances- like electronic bracelets that allow you access to the hotel as well as the theme parks. These bands are only available as part of a theme park package. Employees at the resort always seem to go above and beyond to make your stay extremely pleasant. For instance, once they heard it was my 37th birthday trip they gave me a "happy birthday" button. I wore it for next two days,  getting several well wishes  and even a few extra perks here and there.

After settling in and getting a good night’s rest, we decided to go to the Magic Kingdom first. Since  we  were at the resort, it is much easier to take the monorail or bus  to  all  of the amusement. Getting  on the monorail is simple,  security personnel have little ramps which line up with the  vehicle and allow you  to drive your wheelchair inside. For a bus, the procedure is slightly different because they have lifts and tie-downs  to secure the wheelchair in place. At any rate, we arrived at the Magic Kingdom just in time for us to see the Disney characters dance by the castle. "Inviting" us  to enjoy the rest of our day.After that, my parents and I visited the Swiss  Family Robinson attraction where they reminded me of the first time we had visited when my dad carried  me to the very top of the treehouse. From there, we went  on the  Jungle Cruise ride.

If you are looking for a handicapped accessible boat, you may have to ask for assistance. In which case, they may give you a specific time slot where the boat is available. We had to wait until 1-1:30 PM; the boat had a special ramp that lowered me down and then rotated my wheelchair, so I was looking straight forward and could see either side of the water Along the way, my tour guide pointed out different animals; although these were animated, they gave a realistic portrayal of what people would have encountered in the Amazon. There were also waterfalls that kept people cool during the ride.   At 3 o’clock, we stopped on Main Street and waited for the Festival of Fantasy to begin. This parade highlights all of the characters from Disney movies, including Beauty and the Beast and of course, Mickey and Minnie Mouse

Lauren Scruggs (Kennedy) on Home and Family: Reflecting Back on The Accident That Changed Her Life Forever

Dear Readers,

This next story came to my attention because it was featured on Home and Family. Unlike most stories, I am usually aware of the person being interviewed and their disability related experience; this time I was not. It highlighted Lauren Scruggs (now Lauren Scruggs - Kennedy) and the four-year anniversary of the propeller accident that changed her life forever. Although she recovered after lots of rehab, the accident left her with both physical and emotional scores- including the loss of her left arm and eye. These days Lauren is looking forward to the future and her new marriage; she is also using her experience to create awareness for those who are financially unable to provide real life like prosthetics for their loved ones.

For more information, please go to:

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2233966/I-basically-got-plane-right-propeller-Lauren-Scruggs-reveals-horrific-moment-lost-arm-eye-shows-push-ups.html

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2884562/Lauren-Scruggs-looks-horrific-accident-marrying-amazing-Jason-Kennedy-E-wedding-special.html

http://www.lskfoundation.com/

Encouragement Sidewalk Prophets- Help Me Find It (Official Lyric Video)

I was listening to the radio recently and came across Sidewalk Prophet's 2013 hit, "Help Me Find it." The song speaks to my season of life right now.. We sometimes struggle to find God in the ordinary tasks of our daily life: but He is always near!

Sidewalk Prophet's "Help  Me  Find  It"  Lyrics

I don't know where to go from here 
It all used to seem so clear 
I'm finding I can't do this on my own 

I don't know where to go from here 
As long as I know that You are near 
I'm done fighting 
I'm finally letting go 

I will trust in You 
You've never failed before 
I will trust in You 

(Chorus )
If there's a road I should walk 
Help me find it 
If I need to be still 
Give me peace for the moment 
Whatever Your will 
Whatever Your will 
Can You help me find it 

Can You help me find it 

I'm giving You fear and You give faith 
I giving You doubt
You give me grace 
For every step I've never been alone 

Even when it hurts, You'll have Your way 
Even in the valley I will say 
With every breath 
You've never let me go 

I will wait for You 
You've never failed before 
I will wait for You 

Chorus

I lift my empty hands (come fill me up again) 
Have Your way my King (I give my all to You) 
I lift my eyes again (Was blind but now I see) 
‘Cause You are all I need 

Chorus

CP Awareness Month;Zach Anner follow-up

Welcome Back Readers~

Because it is CP Awareness month, I thought I'd highlight one of the most popular comedians with CP on YouTube, Zach Anner. Some of you may remember me highlighting him from Oprah Winfrey's Create Your Own Show on OWN. He completed against other contestants in an effort to pitch his own traveling show. In the end, Oprah couldn't choose between the top two finalists-Zach and his traveling show as well as Kristina Kuzmic-Crocco's cooking show (if I remember correctly.) He recently added the title of author to his resume, penned his own memoir entitled If at Birth You Don't Succeed: My Adventures with Disaster and Destiny. Unlike the inspirational approach, Anner chooses to make light of his disability never letting it stop him.

Also, this month, the CPF is having a fundraiser in order to raise money for their organization. It starts on March 25 and involves downloading a app on your phone and exercising.



For more information  on raising awareness of CP, please go to:

https://www.facebook.com/cerebralpalsyfoundation/?hc_ref=PAGES_TIMELINE&fref=nf

For more  information  on Zach Anner or his book, please go to:



https://www.facebook.com/zachannerfanpage/

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPTVYxUoYWhNa8J7GzIGnyQ

http://www.lovethatmax.com/2016/03/a-book-from-zach-anner-guy-with-sexiest.html

Assistancee Dog Issue goes straight to Supreme Court

Welcome Back Readers~

I was watching the news last week and came across a interesting story; it involved a young girl with CP w(cerebral palsy) and her struggle to gain independence in school the help of her assistance dog Wonder. In 2009, Ehlena Fry and her goldendoodle Wonder were first paired together during training in Ohio; this opportunity made possible through a $13,000 fundraiser held by family and friends. The trouble began when they tried to transition Wonder to assist her during school hours .at first, the school agreed to a 30 day trial.This didn't work out as planned, however , and was marked with one obstacle after another. Eventually, the Fry family decided to change middle school.

Still, they believe the other school needs to be held accountable according to the Americans with Disabilities Act .

For more information on this story, please go to: 

Http://www.npr.org/2016/10/31/499876610/a-girl-and-her-service-dog-head-to-the-supreme-court