On Saturday, my friend and I went to Disneyland to see the 60 year Diamond Celebration they were having. Of course, we decided to go on probably one of the hottest days that Los Angeles/Orange County has had in a while. It was almost 100 degrees, but we were determined to not let that stop us from having fun.
I decided that I was going to forgo a wheelchair or scooter and walk the entire day. When I told other friends or my family about it they were skeptical but supportive, which I will say that I completed successfully 14 hours and almost 8 miles later. I was so tired and sore by the end of it and the next day, but it was so worth it.
There are days when I really love being disabled and will pull the disability card and anytime I go to Disneyland that is one of them. Because of that, I get to skip the lines, get a time to come back (which is usually about 20 minutes) and be first in line to get on the rides.
However, there is also a downside to this as well. It seems like some people will see the walker and see my physical limitations and assume that I must have some mental limitations as well. Words cannot describe how much this upsets me. Let alone people thinking my friend was my mother because they don’t think that I can take care of myself. I know I look young for my age, but that does not mean that I can’t take care of myself and have some normal fun with friends. Normal is boring anyways.
Even though all that happened, my friend and had a blast going on the Radiator Springs ride, California Screamin’ (which gives me anxiety every time I go on it because of the loop lol), Soarin’ Over California, and The Little Mermaid ride. My favorites were the ones that were indoors because of the air conditioned rides.
After that we headed over to Disneyland and had lunch at Cafe Orleans. Their food is so good! I didn’t realize how hungry I was because I ended up having not only my food, but some of my friends as well, and of course A LOT of water. After lunch, we hit up the Pirate of the Carribean ride, The Haunted Mansion, The Jungle Cruise, Indiana Jones, and Big Thunder Mountain. After all that was done, it was going on 9:00 and the park was getting ready for their big Paint the Night parade. This is when the night started to go downhill just a little.
First off, my friend and I wanted to go into Fantasyland, but were unable to because they closed everything off for the fireworks that were going to be happening right after the parade, so we ended up going to Main Street and did some shopping while that was going on. Second, it was so crowded and people kept running into me and my walker. I was getting so annoyed! I think everybody was feeling that way though especially with the weather and having it be a long day. This is where a security guard assumed that I was younger than I am, gave me stickers, and said that my friend was my mom. First of all, my friend is near my age, and does not look like she is in her 50’s at all and once again, I know I look young for my age, but that does not mean that I cannot take care of myself and if people actually got to know me they would see how intelligent I really am, as well as a sarcastic smart ass half the time.
We finally made it to Fantasyland after the fireworks and hit up the Snow White ride, Mr. Toads Wild Ride, and after waiting about an hour because people who were working the Peter Pan ride didn’t know how to communicate with one another, we finally headed off to Neverland.
It is tradition that every time my friend and I go to Disneyland we get ice cream afterwards, which we did. This is where my patience with people got even more thin. After we got the ice cream we were looking for a place to sit, and there were a couple of people taking over 2 tables with 4 seats each. They did not offer any of the other chairs to us (they were by themselves with no one else with them) and my friend and I ended up having to find seating outside, which was a struggle in itself. People were running into me as I was trying to steer my walker and hold my Coke float at the same time and no one asked if I needed any help. My friend couldn’t help me because her ice cream was melting and falling apart so much it was going down her leg. It just frustrates me how inconsiderate people can be sometimes.
While the Disneyland trip had some rough parts, I had a great time nonetheless, and I am glad that I went. I am especially proud of myself for walking 8 miles, and in the heat too! And yes, I drank a lot of water!
I can only imagine your frustrations! But as long as you had a good day in the longrun!
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So pleased you managed to have a good day, despite coming across some people who really should have known better.
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Wow 8 miles! great! congrats! Thanks for sharing and for giving us an insight of your experience that day.
In someway you are helping us to educate ourselves and see things from your perspective, that is very important, Thank you Katy!!
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Uhh what annoying people! I’m glad you still managed to have some fun anyway!
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People can be so inconsiderate. Despite all that, you seem to have had a great day.
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You know what, people can be so dense! I complained about the same thing yesterday – as I grow older and my hair grey(er) and my wrinkles more prominent, people are assuming that my brain cells are dying off. Very often they ignore me completely and ask my daughter how “Mommy is feeling after the knee operation”. I have a very explosive temper and my poor daughter has to suffer the embarrasment of “Mommy” going ballistic in public. But then, I should know by now that old age is also a disability! 😀
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Katy, I admire you for doing this! Sounds like you had mostly a good time–very long, hot day! I hate crowds but some of the people you describe sound beyond selfish and stupid. I love your attitude about it all, though!
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People get so caught up in themselves sometimes and don’t even notice that they’re being rude. I’m glad you still managed to have a good time! I do not do rollercoasters, so good for you on that one. Lol I haven’t been to Disney since I was three, but it sounds like it’s still a fun place.
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You are so inspiring. You are a strong woman and I am proud of you. Good job girl! ❤️❤️
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Awwww thank you! You have no idea how bad I needed to hear that today.
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Oh! That makes me feel so good to hear- and I am glad you heard it- print it out and pin it up- it is the truth. ❤️
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I like the way you think lol
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☺️ and I like the way you write and your attitude! ❤️👍
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Good for you for doing that!! I wouldn’t be able to walk 8 miles on my own!! I hit the like button even before I finished because I can totally relate to your story. It’s so weird when people think we are dumber than we are when they see we are disabled. 🙂
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and if that made not alot of sense, it’s late and I’m starting to get tired…..zzzzzzzzzzzz 😀
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No worries I understood it 😊
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I also recently went on vacation and did something outside my comfort zone. Writing about it next week. 🙂
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Yay! Can’t wait to read about it!
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Sorry for your frustrations but glad you had a good time anyway. Heat and crowds can test anyones patience at times.
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Congrats for making it through the day, sounds like other than a few hiccups it was a pleasant time.
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This says a lot about you! Finding “the happy” regardless of the small inconveniences. Disney is such a great place to make memories!
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Well it must have been truly frustrating …I can imagine! but hey …8 miles in that heat …. you’re a true inspiration girl ! Cheers 😀
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Having spent my career working with adults and children with disabilities, my mind is trained to size up the accessibility of any public space or business. Whenever I visit an amusement park, I can’t help but ponder what the experience would be like for a person using a wheelchair or walker. Some parks do a better job of accommodating than others. However, dealing with the other people at the park would be a wildcard every time. I used to remind my students that they were bound to encounter rude people throughout their lives, but they needed to remember to forgive these people for their ignorance and move on despite them. Well done for making the most of your day.
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Reblogged this on Dream Big, Dream Often and commented:
Meet Stereotypically Able!!
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Thanks Danny!
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My pleasure!
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