When My eldest son was in collegeHe told me that most of his friends were super excited to return to Disneyland after the pandemic. Meanwhile, he had never even went to a small town theme park. He seemed authentically sad on this subject.
At first, I wanted to discuss. For years, I worked two jobs as a single mom of three, fighting to join my little family in the middle–Class status. The gaze on the face of my 13 -year -old child when he deplored Disneyland was so vulnerable and sincere that he prevented me from dropping a defensive line on the privilege he knew while growing up with his own room and a mobile phone, nothing less.
I took a deep inspiration and I realized that it was not wrong. I had spent so much time trying to make sure that my Children had a better childhood That I forgot how important family holidays were when I was little.
I would love to go to Disney World when I was a child
My father was a ranger from Florida park, so he received Side free to Disney World. Later, my parents were proud to save enough money for a few days in the Magic Kingdom each summer – even if we were to camp or stay in an old motel far from the parks. Although we can barely allow us, I grew up by loving the happiest place in the world.
I also remembered stress for children and adults: sweating through long lines, arguing with my brother, watching my parents crash at the end of each night. As a parent, I was nervous to take my children by myself. Two of my children have ADHD diagnostics And autism, and we use a wheelchair. The idea of navigating in a theme park looked like a nightmare.
So, I traveled internet for six months, analyzing mom's blogs and pro-tips to “do Disney” with disabled children and specific food needs. I recorded and made lists and reservations. I memorized backup plans in case one or more of my children approached a sensory crisis. On Christmas morning, I gave my children big tickets and we prepared for our spring vacation trip.
We had so much fun
The first day of Disney was one of the best days I have ever had with my children. Ride by ride, snack in snacks, we walked during the day from the moment the Park opened until fireworks are triggered At 11 p.m., not only were my children delighted – they cared, played games instead of complaining when the lines were long and hot, sharing overly expensive treats and with kindness to negotiate who was able to choose the next walk, make sure everyone left satisfied.
The author feared that the ADHD of his children will make Disneyland crushing. Gracieuse of the author
After falling asleep, I sent a text to my longtime friend, whose children are experts from the theme park: “I cannot believe that I write this, but I think I like Disney.” It was a big statement. I am not the kind of person who carries brands, and I generally feel more comfortable on an intact beach than in a hotel or a complex. I thought, Certainly, it was today an anomaly. I accumulated myself for the next two days of our Park-Hopper pass.
During our last night in California, my oldest child sniffed a bit, “I don't want it to be finished.” His sister said: “Yeah”, and my youngest asked: “When can we come back?”
“I loved it too,” I said, and I thought.
The staff were so suitable for my family needs
Disney staff were incredible, making sure that our family could take our time to access each trip. The food was great, and we worked as a team in a way that we had not had before, facing discomfort, heat and disappointment when the plans have changed or go unexpectedly. Every day, we entered the park when he opened and left when he closed, and the kindness of my children seemed to increase.
On the last day, my 8 year old child approached another little boy outside the bathroom in Space Mountain. The little boy was crying because his father would not buy him a giant lollipop. My son touched his shoulder and said, “I bet your father saves something better.”
The author's children loved Disneyland. Gracieuse of the author
The trip was beautiful, but I was always happy to have waited for my children to be older. For us, the holidays have become a microcosm of real life in the best way. Every day, we knew it was precious, and we shared a goal: to have fun.
We planned our days together. If we had to rest or eat or change plans, we collaborated to find an option that would work best for everyone. Our stay in Disney was not only a celebration of free time, but an opportunity with low challenges to know more about each other, to really listen when things have become a little difficult and to find creative means of returning to joy, whatever happens, as a team.
