On our way out of town we spent a day at Disneyland – Atti’s very first time. I knew he would love it, but words just can’t express how amazing it was. As soon as he saw King Arthur’s Carousel he started bouncing in his stroller. When we walked past it to get to Dumbo he threw an unholy fit. Until Dumbo started moving.
We came back to this one several times. Whenever we’d bring Dumbo up to his highest point Atti would giggle like a mad man.
It’s a Small World was also a major hit. His eyes would widen, he’d fixate on something and stretch his little body around to keep watching it as we passed it. He’d only turn around when he physically couldn’t stretch any further, only to be surprised by a whole roomful of more amazing things to see.
We were really nervous about taking Atti to Disneyland with his physical limitations. The thought of holding him as we waited in line all day made me break out in a cold sweat. Since he’s not old enough to use a wheelchair, we need to use his stroller everywhere. I imagined all the fights I was going to have with attendants unconvinced he was disabled or parents mad they couldn’t bring a stroller everywhere. I brought a Dr.’s note and came prepared to make my case, but as soon as I said he had Cerebral Palsy the gal at the desk just said, “Oh sure! How many people in your party?” and handed me a card that allowed us all to get special treatment. We didn’t walk right on to every ride, but we came pretty close. Disneyland knows how to take care of us special needs families.