Disney Adventures: Day One

We boarded the shuttle bus, tickets in hand, with three excited kids. Two who knew what to expect and one who just anticipated great things, because it was, after all, Disneyland.

ON THE SHUTTLE AT 8AM ON FRIDAY MORNING

I was so nervous about this trip, but felt prepared. I had researched the accommodations that could be made for individuals with special needs. All I had to do was explain to them O's unique needs, and we obtained a pass that enabled us to access a separate entrance, at most attractions, and allowed us the option of O remaining in the stroller until boarding the ride.

When you have a child that doesn't look different, you get some pretty harsh looks and comments when accessing the special entrance. But, I knew we had done the right thing. We have child with exceptional needs. In many ways, he is unlike a typical five year old. It's okay to accept help with that, especially in a place full of sensory stimulation.

O's top rides for the day were the carousel, Autopia, the train and the jungle cruise. The girls' first pick...Dumbo.

O IN THE POSING IN THE STATIONARY DUMBO. THE GIRLS WITH MY SISTERS AND NIECE.

We also attempted a few attractions that required the use of some of our sensory tools. During the parade and Winnie the Pooh ride, O needed his earphones. He is sensitive to noises, so we carry them with us most places. They help make, what could be an overwhelming experience, enjoyable, or at least tolerable for him.

WATCHING THE PARADE, ALONG MAIN STREET

I had two regrets for the day. The first was not allowing my oldest to exit the Indiana Jones ride, when she said she was scared to ride. Based on my memory of the ride, which I realized after riding, was not accurate, I felt like she could handle it. She did not.

My second regret was nothing that I could change. Having a child with special needs, means he gets more attention, more time. M and I both realized that we spent so much time trying to make the experience positive for O, that we didn't pay as much attention what the girls wanted or needed from the experience.

THE GIRLS IN TARZAN'S TREEHOUSE

In the evening, I sat outside, watching my kids and husband swimming in a semi-heated pool. I thought about the day, and was so content. We had survived day one. Actually, we had more than survived, we had tackled it, with enjoyment.

I couldn't stop smiling.

Linking up with Helene for Travel Tuesdays.