Most of my friends know that if they offered me a vacation to anywhere… I would choose Disneyland! Yes, even over Hawaii and other exotic places. Perhaps it is the love for kids within me, or the child-at-heart, or just the grown-up that loves to play. It is truly impossible to pinpoint the most profound reason, as so many exist. One fact stands out, Disneyland is the Happiest Place on Earth!

I cannot imagine endearing the pain of finding out your child has cancer or living the daily battle that comes from it. imames is a jewel to me, and a remarkable online friend. I do know that she receives much support from her church and from her faith in God. But I also know that the kindness and support from her friends online and at Epinions is the fuel she needs to persevere!

One of the most profound reasons I realize this is because of my own battle with Multiple Sclerosis. Thankfully I was diagnosed early and receive daily therapy shots to aid with keeping it in remission. The four years prior to diagnosis was awful, and it was the support of online friends that proved to be the most sincere. Yes, my home church was supportive, my *real life* friends were great, as was my family. But during the wee hours of the morning when hope would try to fade.... it was the online support that I gleaned intense joy from.

So, it was natural for me to want to help little Emily. Fellow epinion member imames and her entire family adore Disney. My family and I adore Disneyland! And, Walt Disney created Disneyland from the desire to offer a place where people of all age groups can enjoy themselves. So the theme was a given.

You are reading a contribution to the Disney ~*~ When You Wish Upon A Star Write-Off!
Emily Rose, the young daughter (15 months old) of fellow Epinion member,
ImAmes, is battling Retniblastoma (a form of cancer, which is found in the eye).
Hosts: lisa_j and opalman.
Write-Off link host: shurie
For rapid access to all entrants please visit:
http://www.isparkl.com/epinions/write_off_easy_reader.asp?id=1

All eroyalities from this epinion will be donated to little Emily!

Historical Adventure to Present Day Excursion
My first Disneyland vacation transpired 30 years ago! At the time I was 5 years-of-age, and accompanied by my Grandfather and Grandmother. My Mother had won an all-expense-paid trip from a local store offering a guess how many gumballs in the letters contest. I still remember many details of that trip, and will cherish the thoughts forever. One of the items in my keepsake chest is a Donald Duck cap with a noise making bill. I remember riding the numerous rides, and eating at Carl Jr. restaurant. They served the best cartoon sundae!

During the next 13 years, our family enjoyed frequent Disneyland excursions. These always transpired during the winter months, mostly at Christmas vacation. My Father is a forest industry employee and his off time always occurs in December. Mom would spend intense time loading the mobile home with needed food, clothing, and other items. Dad liked the drive from Washington to California, took incredibly interesting pit stops and stayed at Vacationland upon Anahiem arrival. These numerous trips frequent my memory recollection, and pave much of the adoration I have for Disney. Money was often little, but our trips were memorable!

One of the vacations Kevin and I took prior to parenthood was a trip to Disneyland. We stayed at the Disneyland Hotel, and took in several days of park splendor! This remains one of our most memorable vacations.

When our oldest daughter was 5, it was evident Disneyland was beckoning. Mom-In-Law graciously blessed us with the theme park vacation. Our youngest daughter (14 months old), Mom-In-Law, oldest daughter, and the two of us flew into LAX and spent 5 nights at the now Paradise Pier Hotel.

If funds allowed, our trips to Disneyland would be frequent. However, such is not the case… but this last August, our Mom-In-Law blessed us with a trip to the Happiest Place on Earth! We stayed 5 nights at the Grand Californian Hotel, and spent 6 days between Downtown Disney, California Adventure, and Disneyland Magic Kingdom. Nearly every aspect of the trip was splendorous (expect for Alaska Air and the Super Shuttle). It is easy for me to highly recommend Disneyland Resort!

One of the awesome attributes of our trip was the dinner engagement we were able to have with fellow epinionators opalman and llfigment. We met (for the first time) in Disney Downtown at ESPN. For my husband, this was a step toward better understanding of the relationship possible with online friends. My daughters thought it was awesome to meet some of my online friends, and I was giddy with delight! Prior to the trip fellow epinionator viper1963 offered excellent advice for trip success (please see his review: http://www.epinions.com/content_12889656964).

What could’ve caused the trip to take a bleak turn for the worse, was what appeared to be an oncoming flare up of MS. Steve (viper1963) was quick to offer more trip advice, and online friends at Bluehawq’s Nest (http://pub76.ezboard.com/bbluehawqsnest) where I moderate the Love and Prayers forum, offered prayer – kind words – and an extra-large dose of encouragement!

Special Needs or Medical Disabilities Welcome at Disneyland Resort!
I must tell you that I highly recommend Disneyland Resort for those with medical ailments. The hotel staff and the staff at the theme parks were accommodating to all my medical needs/requirements. Staff at the Grand Californian Hotel made sure cold storage was available for my medications. In Disneyland I met with staff at first aid. They were so kind and very helpful!!!! I was informed that if I start to feel famished be sure to tell any employee and they will promptly summon help. They assured me to not hesitate to come in at any point of the day for a break.

Also, I was given a special assistance pass. This pass allowed our family to advance beyond queue lines
to a waiting place in the shade, and substantially lowered the wait time. The availability of this feature proved crucial to success of this vacation. For once, Mom’s Illness wasn’t a hindrance to the family. Understand that my girls and husband are very supportive, but the negative impact MS may cause is immense. The four years pre-diagnosis were exhausting and prohibited vacations afar.

By day two, it was evident wheelchair rental would be beneficial. Remembering what my dear friend James – opalman – had told me, “Lisa, don’t be too proud to get a wheelchair!” I decided to take the advice of the wise. Rental was $7.00 and required a $20.00 deposit. Be sure to ask for a park transfer pass. For this, they take a copy of your driver’s license and issue a pass that allows you to take the chair with you while park hopping. I alternated time of riding in the wheelchair and pushing my children in it.

One of the faults of MS, is a lack of tolerance for heat. In my case, I am mobile, but tire in hot conditions. Fatigue required the ready availability of seating. Again, I commend Disneyland Resort for offering handicap capable facilities.

Also, I must mention the staff was very helpful. One especially mentionable attribute occurred in Mickey’s ToonTown. This particular day was very hot, and shade wasn’t available outside of Minnie’s House. The staff member had us enter from the back of the house and wait on the sofa. My husband, the girls, and I received personal time with Minnie Mouse in her living room. The stars from the eyes of my youngest were priceless! Thank you Disney for providing the heart touching moment!

For more information, please visit:
http://disney.go.com/disabilities/dl/faq.html
Or:
Guest Relations at (714) 781-4560. For TTY assistance, please call (714) 781-4569.


A Land For All
Within the boundaries of Disneyland you will find Main Street USA, Adventureland, New Orleans Square, Critter Country, Frontierland, Fantasyland, Mickey's Toontown, and Tomorrowland. Each theme-oriented area differs in employee attire, decoration scheme, eatery offerings, and ride availability. However, they all offer something for everyone, and opportunities galore!

Penny Madness
One highlight of this Disney excursion was breed from the girls deciding to collect squashed pennies, and their Dad taking a conquer attitude toward finding every penny pressing machine on Disney properties. The penny press machines require a penny for the squashed token and fifty cents to obtain it. Most of the machines offer three variances. You will find several of these machines at the penny arcade on Main Street USA. That is merely the beginning for the avid collector. To obtain the mass, you will need to venture into nearly every gift store. Add the challenge of acquiring all available pennies within Disneyland Resort, you better be ready to put on your hiking boots. You will also find these token makers at each hotel on the resort property, gift shops within California Adventure and at some restaurants in Downtown Disney. Mission accomplished!

The Birth of a Write-Off
An incredibly mesmerizing occurrence at Disneyland transpired nightly within the park. This was the fireworks display and Tinker Bell’s venture through the air. Most profoundly Tinkerbell’s venture! This happening captivated every ounce of attention from my youngest. I must admit, that prior to this trip, I hadn’t experienced this event from Main Street. You know what? It makes a difference!

On this particular evening, we had taken in the Electric Parade at California Adventure, and ventured back over to close Disneyland. We took a seat upon the circular curb and looked forward. The music was captivating and included “When You Wish Upon A Star………” Prior to this, opalman and I had discussed hosting a write-off for our friend imames. As, I sat there listening to the music – watching the firework splendor – and observing the joyful faces around us… the confirmation landed! I was ever so certain that the write-off would transpire. Opalman had already suggested basing the write-off on Disney, and we had discussed minor details. As Tinkerbell made her descent across the magical sky, my wish was for Emily to be healed. This wish was spoken as a prayer to God.

After the festivity, my 6 year old inquired if Tinker Bell is a real person. I replied, “Certainly!” Well, my more anal husband and older daughter chimed in, “It was just a light.” This naturally devastated Marisa. I sharply corrected them and told them to keep their doubts to themselves. Fate was on my side….

The next evening we were in Fantasyland during the firework exhibit. Guess what? Tinker Bell (a real person) flew above us! Marisa was delighted! Joy overflowed from all the young children, and many adults. Close by was Tinker Bell Toy Shoppe. Within this shop was the cutest Tinker Bell costume. Yes, Marisa has it, and sweet Emily – Marisa is praying for you and will be thinking of you each time she sports her fancy costume!

Something For All!
Whether you are an infant, toddler, preschooler, elementary, pre-teen, teenager, or adult … Disneyland Resort aims to please. It is clear to me that Walt loved kids, and was sincere with the desire to create a land that welcomed children. This is evident through the many whimsical rides, cheerful characters, friendly landscape, and playful shops. Most of the rides in this theme park are based on the desire to bring forth a smile from all. The so-called thrill rides are few, as the focus remains on this being a family friendly adventure. Some exceptions apply, and I suggest visiting Disney.com for height restrictions.

Food
Within our vacation package, we were provided several meal tickets. Essentially these are equivalent to dollar value listed on the ticket, and not limited to the mealtime specified. These vouchers are redeemable at nearly all eateries within Disneyland Magic Kingdom or Grand California Adventure. I suggest this option for good pre-pay money management. Considering we planned to remain on the Disneyland Resort premise the entire vacation, this option worked very well for us. For more detail please visit disney.com.

Snacks and food purchase will add up substantially within the park premise. Outside food is prohibited, but locker storage is available outside the main gate. Expect to pay an average of $5.00 per person for snack time, $7.00 per person for lunchtime, and $10. – 15.00 at dinnertime.

Characters Galore
Naturally the girls desired autographs from the many characters they met. Autograph books and souvenir pens were purchased immediately. The books were $5.50 and the pens $3.50. You might choose to save expense by bringing your own. We found all characters were friendly, eager to interact with the children, and patient for photo opportunities.

Winnie the Pooh and Gang were readily available at the Plaza Inn during breakfast time. Chip and Dale were present every morning at the Story Teller Restaurant at the Grand Californian Hotel. Minnie and Mickey were available daily in their homes at Mickey’s ToonTown.

Favorite Rides
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
Dumbo the Flying Elephant
Autopia
Splash Mountain

More Details Desired?
For Pricing, Vacation Packages, Park Options and All Other Information:
Visit: http://disneyland.disney.go.com/disneylandresort/Disneyland

Wow!
The 123 ~ When you wish upon a star Epinion members on
Emily's Allstar Line-Up as of 10/14/01:
Aawehr, adjensen, AEOakley, Ahlstromomy, AinsleyJo, aiosa914, AliventiAsylum, Amyklees, AmyLEnsor, a_r_egerton, ariel10575, AshleyA, bceaglesfan, BearySweet, beecharmer, bops_mom, Candice923, CANS4US, Charlenep, char.mike, cindymairi, CjsMommy, copernicus, crazyglue, cripper, Cusnwalter , DearLadyB, Debbietipton, Donnamr, drlolipop, Dtolick, Ed.Williamson, Ellie41799, Euphscott, Eskimo101, fallyn96, flamepillar, Fostrmom2mny, Gaelkm, Gerper, Gollygumdrops, Granniemose, hjs33, imames, Jag2112, jaydee1993, Jbduckling, jdhauer, Jennifer_Gibbons, Jeremy1456, jo.com, jro26, Jubrismom , Julie42, kalt, kamel622, karmiausnic, kidhendrix, kiljoi, KimzStuffz, Klueger, KMINER, krashlite2, lauren_m, LEDOMAINE, lorace, Lisa_J~*~Hostess, lisaw1215, lizf, Maddi, mariahan, marsha32, MaryTara, Melissasrn, mike.holmes, Minamarie, Missy32, MizSass, mkp51, mom2daniel, Mom2TyZick, mrsditmer, mzemel, Nanct, Neenkena, NEGUSR, Nifer, Nwinston, Opalman~*~Host, opinionated3, pedantic, Phineaskc, prairiegirl16, rngpie, remnjava, ringorules, roxymarie, ryangamble, sbennick, sblaydes, serc, Shanny21, Shelxland, Shurie~*~Epinions Tool Specialist / Web Page Host, SMITHSWOODSIDE, sumo_rhino, Sunkah, Suzer, SweetCeCe, THOM413, three_ster, tiasmom, tomgray, vania, VBFC, viper1963, wifemommyteach , wifeofvolsfan, Writerip,
2buzy, 29th_Candidate, 77chelle

© 2001 Lisa_J



Recommended: Yes