The sights, sounds, and experiences of Disney World’s Magic Kingdom are even more amazing and entertaining at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas celebration. But last night I was impressed by the well-trained cast who made the fun available to the physically challenged. I witnessed three examples and know there were many more.
As we stood in a not-too-long line for the Haunted Mansion, a woman in a wheel chair was right behind me. At a certain point, a cast member asked, “We’ll stop the ride and help you if you are able to stand and get into one of the ride cars.” The woman smiled and assured her, “Yes, I’ve done this a few times.” When the ride stopped a couple of times, I knew exactly what was happening. She was getting on and off the ride.
A little later, we watched our boat approach for the Jingle Cruise (renamed for the the holidays). It stopped about twenty-five feet short of the loading area, and a lift in the boat raised a man in an electric scooter just high enough to disembark onto the dock. Once the special seat retracted, the boat pulled up and we got on board.
The last ride of the night was the Tomorrowland Speedway. As we waited for my two grandsons to start driving around the course, we watched a woman in a wheelchair scoot up close to a car. A cast member brought out a specially made ramp that enabled the woman, who just had one leg, to transfer into a car and speed off into the night.
In each of those cases, the cast never missed a beat. They knew exactly what to do, made each person feel welcome, and made the experience possible. While they did their job just like any other day, I noticed and appreciated their efforts.
I hope I remember these moments in the future, when I may not be as able to negotiate travel, amusement parks, and other activities as well as I can today. If those folks, with what I thought were limitations, can enjoy themselves, then so can I. A lot of caring people have figured out how to make life accessible for everyone, and then they make it happen.
I remember hearing someone say, “Everyone has a disability. Some you can see. Others you can’t.” Some can’t see. Others can’t speak in public. Some have trouble walking. Others have trouble remembering things. Some have lost a limb. Others can’t deal with heights.
I pray I’ll always be thankful for the blessing of someone in the airport, or on the cruise ship, or at the theme park who’s there to say, “Here, let me help you.”
Waite for it... 