“You’re going to Disney World….AGAIN?!”

Why Disney is therapeutic for me

There are many forms of therapy out there some more medicinal in nature while others more retail….Unfortunately for my bank account going to Disney World is a particularly draining form of therapy.  However, it’s home to me.   I try to get to Disney World at least once per year.  There is nothing I love more than sharing with people why this place matters so much to me.  Since I can’t physically take everyone with me, allow me to point out some highlights of a good Disney trip and why it’s so special to me.

Being a child of the 90’s, I had the privilege of being a part of what is known as the Disney Renaissance.  This period of Disney resurgence started with The Little Mermaid in 1989 and continued through the 90’s.  My first trip to Disney World happened when I was 3 and meeting my favorite characters was pure, innocent magic.  I grew up watching the Disney Sing Along videos and other classic Disney movies.  Way before Disney +, I was already well versed in Disney movies.  

This solid foundation of Disney experiences combined with the fortunate ability of several Disney vacations led me to apply to the Disney College Program.  By this time in my life, I was using my scooter full time, but I learned a lot of tips and tricks for traveling with a mobility disability.  I was ALWAYS in the parks even on my off days.  You could usually find me at Hollywood Studios catching one of the shows, Beauty and the Beast is my favorite (always request to be down in front 🙂 )!  I really loved watching the shows since I didn’t have to transfer from my scooter. 

To fully appreciate a Disney park you must suspend disbelief and allow yourself to be transported to somewhere else.  Fortunately for me, that is usually just what I need.  I am happy shopping on Sunset Boulevard in Hollywood Studios, enjoying a mimosa in France (EPCOT) or people watching in the Magic Kingdom.  As much as I love the rides I can have just as much fun without them.  As someone with a mobility disability it’s important to know which rides are accessible to me. If I am traveling with someone in my party who can help me transfer off and on rides, I can pretty much do everything.  If not, I can have fun with shows and rides that are easier to transfer.  From the moment you drive onto Disney property you will notice first that the street signs look slightly different as you leave the real world.  Then you can’t park at the Magic Kingdom, you have to take a ferry or monorail which is meant to further take you away.  This was designed on purpose by Disney Imagineers to draw you further away from the real world.  Disney World has a magical quality that allows my anxieties to quiet and make my problems feel small.  It’s just not possible to feel stress while wearing Mickey ears anyway?!

Even the restaurants are an experience!  Some of my favorite Disney memories involve a restaurant.  For that matter some of my favorite memories in general involve food, but I digress.  One of my favorite memories was dining inside the Beast’s castle at “Be Our Guest” restaurant.  My family ate there soon after it first opened and the Beast came to our table to say hello.  I am  a full grown adult but this moment was unforgetable.  I also enjoy dining at Ohana in the Polynesian resort.  Upon check in ask to sit near the windows for a view of the castle.  If you’re there during the fireworks they pipe in the music too so you have dinner and a show!

If you need help extra help navigating lines, Disney offers something called Disability Access Service, or DAS.  This service serves as virtual line holder.  Now, Disney is allowing guests to register for DAS prior to your trip.  However, if you aren’t able to pre-register online you can still go to Guest Relations when you are there.  If you have specific questions about how this service works let me know in the comments below.  This service has helped me tremendously, and I have a lot of experience with it.

When I’m visiting Disney World I prefer to stay on property as it allows me to remain in the Disney “bubble” even when I leave the parks.  Disney offers various accommodation prices and my budget determines where I can stay.  However, I love the Contemporary for its convenience and spaciousness of the room.  Because I travel with a mobility scooter, I value space so much in a room.  From the Contemporary you can either walk to the Magic Kingdom or take the monorail, which conveniently stops in the lobby! 

To wrap things up, Disney World is more than just a theme park.  Its an entire world of restaurants, transportation, and accommodations that allows me to leave my worries at the gate and feel care free.  Even the calories don’t count! 😉 haha if only… The familiarity of rides and comfort of nostalgia combined with constant innovation makes every visit unique.  No matter how many times I go, I always have new experiences which continues to make it exciting.  The best advice I have for visiting Disney World is to go with the flow, stop to catch the parade, hug a character, and sing along on “it’s a small world”.  The magic is in details!