We found a spot on Main Street designated for the disabled in plenty of time for the parade. The area we selected was roped off for disabled people and their families and was located where the parade entered the street. We had a wonderful view. Watching the expressions on my grandsons' faces was the highlight of the trip. They were enchanted by the entire parade. There is absolutely nothing that compares to a Disneyland performance for sheer joy and entertainment value.
After the parade ended, the street filled with bodies. Between those trying to follow the parade and get to the spot where they have the laser light show and those trying to leave the park after the parade, we were barely able to move for almost an hour. We inched our way to the center of the park where we gave up on trying to see the laser show and bought lighted toys, balloons and florescent ropes for the boys. (I got one of those, too.)
We picked our way through the crowd to Fantasyland because the one thing Zac wanted to ride was the Dumbo ride. When we got there it was one of the rides that had a special loading area for people with disabilities. The wait to get on the ride was about fifteen minutes. Beth rode with Rylan, and I rode with Zac. My husband, Michael, stayed with the wheel chair and stroller.
I must admit, riding one of the Dumbo cars with Zac, going round and round, up and down, laughing and waving, was pure magic. This was the feeling you get when you imagine yourself at Disneyland or see the happy faces in their advertisements. This was what they mean when they refer to it as the happiest place on earth. This was what I'd dreamed about as a child.
I'm not sure how long the ride lasted. Certainly it wasn't long enough. But when it was over Zac put his arms around me my neck and gave me a huge hug. His eyes were shinning when he said, "Grandma, that was the best ride of all. Don't you think so?"
