Disneyland Ditties
After only working with me for one month, my care worker Hannah agreed to accompany me on a family trip to Disneyland. Our adventure to Disneyland began with an unexpected bump in the road at the Kelowna airport. In September 2022, my family – mom, dad, brother, sister, brother-in-law, and nephew – and I set off for the happiest place on earth. My friend Maeghan, brimming with the same enthusiasm, met us at the hotel in California, having traveled separately.
Our journey from Kelowna to Vancouver, then onwards to California, was filled with anticipation. However, an unforeseen hurdle awaited us at the Kelowna airport. As we navigated through security, my wheelchair and I were diverted for a more thorough check. While the TSA agents diligently scanned me with a metal-detecting wand and swabbed both me and my chair, a false alarm set off on one of the swabs. The air grew tense as the agents exchanged cautious glances, preparing to escort me for further inspection…rubber glove time!
At that critical moment, Hannah, stepped up. With a commanding presence and a tone that demanded attention, she challenged the TSA agent's procedure, pointing out the lack of glove change and its potential for contamination. "You swabbed this this and this and then touched this this and this without changing your gloves! This is unfair!" she asserted, her voice resonating with conviction.
Meanwhile, my parents queued behind us, anxiously wondered if this hiccup would derail our much-anticipated trip. I could hear my dad's voice in my head saying “Well this is it, this is where the trip ends!” The head honcho TSA agent came over to assess the situation and was quick to agree with Hannahs assessment and let us through with no further issues. It was a moment of uncertainty, a dramatic start to what was meant to be a journey filled with laughter and good times.
In the whimsical world of Disneyland, where most are chasing thrills on rides, I found myself on a different kind of rollercoaster – a culinary one! Because of my lack of vision, Disneyland transformed into a vast land of shopping sprees and snacks. Two of my favorite things, even as a diabetic… that's what insulin is for. We had a ten-day ticket to this magical kingdom, though Maeghan had to bounce after just seven.
Now, let me tell you about the dill pickle corn dog – a culinary Frankenstein that's part pickle, part hot dog sheathed in a cozy corn dog blanket, served with a side of peanut butter, right up my alley. It sounds like a mad scientist's dream, but trust me, it was delicious! Another highlight was the Matterhorn Macaroon, a treat so scrumptious it could easily be the eighth wonder of the world. Before the trip, Hannah (my trusty care worker) and I had done our homework, digging up a list of Disney's top ten must-try snacks. We ticked off most items, but a couple played hard to get, giving me the perfect excuse for a sequel to our Disney adventure.
Our evenings were no less eventful, dedicated to conquering Downtown Disney's shopping scene. There, I splurged $300 with the nonchalance of Elon Musk. And to top off our first day in California, I celebrated our arrival in true Instagram style – posing in my underwear on a bed of cash, courtesy of Hannah's creative direction. Because Pics or it didnt happen…Am I right?
Picture this: We're flying back from the magical Kingdom on WestJet, we had learned our lesson with AirCanada, see my Just Plane Stupid post for further clarity. Our flight was from sunny California to Vancouver, then hopping over to Kelowna. Now, every member of the “diversley-abled” (eye-roll) community will get a chuckle and a nod of understanding from this epilogue of our Disney saga.
As we touched down in Vancouver, wrapping up our fairy-tale adventure, it was time for me to disembark. However, this time, the plot twisted comically. The staff, perhaps auditioning for a slapstick comedy, clumsily transferred me to the aisle chair. Imagine the scene: straps flailing, my pants started a downward journey, threatening to debut my ‘cast member’ to the world!
Enter Hannah, my superhero care aide. Her initial, polite "No, stop" escalated to a full-blown "STOP!" as she dramatically warned them of the impending 'chip and dales-esk’ show. Like a director correcting rookie actors, Hannah took charge, instructing them through the proper moves they'd botched so spectacularly.
Thanks to Hannah's persistence and her no-nonsense attitude, I was finally secured (albeit a bit uncomfortably – aisle chairs are no thrones!). Mom was thoroughly impressed with Hannah's command performance, ensuring my safety. To this day, 'Hannah Banana’ is a favorite character in our family stories.
The rest of the journey was a breeze, and I emerged unscathed, both physically and dignity intact. Despite the unexpected heat and crowds at Disneyland, I'm still plotting my return to the 'Happiest Place on Earth' as I have unfinished business – after all, every good story deserves a sequel!
