Kevin Michaels Friends for Life Society

First we went to Joanne Knibb's house as she was the lady who got us all into Disneyland "gratis" - She worked there for 35 years before retiring.

Kevin's first ride at Disneyland was on the tram from the parkade to the theme park area. He was a little unsure of the whole venture with the wind whipping about his ears and the conductor barking instructions over the intercom. This noise was diminished a bit by inserting earplugs in Kev's ears. We decided to go to Disney first and then hit California Adventure Park later if we had time.

The first thing Kevin did after posing for a few tourist photos, was to buy postcards to send to his friends. We then headed up to Toontown where he got his picture taken with Minney Mouse.

Next we went over to Adventure Land and took the Jungle Cruise. It was quite an undertaking carrying Kevin into the boat, but good old dad saved the day and Kevin was soon cruisin' the jungle, ducking elephant's spray and swinging pythons overhead. He enjoyed when the skipper cut the corners a little sharp and people gasped and "oohed"

Back on land, we decided it was time for lunch. Of course, Mr Lenarduzzi had no objections to this suggestion. Kevin slurped down his spaghetti lunch which Mom had packed while the rest of us had chicken, buns and carrots.(we ended up doing a great deal of walking in order to consume our tasty lunch as you are not allowed toeat your own food in Disneyland - but must go outside the entrance to the "picnic grounds.")

We headed back into Disneyland to see what we could do next. We decided to break ourselves in easily after lunch and go on the Steamer Boat Ride. Kevin was able to ride on this boat without transferring from his wheelchair. He had fun sitting on the side of the boat and catching some of the action of people paddling by in canoes. I think he also got a kick out of the drumming and chanting being done as we cruised past a Native American display.

Our next ride was "The Pirates of the Caribbean." This ride again required Jacques to carry Kevin into a long punt-type boat . It was a tight squeeze but, Kevin, Dad, Mom and Sissy managed to get into one row together. Kevin sat wedged between Dad and Sissy. As this ride quickly heads into the dark with minimal lighting, Kevin was a little uneasy about what was going on. Sissy joked with him and told him he was supposed to act scared and scream like the rest of the people up ahead. This got him chuckling and he really got into the mood; shaking and yelling with the best of them . Then came the first "rapid fall." Kevin absolutely loved this moment and the look of sheer delight on his face was worth all the lifting, etc. that was required to have him there soaking it all up. I think this is where he really had a better understanding of what Disneyland was all about. By the time we hit the second and longer descent, Kevin was in full swing with all the excitement. He sang along with the rest of the passengers who were singing "Yo, Ho, Ho, Ho" Its a pirate's life for me." He enjoyed some of the sound effects as we were on the ride such as a barking dog, and cannons shooting. He seemed to be more at ease and responsive as we explained to him what was going on as we "sailed" by. The crowning glory was all the bumping the boat did into the boat ahead as we came back "into" dock. By this time, Kevin had had an uproariously great time and Anna had snapped quite a few pictures of the event. On the way out of the ride Kevin stopped and bought himself a black, glow-in-the-dark "Pirates of the Caribbean" T-shirt. This ride was definitely the highlight of Kevin's Disney adventure and wont be quickly forgotten.

We then tried to find another exciting ride that Kevin could go on. We almost had Mom convinced to let him go on the Mine-car ride then she caught a glimpse of one of the run-away railcars and had reservations. We weren't sure how well Kevin would tolerate this roller-coaster ride and didn't think we could fit one of us on either side of him.

Joanne suggested perhaps the Flume-Ride wouldn't be so bad - it was a smoother ride. So we walked all the way over to that part of the park. The ride wasn't operational at that time and when we saw the empty "logs" shooting down a very vertical drop we decided it probably wouldn't be the best for Kevin. Sissy tried to talk the gang into another go at the "Pirates of the Caribbean" but energy was flagging by that time for everyone including Kevin.

We decided we would check out Kevin's picture with Minnie and do more souvenir shopping on the way out. We weren't impressed with the picture, but the queen of Hearts stopped by and tickled Kevin's chin and we got a few shots of her with Kevin. Kevin got Shannon a Mickey Mouse-Ears hat. And while that was being embroidered with her name we got some decadent ice cream cones.

We sat on some park benches in the square and munched and crunched on these delectable treats. Kevin's "ummm's" could be heard quite clearly, and as the sugar hit his bloodstream, he got a second wind and was quite wild and crazy - flirting with the girls and yelling "yi hah!" to everyone in general and no one in particular!

Finally , we started back to the Tram about 6 pm. Kevin hadn't missed a beat all day and certainly was in fine form for this last Disney "ride" of the day. Fortified with chocolate ice-cream, the return trip on the tram was not nearly as irritating. In fact, Sissy informed the conductor that if he could sing "A Pirate's Life for me" over the intercom it would really make the trip for Kevin, he just smiled. I don't think he knew how to take Ootishchenian humour. Kevin laughed and sparkled all the way back on the tram.

Back at home, Kevin had a brief stretch out, dinner in bed and then was "one with his pillow." He definitely was out for the count once he hit the mat!

Now that's spending a day in Southern California!