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When given the chance to take the kids to see the latest Disney on Ice I must admit that I held onto a bit of trepidation. Would our munchkin (she has autism, mild cerebral palsy, and sensory integration dysfunction) be able to handle the change, the people, the noise, the lights…all that which makes up a Disney on Ice show. We have managed to make it through a short movie here and there but we are talking about a 90 minute drive there, then almost 2 hours of show, and a 90 minute drive back home with a stop for dinner tossed in there somewhere. Wish I could say that I thought it would go smoothly but our life hasn’t been like that in quite a while. What the heck, if you’re up for it.
We gathered up everything, and then a few more things just in case and headed out mid-morning towards our destination – Toy Story 3 on ICE! We were full of hope, after all, Toy Story 3 has been one of her favorite movies (It was the last movie she and her sister saw together before sister headed off to college, kinda like Andy come to think of it).
The drive was uneventful, despite my arguing with the GPS as we neared our destination. It insisted that I take one route and all the road signs directed us on another course – the GPS lost this round and we arrived in the parking lot of the ShoWare Center nevertheless. I did not take pictures of the majority of the drive, needless to say that it was a typical Washington winter morning (read overcast, grey, windy, and slightly bleak and dreary).
A short walk from the parking lot and we arrived at the Will Call window. We picked up our tickets and headed inside to be assaulted by the myriad of Toy Story 3 paraphernalia. There were Buzz Lightyear cups filled with the deliciousness of snow cones (It was 45F outside and we were inside an ice rink but I digress), light-up swords, toy dolls, t-shirts and that most important official Sheriff Woody hat. Avoiding the bulk of items we made it to our seat having only gained 1 Jessie doll to keep Woody company. Then there was a short wait until the start of the show.
Once Mickey, Minnie, Donald and Goofy took to the ice there was a squeal of excitement from Faith as she pointed. And then, when the toys took to the ice it was “Look, my toys – they’re alive!” She spent the next 90 minutes watching every move, reveling in each new character who made an appearance and in short enjoying herself. What a wonderful day. I am so glad that we decided to take the chance. Thank you for giving us the opportunity to be there.

How neat, I am glad it worked out for the BEST for once!