Originally Posted By iamsally Well, this was definitely one of the most unusual Disneyland trips I have ever experienced. Things started out pretty well. I was taking my friend ‘Ginia for her first ever Christmastime trip to Disneyland. We took her a few years ago and she loved it so much we felt we just had to do it again. (And DH had promised her.) Little background: She is 76, disabled and drinks a bit (okay, more than a bit.) She also acts like she is just another friend coming along; not at all like the whole trip has to be centered around her. She cannot be left alone and can be very aggressive in her scooter. So we picked her up at 7AM Thursday and were off. We got to the Parks around 4:30 (due to a closure of I5). Still, we met up with the clones and started things off on SWH. We got in some more rides and saw the parade and waited for the fireworks that were cancelled( We were going to leave but the crowd on Main Street was so bad we headed back for Nemo. We were pleasantly surprised to find they now have a handicap entrance and we had no wait. The next morning we had reservations for Minnie and Friends. We got to the park, met up with Shiva and Tinkeroon (from this point on, as above, referred to as the “clonesâ€) to eat. The breakfast was fun and tasty as always. After breakfast we headed to the CircleD and pictures with Santa. <a href="http://www2.snapfish.com/slideshow/AlbumID=209760439/PictureID=4279441090/a=79203744_79203744/t_=79203744" target="_blank">http://www2.snapfish.com/slide show/AlbumID=209760439/PictureID=4279441090/a=79203744_79203744/t_=79203744</a> We were all wearing the antler ears from last year and finally got a pic with Pluto in his ears.‘Ginia had been chomping at the bit to ride the Matterhorn so we did that and then Space Mountain which I had told her nothing about. Good fun. Sometime in the afternoon we met up with PoohBear14. It was December 7 and ‘Ginia is a 27yr Veteran Army nurse so I wanted to be sure to get her to the flag retreat ceremony. It was so cute to watch her, standing at attention as those serving and those who have served were honored. Then we went to our hotel for some rest to get back for F! and fireworks. Friday had a really light crowd so when we got to the handicap section at 8:30 there was hardly anyone there and we got right on the water. Needless to say, she was amazed and just kept talking about it. Fireworks were cancelled again so we met up with the clones and took advantage of being able to go up the exits to get on all the Fantasyland rides. It was nearly 1AM by the time we got back to our hotel and to bed. December8 was our 1yr anniversary with the clones so we met up with them after we had gone on Star Tours and they had eaten breakfast. We went to City Hall and got our anniversary badges. After that we parted company and took ‘Ginia to DCA where we got FP’s for Soarin’. It was cold and windy and there was no line on Grizzly Rapids. We had full rain gear with us so we donned that and headed in. She loved that so much they let us stay in and ride it twice. Then our FP’s were ready and we did Soarin’ and then took her to Aladdin. Boy, was she impressed with that!?! Then it was back to the hotel for dinner and a rest for another try at the fireworks and 10PM F! She really wanted to see that again. Sounds like we were having a wonderful time doesn’t it? And we were; but then the wind changed...south. Up to this point she had just been having a little brandy and eggnog in the evenings. On Saturday she had brandy with eggnog, brandy with coffee, brandy with Pepsi and maybe even some brandy with brandy. Anyway, she took us out to dinner and polished off a half carafe of wine. When we got back to our room she thought we were all taking naps. I told her we were meeting friends and she asked us to come back for her in time to see “Fantasia†again. We left her in bed and went back to the park (this is the best part of the trip) where we met up with 999Haunts and Brittany, then the clones and cmpaley and Nikko. We all headed to HMH which had a long line so we got FP’s, went on Pooh and got some candy. When we tried to call ‘Ginia we got no answer and finally gave up. We watched the fireworks (finally) went on HMH and caught the train to Main Street. We felt we needed to go as we needed to start packing. When we got back my friend was sound asleep and in the morning said nothing about the night before. Looked like all was going to be okay. Then, I don’t know how she managed but while we were packing she had some more brandy along with her pain meds. She was acting okay until we were on our way to the park and she nearly tipped her scooter going off the curb. DH wrenched his knee keeping her upright. Then she took off across the street and nearly tipped again going up the curb. Then she took off down the sidewalk. She was doing okay until we got to where we cut through the GCH. She actually ran into a little boy, knocking him to the ground and then hit his parents. I was mortified. The parents were more concerned about her and were very kind. The kid’s shoe was off his foot and about 4 feet away. I saw to him (he was not injured) and Virginia was off on her scooter DH fast on her heals. She was bobbing her head, laughing and smiling like a maniac. We were terrified and did not know what to do. She has had a stroke before and we thought maybe she was having some sort of seizure. I got DH to guide her slowly through the hotel while I found us a place to sit down and figure what to do. I asked her point blank if she had had any brandy and she said no. I went to get us some coffee so we could evaluate the situation. When I got back she was parked facing a corner, smiling, laughing and trying to steer her scooter (we had taken her key). Well, at least one of us was having a good time. We called our clones and they proved to be the good friends we thought they were by leaving Disneyland and coming to us just because we asked them. DH went to get a security person to see if we should call 911 or what. He called for a nurse and by the time she got there Virginia was coherent enough to answer the rote questions. The nurse was good at talking to her and getting a pulse. Virginia refused to let her take her blood pressure but did admit to taking 2 Vicodin. We were told that we really just needed to wait for her to come down. They ordered a manual wheelchair for us and they got her to agree to riding in it. All I could think of to do was find places where she could remain seated. She loves Steamboat Willie so we went into the Main Street Cinema where we parked her in front of it for about a half hour. Then we met up with Pirate Princess, her DD and the clones. We went in and watched 50 Magical Years. Virginia must have liked it cuz she laughed and cheered all the way through it. Somewhere around here she wanted to get up and I told her she could not walk, she said she could. I said in my best substitute teacher, no nonsense voice, “No Virginia, you cannot walk, you just fell twice in the bathroom.†Well, she started yelling at me and calling me Barbara (her partner of over 20 years ago who is now dead). Rod put his hand on my chest and firmly but gently pushed me away from her. We were meeting up with PoohBear again and the little darling had brought fresh baked persimmon cookies for us all. I told everyone we thought we would try the virtual Nemo and they all came along. That, actually, was pretty cool. A whole room to ourselves, seeing exactly what the subs see and no waiting in line. After that she seemed to be coming around and remembered who Kathy and I were. We thought a trip around the park on the train may take just long enough for her to be able to manage her cart. Otherwise we did not know how we would get her back to the car that was still at the hotel. After the train ride we did a little shopping. Rod pushed her past her cart and she said, “Hey! ! ! that looks just like MY cart. What the *- -* am I doing in this thing?!?" It had been 5+ hours. We made our way out then and said our goodbyes to everyone. We thought it was over but when we stopped for dinner where she had two beers my husband reached into her coat pocket and found several pins and some earrings she had stolen from the Emporium. Well, that’s my story and I’m stickin' to it. Can you believe that she kept talking about the things she is going to do differently when we bring her back next year? Not to worry folks. That will NOT be happening. None of her plans included laying off the booze.
Originally Posted By sherrytodd Holy Moly! Honey you are a saint. I may have taken her cart and left her on a curb and ran for it.
Originally Posted By gottaluvdavillains Sounds like alcohol was not her friend - but you guys sure were... Sounds like my trip last sept - I like a nice drink here and again but it seems like the rules for a scooter should be the same as that of a car - don't drink and drive - she is very lucky those parents were so nice, I don't think I would have been!!
Originally Posted By Pollyana Well, I like the picture! The story was kinda sad, though. I am glad that you all had a good time in spite of the conduct unbecomming of a diehard Disney nut....
Originally Posted By iamsally >>>> I may have taken her cart and left her on a curb and ran for it.<<<<<< Don't think that thought did not cross our minds Sherry. We are still working on how and when to sit her down and tell her what she did. She probably won't believe us but maybe this could be the one that makes her stop and think.
Originally Posted By DVC_dad LOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOL BAHHHHHHHHHHHHHH LOLOLOLOLOLOL *Tears! Lolololololoool
Originally Posted By Pollyana Upon looking at the picture again, did she share the brandy with Santa??
Originally Posted By iamsally He was really jolly; and accused ME of being the naughty one. How do you like that!?!
Originally Posted By Tinks_Pixie_Pal Oh my, I am so sorry. You've told me about your friend before. I am so sorry to hear that your trip went this way. Whew. You must be sad and worn out!
Originally Posted By Disney Joy Yep got me laughing and crying. I can't even imagine going thru something like this. I would have shipped her back home. :O)) Glad the kid was alright.
Originally Posted By iamsally Talked to a mutual friend tonight. Virginia told her that we are taking her back in March. I have NO idea how she got that into her head. But the confrontation has to come. I mean, I could just refuse to speak to her but I hope that if enough people confront her she may seek help.
Originally Posted By poohbear14 Hopefully, she'll forget about March. Glad to see you made it home in one piece!
Originally Posted By Pollyana Thanks for the warning....I will be there in March...What color is her scooter?????
Originally Posted By gottaluvdavillains Just give her a bottle of Brandy before you leave and tell her you took her!!
Originally Posted By 999HAUNTS O M G !!!!!! Ruthie, you poor poor dear! I guess we met you at DL on the right day..If we had been one day later we would probably have had you all committed. LOL! I'm glad to hear you FINALLY made it back safe and sound. I hope Mr. Sally's knee is better, and thank goodness for the clones. They are a great group of people, those two. You know they'd do anything for you guys, right? You better believe it! PB and I had such a great time with you Sat evening. Those fireworks were great, weren't they? And our new friend from Monterrey was nice, too. I wonder why he didn't want to ride HMH with us? Ginia wasn't with us at the time.... We absolutely loved how the cast member on Jungle Cruise kept flubbing his lines. Good times.
Originally Posted By piratebrittany That was a lot of fun when we met up with you. THREE CHICKENS FOR THE ONE WITH THE FLASH! How can you NOT love being picked on on the Jungle Cruise. And come on! Shiva's worth four, at least. Then getting in trouble on HMH too! Good good times. PLEASE KEEP ALL BODY PARTS IN YOUR OWN SLEIGH. LOL!
Originally Posted By iamsally Hence the title "Not QUITE the trip from...." We did have some great times. I need a copy of that video clip Brittany. >>Hopefully, she'll forget about March<< NOT A CHANCE!!!! She may not remember her name from time to time but this will stick with her. >>Just give her a bottle of Brandy before you leave and tell her you took her!! << Now THAT could workLOLOLOLOL Seriously, I am very fond of her. She is very sick and I really hope that when we sit her down it will help her to want to seek recovery. She will be told that we cannot take her to Disneyland anymore. I figure if I could live with my children hating me all those years; I can risk her rath.
Originally Posted By murfsmom talk about mr. toads wild ride !! poor kid that got hit by her, she's very lucky the parents let it go, she really has a problem but she needs to admit it before anyone can do anything for her. i'm really sorry this happend on your trip down here,i know how much you look forward to them especially after your trip to ark. !! i'm sorry i missed you, were going tomorrow and meeting for the b day lunch, my friends b day is tomorrow also so it will be fun,hope to see you next time you come down, take care of yourself ruthie -murfsmom
Originally Posted By amazedncal2 Oh my, laughing, shaking my head and wanting to jump in and help all in the same reading. You are saints! I'm so glad that the kids parents were cool about the "hit and scoot." LOL! at gottaluv's suggestion
