Disabled And Immersed In The Magical Bubble Of Disney World

This post is all about being “Disabled And Immersed In The Magical Bubble Of Disney World.” In reality, the Disney Bubble does exist but only to those who understand what it represents. It’s a vital part of my Disney vacation and keeps me returning to Disney year after year. As I age and become less mobile, Disney World has become my go-to place for relaxation.

Explaining The Notion Of The Disney Bubble

Let me begin by explaining the notion of the Bubble of Disney World. Within the confines of Disney World exists everything you could want in a vacation. Great resorts, restaurants, shopping, and entertainment. In addition, there are multiple regular and miniature golf courses, water parks, and complimentary transportation. Oh, and did I fail to mention four exceptional theme parks. There’s enough variety to satisfy those young and old!

As a disabled person with mobility issues, I rely on a mobility scooter to get around. Walking with just my cane will only get me so far before I succumb to fatigue. However, I can use my ECV everywhere in the Disney Bubble. Those amenities mentioned above are all easily accessible to me.

Once I drive into my Resort on Disney property, I enter the magical Bubble of Disney World. I park my car and don’t have to use it until I leave for my trip back home. Disney buses, the monorail, Skyliner, and boats are all conveniences that I can use to get around to anything at Disney. All of these transportation modes can accommodate a scooter or wheelchair. So let Disney transportation take care of all your conveyance needs while in the Disney Bubble.

My Adventures On A Non-Theme Park Day

My birthday is in early December. Walt Disney World is all decorated for the holidays by then! So the day of my birthday, I took a non-theme park day to explore and take in some of those holiday decorations and explore other experiences. First, I took the Disney World bus from the Port Orleans Riverside to the Magic Kingdom. Then, I drove my mobility scooter along the walking path to Disney’s Contemporary Resort from the Magic Kingdom. I had booked a reservation for breakfast at Steakhouse 71.

After breakfast at Steakhouse 71, I boarded the monorail bound for the Polynesian Village Resort. Spending time at that Resort was a real treat for me since I’d never been there before. I never managed to get there during previous Disney World visits, even though it is one of the two original on-site Disney resorts. The grounds and scenery reflect a South Seas tropical island theme and are spectacular. The holiday decorations only enhanced the beauty of the Resort.

Continuing The Monorail Crawl To Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

I did the monorail crawl again from the Polynesian Village Resort to my next stop at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. The Grand Floridian is reminiscent of the Victorian era in its glorious splendor. The Resort was breathtaking, fully decorated for Christmas, exceeding my expectations.

When looking down at the main lobby from the second floor, I saw a bride preparing to go to the Wedding Pavilion with her bridal party. So, yes, you can even arrange to get married at the Grand Floridian Resort & Spa and other locations at Walt Disney World. I have a friend who did so several years ago. Although a bit expensive, he expressed nothing but praise for the Disney wedding planners and Pavilion.

Taking The New Walkway From The Grand Floridian Resort & Spa Back To The Magic Kingdom

I intended to take the monorail back to the Magic Kingdom upon leaving. However, instead of the monorail, I took the new walkway from the Grand Floridian Resort & Spa back to the Magic Kingdom. From there, I boarded a bus for my return to the Port Orleans Riverside Resort.

The new walkway takes about 15-20 minutes to walk. So naturally, it was quicker for me on my ECV. Anyway, it was a beautiful day, and the scenery was outstanding. From across the Seven Seas Lagoon, you have a great view of the grandeur of the Grand Floridian Resort & Spa.

Heading To Disney Springs On A Sassagoula Riverboat From The Port Orleans Riverside Resort

After collecting a few things from my room at the Port Orleans Riverside, I proceeded to the boat dock. I boarded a Sassagoula Riverboat heading to Disney Springs. The trip takes about 20 minutes passing the PO French Quarter, Old Key West, Treehouse Villas, and the Saratoga Springs & Spa Resorts along the way. It was a relaxing ride along the picturesque Sassagoula River.

After reaching Disney Springs, I visited many unique shops while admiring the stunning Christmas decorations. I also did a portion of the Disney Springs Christmas Tree Stroll 2021. It’s where you travel around looking for specifically decorated Christmas trees and note them on a map for a prize. I took several pictures of those on the Christmas Tree Stroll but didn’t get around to all twenty! Although desiring to continue, I also wanted to make my dinner reservation on time.

I had dinner at Ragland Road Irish Pub & Restaurant, celebrating my 75th birthday and Irish roots. The food was excellent, but the atmosphere made it even more special. Ragland Road advertises, “Join our Irish imports and experience live Irish music, and dance like you’ve never seen or heard before!” The show certainly lived up to its hype.

Before leaving Disney Springs, I lingered around a bit more. I took in all the seasonal decorations sparkling in the night while listening to Christmas music that filled the air. Finally, my day was nearly complete. Again, the Riverboat provided passage for my leisurely return to the Port Orleans Riverside Resort.

Some Tips For Joining The Disney Bubble

If you haven’t experienced the Disney Bubble yet, here’s how to begin. Stay on Disney property. Many options include value, moderate, and deluxe resort hotels. No matter where you hang your hat for the night, you can visit any resort and eat at any restaurant you choose. Naturally, let your budget be your guide. You may save some money by staying off property, but you lose out on the many benefits of staying on-site. These benefits or perks include early theme park entry and advanced dining reservations. Next, utilize Disney transportation for all your conveyance needs. Park your car and eliminate the worries of traveling around. Please take advantage of Disney transportation; let them do it for you.

I Had Experienced The Disney Bubble Throughout My Vacation

I had experienced the Disney Bubble throughout my vacation. It was especially true on my birthday. I didn’t have to get off of my mobility scooter at all unless I chose to. As an individual with mobility issues, this was a blessing. I used the ECV on all the transport options I utilized during the day. Plus, I explored the Resorts and Disney Springs at my leisure and convenience. So ultimately, I got to enjoy the entire day without concern for my mobility limitations.

Being in the Disney Bubble could mean different things to people. It could mean spending time as a family. It’s doing fun things together with little regard for what’s going on back home. Some may view it as a departure from adult responsibilities which generally occur in daily lives. When inside the Disney Bubble, all the concerns of the outside world seem to disappear magically.

For me, it means immersion in the captivating world of Disney upon arrival. It means freedom to come and go freely doing whatever I want. In addition, I never have to be concerned about my limited mobility. Being in the Disney Bubble enables me to deal with those limitations.

When I leave the Disney Bubble to travel home, I always think about returning as soon as possible. I also feel driven to return to Walt Disney World time after time. I invariably look forward to planning my next trip. The countdown to the day that I’m in the Bubble again begins. My family and friends ask where my next vacation will be. I answer, “Disney World,” and they say, “Are you going AGAIN?” I guess they don’t understand what the appeal of being in the Disney Bubble means to me.

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john

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