A magic day in the Magic Kingdom
Dreams Take Flight excursion gives 110 special youngsters an experience to remember
It’s pretty special when you can see a dream come true before your eyes. Last month, dreams came true for 110 special children from the Ottawa area. As a volunteer with Dreams Take Flight, I travelled to Disney World with the organization that provides the opportunity for children with social, mental and/ or physical challenges to experience a one-day trip to Magic Kingdom. None of the children had ever been to Disney World before and for most, it was their first time in a plane and first time outside Canada.
After waking up in the wee hours (with all the excitement, it was a sleepless night for many), children arrived at the Canada Reception Centre at the Ottawa Airport. Dressed in princess costumes, the Air Canada all-volunteer crew set the mood and helped ensure a magical beginning to an unforgettable day. The entire plane was decorated, inspirational Disney-themed messages were found on every seat table and Disney musical favourites were played over the speakers.
It was refreshing to see the perspective of a group flying for the first time and realizing that elements of life that may have become routine to some of us, really are amazing and important to take the time to appreciate. After breakfast and Dairy Queen ice-cream bars for dessert (extra fuel to keep us going throughout the day), we touched down, boarded buses and drove — with a police escort, no less — to the Magic Kingdom.
Witnessing the wonder and amazement of the six children in our small group who travelled through the park together was the highlight of the day for me. From travelling in a boat alongside Captain Jack Sparrow at Pirates of the Caribbean, spinning in a tea cup, meeting ghosts at the Haunted Mansion and a talking garbage can in Tomorrowland, the enthusiasm of the very deserving children was incredible and contagious. Splash Mountain and Thunder Mountain were group favourites, and of course, one ride was just not enough. We were joined on rides by the Air Canada crew, including the pilot, who, even though they had no obligation, joined in with groups, interacted with the children and did everything to make sure the day was perfect for all.
Despite the long day, heat and brief periods of rain, there were no complaints and my entire group was enormously appreciative of being given the opportunity to visit Disney World, thanking the volunteers many times throughout the day.
After nine hours, it was time for the monorail and bus ride back to the airport. It came as no surprise that many quickly fell asleep on the way back but not before some more treats from the flight attendants/princesses along with aspiring flight attendants who helped with announcements and delivering snacks. After touchdown in Ottawa, we walked down a red carpet, past flashbulbs and rolling video cameras from our fans.
For many of these children, there is no next trip. But Dreams Take Flight made sure that this one day was so great that it will stay with them forever. Thanks to the children — their enthusiasm, their gratitude and their stories — it was a day that will also stay with me for a long time.
You can find out more about Dreams Take Flight at yow.dreamstakeflight.ca