{"id":39672,"date":"2015-06-04T12:00:13","date_gmt":"2015-06-04T16:00:13","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.themouseforless.com\/blog_world\/?p=39672"},"modified":"2022-04-12T13:42:43","modified_gmt":"2022-04-12T17:42:43","slug":"pixie-hollow-magic","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.themouseforless.com\/blog_world\/pixie-hollow-magic\/","title":{"rendered":"Pixie Hollow Magic"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"imageedit_1_3587302729\"<\/a><\/p>\n

We would like to welcome new blogger Laurie to the Mouse For Less Family!<\/em><\/p>\n

Trips to Disneyland are very special vacations for our family but for one of my daughters, Disneyland is overwhelming and loud.\u00a0 Michayla is non-verbal, global developmentally delayed and autistic.\u00a0 These trips usually come and go with few reactions or memorable moments for her.\u00a0\u00a0 Yet oftentimes trips to Disneyland are usually stressful, where she will hide inside of her stroller to escape the stimuli around her.<\/p>\n

So what exactly is Autism Spectrum Disorder?<\/p>\n

Autism Spectrum Disorder or ASD is a neurodevelopmental disability where the person may experience impaired social interaction, repetitive behaviors, sensory issues and communication problems.\u00a0 With some, ASD can be associated with intellectual disabilities, difficulties in motor skills and attention and\/or physical health issues.<\/em><\/p>\n

Disneyland is a sensory overload with lots of visual stimuli, smells and sounds.\u00a0 Planning ahead and being prepared with items like sunglasses, headphones, music and items that help calm the person can help.<\/p>\n

However, everything changed for our daughter, Michayla on 12-12-12.\u00a0 A very special and magical moment happened as we did the character meet-n-greet with Tinkerbell.\u00a0 Tinkerbell can be found in Pixie Hollow which is located\u00a0between Sleeping Beauty’s Castle and the Matterhorn.<\/p>\n

\"imageedit_1_9060414571\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Pixie Hollow is a colorful and animated area, where you get to step into the fairies world.\u00a0 Large flowers and blades of grass tower over you, making you feel like you are as small as the fairies.\u00a0 Disney did not hold back when designing this area.<\/p>\n

\"imageedit_1_6931191086\"<\/a> \"imageedit_1_5305149603\"<\/a><\/p>\n

When the Cast Member lets you enter, you get to meet one of Tinkerbell’s friends:\u00a0 Vidia, Fawn, Rosetta, Iridessa, Silvermist, Periwinkle or Terrance.\u00a0 You never know who will be waiting to greet you until you go in.\u00a0 You will get to spend a few minutes talking, getting an\u00a0autograph and taking pictures with the fairy.\u00a0 After spending some time with Tink’s friend, you will round the corner to meet Tinkerbell herself!<\/p>\n

This is when we noticed that Michayla came to life.\u00a0 She sat straight up in her stroller and leaned forward to allow Tinkerbell to hold her hands.\u00a0 The interaction was surprising to us, as this is not normal for her.\u00a0 It brought me to tears, to see her smiling and looking deep into Tinkerbell’s eyes as Tink chatted with her.\u00a0 This is hands down, the best picture from any of our trips and means so much to us.<\/p>\n

\"imageedit_1_5427419494\"<\/a><\/p>\n

From that magical moment on, Michayla has become more engaged while at Disneyland.\u00a0 She watches people around her, she sits up and bounces to the music that can be heard throughout the parks and she watches the parades & fireworks.\u00a0 Michayla also has a love for two of the rides:\u00a0 The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh and the Mad Tea Party (teacups).\u00a0 We continue to do character meals and character meet-n-greets, with a few special moments, but nothing like that magical moment back in Pixie Hollow.<\/p>\n

Here are a couple of tips to keep in mind when visiting:<\/p>\n