Revisiting the Past

Favorite Vacation Moment

Philadelphia, PA

by thegotwals March 12, 2008 | Philadelphia, PA

The Gotwals w/Pooh

In March 2006 our family traveled to WDW for a 4 day stay in the World. Our first Disney Family Vacation - just the 4 of us alone - ever! Every other trip to Disney had been w/extended family/friends, so this was special!

I've had Asthma all my life and Diabetes from the age of 13. I was not feeling well when we landed in Florida, but thought nothing of it. As we entered the Magic Kingdom for our walk down Main Street, my breathing got worse, but again I kept telling myself I was fine and this was our first vacation alone and I was not going to spoil it by being ill. By the next morning, I knew I was in trouble and had to get to a clinic or hospital for treatment of my Asthma.

We were staying at the Coronado Springs Resort and the staff was wonderful in directing us to a clinic and getting us transportation there! When our car arrived to take me, the whole family came along. There was a 4 hour wait at the clinic, so I told my family to just go ahead with our plans of going to Hollywood Studios (formerly MGM) that day. I'd see the doctor and take the shuttle back to Coronado Springs. Well, to make a long story short, the doctor would not treat my Asthma because of my Diabetes. He suggested I go to the emergency room. I took the shuttle back to the hotel and called my husband and kids (who were in the middle of seeing the Light, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show) and asked them to come back and take me to Celebration Hospital.

I had been to Celebration Hospital on my first visit to Disney when I was 4 years old. I had an Asthma attack then too! When we arrived at the Hospital (thanks again to the wonderful Castmembers at Coronado for getting me transportation to and from!) and I signed in, the women at the registration counter asked for my social security number. After I gave it to her she said, "Have you been here before?", and I said "Yes, when I was 4 years old!". She said, "Yes, I see that! It was 1972 right? And you were seen for the same problem back then â¬ Asthma!â¬ý Well, it was a good laugh to break up a rather stressful day as I thought, â¬SDisney Magic extends all the way to Celebration Hospital!â¬ý Well, 2 hours later the physician gave me a breathing treatment and some long term medication and sent us on our way.

On the way back to Coronado after filling a prescription (around 9:00 p.m.) we headed over to Downtown Disney to salvage the day somewhat. The next day I was feeling better as we headed into Animal Kingdom to enjoy the fast pass on the Kilimanjaro Safari we had received when we checked into Coronado Springs (We were the family of the Day!) and were able to salvage the rest of our vacation. It was, as usual, a magical experience even though I spent a good portion of my time away from Disney and it will always be a stand-out vacation!