Taking Kyle’s mobility and equipment needs in mind, Team Kyle chose to discover the streets of Ensenada on foot, instead. We were assured that a wheelchair accessible bus would be available and once everyone ate breakfast, we were off. Thanks to years of considerable practice, Kyle was secured on the bus quickly.
The kids were amazed at the musicians and artisans we saw as we strolled by. We took the time to learn about some of the history of Mexico. Brigette, Jax, and Remy especially took in the sights in honor of their half-Mexican heritage.
As we finished a leisurely lunch, the cloudy skies gave way to sunshine. We made our way back to the ship and scattered to our own devices until the dinner show.
And to prepare for Pirate Night.
Now, I haven’t gone into much detail about the handicap accessible staterooms because, although I visited Kyle’s room, I didn’t spend enough time there to comment on what it was like to care for him in the space.
But I can share what Paul and Victor had to say about it.
While there was space for the wheelchair, the amount of equipment added to the fact that three of our group was staying there made the spacious room a bit cramped at times. ~ SuperCaptainBraveDAD Paul
Kyle had a bath every day we were on the ship and it was definitely a two-person job. Paul and Victor would—in their bathing suits and with swim shoes on for traction—take turns holding Kyle steady while the other bathed him.
The bathroom was large. If we wanted to, we could have brought the wheelchair in there and still have room to move around. But it was more like a locker room shower area—tiled with a drain in the center, a pull-down bath seat, and a detachable shower head on the wall. I wish there was a small tub in the corner. It wasn’t ideal, but we managed. ~ The Victor Soldier
Oh, a quick PSA. Sunscreen doesn’t work if it stays in the bottle. Please remember to apply liberally. Even during overcast days. Sunburns can happen anywhere. As we all remembered when we saw Kyle’s face in the pictures. He was ok, just flushed for the next few days.
Team Kyle likes to dress up. And we like to surprise each other. So, when given the chance, we went all out. From drawing scars on cheeks to wearing fake tattoo sleeves, eye patches to stuffed parrots on Kyle’s shoulder…to Paul sauntering to our table with a head full of Captain Jack worthy hair.
We ate at Animator’s Palate, which in itself is a spectacle of color and movement. Our party of particularly playful pirates took tremendous delight in devouring each and every mouthwatering morsel on our plates.
After dinner, there was the Party Like a Pirate event up on deck. It included watching Pirate Mickey zip line over our heads and the entire gang dance to some great tunes. The night came to a wonderous close with fireworks over the water.
It’s was especially great for Kyle. Because although we’ve visited the Disneyland Resort, we always leave before the fireworks. Being on board the ship meant that we didn’t have to worry about travel time home. His room and bed were a short elevator ride away. He could enjoy the fireworks and music for as long as he wanted.
