Trip to Disney World thrill for Rector girl

The Dooley family had the opportunity to meet Mickey Mouse and Minnie mouse during theirtrip to Walt Disney World.
(photo provided)

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Most of the Rector community knows the struggle 14-year-old Ariel Dooley has faced her entire life. The teen, whose infectious smile and good nature can brighten even the darkest room, has had to battle spina bifida her entire life. The condition resulted in Ariel's spinal column not being completely formed when she was born. While she was able to move around through the use of crutches earlier in her life, she now requires the use of a wheelchair.

Yet, Ariel has always managed to rise above her spina bifida. The pleasant, likable young lady she has become never misses an opportunity to share a laugh with loved ones and friends. She excels in the classroom, becoming the kind of pupil in which any teacher can be proud.

Last week, Ariel received the opportunity to achieve one of the biggest dreams in the lives of most children when she and her family were treated to an all expenses paid trip to Walt Disney World in Orlando, Fla.

"It was the best," an obviously excited Ariel recalled. "We had so much fun!"

The trip was the product of a wish granted by the Make-A-Wish Foundation's mid-south headquarters in Memphis. The organization had been in contact with the family previously. Ariel had even created a list of wishes she would like to see come true. While the list initially had four possible choices, including a roll-in in-ground swimming pool, new van with joystick operation for the teenager to learn to drive and a Gaither cruise featuring her favorite Gospel musicians, it was the trip to Disney World which Ariel chose.

"My dad had said he would never set foot in Disney World," Ariel said. "I thought the other things might have a better chance of happening (on their own). I knew this was the only way we'd go to Disney World."

While on the trip of a lifetime, Ariel, her younger brother, Evan, and parents, Bill and Letecia, definitely made the most of their visit to the world-famous theme park. They had three-day passes to Disney World, the Magic Kingdom, Disney's Hollywood Studios and Epcot Center. They also had two-day passes to Universal Studios Orlando and a one-day pass to Sea World.

While at Orlando, the family stayed at the Give Kids the World resort, created especially for use by Wish Kids and their families. The resort was built to resemble the board used in the popular Candy Land game. The family stayed in a two bedroom, two bath suite.

The family enjoyed the many sites and attractions the locations had to offer.

"One of the first things we did was ride the Teacups," Ariel said. "I wanted to do that right away."

The Dooleys also rode a number of simulators featuring such popular characters as Spider-Man, Shrek, Darth Vader and numerous others.

"The simulators were cool," eight-year-old Evan said. "They were so much fun!"

Even though the family was able to avoid lines for the attractions through Ariel's Wish Kid status, there still wasn't enough time to enjoy all Disney World had to offer.

"There are so many things you can do," Ariel said. "It's almost impossible to see everything."

The family left Jan. 9, flying out of Memphis, and returned home on Jan. 15, the one-year anniversary of Ariel's back surgery to straighten her spine.

"I thought that was pretty neat how we got back on the one-year anniversary of her surgery," Letecia said. "It's amazing how these things work out."

As for Bill not wanting to step foot into Disney World, the trip and joy he shared with his family has led to a change of heart.

"My dad even had a good time," Ariel said. "That was a miracle in itself. I think I may be able to talk him into going back. It was so much fun."

The Dooleys say they are grateful to the Make-A-Wish Foundation for the opportunity to visit Disney World.