3500: An Autistic Boy's Ten-Year Romance with Snow White

Lokheed

Lokheed

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
Regular visitors to WDWMagic.com may recall that when Snow White's Scary Adventures closed permanently last year, I wrote a series of blog posts about my autistic son and his experiences on that final night. I have written a book about his entire experience, and as of this morning it is available for sale through my website in both signed and standard editions, as well as through Amazon.com in both print and Kindle editions.

3500_cover_front_small.png


http://shmoolok.com/Book - Detailed information about the book, as well as links to purchase a copy

http://www.amazon.com/dp/1482093308 - Print edition on Amazon.com

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BFTDHV4 - Kindle edition on Amazon.com

New York Times best-selling author Cory Doctorow has this to say about the book:

"Brimming with heart and tragedy overcome, this is a book that captures the tribulations of parenthood, the magic of Disney World, and the wonderful online communities that allow us to lend aid and comfort to strangers around the world."
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In a recent interview with the Phoenix New Times, when asked about the most recent book he had read, Cory Doctorow also said: (http://blogs.phoenixnewtimes.com/ja...ow_tech_trotsky_changing_hands_asu.php?page=4)
"The book I just finished is a yet-to-be-self-published manuscript for a book called: "3500: An Autistic's Boy Ten-Year Romance With Snow White," by a writer named Ron Miles. And it's a memoir about a father whose autistic son only really came out of his shell when he was on the Snow White ride, at Disney World. They actually moved the family to Orlando so that the kid could be near it. Disney was very involved with the kid and they ended up throwing little parties for him when he crossed 1,000, and 2,000 and 3,000 rides. It's a memoir about the family and about parenthood and about growing up as an autistic kid and how sometimes, Disney can actually be magic. It was a terrific book, if it doesn't reduce you to tears in at least one or two points you've got a heart of stone."
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Because so many people here at WDWMagic.com have shared in Ben's experience over the years, I thought you might enjoy hearing about the book as well. Thank you so much for all of your support and kindness.
 
stargrl33

stargrl33

Active Member
Are you the same family that was mentioned in the Unofficial Guide? I was just thinking about you yesterday and wondering how your son was doing.
 
The Empress Lilly

The Empress Lilly

Well-Known Member
I thought quite a bit about this boy when SWSA finally closed. The account on your blog of the last day was very moving.

Sometimes, Disney can get it oh so right. Evil WDW showed real heart.
 
Nemo14

Nemo14

Well-Known Member
Ron - I was hoping you'd publish a book about this. I've referred several of my friends to your blog, and that story of Ben's last ride on SWSA always brings them to tears. I'll be ordering a copy as soon as I get back home - thanks for sharing.
 
jesemeca

jesemeca

Well-Known Member
I was there the night Snow White's ride closed. I wrote about that night in my trip report. Instead of trying to explain myself again, I will just post what I wrote originally.


Snow White's Scary Adventure was closing tonight and I wanted to be there to see it. I stayed until closing so I could watch a special boy named Ben, take the last ride ever on Snow White's Scary Adventure. After Wishes was over, the Cast Members were trying to get everyone to leave the area. They told us that it would not be opening any time soon, we needed to go around, through Tomorrowland. After maybe the third time telling us this, they finally caught on that we weren't going anywhere. We were all waiting for the same thing. While standing around, waiting for the line to end, I started chatting with the people around me. I meet a Jungle Cruise Skipper, who had been at work since opening that morning, that stuck around just to see this. I met many Cast Members that were off that night that came back to watch. I met a mother and son, locals, who were there for the same reason. Most of us didn't even know Ben, but we knew his story and wanted to be there, to be a part of it. As the last few mine carts came through, we all watched some of the last riders cheer and some cry. After the last group came out, they marked the mine cart and rotated the carts through. Once we saw the cone come back out, it was finally time. We all watched as Ben and his family boarded their mine cart for the last time. We cheered as they went in. As each cart came out, we all held our breath, waiting for Ben and his family to make there exit. And when they did, we clapped and cheered and cried for what seems like forever. Everyone had smiles on there faces, realizing what we all just watched. I have never felt so a part of something, without even knowing anyone else there. The crowd still didn't thin out any, we all kinda hung around. Eventually, they started directing us toward Main St. Where I hung around a little while, soaking up the feeling and emotions of tonight. I don't know any of you will read this, but I will say it anyway. Thank you, to Ben, his family, the Cast Members (both on and off that night) and all the other guests that were in Fantasyland that night. That night, that feeling, that atmosphere is what Walt Disney World is all about to me. We were a group of people, who didn't know each other, all coming together for that moment. I will forever be grateful that I got to be a part of that moment.
 
Lokheed

Lokheed

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
jesemeca - That's so sweet, thank you! I had no idea at all. We were so trapped in our little bubble it was hard to notice anything else that was going on.

Do you mind if I repost this to my blog?
 
jesemeca

jesemeca

Well-Known Member
No, I don't mind at all. I even have a picture of Ben from that night. It's not the best picture, but if you would like me to send it to you, let me know.

And thank you for sharing your story with everyone. I have shared your story with everyone that will listen.

I could go on and on about all that was going on that night. The stories I heard, the things I saw, the emotions that were felt. It was an amazing night, one of my favorite nights ever in the Magic Kingdom.
 

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