Right about now, Timothy Provident probably feels like he is in heaven.
The autistic 17-year-old from Belle Vernon arrived in Disney World near Orlando, Fla., this weekend for the beginning of a weeklong trip provided by the Make-a-Wish Foundation's Greater Pittsburgh branch.
Timothy will, for the first time, meet the larger-than-life versions of his favorite Disney characters, which he has been fond of since he was a toddler.
His parents, Tim and Lisa, said during trips to Children's Hospital in Pittsburgh, they had told their son's neurologist, Inna Vaisleib, about how much their son loves such characters as Donald Duck and Mickey Mouse.
Without the family knowing, Vaisleib contacted Make-a-Wish and was able to fulfill Timothy's dream.
Make-a-Wish communications coordinator Dana Antkowiak said trips to Disney World are common wishes, but the experience should be unforgettable for Timothy.
"Disney World is so popular because it gets the whole family involved," she said. "The Disney World wish in itself is just really great. They're very accommodating. The children get to go to the head of all of the lines. Everyone that comes back says it was the best trip of their life. It is just a nice getaway for the family."
Lisa Provident agreed, saying the family could use a few carefree days.
"We haven't been on a vacation for a long time. It's much needed," she said.
Timothy, his parents, and his sister, Jaimie, accompanied Timothy on the trip.
Among the other thrills, Timothy is experiencing his first airplane ride.
"He'll think that's a Disney ride," his mother said before the trip. "It will be different."
The vacation is not just to Disney World, though.
During the seven days and six nights the family will spend in Florida, they will also visit Epcot, Sea World, Animal Kingdom and Universal Studios.
"We'll be busy. We'll be exhausted when we come back," Lisa Provident said.
Tim Provident said he was most looking forward to watching his son's reaction when he comes face to face with Donald or Mickey.
"He's not going to know what's up until we get there," he said. "I think it's great."
"He loves it. That's his world," Lisa Provident said.
