Needing some feedback for a trip with a 5 year old girl with CP

arthropodtodd · Sep 27, 2015

So we are headed down to the world in 33 days. It is our family, (myself, DW, and DD5), our good friends (mom and dad, and three girls, 6, 5, and 5...no twins), and a 20 something girl to help out, a family friend of theirs. One of their daughters, 5, has mild CP. She does tire quickly and she has some sensory issues, mostly related to loud noises and surprise noises are the worst.

So far I have done all the planning, and I mean all. They have provided very little feedback as they want me to do all the planning since i am the "expert", however disabilities are not my forte. We have had some discussions about what we need to do for their daughter with CP from a planning stand point. Most conversations end with some statement about her probably not wanting to ride a lot of rides. I tend to think she will surprise everyone, after all it is Disney, a place filled with magic!

So currently the plan is to have her stroller marked and used as a wheelchair and to bring along her noise canceling headphones, and we might even need to take some breaks in some of the rest areas or she will just go back to the resort. I am not seeing anything from a cognitive standpoint in which she needs a DAS. So I am looking for a little feedback and direction in regards to the following: 1) based on what little you now know do you think we are fine without doing the DAS? If not, what are you thinking that I might be clueless about? 2) Explain the "stroller is a wheelchair" process from a ride standpoint. There are some rides in which I imagine she will want nothing to do with the stroller, like Winnie the Pooh. But in other lines, where they might be longer with little to do, do we just push it through the stand by line? What should be my plan here if we aren't just parking the stroller? 3) Talk to me about flights there and back. We are flying Southwest. I am sure it will be stressful, but I don't think she will to board earlier as she is light as a feather and can just be carried on board.

Thanks for any feedback!

gap2368 · Sep 28, 2015

I think getting the stroller tagged is a great idea. She can stay setting in lines or she can get up and walk it will be her chose. when you get to the front the CM will tell you what to do.

as fair as the DAS if you think she dose not need it then try with out it but if you do then get one I would tell the parents your plans let them know you do not know about disabilities at disney and these are the option they know there child best I most rides I do not need my NCHP but the lines I do. I only say talk to the parents to get a better idea of there daughters needs because you will be at GS getting the stroller tag so if you needed both then you are right there.

aaarcher86 · Sep 28, 2015

I think your plan is great. Not seeing much need for a DAS.

As far as lines, I'd just play it by ear. You would just take the stroller through the line, hop on, and the stroller would be waiting at the exit. You can just determine if you use it when you get to each ride. Same with breaks.

Being flexible is key. Don't forget about the fireworks that go off periodically at MK

SMD · Sep 28, 2015

arthropodtodd said:
So we are headed down to the world in 33 days. It is our family, (myself, DW, and DD5), our good friends (mom and dad, and three girls, 6, 5, and 5...no twins), and a 20 something girl to help out, a family friend of theirs. One of their daughters, 5, has mild CP. She does tire quickly and she has some sensory issues, mostly related to loud noises and surprise noises are the worst.

So far I have done all the planning, and I mean all. They have provided very little feedback as they want me to do all the planning since i am the "expert", however disabilities are not my forte. We have had some discussions about what we need to do for their daughter with CP from a planning stand point. Most conversations end with some statement about her probably not wanting to ride a lot of rides. I tend to think she will surprise everyone, after all it is Disney, a place filled with magic!

So currently the plan is to have her stroller marked and used as a wheelchair and to bring along her noise canceling headphones, and we might even need to take some breaks in some of the rest areas or she will just go back to the resort. I am not seeing anything from a cognitive standpoint in which she needs a DAS. So I am looking for a little feedback and direction in regards to the following: 1) based on what little you now know do you think we are fine without doing the DAS? If not, what are you thinking that I might be clueless about? 2) Explain the "stroller is a wheelchair" process from a ride standpoint. There are some rides in which I imagine she will want nothing to do with the stroller, like Winnie the Pooh. But in other lines, where they might be longer with little to do, do we just push it through the stand by line? What should be my plan here if we aren't just parking the stroller? 3) Talk to me about flights there and back. We are flying Southwest. I am sure it will be stressful, but I don't think she will to board earlier as she is light as a feather and can just be carried on board.

Thanks for any feedback!

I think you might be overstepping by trying to decide which accommodations she needs. Let the parents figure out of she needs a stroller at all or a stroller as a wheelchair when you get there. If the parents haven't mentioned any need to alter plans, don't alter your plans until they say it's necessary. To me, the absolute worse thing that could happen would be that someone altered the group's plans because they perceived that myself or my hypothetical child would not be able to do something due to a disability that I did not ask them to account for.

lost*in*cyberspace · Sep 28, 2015

I think that I would be a bit annoyed that these parents are being so passive. Send them links to information about the DAS and let them deal with it.

It's hard to do the parks with so many people as a group. Plan on splitting up and doing what you and your family want to do.

As for your flights, the other family can ask for a parent to preboard with the daughter with CP if they think this is necessary. Otherwise, I would suggest at least that family think about paying for EBCI, since they are traveling with so many kids and a helper.

lanejudy · Sep 28, 2015

arthropodtodd said:
2) Explain the "stroller is a wheelchair" process from a ride standpoint. There are some rides in which I imagine she will want nothing to do with the stroller, like Winnie the Pooh. But in other lines, where they might be longer with little to do, do we just push it through the stand by line? What should be my plan here if we aren't just parking the stroller?

Whether or not she uses the stroller in a line may be less about "which ride" and more about the child's stamina or ability to function at any specific time. You could arrive at the "most fun" queue in the park, but if it's 9pm after a full day in the park, my guess is she won't be able to deal with walking the queue. Now, that's an extreme example as I'm sure she'll tire well before that; and if she takes a break in the stroller periodically, she may have various times throughout the day that she alternates between too tired or quite willing to walk.

As to where to park... the stroller can be parked in stroller parking outside the queue or pushed through the queue, whichever seems appropriate. At the point where your party will board the ride, the CMs will direct you as to where to leave the stroller. Just note that you are a very large party and as such may not all be riding together; you may need or want to split up at least occasionally.

I agree with others that you seem to have reached the point where her parents need to take over planning for their child's disability. Provide them with the information, explain the options available, and let them decide what they believe is best. They know their child and her needs much better than you. You've been a terrific friend to do so much of the work for them!

Enjoy your vacation!

thumpie's mom · Sep 28, 2015

I agree with some of the other posters...you need to have her parent's figure out the accessibility side of things. We have taken my daughter, who also has CP and is wheelchair dependent to WDW 3 times. If the parent's call WDW directly and speak to a CM in special services, they will be able to get all the details they need to make the trip successful for their family. It really should not be up to you (you are a truly good friend!). We fly Southwest and they have never given us any problems with pre-boarding. We take her chair right inside the plane and then transfer her to the closest seat. Again, would recommend the parents call Southwest and discuss how to best handle the boarding and disembarking of the plane. Hope your trip is wonderful and you all have a great time! :flower1:

arthropodtodd · Sep 28, 2015

Thanks for all the feedback. I sent a few links for them to look at, so i will give them a day or two to look before i follow up. We are planning on keeping the whole crew together rhe whole time. This in not ideal in my mind, but since they are doing zero planning i think it will be for the best.

Now if i can convince the dad to give trying to meet up with an old female friend, ugh, life will be good.

thumpie's mom · Sep 28, 2015

One thing you/they might want to verify is the number of people that can be put on the DAS. We don't use the DAS because my daughter has a visible disability and she does not need one, but we have heard from other families that the limit is 7 people. Having said that, that is for Disneyland, not sure if WDW has different rules. It is worth checking out since your party is large.

the advocate · Oct 7, 2015

arthropodtodd said:
One of their daughters, 5, has mild CP. She does tire quickly and she has some sensory issues, mostly related to loud noises and surprise noises are the worst.

IMO, you really need the DAS and you should utilize it in conjunction with FP+ in order to get in as many rides as possible because a 5 year old with CP will not last long in the parks. Based on the description of the disabled child (sensory issues being the key words), she will qualify and GS should allow all of your party to be included (there is no set limit with DAS).

Also, since you are the Disney expert and the disabled child's parents are first-timers, I recommend that you do the planning if you value your vacation. There are some good threads on here on how to utilize DAS in conjunction with FP+ so that you will always be on a ride as opposed to waiting between rides. Kudos to you for inviting this family along on your trip because I am sure they could use a break given their child's disability and best of luck!

JennyDrake · Oct 7, 2015

arthropodtodd said:
Now if i can convince the dad to give trying to meet up with an old female friend, ugh, life will be good.

Having been in a similar situation, "Let It Go." <everybody sing along!>

He is an adult making an adult decision with potential consequences. Step back and focus on YOUR family and YOUR trip.

You are a DEAR person for trying so hard for this other family, but IMHO, it is time for you to relax and BREATHE and "Let It Go."

the advocate · Oct 7, 2015

JennyDrake said:
Having been in a similar situation, "Let It Go." <everybody sing along!>

He is an adult making an adult decision with potential consequences. Step back and focus on YOUR family and YOUR trip.

You are a DEAR person for trying so hard for this other family, but IMHO, it is time for you to relax and BREATHE and "Let It Go."

Unless these families plan on going their separate ways, I wouldn't recommend this especially having a disabled child along that has stamina issues. Before the OP knows it, the other family will have had it and want to go back to the resort (our CP child usually only lasts until around 2 and then we are done for the day).

OP - plan on getting the DAS and study up on utilizing it in conjunction with FP+ (there are many threads on here). Then, when the CP child does hit the wall and want to go home, at least you will have gotten in a few more attractions than you would have been able to do w/o the DAS. Either that, or plan on going your separate ways at this time.

OurBigTrip · Oct 7, 2015

the advocate said:
IMO, you really need the DAS and you should utilize it in conjunction with FP+ in order to get in as many rides as possible because a 5 year old with CP will not last long in the parks. Based on the description of the disabled child (sensory issues being the key words), she will qualify and GS should allow all of your party to be included (there is no set limit with DAS).

Also, since you are the Disney expert and the disabled child's parents are first-timers, I recommend that you do the planning if you value your vacation. There are some good threads on here on how to utilize DAS in conjunction with FP+ so that you will always be on a ride as opposed to waiting between rides. Kudos to you for inviting this family along on your trip because I am sure they could use a break given their child's disability and best of luck!

The DAS isn't meant to "get on as many rides as possible" in a shortened time - while I agree 100% that using it in conjunction with FP+ is the very best way to go, the DAS is in no way meant to be used as compensation for shortened park days. I don't really see how the DAS gets you on any additional rides, since with the DAS, you still have to wait the standby time minus 10 minutes.

gap2368 · Oct 9, 2015

OurBigTrip said:
I don't really see how the DAS gets you on any additional rides, since with the DAS, you still have to wait the standby time minus 10 minutes.

if you do it right then yes you can ride more rides then a person with out a DAS card. and I am not going to post how to do this,
but people with a DAS card have a disability and most can not do all day in the park or have to take breaks for different resin. I know for my self my average 6 day trip I spend at lest 90 minutes a day in first aid have the paramedics called at lest 3 times and go to celebration ER about once every other trip.( working with my dr to try and prevent going to the ER) so I may be able to get an extra ride in the mornings but I am stuck at my hotel room or first aid for the afternoon. so with the OP friend having CP it maybe best to do the mornings with FP+ and the DAS and then take the child back to the room mid afternoon to rest then head back to the park in the evening or even go to first aid to rest I do know someone with CP and he dose not do well with loud noises at all he uses ear plugs and then puts on his noise canseling head phone on top of that. he has asked for a DAS and I believe was either turned down or said it was not helpful at all I can not remember what one it was

jenineh · Oct 9, 2015

OurBigTrip said:
The DAS isn't meant to "get on as many rides as possible" in a shortened time - while I agree 100% that using it in conjunction with FP+ is the very best way to go, the DAS is in no way meant to be used as compensation for shortened park days. I don't really see how the DAS gets you on any additional rides, since with the DAS, you still have to wait the standby time minus 10 minutes.

People with a DAS can go ride something with a shorter wait time while they are waiting for their DAS time to come up. May not be the best rides but they still have more options then those without a DAS.

SMD · Oct 9, 2015

the advocate said:
IMO, you really need the DAS and you should utilize it in conjunction with FP+ in order to get in as many rides as possible because a 5 year old with CP will not last long in the parks. Based on the description of the disabled child (sensory issues being the key words), she will qualify and GS should allow all of your party to be included (there is no set limit with DAS).

Thank you for providing the keyword we can all use to get on as many rides as possible, absent an actual need to do so.

the advocate said:
Unless these families plan on going their separate ways, I wouldn't recommend this especially having a disabled child along that has stamina issues. Before the OP knows it, the other family will have had it and want to go back to the resort (our CP child usually only lasts until around 2 and then we are done for the day).

OP - plan on getting the DAS and study up on utilizing it in conjunction with FP+ (there are many threads on here). Then, when the CP child does hit the wall and want to go home, at least you will have gotten in a few more attractions than you would have been able to do w/o the DAS. Either that, or plan on going your separate ways at this time.

You need to re-read what was quoted. It says nothing about a disabled child or CP. You are making a lot of assumptions about what this other family will do and what this child's abilities and needs are. You have already handed them a DAS when it may not even be necessary for this child.

Needing some feedback for a trip with a 5 year old girl with CP

arthropodtodd

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gap2368

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aaarcher86

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SMD

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lostincyberspace

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lanejudy

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thumpie's mom

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arthropodtodd

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thumpie's mom

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the advocate

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JennyDrake

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OurBigTrip

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gap2368

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