6 Yr Old with Mono 2 weeks before Disney

[jenrein]

We have a trip planned for our family of 5, my parents and my sister. My 6 yr old has mono as of today. My mother in law (who has MS and is full time wheel chair bound) is telling me I should look into renting a wheel chair for my 6 yr old as she will be getting over mono. Do you think this is a bit excessive?

 

[Grumpy_Disney_Dad]

I dont know about a wheel chair but I would consider a stroller. Even if your 6 year old doesnt need it all the time , you can use it to carry youbags and such, but at least you will have it in case you do need it

 

[cymomtx]

Mono takes a long time to recover from and if you are not careful you can relapse. I would definately rent one of those big plastic strollers on sight just to give your child a chance to rest and to keep them out of the sun. Drink lots of water and takes lots of breaks.

 

[jenrein]

Thank you for the suggestions....now I just hope the other kids dont pick it up!

 

[jenrein]

I read the FAQ on the GAC- can someone tell me how do people know you have that? How can they know you are using a stroller as a wheelchair? Do you have to show everyone?

 

[SueM in MN]

I read the FAQ on the GAC- can someone tell me how do people know you have that? How can they know you are using a stroller as a wheelchair? Do you have to show everyone?

They have been sometimes putting a sticker/tag (sort of like a luggage tag) onto the stroller. Sometimes they give you a card with a stamp on it that says "May use stroller as a wheelchair".
You just show either the tag or the card to the CM at the entrance to the lines before you get in lines. The CM will direct you where to go and what to do.
When you get the GAC at Guest Services, you can also ask them questions about how to use it. Basically, you just show it to the first CM at the attraction.

Another note - a doctor's note is not required, but in your case, it might make things easier since your DD's need is going to be totally invisible and not that many 6 yr olds get mono.

 

[OneLittleSpark]

You might want to consider renting a stroller from an off-site company, so that you can use it around your resort, at DTD and the water parks (though that could be an interesting challenge to manage).

Have a great holiday, and make sure you don't over-do things !

 

[SueM in MN]

I responded on your post on the Family Board, and I know you saw my advice there.
This is just for people who might read this and wonder about renting a wheelchair for a child.
I would not recommend renting a wheelchair for a child unless that child is close to adult size. The wheelchairs at the parks and resorts are almost all adult size. There may be some child size ones, but they are few and far between.
A child in an adult wheelchair is not going to be very comfortable. People think that it should be fine because children sit on adult size chairs and couches all the time, but it is different sitting in something way too big that is also being rolled around. Beside, the rental wheelchairs are very heavy to push around.
The WDW park strollers are very nice for children up to a small 12 year old. There are some places that rent strollers listed in the disABILITIES FAQs thread located near the top of this board.

 

[TheDisneyGirl02]

I would suggest getting something for her to use at WDW. I did WDW with mono when I was 16 and I was in a wheelchair the entire time. She will enjoy the trip a lot more if she's not tired all of the time from walking!

Please give her my get well wishes!

 

[jenrein]

I would suggest getting something for her to use at WDW. I did WDW with mono when I was 16 and I was in a wheelchair the entire time. She will enjoy the trip a lot more if she's not tired all of the time from walking!

Please give her my get well wishes!

Thank you for the well wishes. And I agree she will need something that she can rest in. I think the stroller will be most comfortable and I will get a note for the GAC thing.

 

[jenrein]

Can someone post the link to the form the drs fill out for the GAC?

 

[Dis1978]

My older child did well in a wheelchair but for a 6 year old the disney stroller will be just fine. Loads of kids that age sit in the disney strollers anyway cos they get so tired.

 

[Hook's Girl]

Can someone post the link to the form the drs fill out for the GAC?

Unfortunately there's no specific form for a doctor to fill out, because proof is not required at WDW. If its possible just to get a not that explains the situation and the illness that would probably be the best option. So sorry to hear about your little girl, hope she gets better soon and that you folks have a fantastic time!

 

[SueM in MN]

Can someone post the link to the form the drs fill out for the GAC?

There is no form for doctors to fill out.
You don't need to have a doctor's letter or form to get a GAC.
One might be helpful in your case since you have a child with a totally invisible temporary problem. You can just explain the situation yourself to the CMs in Guest Relations, but many people in situations like yours feel more comfortable with something from the doctor.
Just ask the doctor to write a note on his office stationary that says she is recovering from an illness (it's up to you whether or not you have the doctor write mono). The letter should say what she needs - as in, she will become fatigued very easily with walking and will need to ride in a stoller in lines.

 

[jenrein]

There is no form for doctors to fill out.
You don't need to have a doctor's letter or form to get a GAC.
One might be helpful in your case since you have a child with a totally invisible temporary problem. You can just explain the situation yourself to the CMs in Guest Relations, but many people in situations like yours feel more comfortable with something from the doctor.
Just ask the doctor to write a note on his office stationary that says she is recovering from an illness (it's up to you whether or not you have the doctor write mono). The letter should say what she needs - as in, she will become fatigued very easily with walking and will need to ride in a stoller in lines.

Thank you for that info. I would definitely feel more comfortable having the note- I am such a worry wart. I hate to have someone think I am trying to take advantage of something. Even when I drive my mom with her handicapp sticker I chose a spot just as close and leave the handicap one open.

 

[Dis1978]

Just wanted to add to be extra careful with your DS because there is a tendancy to get CFS after mono. My son was ill for a long time with CFS.
It will be really hard for your DS to rest at disney but so important that she does.

 

[2angelsinheaven]

I would certainly have no quams about renting a stroller for her. I also suffered from Mono and I can tell you I was wiped out, infact I missed many weeks of school and came back to only half days when I did return as 2-3 hours of activity would leave me exhausted.

I would second the suggestion for a GAC, the lines can be long and hot and nothing someone recovering from Mono should be subjected to while having to stand, etc.

Be sure to take it easy, maybe a break in the afternoon, etc. Also a small cooler with ice packs, etc might be helpful to combat over heating. I hope she is feeling well soon and your trip is awesome!

 

[SueM in MN]

Also a small cooler with ice packs, etc might be helpful to combat over heating. I hope she is feeling well soon and your trip is awesome!

Good suggestion because overheating is going to make her feel worse than it normally would.
Rather than trying to keep ice packs cold though, you could buy a re-usable ice pack (one of those old fashioned kinds where you open the top, put ice in and then screw the top shut again). You can find them in pharmacies. In the parks, you can get free ice from any of the counter service restaurants or First Aid.

 

[2angelsinheaven]

Sue, great idea. Love it! I know last July we went to WDW and I was recovering from the Flu and overheated in the line for Peterpan, 90 minutes in 90 degree weather not good. I ended up passing out and quick action by my cousin and the CM's applying ice brought me right around.

I'd apply them every once in awhile if she starts to feel warm, or cold, sometimes being very dry (not sweating) is a sign of overheating. Or even use a cool cloth on her head. Just to be on the safe side.

 

[SueM in MN]

Sue, great idea. Love it! I know last July we went to WDW and I was recovering from the Flu and overheated in the line for Peterpan, 90 minutes in 90 degree weather not good. I ended up passing out and quick action by my cousin and the CM's applying ice brought me right around.

I'd apply them every once in awhile if she starts to feel warm, or cold, sometimes being very dry (not sweating) is a sign of overheating. Or even use a cool cloth on her head. Just to be on the safe side.

I wouldn't have thought of it without your post.