Am I crazy to still be planning this trip?

[LearningwithoutLeaving]

We went to Disney in 2013 for my oldest son's 5th birthday, we have been planning our trip for our middle son's 5th birthday since we got back. He is turning five in December and we are planning on visiting on one of the first few weeks when lower crowds are expected. He has been talking about nothing but this trip for over a year.

I have had arthritis since I was 14 years old, I have learned how to deal with this but recently was diagnosed with autoimmune hepatitis. It was not caught until I was in the early stages of liver failure and we do not know how much long term damage has been done. I have been evaluated for a transplant and will most likely need one sometime in the future, how soon is unknown. I am on immunosuppressants and will be on them for the rest of my life. I also have the problem that I need to stay out of the sun due to photosensitivity. Am I crazy to think that we can do a week at Disney? In addition to my husband, my parents and sister would be coming with us and could help us with our three children as needed.

Edited to say : My sister will also need a DAS due to mobility issues and pain. So we will be looking at two in EVCs. We also have 4 people with Celiac and two with severe food allergies.

 

[ttintagel]

I don't think you're crazy at all. I have multiple medical issues, but Disney trips are still manageable and do a lot to improve my psychological state, which helps my health. I think you can have a great time as long as you manage your expectations. Even if you do get the DAS, you'll still have to spend a great deal of time outside in the sun. So, I'd plan on doing everything you can to mitigate it with hats, glasses, cooling towels, etcetera. I'd also plan to do most of your park time first thing in the morning and after sundown, and resting during the middle of the day when crowds and heat are worst. I never leave WDW having done every single thing I wanted to, but the trips are still wonderful and magical.

 

[Bete]

A few other hints: You can rent ECVs with a sun shade. You will have to phone a few places to see who carries them. It will add a little more cost to the rental. Be polite and try not to block other peoples' views of parades and fireworks and such. The shade does get in the way somewhat.

You should wear a good, large sun hat at all times. Wear suntan lotion and reapply throughout the day. Stay hydrated, too.

Alternate your tour plan at the parks with doing inside activities, as well as, outside ones. Then, you won't be outside for long periods of time. When outside try to stay in the shade as much as possible.

I agree with the previous poster with doing the parks in the early morning and evenings.

 

[gap2368]

We went to Disney in 2013 for my oldest son's 5th birthday, we have been planning our trip for our middle son's 5th birthday since we got back. He is turning five in December and we are planning on visiting on one of the first few weeks when lower crowds are expected. He has been talking about nothing but this trip for over a year.

I have had arthritis since I was 14 years old, I have learned how to deal with this but recently was diagnosed with autoimmune hepatitis. It was not caught until I was in the early stages of liver failure and we do not know how much long term damage has been done. I have been evaluated for a transplant and will most likely need one sometime in the future, how soon is unknown. I am on immunosuppressants and will be on them for the rest of my life. I also have the problem that I need to stay out of the sun due to photosensitivity. Am I crazy to think that we can do a week at Disney? In addition to my husband, my parents and sister would be coming with us and could help us with our three children as needed.

Edited to say : My sister will also need a DAS due to mobility issues and pain. So we will be looking at two in EVCs. We also have 4 people with Celiac and two with severe food allergies.

If you are goi g in December you should do prototype well with the sun and heat

Wheel chair alone do not need a DAS card.

 

[aaarcher86]

Just going off the ETA, a DAS isn't given for mobility issues solved with an ECV just to help in planning.

I don't think you're crazy, but it'll definitely be a different type of trip with different precautions.

 

[minnie mum]

As PPs gave said, a trip is certainly doable, and enjoyable, even with your limitations.

It is quite likely that you won't qualify for a DAS if your main problems will be endurance and/or pain. Disney's usual accommodation is to recommend a mobility device such as the ecvs that you will already have. A good touring plan to minimize wait times ( I like the cheat sheets at easywdw.com) plus going back to your resort in the afternoon when the parks are hottest and most crowded, can help with fatigue.

Photosensitivity issues can be a challenge. Fortunately, at that time of year, long pants and loose, long sleeve shirts, plus hats and sunglasses should go a long way to helping that issue. Unfortunately a DAS won't help, since it is only for avoiding standby lines, and those are, for the most part, either inside or shaded.

You also mentioned dietary issues. All CS restaurants have a binder with lists of ingredient lists to help avoid allergens or gluten. At TS restaurants, list the allergies and celiac as notes to your ADRs. And mention them again to your server. A chef will come out to assist you with menu selections. Before making ADRs, check out the menus at the restaurants you are interested in. I use the Allears site for menus.

 

[lanejudy]

I recommend that you check out the WDW - Disability Access Service thread pinned near the top of this forum. It answers many questions about DAS, which is much different than the previous GAC program. As others have mentioned, mobility and pain may not necessarily qualify when an ECV or wheelchair can help. Also, there is more sun exposure outside of lines than in queues, especially at low-crowd times when lines don't tend to extend out. Others have given some good advice.

My main concern for you is if you are on the transplant list (or will be on the list by December). You'll need to discuss with your doctor how far he'll allow travel.

Best wishes for your health and enjoy your vacation!