DAS has changed our vacation

[MinnieVanMom]

I am so glad for the changes in the FP+ and the DAS. Because I usually went to WDW with DS alone, it would be very hard for me to run around securing times and bringing DS to the rides and then have to wait.

So instead we are going to Egypt! In just a few days we leave for a vacation on the Red Sea and a trip to Luxor to see the Valley of the Kings.

This is beyond WDW it is IRL. DS is studying his online course for scuba and will be certified in the Red Sea.

I am so glad that WDW changed things because it has made us look to the real world for our adventure.

We love our mouse and always will. Disney is magical but IRL is going to be great.

 

[Piper]

I will say again that the Dis needs a like button!

 

[bidnow5]

Glad to hear that is one place I always dreamed of visiting congratulations

 

[kirstenb1]

Wow!!! Enjoy your adventure!!!

 

[Maggie'sMom]

Sounds like an awesome trip!

My DD and I usually only do WDW every other year and I force her to go someplace new on the off years. We did a trip to Boston and Cape Cod where before the trip DD swore she wouldn't go because we weren't going to WDW. I was genuinely concerned that we'd get to the airport and she'd refuse to board the plane. But luckily she did and loved it.

Then last year, we went to Oahu. I had to go for work and so I took her and my parents along. We didn't even go to Aulani. Once again, before the trip, all she did was complain that we weren't going to WDW. At least this time, there weren't any threats about refusing to go. She had a blast and for a while was asking to go back to Hawaii this year rather than our anticipated WDW trip. I had to explain that Hawaii wasn't in the budget every year.

So yes, I agree that "real life" vacations can be awesome too!

 

[Schmeck]

I am so glad for the changes in the FP+ and the DAS. Because I usually went to WDW with DS alone, it would be very hard for me to run around securing times and bringing DS to the rides and then have to wait.

So instead we are going to Egypt! In just a few days we leave for a vacation on the Red Sea and a trip to Luxor to see the Valley of the Kings.

This is beyond WDW it is IRL. DS is studying his online course for scuba and will be certified in the Red Sea.

I am so glad that WDW changed things because it has made us look to the real world for our adventure.

We love our mouse and always will. Disney is magical but IRL is going to be great.

Have you checked to see what Egypt has for disability laws? You may want to be prepared for a less-advocated country, where the rights of the disabled are rather limited. For example, check for refund policies in case your DS is not up to getting scuba certification, etc.

Sounds like you have an exciting trip planned!

 

[mickeyfan1]

How will he handle the 3 hour wait prior to boarding the 8 hour flight?

 

[ilovemk76]

I am so glad for the changes in the FP+ and the DAS. Because I usually went to WDW with DS alone, it would be very hard for me to run around securing times and bringing DS to the rides and then have to wait.

So instead we are going to Egypt! In just a few days we leave for a vacation on the Red Sea and a trip to Luxor to see the Valley of the Kings.

This is beyond WDW it is IRL. DS is studying his online course for scuba and will be certified in the Red Sea.

I am so glad that WDW changed things because it has made us look to the real world for our adventure.

We love our mouse and always will. Disney is magical but IRL is going to be great.

How are you going to do Egypt if the bold is too hard for you? He can scuba dive but not wait for a short time?

 

[Alesia]

I hate to be negative, but I would strongly encourage you to think seriously about this. If you're finding that WDW is too difficult with your son's disabilities, I think you will find that Egypt is much more difficult.

 

[MinnieVanMom]

Maggies Mom, I am so happy that others have also gone other places with success. It is scary at first because with WDW you know what you are going to get and I think our kids know it too.

Other places brings the unknown and chance to experience new and exotic places, or even just something new in your State.

Mickeyfan1, since you have been to Egypt can you tell me more about the airports. I thought I had done my research but I hope you will share your experience.

Ilovemk76, Can you tell me about the one on one scuba class? I hope your insight will give me a heads up to problems that may occur so I can be ready with a plan.

Alesia, Not canceling but that for the suggestion. I am so happy to be traveling during a school holiday and DH is also on vacation. I have support!

 

[FairestOfThemAll37]

I did not make any of the initial comments but maybe I can give you some insights.

I also don't know any of the issues you're facing with DS so not sure how any of that might directly impact.

Scuba-the book portions are important and being able to remember those facts is a huge help once you get into the practical classes. Some people just can't handle breathing on scuba and panic. Same with being underwater. There are lots of people that get the impulse to shoot to the surface for air which is dangerous. People can experience both claustrophobia and agoraphobia underwater. Other people love it and find it very pleasant. Not sure how old DS is other than over 10, but it seems good that you're doing a 1:1 if you have atypical needs so that you can go at your pace and comfort. Also if you're not physically fit and used to it getting out of the water with the gear and hauling it around can be tiring. I didn't dive when I went to Egypt but it's a hotspot and people love diving there. Just don't be afraid to speak up during your class as I have heard stories of less than desirable practices. Diving is a self-regulated activity and many countries basic safety standards are much more lax than in US.

Airports- I flew into/out of Cairo airport IIRC on that trip (it was a multi-country trip). Flying out of Cairo we went to Israel so there were a ton of extra security measures we were not prepared for, but I think this might have been specific to our destination. One thing that jumps out if you're dealing with any sensory or nervous issues is that the security in the airport are military and carry automatic weapons. It can be quite unnerving for folks who haven't traveled much to encounter this for the first time. You see this as well just walking around the cities. The only other thing is that the bathrooms leave something to be desired in the less modernized areas. Of course be prepared for delays. We went at Xmas and flew Royal Jordanian and our outbound flight was 24 hrs late due to many airlines from that region sending extra planes to Mecca to accommodate passengers going on their hajj. Not something we saw coming lol.

Egypt in general-I found the people there to be overwhelmingly nice and didn't find any anti-American (not even sure you're from US) sentiment (same can be said in Israel including Palestinian controlled areas and Jordan). We did have armed military escort that traveled with us driving through the desert to get to various sites. This was something that the government required at the time for Americans. Again strange at first to sit next to a guy with an automatic rifle as it was just so unusual for us. My mother who has some knee issues had a lot of trouble finding steady ground at some of the ruins and even maneuvering around the city. Sidewalks are congested and at times you're in the street with traffic whizzing by. She didn't end up in a wheelchair in Egypt (which happens when her knee acts up and she can't walk) so I can't speak to accessibility in that regard.

I had traveled all over the world by the time we got to Egypt (I'm very lucky there) so many of the differences in food, culture, and things you see we're not surprising though they certainly could be a bit overwhelming for new travelers.

PS: I highly recommend visiting one of the larger Mosques in Cairo; they're so beautiful and very peaceful places. Just remember to wear or bring something that you can slip on to cover your arms/legs. They will have a hijab or scarf for your head though if you don't like the idea of using one that who knows how many people used, you can bring your own. We always brought a scarf or pashmina and a slip on long sleeve long dress that we could just throw on over our regular clothes heading into the mosques in various countries.

 

[MinnieVanMom]

Fairest,
That is such great information and just the response we need. Information from people who have been there and know first hand the issues and experiences. Your trip sounds wonderful. How long were you there? Do you think things have calmed down more? What was your favorite food? What should we avoid? What is not to be missed?

I am so glad we have a 1 to 1 scuba class and the dive company has nothing but positive reviews on TA. They also offer a full refund if it isn't working after the first day. Another reason we went with this more expensive company.

We have seen gun carrying guards at Disneyland Paris when we came up from the train. At first we were unsettled but after a bit I realized I would rather they be there keeping us hopefully safe.

I am going into this positive, hoping for the best, expecting issues to arise, as they always do with any kids. It is our trip of a life time.

 

[FairestOfThemAll37]

Fairest, That is such great information and just the response we need. Information from people who have been there and know first hand the issues and experiences. Your trip sounds wonderful. How long were you there? Do you think things have calmed down more? What was your favorite food? What should we avoid? What is not to be missed? I am so glad we have a 1 to 1 scuba class and the dive company has nothing but positive reviews on TA. They also offer a full refund if it isn't working after the first day. Another reason we went with this more expensive company. We have seen gun carrying guards at Disneyland Paris when we came up from the train. At first we were unsettled but after a bit I realized I would rather they be there keeping us hopefully safe. I am going into this positive, hoping for the best, expecting issues to arise, as they always do with any kids. It is our trip of a life time.

We were there about 3 weeks. Egypt was 1.5 (Cairo and surrounding areas, Luxor and Nile cruise to Sharm Al Sheikh), a few days in Israel (Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Bethlehem, etc.) and a week in Jordan (Petra, Amman and surrounding areas).
I was there back in 2005ish so things were just a bit uneasy and people told us that a lot of the tour groups and cruise shops had stopped coming but we didn't ever feel threatened.

We love middle eastern food so we ate our weights in tabbouleh, hummus, and grape leaves that trip. We also love trying all the different drinks, gums, and candies. My dad still complains about having to buy my sister and I gum and candy in every country we visited.

The only thing to avoid is public restrooms where you can though that is my advice for many countries haha. If you have any tummy troubles from foods/bacterias you aren't used to. Get some local yogurt as it tends to have the right probiotics to help your system adjust. Learned that from a guide in India!

Do everything you can. We have the best travel memories from the most random things we encountered. We still laugh about that trip because apparently I look very Egyptian/Jordanian (I'm Greek but have light hazel eyes which may be why) so everybody from travel guides to flight attendants would blather on at me in Arabic the entire trip. We're still not sure who they thought I was as we had a guide and nobody else in my family was mistaken as not American lol.

Does the scuba class do a pool session first? I'm not sure how comfortable in water your DS is but it's a lot less overwhelming for most folk to start in a pool. If not (not sure where you're located) do you by chance have a local dive shop that could get him in the pool right quick before you left? Check out scubaboard dot com. Great resource for diving, undoubtably you can chat with somebody who has experience with that dive operation. There's also a section dedicated to diving with disabilities which may give you some tips for your DS or the instructor on how to deal with his needs.

 

[Mr Stoat]

I have not been to Egypt since the Arab spring, from what I hear the tourist industry is in near total collapse due to lack of custom. Hotels that would normaly run at 80% capacity are around 10% full, dozens upon dozens of Nile cruise boats tied up idle. You will see lots of guards with AK-47s especialy at the tourist sites. There was an attack by militants at the Valley of the Kings a few years back which killed several tourists. Be prepared to have an armed convoy through the Sinai, all busses must convoy with the army.

Diving in the Red Sea is cold at this time of year, I have been several times. I used a 7mm suit that had an overlap and felt comfortable. Instructors generaly wear dry suits this time of year, my dive buddies wore 5mm one piece suits and came back from 45 min dives shivering.

 

[SueM in MN]

A couple of other things to be aware of and plan what you would do if a situation comes up:

- Egypt is currently on a travel alert from the US Department of Pasorts and international Travel because the country is unstable. Here's a link to the alert and keep checking: http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/alertswarnings/egypt-travel-alert.html
That alert expires in April ,but I believe there was a previous one that was in effect until the current one took effect (so expiring doesn't mean it won't still be in effect).
If things get bad, you may not be able to get to the Embassy, the Embassy could go into lockdown or embassy staff could be pulled out of the country, leaving you with nowhere to go for assistance.
My DH went to Albania when a not quite so detailed travel alert was in effect. He was told before he went that there was no guarantee that the American Embassy would be available to him for any help if he needed it. Not sure if you are American, but a similar situation can occur with any country.

- If a country becomes unstable and travel becomes dangerous, airlines can/have pulled flights going in and out of that country. So, keep your 'escape routes' in mind - what country could you likely go to as a different route back home?
What if you had to stay longer than you intend?

- Laws differ in different countries, so do penalties and in some countries, people accused of a crime are considered guilty until proven innocent (opposite of the US). Someone having a meltdown could be considered to be breaking some law - disturbing the peace or something - that would not be a crime in the US, but could be there. In many cases, your embassy would not be able to help you; visitors are under the same laws as citizens.

- make sure you have a working cell phone at all times that will work in the country you are in.

- Shots, vaccines and preventative medications are important and may take a while to complete. You may already have talked about this with your travel agent, but very important to keep in mind.

- What will you do if you or your child gets sick or injured? Check into your insurance and find out what would happen - would you need yo somehow pay up front and get reimbursed by your insurance or what. You also want to make sure you have insurance (probably a separate policy) that will cover expenses if you need to be transported to another country or back home for treatment.. That can be many thousands of dollars and I have read about people stuck in a country where they don't want to get treatment just because they had no way to leave.
Healthcare also varies across the world. My DH was surprised to hear that in many parts of the world, your 'nursing care' and food while in the hospital are not included in the hospital care. Patients are expected to have family members who can provide that.

- Has he ever been on such a long plane trip? How does he react on either short or long ones and what can you/he do to prepare for it?
I have flown many times before, but was not expecting to have any feeling of panic when I flew to Europe the first time. Knowing I was over the ocean was a bit disconcerting.

 

[SueM in MN]

Travel health notices:
http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/notices

Traveler Health Information:
http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/page/traveler-information-center

Travel Health information for specific countries:
http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/page/traveler-information-center

Find a travel clinic:
http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/page/find-clinic

 

[MinnieVanMom]

Gbp

 

[Mr Stoat]

If you are in the Sinai then you could theoreticaly bug out via Israel / jordan which are at the top of the Gulf of Aquba. Hurgada side is much more difficult, hundreds of miles to anywhere.

 

[MinnieVanMom]

Great links Sue.

Finally, I feel that WDW has made a lot of changes in many areas in the past few months. We are going to give it time to work out the kinks and hopefully return. Many people are very unhappy with the FP+ or the new photopass options. Many about the new DAS. Growth and change are mostly good and it take time for people to adjust and for WDW to adjust also.

 

[SMD]

We needed an armed guard in Egypt because the kidnap policy our tour recommended required it. We were bumped and pushed constantly, and saw people who realized they were pickpocketed. This was during Spring break, and the crowds were heavy, and the lines are not organized like at Disney. To get into many tombs there were shafts that were 4 ft tall and about as wide. People walk in and out at the same time pretty uncontrolled and disorganized.

Two other things to be aware of is that the food might not be safe, or there may be an adjustment period. We were warned not to eat lettuce or tomatoes. I didn't eat any uncooked produce, but a few people we spoke to regretted it. Also, will you be taking a smaller regional flight to Luxor? I've been on foreign airlines that are noisy and chaotic and ones where the flight attendants will jump on you for any noise or distraction. Don't expect things like pre-boarding and to have your whole party sit together, they just don't place value on that.

As an adult, and having done foreign travel before, the aggressiveness we encountered at the Pyramids (I don't think you're going there) was surprising and off putting. If this is someone's first foreign travel experience, I think it will be quite a shock.