Disney with a Tbi

[KelleyMaire]

Hi! Im planning a Disney trip in November for my 30th Birthday. I have been to Disney a good amount of times. I love Disney. My boyfriend will be coming with me. He went to Disney World as a child but has no memory of it. He was in a horrific accident back last May. His vehicle was disabled on the highway and he stepped out of the car in the breakdown lane and was hit by a mack truck going 65mph. We were told he was not going to make it and to say our goodbyes. By some miracle he survived and his recovery is going amazing. He was just cleared to drive and hopefully will be back to work soon. He used to be quite the adventerous guy. We are not sure he will be able to go on the big rides (ie rockin roller coaster, tower of terror) Im trying to think of some new different things to do and see since it will be almost as if it is his first time there. We are planning on staying at AKL. I also read some information on DAS. Not sure if any of that would be benefical for him. Meeting him you would never really know he has a tbi, however I am not sure how he will be there.



Thanks

 

[nikkislaght]

if he has mobility issues then by all means consider getting a wheelchair for him.. this will reduce the amount of fatigue he will go through.. as you know abled bodied in Disneyland is hard enough..

if mobility and endurance aren't a problem.. then aside from some hidden disabilities.. he may not qualify for a DAS.. you can certainly ask at City Hall.. explaining what accommodations he will needs whilst waiting .

asking his doctor what kind of G force restrictions would be a start,, then googling the G force on the rides.. I know I am very happy not to do the crazy forceful rides.. and still have a great time at DLR..

So glad he is still with you.. sounds like he is a strong guy to get through it all.. hope you have a great trip...

 

[minnie mum]

The most important thing will be to get advice from his doctor regarding which rides he will have to avoid. Since the lasting effects of Traumatic Brain Injury vary greatly from one person go the next, it would be impossible for any of us to say whether or not he would qualify for a DAS.

Does he have mobility or endurance problems? Disney's answer for that is the use of a wheelchair or ecv. Does he have other problems that would make it impossible for him to wait in a standby line? If so, he might qualify for a DAS. You would have to explain just what these problems are to the guest relations CM. Telling them he has a TBI doesn't tell them exactly what accommodations he needs.

 

[gap2368]

Hi! Im planning a Disney trip in November for my 30th Birthday. I have been to Disney a good amount of times. I love Disney. My boyfriend will be coming with me. He went to Disney World as a child but has no memory of it. He was in a horrific accident back last May. His vehicle was disabled on the highway and he stepped out of the car in the breakdown lane and was hit by a mack truck going 65mph. We were told he was not going to make it and to say our goodbyes. By some miracle he survived and his recovery is going amazing. He was just cleared to drive and hopefully will be back to work soon. He used to be quite the adventerous guy. We are not sure he will be able to go on the big rides (ie rockin roller coaster, tower of terror) Im trying to think of some new different things to do and see since it will be almost as if it is his first time there. We are planning on staying at AKL. I also read some information on DAS. Not sure if any of that would be benefical for him. Meeting him you would never really know he has a tbi, however I am not sure how he will be there.



Thanks

wow I am so happy that he made it and it sound like he is doing really good in his recovery. I think you need to think of things that he has problems doing like spinning things G force things if you do not know and he is feeling good maybe try some thing small like a small roller coaster ( maybe 7DMT) and see how he does on that. and I do agree with the others on asking his dr if he has a good idea on what he can do he can talk to the CM at the ride and ask them about the rides ( like if he can handle some G force) they should have a good idea of the ride it self or you can talk to GR.

as fair as the DAS not all people with disability get it or need it ( even thought it has disability in the name of it) it is for people who can not wait in normal lines for what ever resion. So if you know of things he has to avoid can not do or needs in line you can go to GR and talk to them about his needs and see what they suggest they may or may not suggest a DAS card.

 

[GinnyBear's_mom]

How wonderful that your boyfriend survived his horrible accident and is on the road to recovery! I also suffered a tbi last February, I'm back at work but still not able to drive. We're planning a trip this summer and it will definitely be different than any of our previous trips.

The rides your boyfriend will be able to handle will depend on what symptoms he currently has or what types of things bring on symptoms for him.

Think about how he handles certain movements. Does your boyfriend have problems spinning in a circle, changing direction quickly or tracking fast movements with his eyes? If so, any revolving ride would be a problem (dumbo, astro orbiter, tea party, etc). Can he handle a bumpy car ride, quick, jarring movements with his head? If not, he may want to avoid all roller coasters. Many of them stop suddenly at the end and can cause your head to lurch forward. Not a problem for most people but could definitely cause problems for someone with a tbi.

Some new things I am trying on my upcoming trip since I can't handle many of the rides without worsening my symptoms: sorcerers of the magic kingdom card game, pirate's adventure and touring the lounges along the monorail resorts.

If he has any sensory issues related to the tbi, that is where the DAS could be helpful. I plan on requesting one for my trip.

Best of luck and congratulations again to you and your boyfriend! It takes patience and lots of love to stay supportive of someone with a tbi, he is certainly lucky to have you!!

 

[Selket]

I'm very interested in responses to this thread as I had a TBI last Fall (from a bad bike accident) and I'm going back to Disney World in less than 3 weeks now (just me and my teenage son this time). I am renting an ECV as I have terrible arthritis in both knees and both need replacing - and that problem is not new...nor related to the accident. However touring DW with a TBI is new so I've really been questioning what rides will work and what won't.

Typically I ride everything (all roller coasters - even at Universal). I have already reserved FP's for our trip and I went easy on the big rides this time. I decided to try Splash Mountain as it seems fairly smooth - and I have a FP for the Mine Train. I am skipping BTMRR and Space Mountain this time - and Test Track. Exped. Everest is my most favorite ride anywhere at Disney so I did get a FP for it but that falls near the end of our trip so I can change that if other tamer rides don't work out. I thought I'd try ToT too - I just really don't know what's going to bother me and what won't. It seems like even a tame ride like Toy Story with the spinning could be a problem but I have a FP for it...lol. I love Mission Space but will not do it or typically any spinning rides this time. I do plan to spend more time with the tamer rides (Haunted Mansion type), shows, and seeing the Flower and Garden festival - and shopping of course!

I also think I may need to rest more and need a quiet/dark place for an hour here and there. Is it possible to use the first aid centers for this? I find a lot of sensory input to be exhausting (and we go to DW often so I know it is a very busy place - especially at Spring Break when we'll be there).

It's hard to know what will work and what will not but I think for me - jerky, bumpy rides could be the biggest problem. I have no idea how a ride like ToT would affect me (free falling but smooth) - and it's possible that bright lights and noise (like Buzz) could be an issue.

Congrats to your boyfriend on his recovery - I know how hard it is so my heart goes out to him. I hope other people with TBI who have toured Disney will post with their experiences.

 

[SueM in MN]

I'm very interested in responses to this thread as I had a TBI last Fall (from a bad bike accident) and I'm going back to Disney World in less than 3 weeks now (just me and my teenage son this time). I am renting an ECV as I have terrible arthritis in both knees and both need replacing - and that problem is not new...nor related to the accident. However touring DW with a TBI is new so I've really been questioning what rides will work and what won't.

Typically I ride everything (all roller coasters - even at Universal). I have already reserved FP's for our trip and I went easy on the big rides this time. I decided to try Splash Mountain as it seems fairly smooth - and I have a FP for the Mine Train. I am skipping BTMRR and Space Mountain this time - and Test Track. Exped. Everest is my most favorite ride anywhere at Disney so I did get a FP for it but that falls near the end of our trip so I can change that if other tamer rides don't work out. I thought I'd try ToT too - I just really don't know what's going to bother me and what won't. It seems like even a tame ride like Toy Story with the spinning could be a problem but I have a FP for it...lol. I love Mission Space but will not do it or typically any spinning rides this time. I do plan to spend more time with the tamer rides (Haunted Mansion type), shows, and seeing the Flower and Garden festival - and shopping of course!

I also think I may need to rest more and need a quiet/dark place for an hour here and there. Is it possible to use the first aid centers for this? I find a lot of sensory input to be exhausting (and we go to DW often so I know it is a very busy place - especially at Spring Break when we'll be there).

It's hard to know what will work and what will not but I think for me - jerky, bumpy rides could be the biggest problem. I have no idea how a ride like ToT would affect me (free falling but smooth) - and it's possible that bright lights and noise (like Buzz) could be an issue.

Congrats to your boyfriend on his recovery - I know how hard it is so my heart goes out to him. I hope other people with TBI who have toured Disney will post with their experiences.

Sorry to hear about your accident and the OP's boyfriend's. Sounds like recovery is going well though for both of you.

You can use First Aid to rest - either just sitting in the lobby or actually get a room to use. Both are quiet and cool. Just tell CMs there that you need a sensory break and/or to lie down.

As others mentioned, what issues someone might have are going to depend on where the damage was exactly, how severe the damage was and the recovery. The doctor will be helpful for deciding which attractions are a 'no go'. If he is working with a Psychologist or an OT, they should be able to help him with sensory issues or triggers to avoid.

One post of the disABILITIES FAQs thread has the list from WDW of attractions with warnings. The post has some additional information regarding what about the attraction may be the reason for the warning. You can find the disABILITIES FAQs thread near the top of this board or follow the link in my signature.

Disney has a resource for guests with Cognitive a Disabilities- that's the title, but it has general information that could be helpful for many people with special needs. It includes some suggestions for quiet places to get away and a table that briefly lists attractions and things that might be problematic. (If lights are an issue, there is a post in the disABILITIES FAQs thread with more detail about lights).

Regarding the suggestion for renting an ECV, if he has not used one, he may want to try one out at a store or mall ahead of time. Some people with brain injuries might find them disorienting, either from a motion or a sensory standpoint. The driver also needs to be constantly alert and ready to respond to what other people do. That can be very tiring, especially for someone who is already using extra energy for residual concentration or cognitive related disabilities.
Even if you are cleared to drive, keep in mind that driving an ECV is much different since there are no roads and no rules governing things like right of way.

 

[gap2368]

Just to add a note about first aid. There are some times they will not let you sit in the lobby you will have to be in a room or out. I think sometimes too many people want to wait for someone and it gets too crowded.

 

[SueM in MN]

Just to add a note about first aid. There are some times they will not let you sit in the lobby you will have to be in a room or out. I think sometimes too many people want to wait for someone and it gets too crowded.

I have seen them turn away extra family members or companions, so I would expect that to happen and plan to have no one or no more than one person with you. From what I have seen, I think they would be more likely to ask 'extra' people to leave than tell a person who needs a quiet place that they need to go into a room or leave.
Could happen if it's very busy, but in our experience (even over busy times) is that First Aid lobby is not usually that full.

 

[gap2368]

Sue this has been my experience too that most of the time they do not ask people to leave the lobby but I have been in the back and my friend came a few minutes after me and they asked her to leave I was just walking out when she came in and the nurse said to my friend oh your with her I thought you just wanted to wait on someone resting in the back ( I was just there to change a medical device so maybe 10 minutes) but I do not think they would turn someone way that needed a quiet place wether that be in the lobby or in the back but they may ask extra people to step you if busy.

 

[KelleyMaire]

Hi Everyone!
Thank you so much for your responses! I enjoyed reading them. We are not planning on going until November. So my boyfriend has a little bit more time for recovery. He will speak with his doctor before we go. He seems to think he will be able to do everything, I made sure to explain that there are lots of other fun things to do, besides the big rides!

Thanks again

 

[Selket]

Thanks Sue and I am much better. I WAS wearing a bike helmet btw - everyone always asks that - lol! I guess even with a helmet you can have a TBI (I had 2 types of hemorrhages) but the doctor said it would have been far worse without a helmet. It's good to know I can take a break at First Aid if I need a dark/quiet place - otherwise just parking the ECV out of the way and sitting there and soaking up the atmosphere doesn't sound at all bad. It's my first trip on my own since the accident - just one of my teenagers with me - but I'm so familiar with WDW that it makes everything much easier. I have more trouble with new memories than old ones.

I agree about operating an ECV - it is challenging in the crowds - especially in the MK. I hadn't really considered how that would be. I can see it bringing someone to tears because there is so many people criss-crossing in front of you and being lower to the ground you feel like you're going to get bowled over. I will make a note to stay away from some of those bottle neck areas (like around Casey's hot dogs around parade time).

I'm down there over Easter so I know the crowds will be thick and it's a challenging time to visit. I'll report back after my trip!

 

[Selket]

I just got back from WDW yesterday so I thought I'd follow up on this thread in case anyone searches in the future. With TBI there are so many different issues a person may have. I still have problems with headaches, memory and organization - and especially multi-tasking. I rented an ECV because I have severe arthritis in both knees (both need replacing) and that had nothing to do with the TBI.

We were there in the thick of the Easter crowd and operating the ECV was fine - except I can really and truly only focus on one thing at once so if I was driving it through crowds I couldn't really carry on a conversation - or really know what someone was saying to me. I found I had to find a place to "pull over" and talk to my son if he was trying to ask me things in the thick of the crowds. It's hard to explain but I can't multi-task very well anymore. I also found it very head jarring to ride the ECV over some of the paving stones in the resort and at the parks - that was uncomfortable and tended to make my headache worse. I avoided those when I could. My ability to operate the ECV (get it up on the bus with 5 million people waiting and watching) was no problem - truly I just tuned everyone out and had to focus on what I needed to do and I've gotten better at that. Have the ECV also gave me some personal space which wasn't a bad thing and a way to park and sit in quiet areas where there may not be a place to sit otherwise. I did park and walk sometimes but I almost found the jostle of crowds worse and more difficult to deal with (mentally) that way than in the ECV which sort of surprised me.

As for rides - I started out with Splash Mountain - no problem. The SD Mine Train was fine too. Everest is my favorite coaster anywhere and I did ride it but had to put my arm behind my head to sort of keep it from bouncing too much. I used to be able to ride that over and over and not anymore! ToT was fine. I tried RnRC and I should NOT have done that - I felt horrible afterwards for the rest of the day and had more trouble with navigating (got on the wrong bus) and etc. I stayed away from BtMR and Space Mountain. Rides like Toy Story and Buzz were fine but I didn't do Teacups (no spinning). I think Dumbo would have been okay as the spinning is mild. I rode Kali RR - no issues. The Safari ride at AK was very, very bumpy which bothers me a lot and did give me more of a headache - otherwise it is fine and fun. Rides like Haunted Mansion (slow moving) were no problem as you might expect.


I think going at a time when the crowds are lower is always a better thing for someone with a TBI. The crowds make it 1000x more stressful. I go to WDW a lot and usually at crowded times so I knew what to expect and my expectations were very low - lol!

 

[KelleyMaire]

Glad to hear you were able to enjoy your trip and enjoy some of the rides. The RnRC is a tough one, I think ill try to keep my boyfriende away from that. Intersting to hear that the TOT did not bother you though

 

[Selket]

I really didn't know how ToT was going to affect me and it was fine - I wouldn't have wanted to ride it multiple times in a row (as if that would have even been possible with the crowds). I used to love Mission Space but something like that I just may not ever ride again. I always thought of RnRC as smooth and it has never bothered me at all (and I also used to ride the big coasters at Universal so Disney ones seem tame in comparison). I'm almost 6 months out from my accident and your boyfriend will be about 18 months (and his accident sounds worse than mine). I hope he continues to improve.

I can see that a DAS could help if he finds being in close quarters with lots of people in the ques to be stressful or disorienting - for lack of a better word. I found it to be and so having fast passes was very helpful. I pretty much only rode things that had long waits with the FP and then stuck to rides or attractions with short wait times and ques. I did find the crowds to be more stressful than I did in the past - making me want more quiet time (or just quiet). I tended to ride something and then take a break - then ride something again an hour or two later. An ECV may give him that feeling of more personal space but if he is otherwise fine for standing and walking then he may just find it annoying - lol! I also realized how much I don't like to travel over bumpy things this trip -- and that Safari ride in AK was about my limit for that. I'd love to hear a trip report when you go!

 

[KelleyMaire]

We are hoping by then he should be good. He is walking and running fine. Crowds so he says dont bother him. We will see how he is when we are there. I know he will be upset about missing out on some of the big rides. He as a check up with the doctor in April so he will ask what he will be allowed to do. I mentioned to him about getting an ECV. He said absoutly not. Walking is ok for him, thankfully. I assume we will probably just have to take lots of breaks. Hes used to his old ways of go go go, However, things are different now. We are planning on getting 5 day one park per day passes. That way we can go to the parks in the morning, come back rest by the pool/ take a nap and then head back out. We are also attending MNSSHP on Halloween which I am excited about. He went to Disney world as a child but since the accident he has no memories of his childhood This trip will be a whole new experience for him and myself

 

[cobright]

It sounds like his physical abilities are up to the task. The accident happened almost a year ago and your trip is another 6 or so months away.

So... how about we discuss the trip with all assumptions being that he will have no problem doing whatever he wants. When the trip finally happens, just plan to hit a couple medium level rides well before the big ones and for god's sake don't get fast passes for the heavy hitter rides.

Let him get a taste of splash mountain and then a bit later mention Big thunder Mountain. If he doesn't feel up to it, this will give him an out. He'll say he's got a little headache or that popcorn isn't sitting right, whatever. It's all BS anyway; code for "splash mountain did something weird to my depth perception for 3 minutes and I think that's probably my limit". Let him take his Tylenol and if you are worried ask him in 15 minutes how his head feels. (it will be fine, nevermind Tylenol takes longer than that to kick in).

Trust that he wan'ts to avoid an aneurysm a lot less than you want him to, and let him exercise some agency in this trip; he's going with his significant other, not his mother.

 

[Selket]

The Halloween party is awesome! I'd love to go back again just for that - it's worth it. Splash Mountain is a good ride to try that's on the more exciting side but I didn't find it hard to take at all (harder on my knees though - lol!). Obviously I'd leave RnRC out entirely - not sure I'll ever get on that again...ugh! Sounds like you've got a great plan and will make some wonderful new memories!

 

[KelleyMaire]

Good Morning All,
My boyfriend had his one year check up after his accident and he is doing great. Doctor said he will be ok for rides just nothing crazy. So im am counting out Rockin Roller Coaster, Everest for sure. Still not sure about test track, mission space and space mountian. I think he should be ok for TOT seeing as its a pretty smooth drop, i know it bounces a little bit, but i think that will be fine. Does anyone have any other fun things to do besides the rides or anything else outside the park? He is so excited but I know he will be bummed when he sees rides he cant go on. 6 months until the trip! cant wait

 

[gap2368]

I would not do rock in roller coaster as that one is fairly intense ( I have come off of it with a pretty good head ack)