Experiencing Disney World with Crohn's Disease

[Josh Taylor]

Hi there! Just came across these boards, and I need some info that I can't seem to find anywhere online.

My wife and I are going to Disney World for 9 days in September. We are so excited!

I have visited DW recently, but my wife hasn't been since she was very young. She has something called Crohn's Disease, which is an intestinal issue whose side effects include fatigue and frequent (sudden & urgent) trips to the bathroom.

We have been discussing the best way for her to experience DW, and what we have decided is that she'll spend most of her time in a wheel chair so she can enjoy the parks without getting exhausted after the first hour or two of walking.

I haven't really been able to find much information online about our specific case. Basically, we want the convenience of a wheelchair, but would like to be able to "park" it outside of the rides if possible and just walk through the normal queue. I've read that stroller parking and wheelchair parking are separate, but I cannot find any information about wheelchair parking online.

I've also read about DAS too, and we are hoping to utilize that as well. I guess my main question is, is it possible to use a wheelchair at DW when feeling fatigued, and just park it during times when you want to walk around?

Thanks so much in advance. If there is another thread where this has already been covered, please link me to it!

 

[lanejudy]

to the DISboards!

In most instances, wheelchair parking and stroller parking are the same place; there are a few locations where you may be directed differently. It is absolutely fine to park the wheelchair and walk the queues if that's what you/she prefer. I recommend not leaving anything of value behind when you park the wheelchair, and also you might want to tie a colorful scarf or ribbon on the chair -- something to make it stand out and be easily recognizable as yours. Another option is for your wife to use an ECV. If she tires easily, you may want to rent off-site so she'll have use of the wheelchair or ECV to/from your resort as well; many resorts include quite a bit of walking.

The WDW - Disability Access Service Card thread pinned near the top of this forum has details of the DAS program. You only need to read the first post, as the rest was discussion before and during the time this program launched.

Enjoy your vacation!

 

[Bete]

Take advantage of fastpass plus in addition to DAS.

We feel going in the early morning is less crowded. If you are onsite take advantage of early extra magic hours. This will save time in the lines just because there are less people.

With regards to Crohn's I would try to bathroom before longer waits in lines. Do this each and every time for long waits. There are ride times that you can go by for this purpose. Also, I would wear a diaper and carry extra with me. if you eat at the park and you know you will have to go two hours later then don't go into a long wait line at that time. If you know certain foods are a trigger then avoid them until you are done with the rides for the day. I would alternate shows with rides and I would not do ride after ride after ride.

 

[pampam]

I highly suggest bringing a change of clothing with you. If you don't need it, great. If you require it you will be pleased you have it with you.

I also suggest you get a map when entering the park and noting where the washrooms are. Sometimes you might not be able to have the luxury of time when searching for a washroom.

 

[ErinTwinmom]

If she is comfortable driving I would go ecv not wheelchair. You will get tired of pushing and she will get tired of being pushed. If you think she might want to try an ecv but does not want to use it the whole trip then try it on AK day, the whole dam parks up hill.

 

[01spirit750]

Josh
I have crohn's and have visited the parks with my family. Crohn's is a vial disease. I almost had to drop out of college and then almost lost my job. I was going to PM you but I cannot find the PM option.

I would suggest you and your wife sit down and list of her issues or problems related to crohns. If there are any issues that a wheelchair does not address I would suggest talking to a cast member about the DAS option and only discuss the issues that are not helped with a wheel chair.

I did this and I have several crohns complications that a wheel chair does not address.

Chris

 

[Missyrose]

Hi @Josh Taylor, I've had Crohn's for more than 20 years. I go to Disney a couple of times a year. The DAS is really helpful to use in conjunction with FP+ reservations. I realized after my first couple of trips that I was panicking about having to leave lines to use the restroom. The DAS has helped with that.

I second the idea of knowing where the closest bathroom is at all times (also, don't be afraid to go into the first aid office if the line at the public restrooms are too long and there's an emergency situation).

Let me know if you have any questions!

 

[DebbiC]

I don't have Crohns, but have a similar issue.
I'm missing over 1/3 of my intestines from a bad bacterial infection that I picked up working outside the USA. I have frequent need to use the restrooms. You'll find the family / disabled larger restroom perfect for your needs. There's plenty of room if need be you need to make a change of clothing. Your park map will show you the locations. Personally, I tend not to eat anything that triggers rapid mobility, for me it's high fiber, raw veggie, greasy or ice cold foods. I hold off on those unless I'm back to the resort. Carbs, foods that bulk up tend to be my friends, white bread or rolls, no high fiber whole grain foods.

Avoid what triggers your gut and have fun, go make memories !!

 

[DisneyMama21]

I've had Crohn's for 23 years and have been to Disney World several times with it. I never used a wheelchair (except for the one trip after a surgery) but we do take it at a slow pace when I'm tired. Take advantage of the shows where you can sit in a cool auditorium or shaded outdoor theater to provide her with breaks from walking and the sun. I also second the notion of a change of clothing...better safe than sorry there. I always go to the bathroom in advance of any long waits...and every time someone in my party goes as well. Call it preemptive bathroom breaks. I also take a dose of Imodium each morning to try to curb the 20 bathroom trips a day I usually had to take. Now I have a permanent ileostomy so I don't have to worry about emergency bathroom trips anymore, but I still preemptively empty my pouch before rides and whenever someone else stops. Call it habit ;-) Hope that helps and have a wonderful trip!

 

[draxinum]

I don't have Crohns, but have a similar issue.
I'm missing over 1/3 of my intestines from a bad bacterial infection that I picked up working outside the USA. I have frequent need to use the restrooms. You'll find the family / disabled larger restroom perfect for your needs. There's plenty of room if need be you need to make a change of clothing. Your park map will show you the locations. Personally, I tend not to eat anything that triggers rapid mobility, for me it's high fiber, raw veggie, greasy or ice cold foods. I hold off on those unless I'm back to the resort. Carbs, foods that bulk up tend to be my friends, white bread or rolls, no high fiber whole grain foods.

Avoid what triggers your gut and have fun, go make memories !!

Do you know any foods at Disneyworld that are of the white bread/white rice variety? Everything I see is always very greasy or very sweet

 

[pampam]

draxinum: First of all, welcome!

If you are looking for plain white bread, they sell it by the slice in the food courts. If you need a loaf, I know they sell it at Pop but you have to ask for it where they sell the pizza. It is not for display, but they sell it and whole wheat as well, for just a little more than what Walmart sells it for. It is also for sale at any resort that has DVD such as GF, Poly, Contemporary, etc. It is also for sale at FW.

 

[draxinum]

draxinum: First of all, welcome!

If you are looking for plain white bread, they sell it by the slice in the food courts. If you need a loaf, I know they sell it at Pop but you have to ask for it where they sell the pizza. It is not for display, but they sell it and whole wheat as well, for just a little more than what Walmart sells it for. It is also for sale at any resort that has DVD such as GF, Poly, Contemporary, etc. It is also for sale at FW.

Thanks, but with Garden Grocer and other delivery services I'll be set for the basic groceries

What I was really curious about was good prepared food inside Disneyworld that's easy on the stomach for those of us with very easily upset bowels. Like for example freshly prepared white rice, or even grilled chicken on white rice.

There are so many places to eat in Disneyworld I thought maybe I'd just ask and people might know of some good places/choices

Rather than having to run back to the room by myself to nuke up some uncle ben's instant rice, I'd rather have some options to eat inside the park

 

[ZoZo]

Thanks, but with Garden Grocer and other delivery services I'll be set for the basic groceries

What I was really curious about was good prepared food inside Disneyworld that's easy on the stomach for those of us with very easily upset bowels. Like for example freshly prepared white rice, or even grilled chicken on white rice.

There are so many places to eat in Disneyworld I thought maybe I'd just ask and people might know of some good places/choices

Rather than having to run back to the room by myself to nuke up some uncle ben's instant rice, I'd rather have some options to eat inside the park

Two places that spring to mind for plain white rice would be Yak and Yeti CS at AK, and either the China or Japan CS at Epcot. From what I've heard, WDW restaurants (even CS) are very accommodating to special food needs. Since all three of these restaurants sell rice-based dishes, ask them if they'd prepare some plain rice (and even plain chicken) for you. I'm with you - sometimes plain white rice is easiest to tolerate (I've had UC for 25 years!).

 

[Norton figment]

My mom has Crohns and the best thing we ever did was get the DAS pass. Just knowing that she didn't need to wait in the long lines helped reduce the stress and anxiety of worring about an emergency bathroom run. Definitely look on the maps for knowing where the bathrooms are, we find epcot to be the worst for the bathrooms as they are farther apart.