Heart problem, food allergy, and seizures

[Independence1776]

A group of friends have been able to get tickets to go to Disney for one day. (They're going to be in town for an anime convention.) However, the trip is literally in a couple of weeks, and they've asked me to plan because of how recently I went. They've decided to go to the MK. Two of them have been to Disney before, but not for many years. The other two have never been. However, all four have medical issues.

Friend #1 has a heart condition and gets dizzy spells. She also has ankle and knee problems and is sensitive to the heat. I'm going to tell her about the ECVs and try to convince her to rent one. (I don't want her using a wheelchair because of Friend #2.) She is also unable to climb many stairs because of the heart problem. Which attractions have stairs and how are they avoided, excluding Swiss Family? Should she stay in the ECV for the lines or walk in? Would she be able to get a GAC? (I am not asking for a specifics, just a yes or no.) Any other advice?

Friend #2 has a food allergy to red dye- except number 40. Is this something she needs to contact Disney about? (They're only going to eat at counter service.) She also has a wrist problem similar to carpal tunnel. That's why I don't think a wheechair for Friend 1 is a good idea- I don't think she'd be able to handle the pushing all day.

Friend #3 had a seizure back in May. The doctors have been unable to figure out why (and she's had a ton of tests). She's on medication, but I don't know what it is. She hasn't had any other seizures, but what should she be concerned about? She also has exercise-indused asthma and uses an inhalor.

Friend #4 also has asthma. She uses an inhaler. Should she be concerned about anything? (I don't know her triggers.)

I'm sorry I don't know more. The little time they gave me to plan and give advice has thrown me for a slight loop. I'm looking for as much information as I can find in such a short notice. Thanks in advance.

 

[Selket]

I can only comment on #2 - I'm not sure how common red dye is but I think it could help to contact Brenda Bennett and ask if she has info on it (do a search for her phone number). At the CS places if you say "food allergy" they will hand you a gigantic binder listing the ingredients of all their foods. I find that time consuming but it might work. If you do any sit-down meals note the allergy on the ADR.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

Hi and to disABILTIES! You may find answers to several of your questions in the "disABILTIES FAQ"

If you click on where it says "disABILTIES" at the top of this page it will take you to the Index. The top item is the "disABILTIES FAQ" which will gives lots of useful information.

Swiss Family Treehouse is the only attraction where you cannot bypass stairs. All other attractions where they have stairs have an alternate method/path for access.

 

[Independence1776]

I'll pass that info along to my friend, Selket.

And thanks for the welcome, Chesire, but I've been here before (for myself and my sister). I did read the FAQ, but didn't find the information I'm looking for. I'm mainly concerned about Friend 1, as she's never been and I want her to have a good as trip as possible.

 

[Selket]

I think since you are their friend you can only suggest and let them decide what to do about renting an ECV (for #1 and #3). I have seen many posts here that most of the lines are mainstreamed so #1 could stay in her ECV through the line. Some of the ques this time of year can be long! She might want to be able to sit. Everyone in the party can stay together in any case and it seems you wouldn't need a GAC.

All of that advice is 2nd hand from what I've read here for the most part. I have toured the park with a friend in an ECV and she does take it into the lines. For a few things with short waits she gets out and walks through (or if she had a FP for something like Buzz Lightyear she'd walk through cause it moves so fast but if she waited in the standby line for Buzz she'd take the ECV cause of the long time it would mean standing). However it is possible to take the ECV/wheelchair through the FP line too - I think that all depends on your friend's condition.

If you can't find Brenda's contact info for #2 let me know and I'll try to find it here!

 

[Selket]

I wanted to add that the latest issue of Allergy Moms newsletter has a good article on dining at WDW with phone numbers: http://www.allergymoms.com/uploads/newsletters/allergymoms_newsletter_07_21_07.html

 

[mechurchlady]

Friend #1 should conserve energy and stay in the chair while waiting in lines to this friend that at the end of the day they will not be so tired.

Friend #2 on a one day trip may be able to avoid red food dye but it would help if they called and checked to see what is not safe. There are hidden allergens in foods sometimes.

 

[forr2grls]

Friends 1 and 3 should drink plenty of water.
Risk of dehydration for both is very high.The seizure med your friend is on may have a warning to avoid prolonged time in the sun-Use lots of sunscreen and maybe a parasol or a sun hat.
That's all I can think of for now.Hope you all have a wonderful time!

Paula

 

[Independence1776]

Unfortunately, due to a car accident in which their vehicle was totaled, my friends didn't get to go to Disney. The important thing was that they're okay.

 

[ducklite]

Sorry they missed it, but glad they are OK!

Anne

 

[SueM in MN]

Sorry they missed it, but glad they are OK!

Anne