Helping a 9-y/o (in a wheelchair) to stay cool in July?

[S. S. Columbia]

Hi,

I’m asking this question for a friend.

Their family has visited DLR a few times. They’re planning their first summer trip, and they’re concerned about the afternoon heat in July.

Their mainly concerned about their 9-year-old, who uses a wheelchair.

During the hot afternoon, the following attractions are cool:

ITTBB
Animation Academy
Muppets 3D
Tiki Room
HISTA
Billy Hill Show
Mark Twain Riverboat
The M.O.O. for Finding Nemo

Are there any other attractions to help stay cool during a July afternoon?

Any other suggestions for staying cool?

Thank you, in advance.

 

[DSNY4ever]

Yeah your list looks good. The whole Animations building is a great place to kill time on a hot day. Turtle talk, the Zoetrope and Beast's library areas are fun. And maybe try to save rides with shaded lines like Star tours and Jungle cruise for the afternoon...?

Remind them to bring one of those spray fans, they are great especially while waiting for parades and such (and they are cheaper if you buy them at home and bring them). And to bring big hats for everyone in the group!

I hope they have fun!

 

[Chickysmom]

Battery operated mister fans...
Perhaps placing a towel under her and changing it out mid-day...
Maybe a neck wrap that can be soaked in cool water...
HAT!!...
Drink lots of water...
Ennjoy a frozen treat during afternoon...

 

[JeannieNM]

Two suggestions. I am a T5 para so I know a lot about over heating.

1) check out the DisAbilities section of this board,they are a wealth of information.

2) Sit on a white cloth or chux. Cover arm rests with white fabric if they are dark. The refrigerated neck coolers are great. A bandana that you can soak and put on her legs or areas that do not cool down on their own. Get up early and go to the park early or after the sun goes down. Drink lots of water. Use the ice from the water to cool down the body. Cotton clothes.

Good luck

 

[visitingapril09]

You can purchase cooling vests through sporting goods stores, they are cheaper there than medical supply stores. There are compartments where paks similar to soft ice packs are placed that help cool the body.

We were there last week with our son in a wheelchair and your list looks good. We also hung out on Tom Sawyers Island in the shade for a bit too, and it wasn't very hot there last week.

The worst line was IASW. We were in the wheelchair line in direct sun and it was probably about 45 minutes. There was no shade at all.

 

[leazel]

My son also uses a wheelchair, and when it gets hot, I have found that the exit area at Space mountain is a great place to cool off. There's a large stone sitting area. Also don't forget, most rides in DL you need to go to the exit area of the ride if in a wheelchair. Bonus, you need not wait in long lines. Up to 5 people in your party.

Have fun

 

[mechurchlady]

Pirates is indoors and if there is not a long line then he can wait indoors. There is Star Tours and Soarin. The submarines have a nonmotion room that is cool and has a fun movie. The animation Building and tough to be a bug are cool. Splash Mountain has an indoor line if you can get there before too long a disabled line. Small World is indoors and if you are not in line too long that is cooling.

Take a damp cloth and spin it to make the cloth feel cooler. All counter service restaurants give out free ice and water.

 

[Lakewood]

wet towel around the neck...

 

[Brady's Mom]

I don't know how this might attach to the wheelchair, but in the sporting goods section at WalMart I found an umbrella that attaches to those tubular camping chairs and I take it to baseball games when my boys play. It saves me, since sometimes wearing a hat can be soooo hot. There might be a way to secure it to the chair. The umbrella also adjusts in any direction to block the worst of the sun.

 

[fronkfam]

I am the friend who SS Columbia posted the question for. You don't know how much I appreciate all of your help. It is so good to hear from people who have first hand experience with this!

 

[visitingapril09]

I am the friend who SS Columbia posted the question for. You don't know how much I appreciate all of your help. It is so good to hear from people who have first hand experience with this!

Have a wonderful visit!! Our son, who is in a chair, did great last week and loved every minute!!

 

[Zoemakes5]

I was going to suggest a golf umbrella, too.
Oh, have a big water bottle on hand and get it refilled frequently throughout the day with water.
I also found that having mints and gum help produce saliva and that cools me down.
There are fresh fruit stands in Tomorrowland and back near Pooh corner that have cold fresh fruit. I especially like the pineapple and big pickles.
If you're going to DCA, I'd suggest taking in Aladin, Animation building, and Muppets in the afternoon/heat of the day.