Multiple Sclerosis at Disneyland

[KulaMauiMouse]

Hey fabulous Disney peeps, hope you're all having a magical day! Our family is headed to Disneyland this summer. We've been there lots of times before, but this is the first time since I've been diagnosed with MS. Like many people with MS, I have a difficult time in the heat; I will most likely be renting a manual WC to use in the park. I've been perusing these boards for tips and noticed people trying to get DAS passes for their MS disabilities; I'm trying to figure out if I should plan on trying to get one.
Right now, I can't see needing one. I figure if I get uncomfortable in a line I could inform a cast member and wait at the front for the rest of my family. We generally maximize our park time really well, and don't stand in line for very long. If the line is longer, maybe I could take one of my kids with me to keep me company while we wait-they're 11 and 14 and it wouldn't really be a problem for us. Any input?
I'm also going to get a cooling vest to wear there, anyone used one in the park before? Do you keep backup ice packs with you in a cooler? Or in a locker?
Any suggestions would be very much appreciated! Thanks!

 

[gap2368]

I have never been to the Land ( came so close one time but that is another story) I owuld think this is mostly mobility and heat I know at Disney world I have been told no to a DAS becuse of heat problems ( I have other needs ) so what I do is bring a small ( and I do mean small ) unbrella I use cooling towles ( I know DIsney world hads then) a fain ( you can get it with a mister on it) with this and some times going back to the hotel when it gets too hot, I am able to tolerate the heat better.

Oh I almost forgot I use Omni freeze clothing and I think they really work

hope some of these tips helps you out.

 

[lanejudy]

I figure if I get uncomfortable in a line I could inform a cast member and wait at the front for the rest of my family. ... If the line is longer, maybe I could take one of my kids with me to keep me company while we wait-

I don’t think this will work. Since you've been often, you are likely aware that there is no easy way to move to the front to wait - alone or with one of the kides. If you think you may need to sit/rest, use the wheelchair. You may find several attractions will give a “wheelchair return time” due to the queue being inaccessible. Like a FP, it will have a window of time to return, usually to the exit. DCA queues should all be accessible as it’s a newer park.

If you have needs unrelated to mobility or stamina that will impact your ability to wait in a standard queue environment, you can discuss those needs to request a DAS. Here is info about DAS at the California parks; only the first post is important.
https://www.disboards.com/threads/d...-1-update-12-7-14-das-tied-to-ticket.3179460/

Enjoy your vacation!

 

[KulaMauiMouse]

Oh I almost forgot I use Omni freeze clothing and I think they really work.

Thanks for the tip, I'll search around online.

I don’t think this will work. Since you've been often, you are likely aware that there is no easy way to move to the front to wait - alone or with one of the kides. If you think you may need to sit/rest, use the wheelchair. You may find several attractions will give a “wheelchair return time” due to the queue being inaccessible. Like a FP, it will have a window of time to return, usually to the exit. DCA queues should all be accessible as it’s a newer park.

I honestly haven't really paid attention to other ways to get on rides if you have a disability. So, if a line is wheelchair accessable I have to wait in that line unless I have a DAS, is that correct?

 

[lanejudy]

So, if a line is wheelchair accessable I have to wait in that line unless I have a DAS, is that correct?

Yes. DAS or FP. I’ve heard the MAXPass is quite helpful.

Enjoy your vacation!

 

[KulaMauiMouse]

Yes. DAS or FP. I’ve heard the MAXPass is quite helpful.

Enjoy your vacation!

Good to know. I don't think I'm going to do the DAS, it sounds like there's a good chance I wouldn't qualify anyway. We were planning on getting a MAXPass, and now we'll be more concientious of not planning on standing in outdoor lines at the heat of the day. Or maybe I could go get some shopping in while the kiddos and Dad stand in line.

Has anyone had experience with the cooling vests? I'm a little overwhelmed by choices. And what about the ice? I'd like to keep it as cold as possible, and I'm thinking of stashing it in a Main Street locker. Has anyone successfully kept their vest ice packs in a cooler with them during the day?

 

[lanejudy]

Or maybe I could go get some shopping in while the kiddos and Dad stand in line.

That’s fine if you don’t want to ride. I wouldn’t plan to try and push your way through everyone in line behind your family to try and meet up at boarding.

Enjoy your vacation!

 

[KulaMauiMouse]

That’s fine if you don’t want to ride. I wouldn’t plan to try and push your way through everyone in line behind your family to try and meet up at boarding.

Enjoy your vacation!

Ugh, that drives me nuts when people do that-wait until your party is together before you get in line! No, I wouldn't do that. Just thinking out loud about how I can plan our day

 

[mamabunny]

Good to know. I don't think I'm going to do the DAS, it sounds like there's a good chance I wouldn't qualify anyway. We were planning on getting a MAXPass, and now we'll be more concientious of not planning on standing in outdoor lines at the heat of the day. Or maybe I could go get some shopping in while the kiddos and Dad stand in line.

Has anyone had experience with the cooling vests? I'm a little overwhelmed by choices. And what about the ice? I'd like to keep it as cold as possible, and I'm thinking of stashing it in a Main Street locker. Has anyone successfully kept their vest ice packs in a cooler with them during the day?

Not sure about DL - maybe we will get someone with direct experience - but I suppose you could *ask* First Aid to stash it so it stays cold. At WDW First Aid is always so helpful in every Park, and at DL I would presume that's true too - I've never yet had the joy of visiting there!

Beyond that, if DL allows small coolers, you could always bring along a small high-efficiency cooler and just hang it off the back or bottom of the wheelchair with bungee cords, or Velcro One-Wrap loops. That way it's always with you. And never mind, I just checked - DL only allows coolers large enough to fit a six-pack of beverages. BUT...

From this page:

Coolers larger than 6-pack sized are not permitted into the theme parks.

• Note: Guest can store coolers up to 18" wide x 25" high x 37" deep in rentable large lockers located outside the Disneyland Park Main Entrance. Lockers are not refrigerated and availability is limited. Guests who need to refrigerate medication may do so at First Aid. (emphasis mine)

I would pop by First Aid and ask them to help you keep your cooling vest cool!

Have a great trip!

 

[KulaMauiMouse]

Coolers larger than 6-pack sized are not permitted into the theme parks.

• Note: Guest can store coolers up to 18" wide x 25" high x 37" deep in rentable large lockers located outside the Disneyland Park Main Entrance. Lockers are not refrigerated and availability is limited. Guests who need to refrigerate medication may do so at First Aid. (emphasis mine)

I would pop by First Aid and ask them to help you keep your cooling vest cool!

Have a great trip!

Thanks for this information. I'm thinking First Aid won't be able to help, medication refrigerators are for medications only, cooling packs would be put in a specimen refrigerator and I doubt they have one of those. The vests have removable ice packs that would fit in a small cooler, so I'll look for a good one that will keep them frozen as long as possible. Thanks!

 

[gap2368]

Thanks for this information. I'm thinking First Aid won't be able to help, medication refrigerators are for medications only, cooling packs would be put in a specimen refrigerator and I doubt they have one of those. The vests have removable ice packs that would fit in a small cooler, so I'll look for a good one that will keep them frozen as long as possible. Thanks!

pretty sure you are right about first aid as the fridges there are not meant to keep things frozen but cold. they do have plain ice at first aid that they might be able to give you. and since this is for medical reasons they might be able to stor a cooler for you that you could have your ice pack in.

 

[KulaMauiMouse]

That's a great idea, thanks.

 

[KulaMauiMouse]

For anyone who's interested, this website lists how people with disabilities get on rides at Disneyland, as well as some other really helpful information. https://disneylanddaily.com/disabilities-at-disneyland/#Alternative_Attractions