Need advice please ...

[mamabear0222]

I know you're stressed, but February is a very crowd manageable time to go. Most lines will be under 30 mins, unless presidents weekend. Don't worry, lines will be short. When you arrive check into the GAC (as I stated earlier, I really think they will be able to help you), but get a good touring plan, utilize FP, and map out all your bathrooms. I really think you will be fine.
I totally agree with you regarding the pull ups and pad ideas. Although well meant, do not compromise DD health or potty training success thus far.
If you miss a ride or two due to bathroom issues, don't worry. There is so much magic, something else will be right around the corner.

You are my voice of reason. Thank you.
Right now she misses out on a lot and she does have a twin brother. So she sees things and pushes herself so hard naturally. I'd hate for her to miss out this time but we will get fp and park maps for bathrooms.

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[emeraldmom]

My youngest ds had toileting issues for a long time. For us there were different reasons, and it was bowel not bladder. It was a long time before he was completely toilet trained and off of medication. So, I sympathize with your concerns. That said, he was also very sensitive to accidents, despite being constantly reassured that it was just his body and beyond his control. For him, this would often lead to him withholding, which caused all kinds of other problems. Since your dd has kidney issues, you REALLY don't want that to happen. And from what you have said she find accidents to be very upsetting.

I would first do my homework, then have a talk (or series of talks) with her. By do your homework I mean that there are many different types pf pullups and pads. If you were to go to a few cloth diapering sites, there are many cloth options that do not seem at all like diapers. There are cloth diaper inserts or doublers, again they don't seem so much like diapers. There are also cloth menstrual pads, which could work if it's not a significant quantity of liquid. Any of the cloth products would be breathable, and much less likely to lead to an infection. Then there are cloth training pants, like a pullup, but cloth. Any of these might not seem so much like a diaper to her.

Once you get some ideas, then you talk to her about them. I suspect if you phrase things the right way, you may be able to get buy in from her. If you can get buy in from her, and she understands that this is just insurance in special situations, it could work out well for her.

All of that aside, I think you will be okay. It is worth talking to guest relations to see if there is anything they can do for you. You are going at a slower time, which will be a huge help. I would look at ride info online so you can get an idea of what the longer rides are. For example, Ellen's Energy Adventure is quite long, and once in, you are stuck. Like everyone else has said, hydrate and lots of potty breaks. You could even make it a game, how many bathrooms can you visit per day I haven't been since the new Fantasyland Expansion opened, but the Rapunzel bathroom is supposed to be beautiful.

 

[lanejudy]

Did you find it an issue at all? Maybe I'm just overthinking?

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It's always good to plan and have some "back-up" ideas of how things might work. But don't over-stress about it or you won't have a good time.

We've only had 1 accident while in line. We made frequently potty-breaks (every time we passed one) and always before getting into line. We do avoid rides with long lines (Soarin' is 1/4 mile long in and then back out) and/or long rides (check the FAQ sticky) - but there is just so much else to do that we really don't feel we miss out. We also stick to normal routines as much as possible - waking, mealtime, bedtime - a tired child is more likely to have accidents than one who's well-rested.

As a PP said, you have several months to go. Early planning is great. Check out some of the cloth options someone else mentioned, maybe give one or two a try for a weekend to see how they fit/comfort/no infections. Continue to have open dialog and re-assure DD that this is her body and not her fault. With a 5 yr old, a lot of physical development can occur in 6 months and she may not have as many accident by then. Just try not to stress about it too much. I'm sure you'll all have a wonderful vacation!

 

[vulnadia]

go talk to guest relations-explain the situation to them- with our gac we have had to "leave" the line before for potty issues & been able to go right back where we left off (but the gac entry/wait area is smaller not necessarily shorter though, & the cm's working the exit/or line area are great about remembering who you are & allowing you back in- I have one child who ALWAYS has the worst timing ever-usually in tsm is where he has to be taken potty & then let back in-the cm just radios up to the front of the house & they use some marker to "remember" him by & they always let husband take him potty then let them back in queue to join us-no problem AND this isnt the actual gac recipient, his brother is...though he has gac-worthy issues of his own... granted weve only ever had to do this while waiting our turn in the gac-line area/handicapped access, but its happened at its a small world, & in line for some of the movie attractions as well (lion king for example in the land pavillion)...so dont let this discourage you by any means-always let them tell you "no" & you will be surprised by the amount of actual "Yes" you hear

 

[Kristibo42]

Get a note. They pass really helps if you have a hard time standing in lines.

 

[mamabear0222]

She is accident free but we've never been in a situation where we couldn't get her to a bathroom ontime or stuck somewhere
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[jimmysmom74]

I just want to add, because DD has some significant kidney issues, I would speak to her MD before considering diapering or pads. I am a RN, and I know that some conditions can have a contraindication with there use. In fact, it is the reason some children are pushed to potty train early. These ideas are great for kids that have accidents or trouble recognizing when that have to go and leak urine, but for a child with a true kidney issue this can cause serious health issues. I hope this helps.
Good Luck, I'm sure that you will have a wonderful trip!

 

[mamabear0222]

I just want to add, because DD has some significant kidney issues, I would speak to her MD before considering diapering or pads. I am a RN, and I know that some conditions can have a contraindication with there use. In fact, it is the reason some children are pushed to potty train early. These ideas are great for kids that have accidents or trouble recognizing when that have to go and leak urine, but for a child with a true kidney issue this can cause serious health issues. I hope this helps.
Good Luck, I'm sure that you will have a wonderful trip!

Thank you. Yes this is exactly what her nephrologist advised. We started potty training early to get her out of diapers. She was getting infections about every other month. When she became diaper free it's about twice a year now. If her conditions don't correct themself she will require surgery. And she's still too young to know exactly what we're dealing with yet. We have no idea if she has any permanent damage. We almost lost her as a baby because no one knew she had an issue. Infections are no joke that's for sure!

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[GadgetTheInventor]

At 9 y.o., I would present her with the options and let her choose. There are free apps that you can download on your phone that show you the current wait times for rides to give you an idea of what you will be up against. Let her decide before the trip what her limits are (pull-up for Ellen's EA since the ride will be an hour or to skip that ride). Definitely try to go early in the morning to some of the rides with longer wait times.

The alternative entrances wouldn't necessarily be any easier, and would often cause even more problems since they are more for wheelchairs than bathroom issues. Elevators, back hallways, waiting to be guided by a CM...are all normal for the alternative entrance that don't use FP entrances.

Just remind your daughter that whatever happens, she will never see these people again. It might not make her feel any less self-conscious in the moment, but hopefully she will start to understand that her happiness during a family vacation is more important than what any stranger might think about her.

A random factoid that I found amusing is that the sale of adult diapers surges in China during the Chinese New Year celebrations since there is a lack of public toilets. Millions of Chinese adults don't let urine or shame prevent them from enjoying the party. The news article should be Googleable.

 

[mamabear0222]

At 9 y.o., I would present her with the options and let her choose. There are free apps that you can download on your phone that show you the current wait times for rides to give you an idea of what you will be up against. Let her decide before the trip what her limits are (pull-up for Ellen's EA since the ride will be an hour or to skip that ride). Definitely try to go early in the morning to some of the rides with longer wait times.

The alternative entrances wouldn't necessarily be any easier, and would often cause even more problems since they are more for wheelchairs than bathroom issues. Elevators, back hallways, waiting to be guided by a CM...are all normal for the alternative entrance that don't use FP entrances.

Just remind your daughter that whatever happens, she will never see these people again. It might not make her feel any less self-conscious in the moment, but hopefully she will start to understand that her happiness during a family vacation is more important than what any stranger might think about her.

A random factoid that I found amusing is that the sale of adult diapers surges in China during the Chinese New Year celebrations since there is a lack of public toilets. Millions of Chinese adults don't let urine or shame prevent them from enjoying the party. The news article should be Googleable.

My daughter is 4. Not 9. And she can't wear diapers or pads due to infection issues.

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[Bete]

I think you should think about doing rides with shorter lines and shows where it is likely you can get in. Meet and greets might work. For the shows someone may have to stay in line while the other adult takes her to the bathroom just before the show starts. Sitting in the back for shows may help if you need to exit quickly. I'm hoping the sitting may be easier on her bladder and so maybe she can last longer doing a show.

I know this is radical, but is there anyway on this trip that she could have a catheter? I'm not sure how this affects the kidney condition and I don't know how willing her doctor would be to do this for a young child, but this could work. You would have to learn how to handle all of this, but I think that would allow her so much freedom. The other side is that she would have a foreign device on her body and she may not be a happy camper wearing it.

I think you will need to be prepared for some disappointments, but I wouldn't let it ruin your trip.

Is there a way you could practice back home at a local zoo or museum or smaller amusement park to see how it all goes for you. It might give you some good ideas for the Disney trip.

I would definitely carry extra underwear and bottoms/pants for changes and any cleaning wipes or whatever if there is an accident. Also, it might help to wear two sets of underwear. Could you put padding in between the two sets of underwear without causing an infection? Another idea could be wearing those waterproof panties over the underwear.

 

[elphaba91]

Do not stress at all if people think you're 'abusing the system'. My best friend has special exam conditions (in a separate room with extended time for toilet breaks) because of the exact same reason (well, she has a kidney condition and so has to drink lots of water to avoid stones). It's good enough for the disability unit at our university, so IMO it should be good enough for Disney. However, I would probably contact guest relations in advance to find out what services they may be able to offer you and to find out if you should get a doctor's letter. Remember, you don't HAVE to use any services they offer you - it might be a good idea to wait in the GAC line if it's been 15 minutes since she's last had a bathroom break, but if she's just been then the regular queue might be quicker.

That being said, I would also take preventative measures. My friends and I all know that my best friend goes to the bathroom before and after every class (to a chorus of 'three litres, no stone!'). Make sure you do the same and schedule regular bathroom breaks, whether it be going into every bathroom you pass, going to the bathroom after every second ride or going every 20-30 minutes. Also, make sure you take any supplies you need in case the worst happens. Take changes of clothes (also helpful if someone slips over in the Tomorrowland fountain as my sister did 14 years ago, or for after Splash Mountain) and underwear, some towels and baby wipes to clean her up plus plastic bags to put any soiled clothing in. Maybe dressing her in skirts instead of shorts or pants may help ease her embarrassment if something does happen (as hopefully her outer layer wouldn't get wet too) or make sure you've got an extra jacket to tie around her waist while you take her somewhere to get her cleaned up. I always believe that if you're prepared for the worst case scenario, then it won't happen!

Try not to stress too much about it. If you waste a little bit more time in lines, so be it. Just try to relax and have a fabulous time!