Question on toilets/queues etc

[pad406]

Hi all, searched around and can't really find an answer to this, although from what I have read a GAC may help. Situation is that we, me, DW, DD8 and DS6 are taking our first trip over Christmas this year, 12/23 to 1/7, yahhoo! Anyways, DS has Spina Bifida, though to look at him you'd never know. He can run, jump and climb with the best of 6 year olds. However he has one issue, and will have for the rest of his life, he has no bowel control at all and as a result is still in nappies. From reading the boards, we will obviously be using the Companion facilities as he still needs help, but the concern is that if we reach the top of a line and he suddenly needs a change, remember no control and he never even knows if he needs to go, do we then have to queue all over again, if it wasn't such a busy time of year I wouldn't mind too much, but given it will be packed, I just think it will be really unfair on him, and quite possibly he might need another change after being in the line again for 1+ hrs. Unfortunately as he has no control, taking him to the toilet before hand won't really do any good. I know that in some cases you can try and rejoin the rest of the family in the queue, but again, from what I have read that is not always possible. Hopefully it won't happen, or at worst be rare, but should it are there any options for us?

TIA
Paul

 

[LMC]

Tell them he has incontinence (hopefully that is a word he won't recognize and he won't be embarrased) issues and you may need to leave the line and return and what should you do in the event you are already que'd up and have to leave.

 

[Schmeck]

When you need to leave a queue, check in with the Cast members working at the entrance to the queue itself on your way by - they can help you out!

Also, if you are in the Fastpass queue, using fastpasses, you can leave the queue and re-enter, no problem, as long as you keep your passes. You show them to the CM at the beginning of the queue, and don't give them up until the CM at the end ot the FP queue. So, if something happens in between, you can just go out, take care of things, and re-enter later.

 

[Bete]

I'm taking the practical and more realistic approach, here.

Try to eat more when you are away from the parks, not in the parks. Avoid eating even snacks at least an hour before getting into any long ride lines. It may have to be even longer. You might be able to practice timing at home to know how long after a meal he needs to go. Getting him on a schedule of sorts may help. Go to the bathroom every two hours (or less) no matter what's happening.

My mom, who is a small woman and weighs around 100, has some issues and there's a product called Moliform. It's a huge liner that can fit in diapers, etc. They are suppose to withstand any issues. At least he'd be protected until you could attend to him if the worse should happen. Bring a change or two for the worse moments. Layer him with protection including waterproofed underwear. I would even use a disposable chux and tuck it in all around the diaper in case there's a leak the chux will catch it. I know what you said, but I would still use a restroom before entering a long ride line; it's worth a shot to be safer. Maybe, a reward would work like a souvenir for going on the spot; you never know unless you try it out. When he does go then time it right after for the longer ride queues; you'll be safe for a while.

I think I would avoid long lines; you may have to skip some rides. Go early; so, you have a better chance with shorter, ride waits. By all means use fast pass.

Talking to a CM at the ride, etc. may help. Getting a GAC may help.

 

[Leajess99]

I would definitely talk to the Cm. I know in TSM there is actually a restroom (found this out the first time we were there) at the front of the que. Some people around you may not have an issue with holding your spot but it may be a long trip to the companion bathroom.

One of my daughter's friends has SB as well with no bowel control so I can understand your concern. I would definitely still check in with guest services and see if you would qualify for a GAC for him. Use Fastpasses as much as you possibly can as well and just try to enjoy yourself. I'm not sure if you plan on taking a stroller but I would consider if I were in your position. WDW can be a lot of walking.

 

[SueM in MN]

There is information in post #6 of the disABILITIES FAQs thread about Guest Assistance Cards (GACs). You can find that thread near the top of this board or follow the link in my signature.

We have been to WDW during that time period and it is VERY busy. You can expect waits for everything, including bathrooms. There are not that many companion restrooms for each park (only 5-6) and during busy times, you can expect a wait there too.

A GAC may be helpful in lines, but would not help at all with lines for bathrooms, restaurants, etc.
I’d suggest looking into touring plans like Tour Guide Mike (a sponsor on the Theme Parks Board). Even during the busiest times, there are parks and parts of a park that are less busy.
Tour Guide Mike or similar touring plans help you to be in those less busy places so that you won’t have as many crowds.

You may also want to discuss his bowel program with his care team, since there is a lot a good bowel program can do to help continence, even if he has no control. I found a good article that may be helpful for the American Spina Bifida Association.
I found a similar organization in the UK, ASBAH, but it doesn’t seem to have an information sheet about bowels.