Rest Areas? Tips Requested.

[DL1WDW2]

I wish I could remeber all of the locations that were created for mask free Covid spots . Disney chose the areas that have always been. Low traffic flow when the mask mandate first started…so guests could find a spot to relax for a few minutes without the mask…Unprecedented times… they have changed all that now.

 

[mamabunny]

...We aren't going to get a DAS pass, we feel funny, as she looks like nothing is wrong with her, but sadly that is very far from the case...

I felt a lot of guilt over doing the DAS this time too. Because like you say - I look fine...

OK, you two. NO MORE GUILT OVER DAS. Repeat after me:

"DAS is just another *tool* to have a more equal day at Disney World"

That's it. That's all it is, that's all it does. It helps level the playing field so that folks who need a bit of extra help have an experience at WDW that is *closer* to what "normal" people experience.

It's a tool - no different than using glasses to see better, hearing aids to hear better, or a hammer to pound a nail. (or a wheelchair/ECV to get around).

Period.

How you look matters not. The *only* criteria that matters when getting a DAS is simply this: You must be able to tell the Cast Member (either via the new video chat system, or in person at Guest Relations) *why* you can't wait in the standard queue environment.

I don't "look" disabled, but I am. My daughter doesn't "look" disabled, but she is. My husband doesn't "look" like he as ADHD or autism, but he does... It doesn't matter how you look - what matters is if the DAS will be of assistance or not.

"Normal" is a setting on the washing machine, and nothing more.

PS: not mad! Mamabunny loves you! Just please don't feel guilty for using a tool that Disney provides. And have a great trip!

 

[ttintagel]

The nurses told me after my concussion that I should expect to not be 100% for about a year. And mine was relatively mild. They also told me to try not to think too hard about anything!

One place I haven’t seen mentioned is Tom Sawyer Island in the MK, which I’ve after found to ba sn oasis of calm. A cruise on the Liberty Belle is also quite relaxing, and the waiting area is very pleasant.

 

[lanejudy]

I wish I could remeber all of the locations that were created for mask free Covid spots .

They are listed in the first post of this thread.

 

[Luna81]

Oh! And I’m sure her OT has mentioned, but just in case - get a hat. I plan on getting one of the 50th anniversary ones when I get there. Not as fun and cute as doing ears, but a hat helps. Especially early on in the concussion. It cuts down what you can see visually. So there’s less “stuff” for your brain to try to process. And helps with the bright lights.

 

[HappyDisneyWife]

Wow. You have a lot to think through here. I’m so sorry for your dear wife (& you too)!! But it seems like you both have a great attitude and mindset going into this trip, and I hope it’s a huge blessing for you all!!

I think AKV is going to be the best place to be on this particular trip- quiet, relaxing, beautiful, and transportive. Bay Lake, however, may have a few issues (noise-wise)… you can hear MK’s fireworks from inside many of the rooms (so I would make sure to talk with the front desk about getting the quietest room possible), and at both resorts I would make sure your room isn’t too close to the pools (the games and music can get pretty loud too).

I think Epcot & the Boardwalk area have several little nooks/quiet places to sit back and relax (like Mamabunny said ). Animal Kingdom is probably the quietest park though (especially the animal trails!), and could be a wonderful diversion.

For me, it’s easier to think of things I would avoid… like the buses. As soon as a wheelchair user needs to board (like myself), the bus makes a horridly loud beeping noise as it “kneels” to the curb & drops the ramp (& then back up again!). That right there could end your wife’s day before it even has a chance to start. I think you’re driving (right?), but be aware of the buses around you… and I would definitely plan to rent a push WC for her (just make sure that you pay attention to the road’s surface you are driving her on, bc there are areas in every park that are “themed” that make it bumpy & she would probably do better walking over that than being jostled).

I would grab a guide map as you enter each park (or at your resort beforehand) & try to make notes of times/places to avoid… especially at Epcot (it has lots of quiet places, but also some of the loudest entertainment on property)! The America Gardens Theatre is made to project sound, and my son (who gets sound-induced migraines) cannot tolerate being within a few countries of that theatre when there are any instruments playing (it was especially hard during Covid when they used the AG theatre for Mexico & Canada’s bands). There are some pretty loud acts which are beginning to play in their own countries again (like Japan), and whenever cavalcades come around the music is turned way up on nearby speakers (that goes for MK, EP & HS). At AK, there are some loud “street performers” to be aware of (esp. in Africa). And at MK, the Liberty Belle steamboat (which cruises on the hour & half hour), has a very loud “horn” that is used whenever it approaches & exits the dock. I’m sure I’m missing something, but these are the things I watch out for with my son (he also keeps Bose noise-cancelling headphones in his backpack, so he can quickly put them on to keep from getting sick… side note- I would not recommend his headphones to your wife as they can create an uncomfortable suction feeling & pressure to the head; the noise-canceling earplugs seem better). Obviously, nighttime fireworks are going to be very loud & visually dynamic shows too (both inside & nearby those parks), so I’d avoid those as well.

That may seem like a lot to be “on alert” for, but the really good news is that Disney is finally putting all cavalcades & showtimes in the daily guide maps! No more pop-ups!! No more guessing!!! I truly wish you the best & hope you make some wonderful memories on this trip!!

 

[TillyMarigold]

Baby Care had moved to an area in Tomorrowland while its original location was being renovated.
According to the park maps, it’s back in its original location with First Aid between Casey’s Corner and Crystal Palace. It’s possible First Aid may also be renovated soon and move to the Tomorrowland while that happens.
It‘s also possible it HAS moved there and the maps don’t reflect that, but the My Disney Experience, maps on the website and in the parks show the same.
Here’s a screenshot of the map.
View attachment 617432

I was in Tomorrowland on Saturday 10/30 and Baby Care was there. AFAIK First Aid was in its usual location.

 

[TillyMarigold]

FYI, besides the First Aid centers, there are also designated quiet, out of the way areas in each park for people to test from sensory overload. The list is on the WDW website in the Disabilities section under Cognitive Disabilities. Of course, all bets are off around fireworks time etc.

 

[SueM in MN]

FYI, besides the First Aid centers, there are also designated quiet, out of the way areas in each park for people to test from sensory overload. The list is on the WDW website in the Disabilities section under Cognitive Disabilities. Of course, all bets are off around fireworks time etc.

This is a Link to the WDW Guide for Guests with Cognitive Disabilities

The list of quieter places in each park is on page 14 of the guide. It is just a list of suggested places that are usually less busy/quieter, not designated areas for people with disabilities. They are generally less busy, but are open to anyone. So you may find them full or being used by families letting their small children run off some energy.