Seizure / Epilepsy Disneyland

[smartlabelprint]

My kiddo has seizures. I can’t find details about Disneyland rides and seizure disorders. We really don’t have too much info about the seizures. We are on a medication. Had them sporadically for a year and a half. Grand mal several times. Once was 2 10 min in a period of 20 min. Also some absence.

https://www.disboards.com/threads/autism-and-first-time-seizure-at-disney.3743410/
This link has info regarding Disney world.

 

[theluckyrabbit]

Know which rides have the photos -- that bright flash coming unexpectedly in the dark can be a problem for some guests. Also, other guests taking flash photos on dark rides, e.g. POTC, HM, etc., can be a problem. Also guests wearing bright, flashing hats and jewelry or waving bright toys on dark rides, phone/camera screens, etc. We ask CMs to make an announcement about that when possible. It doesn't always stop clueless guests, but CMs are usually quite willing to help. PTN can cause problems -- parents have reported issues with the strobes (the Mac float). You already know where First Aid is in both parks, so you won't have a delay heading there when the need arises. Hope you get some good advice here.

 

[VandVsmama]

Definitely avoid Space Mountain! Also Splash Mountain has a ride photo with a flash. It's on the very last descent (the big drop).

 

[StormyCA]

IIRC Alice has flashing lights near the end of the ride.

 

[Aladora]

My kiddo has seizures. I can’t find details about Disneyland rides and seizure disorders. We really don’t have too much info about the seizures. We are on a medication. Had them sporadically for a year and a half. Grand mal several times. Once was 2 10 min in a period of 20 min. Also some absence.

https://www.disboards.com/threads/autism-and-first-time-seizure-at-disney.3743410/
This link has info regarding Disney world.

If you click here you can download the Attraction Details for Guests with Cognitive Disabilities. The guide lists all the attractions and marks which ones have flashing lights.

Hope that helps!

 

[smartlabelprint]

If you click here you can download the Attraction Details for Guests with Cognitive Disabilities. The guide lists all the attractions and marks which ones have flashing lights.

Hope that helps!

Thanks. I’d read that. But it doesn’t have info about the dark tunnel opening to sun like the WDW link I shared. Some of the info above about remembering which have flashes is good. We don’t know if there is light sensitivity and there usually isn’t but I’d rather be safe than sorry.

 

[kristensideaoffun]

Go to guest services as soon as you enter the park. Is your child photosensitive? Our daughter isn’t photosensitive, but we were extra careful to not take her on rides with strobes the first few times we went to Disneyland after her diagnosis. Our daughter is very sensitive to heat and sun exposure (we think it might be caused by her meds). Having to wait even for a couple minutes in the sun on a warm day will wipe her out and trigger a seizure if we don’t find a cool place to rest for 30 minutes to an hour. The CM at guest services showed us which rides have outdoor, unprotected queues, including the FP lines. She also told us which rides might expose her to longer periods of heat or direct sunlight while on the ride. Like waiting to pull back into the line to exit Autopia or if there is a back up on It’s A Small World. This information was incredibly helpful when choosing which rides to go on at what times. We’ve also found the ride CMs to be very accommodating. One time, we went to get in the FP line for RSR but the line didn’t move for over 10 minutes. I had my daughter stand in the shade while we were waiting, but that area of the park was so hot that she just couldn’t stay there any longer. We left the line, told a CM what happened as we were leaving, and they gave us FP’s to return later. She also told us to notify a CM as we enter next time and they might move us through the line to the shaded portion of the queue. She actually offered to do that for us right then but, at that point, my daughter needed to go sit down. So just be sure to communicate with CMs about your child’s needs, and they will try their best to accommodate them and make sure they are safe to ride each attraction.

Enjoy your trip!

 

[redleader74]

Thanks for sharing this. Way back in 2011 Halloween season we went to DL and bought (what I thought) were the coolest Disney souvenirs ever, these led light changing ghosts you can wear around your neck (see my profile photo). They come with a lanyard to wear around your neck and both the ghost and the lanyard can change colors…..However, there is this one setting where the lights can flash through all the colors strobe light style and as entertaining as that is, I can see how even for someone without any issues otherwise, they could find it a bit much to look at. I’m bringing them to wear next week on our trip to DL and will be mindful not to have it on “strobe!”

 

[tsumgirl]

Regarding better safe than sorry, I completely understand where you're coming from. I suffer from seizures, as well, and doctors have not been able to determine the cause. One thing to keep in mind is the nighttime shows. Fantasmic and Mickey's Mix Magic (if fireworks are cancelled) both bother me to the point that I can feel a seizure coming on. I don't even need to be watching the shows...just being in the area at showtime can bother me. There is also a 5 second part of WOC that I close my eyes due to the strobe-like effects.

There are many rides I have not tried based on my comfort level with the light effects or other visual concerns. My best advice to you is to watch Youtube videos for any rides with flashing lights on the Cognitive Disabilities list someone mentioned, and gauge your comfort level with your child riding the ride.

Oh, and for some reason, the sunlight hitting water in aquarium-like settings is a really big no-no for me. It will trigger as seizure faster than any other light effects, so I would recommend skipping Finding Nemo if you're not sure what triggers your child's seizures.

 

[smartlabelprint]

Regarding better safe than sorry, I completely understand where you're coming from. I suffer from seizures, as well, and doctors have not been able to determine the cause. One thing to keep in mind is the nighttime shows. Fantasmic and Mickey's Mix Magic (if fireworks are cancelled) both bother me to the point that I can feel a seizure coming on. I don't even need to be watching the shows...just being in the area at showtime can bother me. There is also a 5 second part of WOC that I close my eyes due to the strobe-like effects.

There are many rides I have not tried based on my comfort level with the light effects or other visual concerns. My best advice to you is to watch Youtube videos for any rides with flashing lights on the Cognitive Disabilities list someone mentioned, and gauge your comfort level with your child riding the ride.

Oh, and for some reason, the sunlight hitting water in aquarium-like settings is a really big no-no for me. It will trigger as seizure faster than any other light effects, so I would recommend skipping Finding Nemo if you're not sure what triggers your child's seizures.

Thank you. This is invaluable. We won’t do any late shows. 8 pm CA bedtime that we will stick to (always have) to prevent an exhaustion seizure.

 

[smartlabelprint]

Go to guest services as soon as you enter the park. Is your child photosensitive? Our daughter isn’t photosensitive, but we were extra careful to not take her on rides with strobes the first few times we went to Disneyland after her diagnosis. Our daughter is very sensitive to heat and sun exposure (we think it might be caused by her meds). Having to wait even for a couple minutes in the sun on a warm day will wipe her out and trigger a seizure if we don’t find a cool place to rest for 30 minutes to an hour. The CM at guest services showed us which rides have outdoor, unprotected queues, including the FP lines. She also told us which rides might expose her to longer periods of heat or direct sunlight while on the ride. Like waiting to pull back into the line to exit Autopia or if there is a back up on It’s A Small World. This information was incredibly helpful when choosing which rides to go on at what times. We’ve also found the ride CMs to be very accommodating. One time, we went to get in the FP line for RSR but the line didn’t move for over 10 minutes. I had my daughter stand in the shade while we were waiting, but that area of the park was so hot that she just couldn’t stay there any longer. We left the line, told a CM what happened as we were leaving, and they gave us FP’s to return later. She also told us to notify a CM as we enter next time and they might move us through the line to the shaded portion of the queue. She actually offered to do that for us right then but, at that point, my daughter needed to go sit down. So just be sure to communicate with CMs about your child’s needs, and they will try their best to accommodate them and make sure they are safe to ride each attraction.

Enjoy your trip!

Thanks. SEizures are heat induced. Fever but not febrile.

 

[tsumgirl]

Thank you. This is invaluable. We won’t do any late shows. 8 pm CA bedtime that we will stick to (always have) to prevent an exhaustion seizure.

I wish you the best. I know the first few trips can be scary, but once you get a new touring routine down, it won't seem so intimidating. I actually feel safer at Disneyland than most other places, because the CMs are so understanding and quick to offer help anytime I've needed it.

Our daughter is very sensitive to heat and sun exposure (we think it might be caused by her meds). Having to wait even for a couple minutes in the sun on a warm day will wipe her out and trigger a seizure if we don’t find a cool place to rest for 30 minutes to an hour. The CM at guest services showed us which rides have outdoor, unprotected queues, including the FP lines. She also told us which rides might expose her to longer periods of heat or direct sunlight while on the ride. Like waiting to pull back into the line to exit Autopia or if there is a back up on It’s A Small World. This information was incredibly helpful when choosing which rides to go on at what times.

Thanks. SEizures are heat induced. Fever but not febrile.

For those with heat sensitivities, my seizures are not heat-induced, but the heat does cause exhaustion and fatigue fairly quickly. I always carry cooling towels with me to help stave off the heat, and they've been a trip saver quite a few times. You just wet them with any water, even warm water, and give them a few snaps and they stay cool for an hour or more. It definitely helps me with outdoor queues, or just cooling me off enough to get back to my hotel room and rest. I haven't tried the ones Disney started selling in the parks, but I carry the ones by Way 2 Cool purchased on Amazon (I guess I can't post links to it yet).

It might be worth giving a try. If nothing else, it will just help your kids feel more comfortable.

 

[smartlabelprint]

I wish you the best. I know the first few trips can be scary, but once you get a new touring routine down, it won't seem so intimidating. I actually feel safer at Disneyland than most other places, because the CMs are so understanding and quick to offer help anytime I've needed it.




For those with heat sensitivities, my seizures are not heat-induced, but the heat does cause exhaustion and fatigue fairly quickly. I always carry cooling towels with me to help stave off the heat, and they've been a trip saver quite a few times. You just wet them with any water, even warm water, and give them a few snaps and they stay cool for an hour or more. It definitely helps me with outdoor queues, or just cooling me off enough to get back to my hotel room and rest. I haven't tried the ones Disney started selling in the parks, but I carry the ones by Way 2 Cool purchased on Amazon (I guess I can't post links to it yet).

It might be worth giving a try. If nothing else, it will just help your kids feel more comfortable.

I should get those towels. Maybe An spf shade umbrella too.

 

[kristensideaoffun]

We use the towels at Disneyland. They help some but sometimes it is a challenge to get our daughter to use one. We just have to plan our day around air conditioned rest stops when it is warm. A guest services cast member can circle all of the cool, quiet rest areas on the map for you.

 

[tsumgirl]

We use the towels at Disneyland. They help some but sometimes it is a challenge to get our daughter to use one. We just have to plan our day around air conditioned rest stops when it is warm. A guest services cast member can circle all of the cool, quiet rest areas on the map for you.

Sorry the towels are a challenge for you. I agree with asking cast members about cool, quiet rest areas. I ask them for recommendations at the beginning of each visit, especially with all the changes after project stardust.

 

[theluckyrabbit]

A friend says her seizures can be triggered by artificial sweeteners, so she has to be extra careful at places like DLR where treats are everywhere and she is surrounded by things she never eats at home. Her seizures seemed to be under control with her meds, then she started having night seizures which, apparently, were being triggered by the new sodas she was drinking (a lot). And whichever sweetener it was turned up in her yogurt and in other foods that she hadn't suspected. So now she has to read labels and bring safe treats with her so that she doesn't indulge on impulse without thinking first.

 

[Disney Frenhines]

Know which rides have the photos -- that bright flash coming unexpectedly in the dark can be a problem for some guests. Also, other guests taking flash photos on dark rides, e.g. POTC, HM, etc., can be a problem. Also guests wearing bright, flashing hats and jewelry or waving bright toys on dark rides, phone/camera screens, etc. We ask CMs to make an announcement about that when possible. It doesn't always stop clueless guests, but CMs are usually quite willing to help. PTN can cause problems -- parents have reported issues with the strobes (the Mac float). You already know where First Aid is in both parks, so you won't have a delay heading there when the need arises. Hope you get some good advice here.

Those things you mentioned are not just annoying, but, you are right about strobes, flashes and so on affecting other guests with health issues exacerbated by all this. I have recently been diagnosed with Adult Diagnosed Aspergers and I always thought I was just being completely unreasonable about getting very het up even with phone screens on dark rides let alone flashing lights and people taking flash photography, but, perhaps I haven't been.

 

[Kittyskyfish]

*You should work out a travel plan with your child's neurologist to get the most out of your stay at Disneyland.* Every personal experience shared is anecdotal. This is why the neurologist should be working with you, to help identify the most likely triggers for your child's seizure condition (vs. seizure conditions in general).

You may get no more advice than to keep hydrated, rested, stay on the medication schedule, and watch for behavioral changes. Seizure disorders are not always triggered by photosensitivity / strobing lights and graphic patterns; its actually uncommon. It's terrifying to not know how to prevent child's seizures, but at the same time, not knowing the root cause doesn't mean you should follow every safety precaution - just for safety's sake. If you start by practicing layman advice to prevent seizures, you won't know what your child is actually able to experience safely. Avoidance behaviors not based upon controlled observation of your child's health may amount to nothing more than being a proverbial Dumbo's feather. I hope this makes sense.

 

[smartlabelprint]

*You should work out a travel plan with your child's neurologist to get the most out of your stay at Disneyland.* Every personal experience shared is anecdotal. This is why the neurologist should be working with you, to help identify the most likely triggers for your child's seizure condition (vs. seizure conditions in general).

You may get no more advice than to keep hydrated, rested, stay on the medication schedule, and watch for behavioral changes. Seizure disorders are not always triggered by photosensitivity / strobing lights and graphic patterns; its actually uncommon. It's terrifying to not know how to prevent child's seizures, but at the same time, not knowing the root cause doesn't mean you should follow every safety precaution - just for safety's sake. If you start by practicing layman advice to prevent seizures, you won't know what your child is actually able to experience safely. Avoidance behaviors not based upon controlled observation of your child's health may amount to nothing more than being a proverbial Dumbo's feather. I hope this makes sense.

Yes, we just got a referral to an out of state neurologist. There’s one in state that hasn’t been helpful *at all*.

 

[smartlabelprint]

A friend says her seizures can be triggered by artificial sweeteners, so she has to be extra careful at places like DLR where treats are everywhere and she is surrounded by things she never eats at home. Her seizures seemed to be under control with her meds, then she started having night seizures which, apparently, were being triggered by the new sodas she was drinking (a lot). And whichever sweetener it was turned up in her yogurt and in other foods that she hadn't suspected. So now she has to read labels and bring safe treats with her so that she doesn't indulge on impulse without thinking first.

Good to note! My preschooler doesn’t drink soda. Plus we have a million food restrictions due to allergy, etc. Cow milk free, GF, soy free, etc