Starting to PANIC about our vacation!

[tsunamimommy]

About 2 years ago, we went to Disney on our last family vacation. Tour Guide Mike served us well then, so I'm hoping by coming here, I can get some help before I lose my mind!

We have a family of issues, so going to Disney in the summer is probably not the best move we have ever made, but seeing as the school system is so strict with kids not missing school for non-medical emergencies (yeah, I know...it's Disney! How can that not be an emergency???? When you need a fix, you need a fix!)

Anyway, I am a mother of 2 lovely children ages 7 and 8. My son has diabetes, so that can pose some difficulties along the way. Couple that with my hubby's diabetes and my lupus, we are just a bundle of joy to be around, but I digress.

My main concerns for this trip are spending our time wisely and maybe getting some assurances that my large posterior will be able to enjoy the rides as much as I have in the past. The words "seat belt extender" breathe fear and intrepidation into my soul, not to mention embarassment to my face! Anything...ANYTHING at all that you could throw my way would be so much appreciated. I'd also be interested in hearing how the parks are as far as crowds, etc. this time of year. I have never been to Disney in the summer. The last trip was during either winter or spring break. It was definately crowded then. How do summer crowds compare to break crowds?

Thanks for letting a newcomer prattle on a bit. We leave on Friday so you can see that one other problem I have is timing and procrastination. Thanks for any bone you can throw my way!

 

[Anc96]

About 2 years ago, we went to Disney on our last family vacation. Tour Guide Mike served us well then, so I'm hoping by coming here, I can get some help before I lose my mind!

We have a family of issues, so going to Disney in the summer is probably not the best move we have ever made, but seeing as the school system is so strict with kids not missing school for non-medical emergencies (yeah, I know...it's Disney! How can that not be an emergency???? When you need a fix, you need a fix!)

Anyway, I am a mother of 2 lovely children ages 7 and 8. My son has diabetes, so that can pose some difficulties along the way. Couple that with my hubby's diabetes and my lupus, we are just a bundle of joy to be around, but I digress.

My main concerns for this trip are spending our time wisely and maybe getting some assurances that my large posterior will be able to enjoy the rides as much as I have in the past. The words "seat belt extender" breathe fear and intrepidation into my soul, not to mention embarassment to my face! Anything...ANYTHING at all that you could throw my way would be so much appreciated. I'd also be interested in hearing how the parks are as far as crowds, etc. this time of year. I have never been to Disney in the summer. The last trip was during either winter or spring break. It was definately crowded then. How do summer crowds compare to break crowds?

Thanks for letting a newcomer prattle on a bit. We leave on Friday so you can see that one other problem I have is timing and procrastination. Thanks for any bone you can throw my way!

You and your family are going to have a GREAT time. Just remember to take it SLOW! It will be HOT and it will be somewhat crowded. Try to get to the parks early, then take an afternoon break if you can.. and go back in the evening. If you're staying onsite, try to take advantage of the different magic hour times. Take advantage of the fast passes. Get some fast passes.. stroll around, shop in some nice airconditioned stores, explore the parks.. sit, have a cool snack and lots of water. Then go back at fast pass time.. much less waiting that way.
Remember to really enjoy whatever you are getting to see.. and not worry at all about what you're not seeing. You will not see everything! Impossible..lol. So take it easy... have fun!

I sent you a PM... Hope it helps.

Have some Anc

 

[laceemouse]

First of all..... !!! Now, take a deep breath! There, feel better? Well, I can't sugar coat it, summer will be hot and crowded, but I totally understand the not wanting to miss school thing and I applaud your decision. With a little planning, summer will be fine and you will have a great time. Get to the parks early, use FP, have ADR's for meals, and go back to the room for breaks, swimming if necessary. Take it easy and drink lots of water. Go into the a/c and see a show when it gets unbearable. And most of all, don't worry about your size! I am a little pooh sized myself and have never had a problem. You could do a search here, the question had been asked a lot, but I have never heard any larger person say they could not do everything they wanted to at WDW. On allears.net they have a section called "Disney at large" which gives specifics regarding sizes of seats on the rides, ect. Stop worrying and start packing, you are gonna have a great trip! When do you leave and where are you staying??

 

[Mickeygotmymoney]

Sounds like you have a lot going on in your family, but that you are also well informed. As you know a little preparation goes a long way.

I want to specifically respond to your comment regarding your posterior. last year was my first trip to disney and after being unable to go on rides at six flags related to my size, I warned my siblings that I may have to sit out some rides while at disney. Much to my surprise, my size was never an issue. I suppose it depends on how big you are, but I must say that I was pleased with the width of the ride seats.

Have a wonderful trip to disney. Remember your water and that a vacation is not a race. It is something to enjoy.

 

[BlindTyldak]

You'll be JUST FINE! Our last trip had my niece (2, diabetic) and my DH (multiple sclerosis), and took place during a VERY busy park period (October, but they'd rescreduled everyone who had missed their vacations during hurricanes for then). If you need to, get yourself an ECV, just take it easy around the parks, and remember that even if you were there during a slow period you would still not see each and every single solitary thing so this will likely be no different. Relax, have a blast, pick 5 things you just HAVE to do and consider everything past those five to be extra icing.

 

[denecarter]

I wear seat belt extenders on planes (bought my own so I wouldn't have to ask for trhem)... and so far, there has been NOTHING at WDW that I couldn't ride because of my size. I was worried about Expedition Everest for my upcoming trip, but they seem to have taken care of that potential problem.

I am very Pooh-sized. And Disney is very Pooh-friendly.

 

[Disney's Fab 4]

Good luck to you and your family..... You are going to have a wonderful time.... We too will be there on Friday... (we arrive Wednesday) Don't worry about what your missing... Be happy at what you are doing/seeing.. The lines and heat will definately be a factor, but I think alot of people will not be seeing everything.... Have fun/keep cool and enjoy yourself....

 

[RyMickey]

Just got back...and it's HOT down there now. That being said, try to work the am EMHs into your schedule (if you're staying onsite, that is...if you're not, avoid those specific parks on their am EMHs) - this extra hour can help beat the crowds and beat the heat. Head back to your pool during the afternoon (assuming you're onsite) and head back out in the evenings. The evenings were surprisingly comfortable in late June. Utilize FastPass to its fullest potential and realize that you're not going to see everything. Have a plan with "must-sees" and "would-like-to-sees."

Most of all, have fun and take time to relax. In the summer heat, if you don't plan breaks, your whole family will be incredibly crabby by the end of your vacation!

 

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

Have you looked over on the "disABILITIES" forum? They have been so helpful! I am planning a trip with a friend who has some medical concerns and the folks on that forum have answered my questions better than calling Guest Services at Disney!

I think WDW sees thousands of diabetics and there are lots of services (refrigerator in your room for insulin free of charge if you stay onsite, you may store your meds at First Aid in the parks, etc.) so don't worry!

Have a fabulous, magical trip!

 

[Sonno]

Here's a really great link you'll definitely want to check out!!!
http://www.allearsnet.com/tp/ridsiz.htm

 

[disneyjunkie]

I'm Pooh size and I have never had trouble with any of the rides.

However, those damn turnstiles drive me nuts. They are way to narrow for my hips and booty.