the healing power of disney?

[WaDiWo]

This is not a religious or a new age post, and does not constitute medical advice!

I am suffering from a hip stress fracture, and had been on crutches for 2 months. I went to walt disney world last week and used an ECV with success. Lo and behold, the day after I got back home, I started to walk better, and was able to graduate to a cane. My orthopedic surgeon saw improvement as well.

Of course, I think it was because I was sitting and resting so much on the ECV/scooter and not putting any pressure on my hip. But I think part of it was just feeling good and happy at Disney!

I wrote a post about it on my blog.

anyone experience something similar? if anything, i think just being on vacation is enough to make someone at least feel better.

 

[clanmcculloch]

You wouldn't believe the number of stories I've read of non-verbal kids with autism who say their first words at Disney World. My 14yo Aspie who is unbelievably verbal (if only I could shut the kid up LOL) seems to mellow out and be able to cope with more when we're at WDW as well as for a few weeks after (anxieties seem to slowly creep back in when we get home but it takes a couple weeks before they're fully back to pre-trip). There really is true magic at WDW.

In your case, I'm not going to say it wasn't magic. The amazing setup that allows for such ease of use of an ECV enabled you to be able to rest up. The power of positive thinking absolutely added to your healing IMO though so being so happy during your trip I think did aid in your improvement. Mindset absolutely can make a difference in healing.

I love hearing positive stories like yours.

 

[Maggie'sMom]

My DD has a mood disorder, ADHD, and sensory processing disorder. She handles frustration and sensory input better at WDW than anywhere else. Unfortunately, I haven't seen improvement that lasts beyond our return from WDW.

 

[Escape2Disney]

My DD is an Aspie and I have multiple debilitating diseases. Disney has always been a healthy outlet. Planning puts us in better mental spaces (and better able to deal with everything else). Physically I seem to be able to do more at the parks than elsewhere (with the aid of an ECV of course). DD also learned to overcome her social anxiety in the parks.

Yes, I see it as a magic healing place

 

[bidnow5]

I am always healthier in Disney it just makes me so happy to be there. I'm sure it's psychosomatic I don't care it works for me and I agree there is healing power to being in Disney

 

[SDSorority]

I am a sufferer of anxiety while at home and when I'm in the parks there's not ONE trace of it. It's pretty crazy! Now when I'm in the restaurants and things that's another story, but actually IN the parks it's like I'm a whole different person.

 

[jmartinez1895]

A little Pixie Dust can go along way.

 

[ladyjubilee]

Part of why we've gone to WDW each year over the last two years, and are going back next year, is the difference it makes in my son (labeled autistic).

Its like WDW is one the same speed he is...end unlike so many activities in life, its not language based. So for weeks and months after WDW he reaches a place of relative calm. To the interactiveness of WDW seems to carry over into the "real world". Its like the over the top reality of WDW gets through the door and leaves that door open so that he can see into the real world.

So, while my family overall would much prefer a trip to Scotland and her castles, we'll be visiting Cinderella and her castle for the forseeable future.

 

[stackyallred]

I think it is great that you feel better- why doesn't matter as much as the fact that you actually feel better! I struggle greatly from anxiety and stress and the affects the stress has on me is simply unbelievable. However, WDW is my happy place and planning for it and actually being there do a great deal for how I feel. I hope you continue to heal and your next vacation is even better!

 

[beachta1]

I think there is just something relaxing about being at the parks... even if there are a million people around and a ton of things to see, do, and taste. Its a nice break from your normal life and easy to not get caught up in anxiety because your mind is thinking about a lot of other nice things

 

[Bete]

for the most part and I think that's why it's so enjoyable for me. I don't get the same satisfaction from Disneyland. I can't explain why there's a difference, either.

I have over 40 Disney World trips through the years and I don't get tired of going there. I even did a solo trip there during a Disney World convention of sorts about 5 years ago. My favorite time is the Christmas holiday season.

Disney World puts me on a higher plain somehow and I come home more relaxed and calm.

 

[snorris49]

Yes, Disney is definitely a wonderful place. Call it pixie dust or Disney magic, it's definitely an amazing place. I have Crohn's disease and sometimes can sometimes feel not as well as I could. Food can sometimes be an issue too. It's amazing because somehow I've never really had a Crohn's flare at WDW or major issues, and I always seem to be able to eat foods there that I probably wouldn't touch at home with a ten foot pole!

I never tire of it, and it's one of those places I feel instantly happier and calmer at when I'm there (even when it's hot and crowded!!)

 

[POOHsie]

I think it's all of the above. Plus, the sun is more radiant in Florida than the Northeast where OP is from. I believe the bright, hot sun works like a tonic on people, physically and mentally.

 

[WaDiWo]

I think it's all of the above. Plus, the sun is more radiant in Florida than the Northeast where OP is from. I believe the bright, hot sun works like a tonic on people, physically and mentally.

That's true! Ive lived up here in the ny / nj area all my life but HATE the cold and snow. I think also that growing up here, warm weather was alwys associated with vacation ... so going to Disney probably evokes EVERY vavation ive ever had even on som unconscious level.

 

[clanmcculloch]

Come to think of it, the sun probably does make a difference for us. Both DD14 and I have to take vitamin D supplements due to severe deficiencies. We aren't exactly what you'd call outdoors kinds of gals so being in the sun so much at WDW probably does also help.

 

[Ennazus8810]

My now 3 year old was diagnosed with a signifcant speech delay, only saying 3 words at her second birthday. On our trip to WDW at 2.5 years she had a verbal explosion. She heard the word "taco" and repeated it for over an hour. After that it was word after word. While she is still in speech therapy, it is now to work on proper use of grammar and pronunciation. I can't get her to shut up She also came out of her shell so much while she was there, and it stuck.

Hoping for the same pixie dust in 2 weeks. Our 2 year old was just diagnosed with autism and is non verbal. (grunts and points).

All the more reason for us to keep returning

 

[disneydreaming92701]

My now 3 year old was diagnosed with a signifcant speech delay, only saying 3 words at her second birthday. On our trip to WDW at 2.5 years she had a verbal explosion. She heard the word "taco" and repeated it for over an hour. After that it was word after word. While she is still in speech therapy, it is now to work on proper use of grammar and pronunciation. I can't get her to shut up She also came out of her shell so much while she was there, and it stuck.

Hoping for the same pixie dust in 2 weeks. Our 2 year old was just diagnosed with autism and is non verbal. (grunts and points).

All the more reason for us to keep returning

Wishing your family more pixie dust.

 

[loadsapixiedust]

I am a great believer in the healing power of Disney. Our very first trip to WDW was to celebrate our DS surviving risky major surgery and I am convinced that trip made a world of difference, giving us as a family something to focus on ahead when things were tough and then the sheer joy of being there doing us all so much good. It certainly marked a turning point in all our lives. DS has gone from strength to strength since then, our poorly baby given just days to live hopes to celebrate his 21st in WDW next year

Just now I am battling stage 4 cancer. We had to cancel our planned trip this summer so I could start on palliative treatment ASAP. I don't know if I will ever make it back to WDW but I am doing all in my power to get us there and that aim is keeping me going through some very tough times. I am not ready to give up on my dreams just yet.