WDW and MS?

[pigletgirl]

Next fall, our family will be traveling to WDW and my mom who is 55 will be coming too. She has M.S and is still very active and doing well. At this point, no mobility aids are needed. I am starting our preliminary planning for the trip and wanting know if anyone has any good tips for someone with this disease? Any and all advice is welcomed!

 

[lanejudy]

Assuming your mom is not newly diagnosed -- she will want to continue with her usual precautions for summer which probably includes stay cool, stay hydrated, avoid fatigue. There are cooling towels (Frogg Toggs are popular) that help one stay cool. She can get free ice water on request at any CS location; don't wait until you feel thirsty, drink/sip regularly. You say she doesn't need mobility aids, but a week at WDW is very different than life around home. She may want to consider an ECV to help avoid fatigue and preserve her energy, essentially extending her day. Many people use a mobility aid at WDW who do not "need" one in everyday life. You might also want to plan for a mid-day break -- either back at the resort to rest or swim, or at least an ADR to spend some time inside with A/C.

Hopefully others have some suggestions as well.

Enjoy your vacation!

 

[Bete]

Assuming your mom is not newly diagnosed -- she will want to continue with her usual precautions for summer which probably includes stay cool, stay hydrated, avoid fatigue. There are cooling towels (Frogg Toggs are popular) that help one stay cool. She can get free ice water on request at any CS location; don't wait until you feel thirsty, drink/sip regularly. You say she doesn't need mobility aids, but a week at WDW is very different than life around home. She may want to consider an ECV to help avoid fatigue and preserve her energy, essentially extending her day. Many people use a mobility aid at WDW who do not "need" one in everyday life. You might also want to plan for a mid-day break -- either back at the resort to rest or swim, or at least an ADR to spend some time inside with A/C. Hopefully others have some suggestions as well. Enjoy your vacation!

Totally agree.

The average walking in a Disney park is 6 miles/day. For the diehards it can be over 12 miles/day. Now, I will admit the walking is spread out and not all at once, but this is day in, day out with the walking. Using a rollator, wheelchair or ECV has really helped many to last longer in the park. You get much better value out of your park tickets with these aids. The exhaustion factor is way down with these aids.

I've pushed a wheelchair and our best advice is to alternate between rides, shows and eating. You get to rest at the shows and eating is a rest, too. Commando style riding will be very hard on your mom. It is an effort getting in and out of rides, too. It would be helpful if someone could go in before her and after her on the rides where you can all fit. Then, she can have sufficient help getting in and out of the rides, if needed.