WDW - Multiple Sclerosis - Wheelchair Bound - Heat Issues

wovenwonder

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Feb 12, 2001
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My cousin, Bonnie, will be traveling to Walt Disney World for the first time with her family in May. She has Progressive Multiple Sclerosis and is completely wheelchair bound. She also has issues of prolonged exposure to the heat. She will be traveling with her family, friends, plus a good friend who is also traveling as her assisted companion.

Any hints or information that you can provide here would be very helpful to her. I will print out this thread for her as a reference guide.

Thank you in advance for taking the time to reply!
:)
 
I used to work with MS patients, and I have family members with MS. I have my own problems with heat and fatigue, so I can relate

My guess, if she has CP-MS, is that she will not be riding very many of the thrill rides, and that fatigue will be a big factor in addition to the heat. So, a few suggestions. Make sure you are staying in a resort in which there will be places to just sit and be happy, and not be stuck in a room that is too small, or has no features she will enjoy. If she wants to go to the pool, perhaps one of the resorts with pool wheelchair access would be best. Cooling off in the pool would be good, and therapeutic as well. Plan *her* day around shows, pavilions, restaurants and resort time... and make sure that the rest of your party gets to schedule in the things that they want to do at their own pace, as well.

Take an umbrella for instant shade, and use it!!! Never stop the wheelchair in the sun, never, make it a firm rule, drill it into everyone. Take a Misty-Mate sprayer, one with a wide-mouth and pump, and fill it with ice and water, and use it. Wear wide brim hats and light colored clothes. Put sunscreen on all exposed surfaces, especially laps of seated persons - they get fried. Cover the wheelchair when not in use so the surfaces do not get hot.

If she overheats, you can take her to the First Aid Station where she can rest and cool down. That is also a good place to take care of going to the bathroom and hygeine needs, since the regular handicap bathrooms are not always appropriate for people who need companion assistance. There are some family and companion bathrooms in the parks, but in the First Aid station she can lie down if she needs to.

I am sure people will think of more tips for you. Be sure to look at the old FAQ (it is now out of date but still contains good iinformation) and ask questions!
 
We are headed to Walt Disney World in 8 days and this will be the first time we travel in a non-summer month!

DH overheats and we have found several ways for him to stay cool.

We pack waterbottles, spray misters, and a hat.
We do outside activities in the early morning when less crowded and cooler.
We plan inside shows for the early afternoon then in late afternoon head back to the resort. DH enjoys a movie or sports on the tv in the room while son and I swim.
After a light supper we head back to the parks for the evening.

A few times our planning still didn't beat the heat.
We had to get into air conditioning immediately as he was over heating.
One time we explained the situation to a CM who got us into its tough to be a bug immediately where it was cool. Animal Kingdom has less indoor activities and tends to feel warmer there in our opinion than the other parks.

Linda
 
Watch the weather reports too. You might find that there are a few days on your trip when the weather is supposed to be cooller. Save the hot days for other activities and the cooler days for the parks.
You could also look into getting a Guest Assistance Card for her. Overheating and needing to stay out of the sun are good reasons to ask for a GAC.
Use fastpass if you can and even if she doesn't get overheated, First Aid is a good place for her to rest if she is fatigued.
 

Would you please explain the GAC - what it is, what it is good for -- and how to get it.
Thanks
 












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