What to do....injured MOM.

[joandegennaro]

Need advice on what I (the MOM) can do while DH,DD17 and DD11 go on all the bumpy rides. Going in March but just told by doctor that my broken rib might not be ready for all Disney has to offer. I know that there is plenty to do that won't affect my healing but we are a family of thrill riders. Anyone out there have suggestions for Mom while waiting for family?

 

[DVCBELLE]

There are two ways to do this:

Have them do all the thrills at once. Have them spend the mornings doing the thrill rides and then meet up for an afternoon of family time. Then you can go and explore resorts, the park, shops etc at your leisure. I went on a trip once without my kids and never stepped foot on any of our favorite rides - instead I just took in all the extras we usually pass up as a family.

or

Have them use Fastpasses for the thrill rides and ride them throughout the day - this gives you a 15-20 minute period to wait on them and explore what is in the area where you are. As I already mentioned - there are so many awesome little extras you probably overlook that you will have a chance to see in this time.

 

[disneynutz]

Go Shopping!

Bill

 

[TinkGirl]

I'm so sorry! I love the thrill rides too. Be the family photographer--I know now that my kids are teens nobody wants to stop for pictures. I somehow got a picture of my family on BTM. It's a favorite pic on our fridge now. The shopping idea's great! Also, if they plan a thrill ride morning, you could go to a spa for a couple of hours. I would probably enjoy people watching.

 

[Arthur27]

I love people watching. That's exactly what I would do. Sometimes the people are the best show around. Especially when bike week is going on in Daytona.

 

[dallastxcpa]

Get hidden mickey books and search for the hidden mickeys. Buy the imagineering books and give yourself a self guided tour of the area of the park you are in. Have a photo scavenger hunt. Choose one item and take pictures of that item every time you see it. Ideas - benches, lights, water displays (think muppet fountain or water play areas), entrances to rides, or landscaping.

 

[matt and beth]

You have now become the Designated FP retriever!

P.S. just a bit of humor.

Badly hurt my back 4 weeks before WDW. Tore a bunch a tendons on the spine. Layed low for four weeks. Took my Ibu to keep the inflammation down and I was ready by the time the trip came. Remain positive. Try it. If it hurts stop. Get a flack jacket. Like the pilots wear. Chuck Yager broke the sound barrier for the 1st time ever with broken ribs. You can go hardcore and brag about it as you stand in line. Maybe a head butt or two and chest bump with your husband. That will empress the kids.

 

[DisDaydreamer]

Well, I think you will have to play it by ear. 12 weeks is typically good to go for breaks that do not have to bear weight. Most of the rides are not really violent in the sense that it would cause impact to the ribs. Sometimes a lot of g-force and sometimes you get head banging, but generally you are pretty snug into a seat with a collar bar that you can use your arms to brace yourself. Otherwise, I agree that you become the photographer, FP retriever, and you will still enjoy the experience. Good luck!

 

[junglejoy]

Bring a book or better yet, get a Kindle and read while they're riding away.

I love the idea of having them do all the rides you can't at once while you shop or explore things you normally miss. I may have to do this w/o an injury. My family HATES shopping and have had to skip it too many years. No more!

 

[joandegennaro]

Thanks everyone. Lots of good ideas. The designated FP...already was my job! Go Shopping..DH wouldn't like this idea! But I might! Usually get rushed through the shops.

Thanks to all who took the time to give their ideas.

 

[starbox]

Thanks everyone. Lots of good ideas. The designated FP...already was my job! Go Shopping..DH wouldn't like this idea! But I might! Usually get rushed through the shops.

Thanks to all who took the time to give their ideas.

This past year, DH and I started letting DD and DS go off together for set amounts of time while in the park. We've found that we really enjoy sitting in a pretty spot with a little dessert and drink (coffee or an adult beverage, depending on the park). With older kids, DH may agree to join you every now and then for a little romantic "date" in the park - or you could always just enjoy the peace of the moment.

Here are a few of our favorite spots:

DHS:
Starring rolls for dessert and espresso.

We were able to walk in to the Sci Fi Drive in by saying we just wanted to sit and have an adult milkshake. That was really fun!

EPCOT - the little water garden in Japan - the ginger mousse cake is so lovely.

Obviously, in France you can get a glass of wine or champagne and a chesses plate from the bakery - OR dessert and coffee. Lots of little spots to sit.

We love the Moroccan coffees and pastries in the back of Tangerine Cafe.

Cava de Tequilla.

MK
Main Street Bakery for coffee and pastry.

AK
There's a funky little bar by Tusker House. Also, a nice fruit plate at Flame Tree where you can sit and watch the birds.

And, there is always the option to head to AKL or one of the monorail resorts that have nice lounges and outdoor places to sit while your teen and tween are in the adjoining park for a couple of hours.

Mini-dates for dessert/coffee and/or a drink are so fun at Disney because everyplace is so scenic and lovely.