Suggestions to make this happen

[Baldy]

We leave on the 26th (about 2 weeks from now). 6 1/2 days at All-Star Sports, DDP, 6 days of park hoppers. It will be my 16 year old son, my mom, my neice and I. I am taking my niece to celebrate her 5th birthday at Mickey's house. We have been planning this trip since she was 2. I will turn 40 on our last day there. My son has said this will probably be his last trip with us. This trip HAS TO happen. It's my happy place and this has been a tough year.

Here is the problem: for the past few weeks I have had a pinched nerve in my neck (degeneration of C6 & C7 due to other health issues). It causes shooting pain, numbness and tingling down my left arm. I take morphine and nerve blockers just to keep it in check. I am ok lying down. Sitting for long periods is uncomfortable but bearable. Standing still is the worst (the drugs affect my balance). I have a high pain threshold (I've been to Disney during chemo and a few weeks after abdominal surgery), but I would appreciate any suggestions. Eg. Tips, exercises, rides to a avoid...anything. I don't want my neice to know anything is wrong. This is a once in a lifetime trip for her. Off topic: She has dietary restrictions and I am looking forward to he sing able to eat eat like everyone else. Sorry long post.

 

[ajrwdwgirl]

Sorry to hear about this, sound like a fantastic trip full of fun celebrations. I would avoid anything super jerky and rough
Magic Kingdom: space mt
Epcot: test track
Animal kingdom: dinosaur, Everest, maybe Kali river Rapids, and sometimes the safari can be rough (but a five year would love that, and if you can ride on a bumpy road in scar at home that might be okay)
Studios: tower of terror and rock n roller coaster


You might want to consider getting a disabled pass at guest services, I'm sorry I can't tell you really how that works no one I know personally has needed it. Maybe even keep the idea of an evc in your mind. It seems as if you want to keep your pain away from others, but if you are touring in a more comfortable manner I think that would make you happier and your family would want you to be comfortable. I know when I am in pain or uncomfortable I get grumpy and that makes others around me grumpy too. And there is a lot of ground to cover in WDW!

What does your doctor say? They would be the best to ask about exercises. It isn't the same thing but sometimes I get a little sciatica and massages really seem to help with that. The masseuse has even given me some exercises that help too.

Just be honest with yourself and your pain, that is a lot of money to put out and be unhappy. Take breaks at the parks, benches are your friend and I'm sure none of your family would mind sitting with you to rest (especially if you buy them an ice cream treat). Or maybe they could ride something while you take a break. Also plan resort pool breaks, the kid can enjoy the pool and you can lie down.

 

[Baldy]

Take breaks at the parks, benches are your friend and I'm sure none of your family would mind sitting with you to rest (especially if you buy them an ice cream treat). Or maybe they could ride something while you take a break. Also plan resort pool breaks, the kid can enjoy the pool and you can lie down.

Thanks those are great suggestions. My niece loves ice team. Honestly, at this point sitting up for more than 10-15 min is difficult, but I am improving quickly. I see my doctor tomorrow and then again on the 17th so I am really hoping I can make this work.

 

[JIMINYCR]

Dont know how you will be able to keep your niece from knowing you have problems. Sounds like anything you do will cause you some issues. A full day at Disney is rough on a healthy person, all the walking, crowds jostling you, waiting in long lines....it can be rough on anyone. Why not fill her in on your medical issues so you can relax and plan things around them so theres no worrying or trying to cover them up. Dietary restrictions arent a problem at Disney, as long as you inform your server they can adjust food needs in the restaurants.

 

[Chernaboggles]

This is not exactly the type of suggestion you're asking for, but I think it's worth saying:

Don't try so hard to make it all perfect. This is the downside of all the fun of anticipation and planning: we build our expectations sky high and life doesn't always go along with our plans. People get injured before and during trips. People get sick. Flights get delayed, weather happens, stuff gets cancelled. Even a 5 year old can understand this, and it's a good life lesson that we can still have fun even when something doesn't go quite as we hope. There's no reason for you to grit your teeth in silent agony if a break, an assistance pass or a wheelchair would help. The real secret to a great WDW vacation is to let go of the trip you've imagined and make the best of the trip that you take.

 

[LongLiveTheKing]

Do you have actual pain when standing up? It sounds like a wheel chair is a no go if you can't sit for long. If it's just balance, and this is mostly an issue in lines, hang onto the rails in the ride queues. Maybe get a pair of crutches if you can lean on those for actually moving? You can try a cane too but I don't think that would be enough.

 

[LongLiveTheKing]

You might want to consider getting a disabled pass at guest services,

I'm not sure what this entails, but I'd think not being able to stand or sit properly would qualify OP for whatever this is.

 

[Baldy]

Thanks everyone. I think everyone including my niece realizes that I am not 100%. I was diagnosed with cancer in the summer of 2008, so every trip is a blessing. We (my mom, my son and I) have been to Disney every summer since. I would rather my niece not see me in pain, but I've gotten rather good at hiding it. Sitting is worse than standing, so a wheelchair is out - not that I would ever admit to needing one. I have had my lats and pecs partially removed on the right and now I'm having issues with my left side (making crutches difficult).
I'm not even sure why I'm writing this other than the fact that I don't want to talk to my family (they already want to cancel the trip and I really need this). I guess I just need some reassurance that I can work through this.
Looking for some Disney Magic please!

 

[Chernaboggles]

Thanks everyone. I think everyone including my niece realizes that I am not 100%. I was diagnosed with cancer in the summer of 2008, so every trip is a blessing. We (my mom, my son and I) have been to Disney every summer since. I would rather my niece not see me in pain, but I've gotten rather good at hiding it. Sitting is worse than standing, so a wheelchair is out - not that I would ever admit to needing one. I have had my lats and pecs partially removed on the right and now I'm having issues with my left side (making crutches difficult).
I'm not even sure why I'm writing this other than the fact that I don't want to talk to my family (they already want to cancel the trip and I really need this). I guess I just need some reassurance that I can work through this.
Looking for some Disney Magic please!

You absolutely can work through this. Remember, most things at Disney are timed for kid attention spans which means nothing is terribly long. Fantasmic is only a half hour, fireworks are 15 minutes or so and individual rides are even less. You probably won't ever be stuck in a single position for a long time, you can always stand up or sit down to change things up. If you have a sudden problem, help is only a cast member away. This is why Disney is so great for all kinds of different physical abilities, yes, there's a lot of walking, but you can slow it down or change it up as needed. Your son is old enough to go around on his own if you need a break to lie down for a while, and your niece will be happy at the pool (or anywhere really), because everything is amazing to a 5 year old at Disney World.

 

[ajrwdwgirl]

I'm not sure what this entails, but I'd think not being able to stand or sit properly would qualify OP for whatever this is.

That is why I suggested it, as it sounds like it would fit the poster's physical problems. I just don't know all the details of how it works.

 

[Flippin'Flounder]

Also, if you get to the end of a line and decide you don't want to go on a ride, you can always tell a CM and you can get out of it, and the rest of your family can meet you at the exit. I hope you have a wonderful vacation!

 

[slipperalwaysfits]

GOOD LUCK! Sending good vibes and pixie dust for a healthy recovery! I hope you enjoyed all the magic! There's so much to enjoy, even if you're not trying to go on all the rides!

 

[Baldy]

GOOD LUCK! Sending good vibes and pixie dust for a healthy recovery! I hope you enjoyed all the magic! There's so much to enjoy, even if you're not trying to go on all the rides!

Thanks for the good vibes. Unfortunately, I was not well enough to travel and we had to cancel everything less than 48 hours out . I was devastated. I have tentatively rebooked for the week of thanksgiving. I will only do shows and slow moving rides but my neice will still be with us and it will be great seeing the world through the eyes of a five year old.

 

[Jess G]

Thanks for the good vibes. Unfortunately, I was not well enough to travel and we had to cancel everything less than 48 hours out . I was devastated. I have tentatively rebooked for the week of thanksgiving. I will only do shows and slow moving rides but my neice will still be with us and it will be great seeing the world through the eyes of a five year old.

Definitely get a medical pass, this helps my sister a lot. Good thing about your trip change is it will be much less hot then August so at least you will be a little more comfortable in that category. And also you get the holiday experience which is amazing. Even if it wasn't by choice for you I think u and your family will enjoy a November trip much more than a August trip.... If you don't feel good don't push yourself. Don't feel bad about taking a break. Just take it easy and enjoy every second of it.

 

[Baldy]

Definitely get a medical pass, this helps my sister a lot.

I have been debating getting one of these. If I get a DAS I will be able to do more, but I feel guilty because I can still make my trip work without it. We have added 2 days so that I can do shorter days. I don't want anyone to think I am one of those people who are just trying to jump the line.

 

[Jess G]

I have been debating getting one of these. If I get a DAS I will be able to do more, but I feel guilty because I can still make my trip work without it. We have added 2 days so that I can do shorter days. I don't want anyone to think I am one of those people who are just trying to jump the line.

You should not feel guilty AT ALL. It is no longer "skipping the line" either... How it works now is say a ride has a 1 hour wait. You check in and then you can go about your business, do whatever makes you comfortable and then you return in 1 hour and proceed through fast pass. So technically you are waiting the amount of time everyone else is, there for less guilt on your part. I would deff consider it if I were you

 

[Baldy]

Now that we are going in November it will be just my mom, my niece and I. We will mostly do 1/2 days and use fast passes. There will be a much bigger focus on the princesses. We will do character meals as much as possible. Let me know what you think. Here is our plan (with costumes/themed outfits for my neice):
Nov 20 - the classics: small world, Philharmagic, Carousel, Dumbo & Winnie the Pooh, early Dinner at the Crystal Palace
Nov 21 - Pirate Day: Peter Pan, Pirates, Jungle Cruise, Dinner at Chef Mickeys
Nov 22 - Animal Kingdom (My mom's birthday): Kilimanjaro Safari, Festival of the Lion King, lunch at Tusker House, Nemo the Musical,
*Wolfgang for grandma's birthday dinner
Nov 23 - Princess Day (EPCOT): Frozen ride & meet & Greet, lunch at Akershus, visit the world showcase
Nov 24 - Sophia Day HS (Sophia the first & Elsa/Anna are my neice's favourites): Disney Jr. Live, Disney Play n' Dine for lunch, Frozen sing-along, Olaf meet & Greet, TSMM (not me)
Nov 25 - Nemo Day (EPCOT): The Seas with Nemo, Turtle Talk with Crush, lunch at Coral Reef, Living with the land, Soarin'
Nov 26- Princess Day #2 (MK): Enchanted Tales with Belle, lunch at Be Our Guest, Seven Dwarfs Mine Train (not me), Meet & Greet with Rapunzel, Early dinner at 1900 Park Fare
Nov 27 (last day) Buzz + anything we would like to re-ride. Souvenir shopping downtown and early dinner at T-Rex. Maybe mini-golf
We fly out early on the 28th.
Did I miss anything?
What about the weather? What should we pack? Can we use the pool?
What are thanksgiving crowds like?
Sorry about the long post. I've been afraid to think about it too much in case it doesn't work out again, but Disney Fever just hit. 48 Days!!!

 

[James Norrie]

Sorry to hear about your health issues. I just got back 6 weeks ago from a trip, I have 2 Completely crushed vertebrae in my lower back (L2-3 and L5-S1) and know the struggles. I also have TBI from 2 blasts in Iraq, so I know balance and equilibrium problems as well. I was shocked that the entire trip, I only took 4 painkillers (usually take 1-3x/day). I almost regretted going, the first 2 days... After that, I was to elated and "charged" with excitement to concentrate on my pain. We averaged 15 miles a day walking, but that was Rope Drop to Close... Take rests when you need to, hang on to barriers to stabilize, and enjoy the moment. Don't push yourself too hard! It will all be worth it!

 

[Baldy]

Sorry to hear about your health issues. I just got back 6 weeks ago from a trip, I have 2 Completely crushed vertebrae in my lower back (L2-3 and L5-S1) and know the struggles. I also have TBI from 2 blasts in Iraq, so I know balance and equilibrium problems as well. I was shocked that the entire trip, I only took 4 painkillers (usually take 1-3x/day). I almost regretted going, the first 2 days... After that, I was to elated and "charged" with excitement to concentrate on my pain. We averaged 15 miles a day walking, but that was Rope Drop to Close... Take rests when you need to, hang on to barriers to stabilize, and enjoy the moment. Don't push yourself too hard! It will all be worth it!

Thank you so much for sharing your story and the helpful tips. You give me hope that I will be able to do this. I'm glad you enjoyed your trip and I hope that there will be many more as you continue to heal. You have my utmost admiration sir. (Okay, now I'm getting emotional . Can I blame the pain meds?)

 

[slipperalwaysfits]

Thanksgiving will be magical! Sounds like you've planned the trip so it won't be too taxing for you! It really is the most magical time of year there!