Trip with terminally ill sister

1of4sisters

New Member
Good evening. My sisters and I are taking our sister (who has cancer and only has a few months left) to Disney for our 4 sisters vacation. We wanted to take this trip when she got better but after 8 years of fighting we learned that this will not happen. So despite her pain, she wants to go to Disney world. Our trip is planned for November after thanksgiving. I was wondering if there was anything that we should do to make this trip enjoyable and safe for her. Also was wondering if anyone knew of any special events or activities that we could do for her. This is going to be an extremely emotional trip for all of us and I just want to see my sisters smile and enjoy life again.
Thanks,
Heather
 

Disneyfreak Jen

Well-Known Member
I’m very sorry to hear about your sister. You will all give her some great memories and fun times for sure. Arrange for her to have a scooter or wheelchair as the walking will really tire her out. I don’t know where to arrange that but I’m sure others can chime in. Plan for unexpected downtime as the trip itself may exhaust her more than she thinks. Take in the little things, smell the roses, enjoy what you can. Plan for Mickeys Christmas Party at the MK, it’s an extra $ ticketed event with rarely seen characters. The parade in phenomenal!! Also, Dole Whip 😁 I hope you all have a great time!!
 
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disneyflush

Well-Known Member
I'm so sorry. My mother passed away recently after cancer took over as well. I would focus on the smells (Soarin, Spaceship Earth, Pirates, etc) and less on the thrills. Character meets and photo ops over rushing to get everything done. I would also reach out to customer service via the website and let them know your situation and ask if there was any magic they might be able to provide. I recently did this with our next trip and wound up very happy after speaking with a rep over the phone who contacted me after getting my request. Hope your family has the best trip possible.
 
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scarr13311

Active Member
I'm very sorry to hear about your sister. My prayers are with you all. Don't forget to make sure you take her to the meet and greets with all the characters and watching the fireworks. Epcot Illuminations fireworks are my fave. Also you may want go to the guest services at one of the parks and check into the Disability Access Service card with the card you can bypass the long Q lines. If you consider getting a scooter, I would recommend Buena Vista scooters I rent from them every time we go to Disney never had a problem with them. If you are staying on a Disney resort they will give you a discount and deliver and pick-up from the resort. Wishing you and the family have a wonderful magical trip
Blessings
 
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ajrwdwgirl

Premium Member
I don't want this to come across the wrong way because I think taking one last trip together is fabulous (I wish I would have had one last trip with my mom) but if your sister only has a few months left do you think you should wait until November? Is it possible to go sooner, she might have more energy for the trip if you went sooner as well. I know it might be tough with work schedules but perhaps it could be worked out, cancer can sometimes be unpredictable and progress or slow down more than expected.

I agree with other posters though that you should rent a scooter, make time in the schedule for down time, and contact guest services before you go. Guest services might be able to provide more information about getting a Disability Pass and maybe other ideas. Also depending on what she is able to eat, you might want to bring snacks from home. Effeminately talk to her dr about traveling as well. Also make sure you know of a dr she could contact there.

I wish your family all the best and I hope you get a trip that is wonderful for all of you.
 
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1of4sisters

New Member
Original Poster
I’m very sorry to hear about your sister. You will all give her some great memories and fun times for sure. Arrange for her to have a scooter or wheelchair as the walking will really tire her out. I don’t know where to arrange that but I’m sure others can chime in. Plan for unexpected downtime as the trip itself may exhaust her more than she thinks. Take in the little things, smell the roses, enjoy what you can. Plan for Mickeys Christmas Party at the MK, it’s an extra $ ticketed event with rarely seen characters. The parade in phenomenal!! Also, Dole Whip 😁 I hope you all have a great time!![/QUOTE

Thank you! We are taking a wheelchair with us for her even though she does not want us to.
 
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1of4sisters

New Member
Original Poster
I don't want this to come across the wrong way because I think taking one last trip together is fabulous (I wish I would have had one last trip with my mom) but if your sister only has a few months left do you think you should wait until November? Is it possible to go sooner, she might have more energy for the trip if you went sooner as well. I know it might be tough with work schedules but perhaps it could be worked out, cancer can sometimes be unpredictable and progress or slow down more than expected.

I agree with other posters though that you should rent a scooter, make time in the schedule for down time, and contact guest services before you go. Guest services might be able to provide more information about getting a Disability Pass and maybe other ideas. Also depending on what she is able to eat, you might want to bring snacks from home. Effeminately talk to her dr about traveling as well. Also make sure you know of a dr she could contact there.

I wish your family all the best and I hope you get a trip that is wonderful for all of you.


Thank you for your tips and concern. We thought about moving it up because the cancer is progressing more now than ever. We don’t want to take her in the summer months because of her form of treatment she can not be out in the hot sun. We all don’t want to take her during the rainy season and she really wants to see Disney at Christmas so this is the earliest we can get there. I just pray that she holds on and we can make this last dream come true for her, she deserves it.
 
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JIMINYCR

Well-Known Member
Disney decorated for Christmas is extra special and if I had my choice I'd want to go on my last trip then too. Because this trip to WDW is her desire to go, and your last trip together, I'd go all the way and hold nothing back. Disney can be contacted to arrange special events tailor made for you... they can be expensive but I'd worry about the costs later. I'd make a list of those things she most wants to do. If there are favorite characters, rides, shows she wants to experience, plan the days around those specific things. I'd arrange for a special tour or Disney experience that she might enjoy to add to the trip, but add it in as a surprise for her. I'd go through Disney floral & gifts to dress up the room and welcome her to Disney. I'd do as much in a day as her health would allow. I'd also spend a lot of quiet time with her and let those feelings/ sentiments come out about our love for her and what shes meant to us. Because of the finality of this trip I'd be sure to get as many photo/ video opportunities as I could for the family to enjoy later.
 
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LeighM

Well-Known Member
So sorry to hear about your sister! When my mom was first diagnosed with cancer in June 2016, we floated the idea of taking mom with us during our October trip. She was given a time frame of 2 months to 2 years. She was doing a lot better so I began checking prices to see how much it would cost to add her to our trip. Unfortunately, she died 2 weeks later on July 4 after catching an infection. I agree with some others about trying to go much sooner. Go in the mornings when it is cooler and lines are shorter. Go back to the resort during the afternoon when the sun is at its strongest. Enclosed resorts like Wilderness Lodge and Animal Kingdom would be good choices - esp. AKL because there is a lot to experience there as well. Go back in the evening when the sun goes down. Magic Kingdom at night is magical!! I hope your sister does make it to see WDW decorated for Christmas but my personal experience has made me a lot more cautious.
 
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MaryJaneP

Well-Known Member
Also sorry to hear about the cause for the trip. Also speaking from experience and trying to meet both objectives, perhaps a shorter trip very soon and a promise to have a shorter visit again for Christmas decorations, would be best. Although it may be difficult to schedule 2 trips, you may actually find it a smart move. Again, we wish you and yours every best wish.
 
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jbird327

Member
I'm sorry to hear about your sister. I had a similar situation when my friend of 40 years was diagnosed with ALS (in late 2004). There was no way to know how quickly the disease would progress and he wanted to visit WDW with me (we had traveled to Disneyland in 1972). We put a trip together in 4 weeks and visited in January 2005. He had little stamina so we planned early to the parks in the AM and stayed for as long as he felt comfortable. We prioritized what he wanted to do, had a car to travel to the parks and never pushed beyond his limits. We stayed at the Poly so we had access to the monorail or boats as needed. We made sure to move through the parks slowly and took plenty of rest stops. We took a pontoon boat out one afternoon for a few hours and just spent time around the Poly. We went through a list of restaurants he wanted to try and prioritized those. The trip went well and we covered everything he wanted to do. To our benefit, the parks were not very crowded which helped getting on rides and getting ADRs on short notice. Beyond all that, it was our time spent together that really made the trip special.
 
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yoda_5729

Well-Known Member
I'm sorry to hear about your situation, and I hope and pray that you and your family have a safe and enjoyable trip. It probably would be a good idea to get a wheelchair (or motorized scooter) for her, I don't know if you are planning to stay onsite or not, but I think there are several scooter companies that service WDW. We used ScooterBug once and had a good experience. You can rent one for the length of your stay. You can get them at the parks, but at times the walks even to the rental locations can be taxing for some, and the busses can handle the wheelchairs or ECVs. I would also let Disney know your situation, as they may be able to help you in terms of addressing all your sisters needs. Since you specifically mentioned Christmas, and though it is sadly not there anymore, showing her videos of the Osborne Spectacle of Lights might help her while she's still at home. It really is a beautiful display, and WDWMagic even has videos of it on youtube. Those videos on youtube, though for many they feel it spoils the experience, due to your situation it might help make the time between now and your trip more enjoyable. It may also allow her to experience things that she physically might not get to enjoy. Some don't want to be spoiled, but if it puts a smile on her face or makes her more optomisitic, then I'd do it. Even if you just do the videos of things that are no longer there, like Osborne or Wishes (Or Christmas Wishes).

Sometimes people get so locked into doing everything, or being moths attracted to a bright light, that they walk right by things that can be enjoyable, like visiting the resorts, as those are much more laid back, and some have cool sights like Animal Kingdom Lodge, and the animals. Also tking into account that you might be spending a lot of time at the resort you are staying at, so picking one that would be most beneficial might be a good idea. Another option might be something like the Keys to the Kingdom tour, as it's very informative, and you get to see some neat stuff, while also having a Disney guide with you in case there are any emergencys and they do allow wheelchairs. Reading about Disney might help, as that is a very happy place to read about, and it can help you when you visit, as you can learn nuggets about the various attractions and locales that make them all the more enjoyable, like the Nixon-Contemporary connection, or the Beatles and the Polynesian. I do think though taking into account her direct likes and tastes would be a good idea, even if that includes going to places she doesn't even know about at Disney World, so she gets to experience it. Though the parks are great, many often find the thing they enjoy most at Disney is someplace else on property as it falls more in their wheel house. I do hope you and your family have as much fun and safety as possible and that you all have fun, and she smiles.
 
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Nemo14

Well-Known Member
First of all, I'm sorry your sister is going through this. Cancer is such a cruel and horrible disease, for the victim as well as the family.

I know this trip means a lot to you all but...

As others have told you, in 4 months her condition could be far worse than it is right now, and it might be impossible for her to go then. Just the excitement of going, the stress of traveling, and being in large crowds while her immune system is so weakened could make for a far less "magical" vacation than what you're envisioning. I would discuss this all with her doctor before you make any plans, and make sure that if you do go that you all are well-acquainted with the medical facilities in the area in the event that she needs more than pixie dust. I sincerely wish you all the best - God bless.
 
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KIsAPrincess

Active Member
I echo the sentiments of contacting Disney in advance. There was a young, local girl who loved Disney and unfortunately she lost her battle with cancer. Her favorite ride was Small World. When her parents knew there was nothing more that could be done, they contacted Disney and took a one-day trip - someone met them at the front of the park - escorted them to Small World - they rode it (lots of pictures and special gifts) and then they left. It was beautiful and so very sad at the same time.

I lost my 18 year old brother to cancer. When I was old enough to start driving we would go to Disney all of the time together. I have some of the best memories there with him. I miss him terribly. When I go now with my children, I can tell them "Uncle Tommy and I did xyz together" and share some of our memories. We have some of the greatest pictures too.

You, your sister, and your family are in my prayers.
 
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YankeeMouse

Well-Known Member
I lost my sister to leukemia and we had a last trip to WDW prior to her diagnosis...had that diagnosis as soon as she got home and lived another 8 months, that was all. She was in and out of the hospital for most of that time and did not get another chance. It is wonderful that you are planning this trip. I would also suggest contacting Disney, Guest Relations, not the reservation line, and explain your situation and perhaps they can do something special for your sister to ease the stress of crowds and lines. Go. Sooner than later if you can.
 
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oliviosis

Member
I'm so sorry you even have to plan a trip under these circumstances but I will second the recommendation to get the disability pass for your sister. My son has special needs and Disney is really the only place we vacation because the disability pass makes it so much easier to enjoy our vacation. It really reduces the amount of time physically waiting in a line. With the wheelchair, she can wait in line in the chair which helps so much. I think your timing, if do able, is great. It's a beautiful time to be in the parks.
 
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JacquelineDCP

New Member
If you decide to stay at a Disney hotel, call guest services and explain the situation before your arrival.
Ask them to make a decoration or special detail for you. You can look at Disney florals and gifts, but it's a bit expensive for what you actually get (my opinion). So call them and maybe they could put a nice message, some candies or free balloons ...
You can also make family holiday shirts, Christmas decorations for your hotel window (you can see examples in the Google images) or something like that while you wait for the trip. It's a great idea for the waiting and increase the magic from now ... or make a marathon of Disney movies too :D
The Christmas decoration begins just after Thanksgiving ... I heard that the firsts days of December will be there Neil Patrick Harris :)inlove:) for the celebration of crhistmas
I hope you enjoy beautiful holidays!

Sorry for my English ... (Argentine girl has just learned English)

I will continue thinking more ideas
Xoxo
Jacqui
 
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VulcanCafe

Active Member
I cannot forget a Frontline episode about cancer that showed cancer patients, doctors, and doctors who had family with cancer. This one woman talked about going on a vacation to Disney with her grandkids after chemo treatments were done. It immediately cuts to a doctor saying the doctors knew she missed her chance and she will not be healthy enough to go, she should have gone months ago and that people often wait too long to do those dream bucket list items.

That episode is so sad and hard to watch, but important.

Please don't wait and peace to you and your family.
 
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