Are You Too Old or Disabled for a Disney Trip?

 Are You Too Old or Disabled for a Disney Trip?

Simple answer is NO!!! As long as you can move and not bedridden you can go!! Disabilities, cognitive and mobility along with other health issues should not stop you if you REALLY want to go!!

Is it a good idea to go to Disney if you are older? Emotionally I believe so! I’m a strong believer if taking anybody who wants to go to Disney, Parks or Cruise, no matter what limitations they have!!

Of course, there are some major things to consider. First off you must consider if you are strong enough to travel to get there and deal with the stress of going all day or good parts of a day. Set limits!! Know what you can and cannot do. Know how long you can spend up and about. What devices can you take to assist and make things easier? Walker, crutches, wheelchairs, and scooters can help with mobility and stamina issues. Consider using them even if you don’t usually need them! Remember you will be walking further than you usually do. If you don’t own them rent them if you can! Disney Parks have Wheelchairs and Scooters to rent. DCL does not so you would have to use an outside service to rent or take your own.

At the parks know what rides and attractions you can do. Look at them closely and maybe look at YouTube videos so you can make wise decisions. On the cruise look closely at things to do on and off the ship and make well informed decisions.

Know how long you can stay up and about. Is your stamina limited to a 6-8-hour day? Don’t expect a change in your stamina just because you are at Disney. Limit how long you stay in the parks! Head back to the hotel and take a nap if you want to do something in the parks later in the day. Maybe hit a show instead of a ride so you can relax while watching it. Breaking up your day is super easy on the cruise!! Your cabin is never to far away to head back for some rest and quite time.

Be aware of weather! You need to make sure you are not out when it is too hot or cold for you. Know your bodies limits! Just because you want to see the summertime fun or holiday decorations it may not be best for YOU. Choose the best time for your body then for the things you want to do/see.

Arrange for HELP while there!! Make sure there is someone in your party physically able to assist you if needed. Cast Members and Crew cannot help you physically move from your wheelchair/scooter to a chair, ride, or tinder boat. Someone from your travel party must help if you need assistance or you can’t do it.

Plan well!! Make a list of Must Does for each park/day. Schedule things in the parks so you are not going back and forth across the park(s). Plan breaks! Ride then sit and relax before moving onto the next thing. Understand you may not be able to do all you want because of availability and your physical limits. Go for the biggest things first. Set reasonable goals.

Taking a service animal? Make sure you know the policies and procedures. Follow the rules for where to take your service animal to relieve themselves and be aware they can’t go on every attraction. There are crates to place them in while you ride or someone in your party must hold them for you. Yes, service animals are allowed on the Disney Cruise but there are extra procedures you need to follow. They will need a health check before they can go. Disney Parks and Cruise are very accommodating to service animals.

If you are eligible for a DAS (Disability Access Pass) at the parks USE IT!! You still need to wait your turn, but it is not in a line so you can find a place to relax. You get a return time to ride a ride and you can go get a meal, find a ride with a shorter line, wonder in an air-conditioned store, or just find a place to sit and people watch until the return time comes. Don’t be afraid or ashamed to ask for help. I have another post describing DAS so check that one out for more information.

If cruising, make sure you notify Disney Cruise Line of your needs. Do you need an extension cord for your CPap or water? Let them know before you go! Tell them of your allergies and things like diabetes that affect what you can eat. If you need an accessible cabin, make sure you request it when booking. Do you need a sign language interpreter? Make sure to request it ahead of time! You can also request a cabin equipped for those with hearing loss. Whatever the special need, talk to them!! Make sure to tell your travel agent of your special needs so they can help you make the requests.

Here is an example of a trip working for a disabled person. My mum-in-love wanted to go on a Disney Cruise for her 90^th birthday. She had never been on a cruise before. She had dementia and physical limitations. We took her and she loved it!! It greatly improved her quality of life and mental, emotional stability.

I am a travel agent who loves helping people with special needs travel! Ask me any question and I’ll be happy to answer. Let me help you book your next vacation! I can make it happen!

 Do you want to book a Disney Cruise Line or other Disney Vacation? 

Let me know!

 

Carolyn@EliteMemoriesTravel.com

https://www.facebook.com/CarolynsPixieDustedMemoriesAtEliteMemoriesTravel