[mungoandmidge@n]

Hi

My family (DH & DS's 14 & 10 and our foster-soon-to-be-adopted-child,2) are visiting WDWR in May staying at the Caribbean Beach Resort. We live in the UK and will be flying from Manchester.

Our smallest member is a cancer survivor, having had a bone marrow transplant for leukaemia in June 2006. He is fed by NG tube and still has to take some meds which need refrigeration.

I'm sure lots of others have been in similar situation staying at WDWR and I guess I'm looking for tips and advice from people who have travelled with sick kids. Most advice published seems to refer to wheelchair users, not specifically to kids with long-term health problems.

I have been told I can ask for a refrigerator in the room, which I will do. But can anyone else add any additional advice, we know too that his chemotherapy has left him more suceptible to skin damage from the sun, and know to take special care about that. Any good advice out there??

Thanks in advance

Caroline

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“I’m NOT a celebrity…” Survival Challenge 2007
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For the Anthony Nolan Trust - ‘Taking back lives from leukaemia’

[jk8]

I don't have any advice or knowledge in this area, but I do want to say welcome to MB, Caroline.

[Tinkerbelle67]

Welcome to MB!! I would recommend obtaining a GAC card. This will make touring the parks a little easier for your child. This card will enable you to wait in specified areas of some attractions that are more "special needs friendly". Perhaps in a cooler, less crowded are. It doesn't get you on the attractions any faster, just makes the wait more comfortable. Happy Planning.

[Caseys Corner]

I have not traveled with your situation. But we have been to CBR. All there rooms have refrigerators. Ask for a room close to port royal (food court, gift shop, etc) it is very spread out and it would be easier for you. You may want to talk to Disney early so they can accommodate you.

You all enjoy and have a safe trip.

[alicefan]

Welcome to MouseBuzz. If your child is in a wheelchair I believe you don't have to wait in lines or you may be able to get a note from your doctor and optain a special pass. May can get pretty hot so I would take precautions with lots of sun screen and shade in the form of an umbrella atteched to the wheel chair and maybe a visor or hat. You can even get one of those misting fans which are nice and rereshing. Maybe going to the parks in the early morning or in the evening when the sun isn't so strong would be a good idea. Spend your afternoons by the pool.

rcharmicheal may be able to add some input. He is active with the Make a Wish Foundation and may have some tips for you.

Have a great time.

[DisneyTeacher]

Welcome to MouseBuzz!

Be sure to stop at Guest Services and get Guest Assistance Card (GAC) that will reduce the time you have to wait in line. A wheelchair used to get you to the front of the line but most of the queues are HC accessible so you will need the card if you don't want to wait in line. I dont' think you need a letter from your doctor but your child will have to be with you when you get the card. I also believe you have to get a different card at each park but that may have changed. I've read something about a GAC that states you use your stroller for a wheelchair so you can take it in the queue with you when others would have to park the stroller outside. A 2 year old gets heavy when you have to carry/hold him for a long time so this might be something you want to ask about.

[llama]

I would just like to welcome you to Mousebuzz. I'm sure you will get some good advice here with regard to your situation. People here are great! I hope you have a wonderful holiday!

[Tinkerbelle67]

Originally Posted by DisneyTeacher

Welcome to MouseBuzz!

Be sure to stop at Guest Services and get Guest Assistance Card (GAC) that will reduce the time you have to wait in line. A wheelchair used to get you to the front of the line but most of the queues are HC accessible so you will need the card if you don't want to wait in line. I dont' think you need a letter from your doctor but your child will have to be with you when you get the card. I also believe you have to get a different card at each park but that may have changed. I've read something about a GAC that states you use your stroller for a wheelchair so you can take it in the queue with you when others would have to park the stroller outside. A 2 year old gets heavy when you have to carry/hold him for a long time so this might be something you want to ask about.

Oh how I wish this card would have reduced wait time but it doesn't. What it does do is allow the guest and members of their party to wait in specified areas that may be cooler and/or less crowded. We had to get the GAC for my dad and we did bring a Dr's note just to be on the safe side. You only need to obtain one GAC, they will honor it at every park and I believe MK and Epcot are where you need to get them.

[53herbie53]

Just wanted to wish your family a happy vacation. If you call Disney they can be very helpful with guests needing a little extra help.

[Dana]

Welcome to mousebuzz!! You have come to the right place to get all your Disney questions answered! Get a note from your child's doctor so the guest assitance car is a nonissue. That will help.

[mungoandmidge@n]

Thanks all for your good wishes and advice.

The GAC sounds just the thing; using the buggy in queues and being able to ask for a shaded area to queue in would be good. There are not many rides he will be able to go on as he is only just 2, but I don't want to find us having to stand in the sun to queue in Fantasyland which is the area that will be most relevant to him.

We are going to call guest services in advance as we will have to have feed delivered when we arrive, our local children's hospital will organise the US division of the feed company to deliver to our holiday accomodation.

This isn't a 'wish' trip - none of the charities will consider children under 2, or sometimes 4 for a 'wish'. This is an independant holiday we should have had last year, but had to cancel because of treatment, and now fortunately he is well enough to come along. Bummer being diagnosed with a terminal illness at 3 months and then finding after treatment that he doesn't qualify for any of the 'treats' we have seen other kids get, because he's too young - C'est la vie, and at least he is doing great since treatment, which is the biggest wish of all.

Thanks again,

[Erin]

Caroline,

I just read your websites, and I am touched by your special little boy's story. I hope and pray that his bone marrow transplant leads to his full recovery.

I have no advice, but I am definitely hoping the GAC card provides the comfort you all will need to make the trip a great one.

Although he doesn't qualify for a wish (which is really too bad), talking to rlcarmichael still may be beneficial, as he may have experience traveling with children in your exact situation.