Diz-Abled: Managing with Back and Neck Conditions at Walt Disney World - Dec 18, 2008

Diz-Abled: Managing with Back and Neck Conditions at Walt Disney World
Page 1 of 1

by Stephen Ashley (archives)
December 18, 2008
Our newest column gives assistance to those traveling to Walt Disney World with a disability. Written by Stephen Ashley this first article introduces the author and helps those coming to Walt Disney World with back and neck conditions.

Meet Stephen

Hi all. I'm Stephen Ashley, Author of Walt Disney World � with Disabilities and head writer for www.Diz-Abled.com (Walt Disney World with Health Conditions(tm)). I'll be writing some articles for LaughingPlace.com designed to help people with health and emotional conditions have a fun, safe and comfortable trip to Disney World.

I've been visiting Disney World for around 25 years with my wife Sarah. Sarah has had some major health issues, and I've had some of my own that have been moderately challenging. For years we read just about every book and pamphlet available, but we found that they deal fully with all kinds of things we really needed to know about. We went to Disney World without advice from anyone who really understood firsthand the challenges we faced.

Managing with Back and Neck Conditions at Walt Disney World

Disney World is an incredible place that goes all out to support guests with health and emotional issues. Regardless, for many years we never knew what was available to us. There were services available to us that would have made things much easier for us, but we had not heard about them. Also, many times we experienced situations that caused us discomfort, stress and even flare-ups of illness. We know we're not alone in that. Over time we mastered the ins and outs of managing and thriving at Disney. Now Disney has become smooth sailing and a great getaway for us, and we'll share what we've discovered with you! .

Our Disney visits have been some of the happiest times in our lives. We want to enable you to enjoy it as much as we have! Watch for future articles including "Managing with Back and Neck Conditions at Walt Disney World".

For those dealing with back and neck issues, managing in the Disney World parks can look daunting. True, it's a wonderful fantasy world, but it can also be a place where existing conditions can be irritated or even made worse. There are a number of things you can do to ensure that you have a wonderful time while caring for your back and neck. We're currently expanding our book, Walt Disney World with Disabilities, and here are a few of the suggestions you'll find in the upcoming edition:

  • Choose the rides you'll try carefully. Some of the rides at Disney can be very rough. I understand how appealing those rides can be, and it's very tempting to try a ride that may irritate or even worsen your condition. You may get away with it, but you may not. I strongly recommend that you always err on the side of caution. There's so much to do at Disney World that you'll never be bored. It's just not worth it for a couple of minutes of possible excitement. The current edition of Walt Disney World with Disabilities has in-depth descriptions of the physical and emotional feel of each ride. Study the book in advance, and bring a list to the parks of attractions that are right for you. Stay off anything not on the list!

  • Consider renting an ECV (scooter). Even if it's something you would never normally need, remember that each park is huge. You'll be on your feet almost the entire time you're there. Much of your day will be spent walking or standing in lines. If walking long distances and being on your feet increases your pain, an ECV can set you free. You'll have a chair with you wherever you go, and you'll be able to cover the distances easily.

  • Get a GAC (Guest Assistance Card). A GAC can get you various types of support. For example, you'll be able to bypass stairs. A GAC can help those who need extra time to board rides. On some attractions you must board very quickly while walking on a moving conveyer belt. If you have a GAC, they may be able to slow or even stop the conveyer belt. There are many ways that a GAC can help take the stress off your back and neck. You can read about what Guest Assistance Cards do and how to obtain them on our Walt Disney World with Health Conditions � website.

  • Take time to rest. There are pleasant places to sit around the parks, or you can stop for a cool drink at a restaurant. Taking time to enjoy one of the many themed full service restaurants can give you one way to take a load off. You're your reservations well in advance to be sure you can get in. Some people like to go back to their hotels in the middle of the day for a break. You can lie down, nap, take a hot shower or even use the pool or hot tub if your hotel has one.

  • Rest at First Aid. Every park has at least one First Aid station with beds available to guests. Although it's not completely private, if you need to get off your feet, and you're looking for somewhere cool and relatively quiet, this is one option you have without leaving the park.

  • Bring an extra sweater. This can be a great tool for making attraction seats more comfortable. On several attractions Sarah (my wife) uses a thick sweater behind her head, neck or back to increase support and comfort. She even sits on it on certain attractions seats that are very hard and uncomfortable. Of course it doesn't have to be a sweater. You can use things like a towel or sweatshirt, or anything soft that you can mold, depending upon the situation and your needs.

  • Bring Baggies for ice. Does your pain respond to ice? If so, bring baggies into the park with you. They're very easy to carry and you can get one filled with ice wherever fountain drinks are available. Apply it to your area of pain with a napkin, cloth or paper towel around it.

Although it may take some pre-planning, it's very possible to have a fantastic time at Disney World while staying comfortable. By the way, if you have a tip that you'd like to see in the next edition of the book, please email it to [email protected].

Discuss It

Related Links


-- Stephen Ashley

Walt Disney World with Disabilities is written by Stephen Ashley. You can purchase it here on LaughingPlace.com. Visit the Walt Disney World with Health Conditions � website at www.Diz-Abled.com to check out the articles and other resources that will help you to create a magical trip to Walt Disney World while managing health and/or emotional issues.

�Ball Media Innovations, Inc. All rights reserved. Permission is granted to LaughingPlace.com to reproduce this article at no cost provided the complete credit information, active link in the credit paragraph and copyright are included.

The opinions expressed by our Rhett Wickham, and all of our columnists, do not necessarily represent the feelings of LaughingPlace.com or any of its employees or advertisers. All speculation and rumors about the future plans of the Walt Disney Company are just that - speculation and rumors - and should be treated as such.

-- Posted December 18, 2008