One of my best gals headed down to Disney with her awesome family for the week and as a fellow spoonie, I had her take notes on how to survive the wonder that is Disney! As you know we are planning a trip ourselves in September so it is great to have some tips while we are planning! Mamie is no stranger to A New Kind of Normal and definitely check out her blog for more pictures!
I just got home from a great week in Orlando, FL at Walt Disney World. I was a little nervous about my first trip as a spoonie. I have Crohn’s disease, rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, and SVT (rapid heartbeat). The last time I went it was before any of my diagnoses and kids and I was a few years younger. I was worried that I wouldn’t be able to keep up this time. So for any of you out there that are worried like I was, I’m here to let you know that we can conquer Disney.
1. Rest
It seems simple but it’s hard to remind yourself. I wanted to go all day but my husband made us take a break each day around lunchtime. We went back to the hotel, napped or swam and relaxed. Most families take their breaks around 3 or 4. Instead we took ours at 12 then by the late afternoon we were recharged just when everyone else was winding down.
2. Snacks
I packed snacks every day, everywhere we went. That way if I need to take medicine or just needed some nourishment I had them with me instead of searching for something and paying the inflated prices. I also packed healthy snacks which helped my stomach. It’s hard to find healthy food in the park. They do offer many gluten free options.
3. Heat
For me heat relaxes me and helps my tired muscles recharge. Each night, and some afternoons I took a warm bath or sat in the heating tub. It helped relax my overworked muscles and be ready for the next day.
4. Have Fun!
Disney World is so magical and so much fun. My rheumatologist gave me the best advice. He said, “Don’t think about going as a girl with a disease. Just go and have a good time with your family.” I did.
I think it’s so great that you figured out a way to enjoy Disney!
I live very close to Disney…and feel as if I practically live there! I do the same thing as Mamie. We get up & go bright & early…then go nap & return in the evening. It’s great in the evenings when the sun is not so hot & it is not so darn crowded! Avoid going in the summer too! It’s just miserable then!
Thanks for sharing these tips! We are planning our trip for September in hopes to avoid the crowds & crazy heat (but still be warm enough to enjoy the pools!).
Hey Jamee!
I just found your blog today and I love it. It is awesome to find others blogging with chronic illness. I have multiple chronic illness too and blogging has been an incredible outlet for me. Have a great week!
Thanks for visiting Dana! I cannot believe how many connections with other spoonies I have made through blogging! It has been so extremely helpful! Off to visit your blog!
So I just kind read the spoon theory and it describes my daily life experience so clearly and so accurately. I cried the whole way through. Thinking, finally someone gets it. Someone gets it! That is one of the things I am loving about blogging. The incredible amount of support and community. Just thought I would let you know, your post prompted me to look into this whole ‘spoonie’ thing and I’m sure glad I did!
[…] think that part was advertised). We hung out in line anyway and chatted about clothes, family, and Disney. We chatted up people around us in line. It was a fun time! We saw some cute clothes and I was […]