Tools and Tips for Visiting Disney with CF

L

LisaGreene

New member
Hi All,
The recent newsletter that included a thread on Disney inspired me to write about Disney and CF- something that's been on my To Do list for about a year!

So, here it is. Please add your own tips, too.

Enjoy your trip! :)

<b>Tools and Tips for Enjoying Disney World with Cystic Fibrosis </b>
by Lisa C. Greene

I remember the first time I went to Disney World. I was eleven years old and had just moved to Tampa, FL. I was so excited I couldn't sleep. My brother and I had spent the day making decorative "ticket holders" for our ride tickets. Back then, rides required individual tickets and the best rides (at the time) were E tickets. I'm really dating myself here since Disney has not been on the ticket system since 1982! My high school Grad Night was spent at Disney and my Girl Scout troop camped at Disney's campground. I remember the excitement at the news of a new Disney park- Epcot Center - and was thrilled to be able to visit when it just opened back in 1982.

So, I'm a long-time Disney fan. And, now I get to see Disney through the eyes of my two children which is magical. Even though I now live in the Seattle area, we get to visit Disney almost every year when we go to visit Grandma who still lives in Tampa.

I do have to say that visiting Disney World, in the summer, with two kids with cystic fibrosis is a different experience than the days of my youth. So, here are some "CF tips" about visiting Disney that I've learned along the way:

1. Get a Guest Assistance Card: Immediately upon entering the park on the first day of your visit, stop at the Guest Relations center. It is marked on the maps with a big blue and white i.

Tell the guest services assistant that your child has CF and that you are concerned about overheating (in the summer) and fatigue due to decreased lung function. I have never needed a doctor's note. <i>Be sure to get both stamps on it: 1. Provide a shaded wait area and 2. Guest can use an alternate attraction entrance (wheelchair access). </i>They will issue a card that can be used for your whole party (up to 5, I think) at all parks, for multiple days (so you don't have to stop at each park). Since we have two kids with CF, we get two cards in case we split up. You must show your card at the entrance of the ride for your party to enter so stay together.

<i>Here is a copy of the card we used at our last visit: </i>

<a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://www.happyheartfamilies.citymax.com/DisneyCFTips.html">Click here to read the entire article and see maps of Disney</a>

Or visit www.TipsForCFParents.com
 
L

LisaGreene

New member
Hi All,
The recent newsletter that included a thread on Disney inspired me to write about Disney and CF- something that's been on my To Do list for about a year!

So, here it is. Please add your own tips, too.

Enjoy your trip! :)

<b>Tools and Tips for Enjoying Disney World with Cystic Fibrosis </b>
by Lisa C. Greene

I remember the first time I went to Disney World. I was eleven years old and had just moved to Tampa, FL. I was so excited I couldn't sleep. My brother and I had spent the day making decorative "ticket holders" for our ride tickets. Back then, rides required individual tickets and the best rides (at the time) were E tickets. I'm really dating myself here since Disney has not been on the ticket system since 1982! My high school Grad Night was spent at Disney and my Girl Scout troop camped at Disney's campground. I remember the excitement at the news of a new Disney park- Epcot Center - and was thrilled to be able to visit when it just opened back in 1982.

So, I'm a long-time Disney fan. And, now I get to see Disney through the eyes of my two children which is magical. Even though I now live in the Seattle area, we get to visit Disney almost every year when we go to visit Grandma who still lives in Tampa.

I do have to say that visiting Disney World, in the summer, with two kids with cystic fibrosis is a different experience than the days of my youth. So, here are some "CF tips" about visiting Disney that I've learned along the way:

1. Get a Guest Assistance Card: Immediately upon entering the park on the first day of your visit, stop at the Guest Relations center. It is marked on the maps with a big blue and white i.

Tell the guest services assistant that your child has CF and that you are concerned about overheating (in the summer) and fatigue due to decreased lung function. I have never needed a doctor's note. <i>Be sure to get both stamps on it: 1. Provide a shaded wait area and 2. Guest can use an alternate attraction entrance (wheelchair access). </i>They will issue a card that can be used for your whole party (up to 5, I think) at all parks, for multiple days (so you don't have to stop at each park). Since we have two kids with CF, we get two cards in case we split up. You must show your card at the entrance of the ride for your party to enter so stay together.

<i>Here is a copy of the card we used at our last visit: </i>

<a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://www.happyheartfamilies.citymax.com/DisneyCFTips.html">Click here to read the entire article and see maps of Disney</a>

Or visit www.TipsForCFParents.com
 
L

LisaGreene

New member
Hi All,
<br />The recent newsletter that included a thread on Disney inspired me to write about Disney and CF- something that's been on my To Do list for about a year!
<br />
<br />So, here it is. Please add your own tips, too.
<br />
<br />Enjoy your trip! :)
<br />
<br /><b>Tools and Tips for Enjoying Disney World with Cystic Fibrosis </b>
<br />by Lisa C. Greene
<br />
<br />I remember the first time I went to Disney World. I was eleven years old and had just moved to Tampa, FL. I was so excited I couldn't sleep. My brother and I had spent the day making decorative "ticket holders" for our ride tickets. Back then, rides required individual tickets and the best rides (at the time) were E tickets. I'm really dating myself here since Disney has not been on the ticket system since 1982! My high school Grad Night was spent at Disney and my Girl Scout troop camped at Disney's campground. I remember the excitement at the news of a new Disney park- Epcot Center - and was thrilled to be able to visit when it just opened back in 1982.
<br />
<br />So, I'm a long-time Disney fan. And, now I get to see Disney through the eyes of my two children which is magical. Even though I now live in the Seattle area, we get to visit Disney almost every year when we go to visit Grandma who still lives in Tampa.
<br />
<br />I do have to say that visiting Disney World, in the summer, with two kids with cystic fibrosis is a different experience than the days of my youth. So, here are some "CF tips" about visiting Disney that I've learned along the way:
<br />
<br />1. Get a Guest Assistance Card: Immediately upon entering the park on the first day of your visit, stop at the Guest Relations center. It is marked on the maps with a big blue and white i.
<br />
<br />Tell the guest services assistant that your child has CF and that you are concerned about overheating (in the summer) and fatigue due to decreased lung function. I have never needed a doctor's note. <i>Be sure to get both stamps on it: 1. Provide a shaded wait area and 2. Guest can use an alternate attraction entrance (wheelchair access). </i>They will issue a card that can be used for your whole party (up to 5, I think) at all parks, for multiple days (so you don't have to stop at each park). Since we have two kids with CF, we get two cards in case we split up. You must show your card at the entrance of the ride for your party to enter so stay together.
<br />
<br /><i>Here is a copy of the card we used at our last visit: </i>
<br />
<br /><a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://www.happyheartfamilies.citymax.com/DisneyCFTips.html">Click here to read the entire article and see maps of Disney</a>
<br />
<br />Or visit www.TipsForCFParents.com
 
C

carrierae21

New member
We just went to Disney in May and the card was good for a group up to 6 people... just wanted to let you know <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">
 
C

carrierae21

New member
We just went to Disney in May and the card was good for a group up to 6 people... just wanted to let you know <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">
 
C

carrierae21

New member
We just went to Disney in May and the card was good for a group up to 6 people... just wanted to let you know <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">
 
L

LisaGreene

New member
Thanks Carrie! I couldn't remember for sure. I'll change it on my article. May is a great time to go- less crowds and perfect weather. Cheers!
 
L

LisaGreene

New member
Thanks Carrie! I couldn't remember for sure. I'll change it on my article. May is a great time to go- less crowds and perfect weather. Cheers!
 
L

LisaGreene

New member
Thanks Carrie! I couldn't remember for sure. I'll change it on my article. May is a great time to go- less crowds and perfect weather. Cheers!
 
R

Ratatosk

Administrator
Staff member
Bumping -- planning a trip. Last time we didn't request a Guest Assistance Card.

Should we consider doing so? How has it worked for other people? We're not taking a Wish Trip, which I understand the GAC's are different...?
 
R

Ratatosk

Administrator
Staff member
Bumping -- planning a trip. Last time we didn't request a Guest Assistance Card.

Should we consider doing so? How has it worked for other people? We're not taking a Wish Trip, which I understand the GAC's are different...?
 
R

Ratatosk

Administrator
Staff member
Bumping -- planning a trip. Last time we didn't request a Guest Assistance Card.
<br />
<br />Should we consider doing so? How has it worked for other people? We're not taking a Wish Trip, which I understand the GAC's are different...?
 
L

LisaGreene

New member
Hi Liza,
Lucky!!! Can I fit in your suitcase?

Yes, absolutely, get the card. Unless you really like waiting in line. ;-0 It really does have it's benefits and only takes a few minutes to get plus is free. If you don't need it, then don't pull it out but at least you have it if you need it.

Have a great time!!!!

PS: Wish trip status doesn't matter for this card- it is for the general population.
 
L

LisaGreene

New member
Hi Liza,
Lucky!!! Can I fit in your suitcase?

Yes, absolutely, get the card. Unless you really like waiting in line. ;-0 It really does have it's benefits and only takes a few minutes to get plus is free. If you don't need it, then don't pull it out but at least you have it if you need it.

Have a great time!!!!

PS: Wish trip status doesn't matter for this card- it is for the general population.
 
L

LisaGreene

New member
Hi Liza,
<br />Lucky!!! Can I fit in your suitcase?
<br />
<br />Yes, absolutely, get the card. Unless you really like waiting in line. ;-0 It really does have it's benefits and only takes a few minutes to get plus is free. If you don't need it, then don't pull it out but at least you have it if you need it.
<br />
<br />Have a great time!!!!
<br />
<br />PS: Wish trip status doesn't matter for this card- it is for the general population.
 
M

mamaScarlett

Active member
I always get the guest card, near the entrance to the park. I was surprised to read Lisa, that you didn't need a doctors note, bc I have always needed a doctors note.
We've been going every year 6 years in a row and every time I've gotten the card. I was reluctant to get it when my doc asked me to, but I've been glad every year since. Going as a mom with Cf, this keeps me out of the heat and lets my lo go on as many rides in as short a time as possible so we can be sure to go back to the hotel (or restaurant) and get plenty of sitting rest time all day.
Disney is wonderful with this, and very accommodating. However, there was one year (ironically, the year we went and I was in the middle of IVs and quite sick) and I went to guest services to get the card, and I got the 'you don't look sick to me, lady' line from a young cast member who didn't want to give me the card. The only reason I mention it is that though rarely, problems do come up...so getting the letter might not hurt. Just in case. My center will email it to me if I'm going away.
She also falsely told me that I could only get it for 2 people, me and a helper for me, which isn't true. As someone said, its for up to 6 people. If you have a party larger than that, you can get a ticket at each ride for a parent swap-where you and some of the kids go on the ride while one parent waits, and then the next parent gets to go on the ride with the rest of the party and goes right through the line.
If you have 2 little ones with Cf, I would get 2 separate letters, and have each parent go separately to request a card. That way you can all go together on all your rides, and you have 2 cards, thats are good for several people each. No one should give you a problem.
And keep in mind that the card doesn't guarantee no lines or no waiting. It puts you in the fast pass line. So you'll probably wait a little bit, but nothing compared to the regular line.
Disney is great to work with, special needs or not. We love it!
 
M

mamaScarlett

Active member
I always get the guest card, near the entrance to the park. I was surprised to read Lisa, that you didn't need a doctors note, bc I have always needed a doctors note.
We've been going every year 6 years in a row and every time I've gotten the card. I was reluctant to get it when my doc asked me to, but I've been glad every year since. Going as a mom with Cf, this keeps me out of the heat and lets my lo go on as many rides in as short a time as possible so we can be sure to go back to the hotel (or restaurant) and get plenty of sitting rest time all day.
Disney is wonderful with this, and very accommodating. However, there was one year (ironically, the year we went and I was in the middle of IVs and quite sick) and I went to guest services to get the card, and I got the 'you don't look sick to me, lady' line from a young cast member who didn't want to give me the card. The only reason I mention it is that though rarely, problems do come up...so getting the letter might not hurt. Just in case. My center will email it to me if I'm going away.
She also falsely told me that I could only get it for 2 people, me and a helper for me, which isn't true. As someone said, its for up to 6 people. If you have a party larger than that, you can get a ticket at each ride for a parent swap-where you and some of the kids go on the ride while one parent waits, and then the next parent gets to go on the ride with the rest of the party and goes right through the line.
If you have 2 little ones with Cf, I would get 2 separate letters, and have each parent go separately to request a card. That way you can all go together on all your rides, and you have 2 cards, thats are good for several people each. No one should give you a problem.
And keep in mind that the card doesn't guarantee no lines or no waiting. It puts you in the fast pass line. So you'll probably wait a little bit, but nothing compared to the regular line.
Disney is great to work with, special needs or not. We love it!
 
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