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Theme Park advice?

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Posted 8/20/2013 12:52 PM (GMT 0)
Hi all,
- My husband and I are planning a trip to Florida for a joint family birthday party for 6 family members all with September birthdays. While we're there we wanted to go to Universal Studios. We've been wanting to go for a couple years now, long before I had any Fibro symptoms.

- Does anyone have any advice on how a Fibromite can navigate a day at an amusement park without being completely miserable?

- We're already planning for the day after to be a complete down day and just relax/recover at the hotel.

Thanks and Have a blessed day!
Mari
Posted 8/20/2013 1:28 PM (GMT 0)
I would get the map and see if you can plan out one or two areas tops complete with plenty of rests in between. Like the family will meet up at 11 near ______ and spend two hours there and then meet at 3 at _____ for another two hours. This way you can hang but the other folks can run around and not miss anything at the park. I love love love theme parks but they sure can take a lot out of you, especially when it's hot.
Posted 8/20/2013 2:00 PM (GMT 0)
Make sure you sit down when possible. I have found that to be the biggest help when I have gone to any place that requires a lot of walking. I find that 10-15 minutes on a bench here and there really recharges my batteries. I will even just sit down on the ground in the middle of the line if the line is long and moving slowly. It may look weird, but I'm way past caring.

And, I agree with Anna about pacing - pick a partner who is closer to your pace (or just enjoy your own company). Split up and meet back up sporadically. That way you don't get worn out, but you don't feel guilty for holding anyone else back if they want to go full speed.

Drink lots of water. Dehydration is tiring. Bring sunglasses and maybe a hat if the sun bothers you.

Hope you have a great time!
Posted 8/20/2013 2:50 PM (GMT 0)
My husband actually suggested renting one of the electric wheelchairs so that I'm not killing myself just with all the walking. I dunno - I can actually walk, just not for that long. I can't quite put it in words, but using a wheelchair when I'm not actually handicapped just makes me feel wrong, kinda leaves a bad taste in my mouth, you know what I mean?

Then again, I'm still new to this diagnosis and struggling with admiting I just can't do everything i used to be able to do. Maybe I just need to swallow my pride a bit.

Thoughts?

Have a blessed day!
Mari
Posted 8/20/2013 3:39 PM (GMT 0)
Hi, I recently moved to Florida and my DH is a Disney nut. We have been to theme parks 8-10 times in the last 1 1/2 year. I, too, feel wrong in an electric cart, but I've rented one each time, because I could not have tolerated all day on my feet. I still get out and walk a little in the lines, and there are tons of people in the scooters. The first time we went to EPCOT, I saw a long line of people on scooters waiting for something, and I said to DH "What are all those old people waiting for?" Then I realized Paul Revere and the Raiders were going to play, so I joined the line! turn
Posted 8/20/2013 4:10 PM (GMT 0)
I also have an aversion to using a scooter. Last year we went to Disney World and I tried to walk Epcot. I couldn't walk at all the next day, and hobbled the rest of the week, sitting and resting really often. I think if I went again, I'd swallow my pride and get a scooter.
Posted 8/20/2013 7:10 PM (GMT 0)
I'd do the scooter.

When I go to the store I know I'd wear out before I get finish. So I jump on the cart every time. At times it makes me self conscious but it's better than feeling so weak I almost collapse.
Posted 8/20/2013 7:25 PM (GMT 0)
I did it today...just sit down every ten minutes to recharge, take water bottle, keep hydrated, wear comfy shoes, take extra pain pills and get partner to carry bags - only go on more gentle rides...you will prob find the distraction will keep you going and you won't even notice the pain / fatigue until you have stopped
Enjoy :o)
Posted 8/20/2013 8:42 PM (GMT 0)
I posted this a couple of hours ago but it's disappeared! So, I'll try again. I went to DisneyWorld a couple of years ago and was there from 9 AM to 6 PM and walked through the park all day. There are plenty of benches to sit on to rest. The day I was there it was very crowded and i would have had a diffiult time manuvering a wheel chair. Standing in lines was the most difficult for me. I was tired and sore for a few days but it was so worth it! Lets face it. Heathy people are tired and sore from a day at these gigantic parks.

I do have a seat cane but forgot to take it. This might be something to think about. Google it and you will see what I'm talkng about. I have the Tri-Seat Adjustable Seat Cane. This way, you always have a "chair" with you.

Sherrine
Posted 8/20/2013 10:48 PM (GMT 0)
It's still going to be HOT. thinks 90s. Lots of water. Sunscreen. An umbrella, could rain, use for shade. Scooter or chair would work well too.
Posted 8/21/2013 7:53 PM (GMT 0)
We have disneyland annual passes so we go quite often. Usually 2-3 times a month or even more. I have noticed that I usually start out with good high energy and can pretty much keep it going as long as I pace myself and stick to what I know.

I usually start getting back pain in the evening on any normal day, so theme park days usually are no better. Also, standing in line or even sitting too much also make me hurt. I actually am better the more am I moving around. You should know by now at least what you need and don't need as far as moving standing and sitting and how each makes you feel.

As mentioned, bring lots of water and also snacks. Keeping my body from being too hungry helps control my pain and headaches.

In my experience the distraction of being at a theme park will most likely help disguise some of your pain. Only on down time or after you leave ill it set in. Bring the pain Meds and have a good night sleep.
Posted 8/21/2013 10:09 PM (GMT 0)
To me, any extra pain is worth it when it comes to having fun and spending time with family/friends. Thankfully with Fibro the pain does not mean "injury" as in, we aren't breaking bones or doing something that damages us...

We are just more "sore" that evening or the next day. As mentioned, bring water, snacks, rest when you need, wear the most comfortable and supportive shoes/sneakers, and cool clothes.....And enjoy the day!!!

This is where having a muscle relaxer comes in handy to take in the evening (when not driving)....

Life is meant to be LIVED and the joy and laughter gives us wonderful endorphins that are natural pain fighters and mood boosters!

The sad part for me is that it's not the Fibro but my spine surgeries that don't allow me to go on roller coasters anymore and boy...do I miss it!!!!!

So have fun for me...LOL And the memories of this trip with your family you will have for a lifetime!

Post Edited (Snowbunny21) : 8/21/2013 4:43:22 PM (GMT-6)

Posted 12/27/2013 6:02 PM (GMT 0)
Plan to take lots of rest and discover the park at your own pace. Many theme parks have special passes so that you will not have to spend hours standing in line. This past summer I purchased a medical cane for a relative from www.smithmedicalequipmentokc.com/ with similar mobility issues. The medical cane is much more streamlined than a wheelchair and if your body allows it, I suggest going with that. We had a good time, although it did take us longer to move around, it was well worth it. Good luck :-)
Posted 12/27/2013 9:04 PM (GMT 0)
I'm in Orlando on vacation at the moment with my family. I have RA also and have very little energy. We rented a wheelchair which my husband and daughter take turns pushing. It cost $100 for 10 days. I am a strange mix of sad and delighted to be using the chair. But it is definitely working for us. We are able to be together all day. We have been able to do most rides together. Queuing in the chair is much easier than standing so I can keep going longer. We all think it's a complete success. I would not have been able to do it without the chair. Good luck with your planning. Neenaa
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