Tips for an upcoming trip?

Crohn's Disease Forum

Help Support Crohn's Disease Forum:

Joined
May 21, 2013
Messages
134
My family and I are planning a trip to Disney World in the fall. It is going to be about a 20-hour drive, so I'm a little nervous about the long car trip. I'm also a little nervous about the time in the parks, getting to bathrooms and such. I haven't taken a trip like this since I was diagnosed, and I don't want this disease to ruin our family's trip. I'm wondering if any of you have any tips or ideas for me. (I read through the traveling with Crohn's sticky, but it was mostly about international travel.)
 
First thing, try to relax. It will seriously help. Get good music for the road, and build in breaks. Try not to consume gassy foods and drinks, especially on the road. Make sure you get some form of medical insurance. It was a day that I spent fishing, worrying about the same questions you are, that showed me that you can win battles like this. Focus on the relaxation, have fun. Still try to keep an idea where your washrooms are, but try not to stress on the locations. I think the stress makes us respond to feelings of pressure a little more than we normally do.
 
I find with travelling like that it is best to snack on small "safe" for you items, rather than big meals or fast food. I went away last weekend and I ate pita crackers, bananas, and eggs pretty much all weekend, oh and my boost for breakfast, and my tummy felt better than the previous week at home!
 
Peanut butter sandwiches on white bread are my favourites for long car trips.

I know it sounds not so good but incontinence underwear might give you a greater sense of security. It gives you a bit of extra time and no-one but you need know that you are wearing it.
 
If you are worried about knowing where bathrooms are, if you have a high end GPS in your car they maybe able to tell you where the nearest rest area/bathroom is. Or, it seems like there might be an app you can put in your phone for that too...
 
I go to Disney World with my family almost every year, so I'll see what I can think of.

For the trip down, just try to keep things as simple as possible. Most GPS's have some sort of "find restaurant" or gas station feature, and most fast-food type places will have a bathroom. Worst comes to worst, pack some toilet paper in the car and try to find somewhere to pull off to the side of the road. Eat easy a day or two before, and maybe even pack food instead of eating in a rest stop. Sometimes I'll pop an Immodium or two the morning of the trip.

In the parks, there's an app called "My Disney Experience" that just came out, I believe. If you're staying on-property, you can actually make Fastpass and dining reservations through the app 60 days before. Otherwise, you have from 30 days before to book stuff. It might help you relax a bit just to know that you have a few set plans, so you know when to try to plan a bathroom break. I know its easier than it sounds! But sometimes it's easier for me knowing I have a more set schedule.

The app also has a bathroom map on it! I think you can even have it find the nearest bathroom based on your location in the park, although I haven't tried it yet. If you don't use the app, pick up a map and take a few minutes to circle or mark the bathrooms on it. They're usually easy to find, and there are plenty of them around. Bring a change of clothes and some toiletries, too, if that would at least give you some peace of mind.

I've also gotten a medical pass a few times. I know they changed the system around recently, but if you go to Guest Relations in the front of the park just explain your condition and how it makes it hard to wait in line, and you might have to get off of the line suddenly. Then they give you a pass with the number of people in your family and what accommodations they can make for you. In the past, they would send you in another line for a shorter wait, or they'd let you back in if you had to run to the bathroom. I think now they assign you a designated return time (like a Fastpass), so you can go sit down and relax, then go back to the ride at the time. The medical passes kinda vary based on situation, so just ask and see how they can help. And definitely rent a wheelchair or something similar if it would help!

They do have a lot of plainer food options in the park these days, too. I try to stick to breads, pastas, yogurts, and sandwiches if I can. Drink a lot of water! Sometimes it's also nice to head to the park early, go back to the hotel midday to rest, and then head back into the park at night. Just take your time and don't be afraid to take things slowly, and I'm sure you'll have a great time!
 
I take loperamide (Imodium) every day and it really helps. I'm really at ease when I'm at the parks as I know their are toilets everywhere. I haven't visited Disney since I was diagnosed but have been to universal studios, seaworld etc and at universal go to guest assistance and ask for guest assistance pass. This will help with the long queues I get very nervous waiting around and my bowel tends to go a lot. If the wait ride is under 39 mins they will normally let you in through the fast pass lane and I've never had to wait more than 5 mins, if it's over 30 mins they will give you a return time. This had made our trips a lot easier and I know it's their if I need to use it. The thing that always worries me is when we are out driving I get very anxious about needing the toilet.
 
Like mentioned before, if you relax and don't think about it you can be surprised on what you can achieve.

Hope you overcome it buddy and enjoy your trip.
 
Thanks, everyone for the ideas! :) Moss, thanks a bunch! I figured there had to be someone here who is a Disney regular! :)
 
A lot of it is mental. I travel all over and I think about it when it comes down to get on plane train or boat. Just relax go with the flow . I think I have a mild case of crohns , because I don't really have problems when traveling. Mostly at home .
 
Since my son was diagnosed, I've taken Boost shakes with us (or sent with him) on trips. If he begins to feel unwell, he can choose to skip a few meals and replace them with a couple of shakes. Easier to digest and still provides nutrition. To make it easier to carry with you, you can take powder instead of the premade shakes.

Have fun on your trip!! :D
 
Thanks, everyone for the ideas! :) Moss, thanks a bunch! I figured there had to be someone here who is a Disney regular! :)

Hope it helped a little bit! I've been doing Disney trips before Crohn's, during flares, and during remission periods. It's a place where I can pretty much forget about everything and enjoy myself since I'm so comfortable with it.

I'm curious to see how the bathroom map works when I go this summer, too. But have a ton of fun!
 
Back
Top