Last year, over 20 million people took a trip to Disney World in Orlando, Florida.
For many, a trip to the Disney parks is a once-in-a-lifetime experience — one that they will never forget. A lot of time, money, and effort are spent planning any major travel event, and no one wants their vacation to be marked by pain.
Research indicates that 80 percent of the American population has experienced low back pain for at least one day in the last year, and 20 percent of those people may find that their pain persists. For those experiencing low back pain that persists or has occasional flare-ups, know that you, too, can experience once-in-a-lifetime vacations. Don’t let pain deter you; there are many ways to have a successful Disney World vacation.
Designing a plan to help you navigate the stressors of Disney World is a smart place to start.
You can do this with me or work with a physical therapist that is educating in helping people in pain with pacing.
Smart travelers will develop some strategies to avoid suffering from aches and pains in order to enjoy your perfect Disney World vacation to the fullest! Think about this as training for a marathon – it kinda is!
One of the first things to consider is how much territory you will be covering when you visit Disney World.
Consider this: the average American walks about 5,900 steps or less a day — that’s a little over 2½ miles — and an average day at Disney involves walking anywhere between 9 and 14 miles! Implementing a walking program well in advance of your departure date will allow you to decrease your discomfort on your Disney vacation. You will be increasing your body’s ability to handle the demands you are asking while on vacation by starting now. The added benefit of general exercise is that it is the best treatment for persistent low-back pain. You will be improving your overall health, decreasing your pain, and making your vacation more fun all at the same time.
For those that are unsteady on their feet or have difficulty walking, don’t let that deter you from enjoying your trip. Here are some options to minimize any pain or unsteadiness that you may currently have.
Tips for Doing Disney World with Pain
- Invest in a supportive pair of shoes. Leave the flip-flops for the beach.
- Consider using a walking aid such as a cane or walking poles.
- Rent a regular or electric wheelchair at Guest Services, or an off-site service like scooter bug. Even if you don’t normally use one, you can alternate between riding and pushing.
- Know the park(s) before you go, and plan out the order you will visit shows and attractions. This is often called a “touring plan.” Use Google to see some pre-made park plans. Here is a great website.
- Use Genie + or Individual Lightening Lanes to minimize time standing in line.
- Mix standing for rides with sitting for shows, parades, and meals.
- Try to schedule trips for the off-season when the lines may be a bit shorter.
- Take the park at a slower pace. You’ll be surprised at the things you never noticed before.
- Don’t be afraid to plan some downtime. Head back to your hotel mid-day for a swim or take a rest break. Heck, you can even plan no-park days into your trip.
- Bring Ziploc® bags for ice. Any of the quick service or sit-down restaurants will be happy to fill it at no charge.
- If you prefer heat, bring a box of heat wraps available at your local drug store.
- Drink plenty of water and get plenty of rest.
- Remember to bring your prescription medications and take them as prescribed.
Planning ahead with strategies to reduce your discomfort will help you enjoy your trip to the fullest.
Disney World’s customer service is top-notch. Ask for assistance. No matter how small your need may seem, they will accommodate you if they can. Here is their disability fact sheet
Go take that trip, soak up the sun, enjoy time with loved ones, and most of all, do Disney your way!
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Originally written as an article featured in Healthy Cells Magazine
