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vacations and travel

Because our children have to work so hard to move their bodies, they sometimes tire quickly, especially on vacations.  Parents from the CHASA list offer their ideas and tips for more enjoyable vacations and travel.

Links

* Family Fun Magazine article with links and info
* Disability Travel and Recreation Resources
* About.com guide to adaptive skiing

Disney Vacation
From CHASA mom, Sara
We went to Disneyworld last spring. We had contacted Walt Disney World guest Communications, Box 10000, Lake Buena vista, FL 32830 explaining our situation and concerns with Matthew. Disney world does an excellent job accommodating handicapped individuals and I would recommend that you take advantage of what they can provide to make the trip more enjoyable. We also rented a larger stroller from Care medical equipment called the MaClaren stroller. They delivered it right to the hotel and picked it up when we left. 407-856-2273. We booked our trip through AAA and they did most of the leg work for us. It is well worth looking into.

From CHASA mom, Joni
Our Disney experience was made better by renting the larger double stroller. It was wider and could accommodate more weight for our older child and the extra room was used to put jackets and extras into. These are available at most any amusement park.

We also went to guest services immediately upon arrival and requested a disability pass. This allowed easier and most times quicker access to the rides. We brought a doctors slip, but they didn't ask for it. You do need to have the child with you when you go in.

Also, taking advantage of the kid swap program on most rides would let one parent stay behind with one child, while another rode the ride with a second child. At the end of the ride, the parents swap and the second child gets to go on the ride again right away with the other parent.

Skiing
From CHASA mom, Jill
We live in Florida so we treated the three kids to a ski trip this winter in Big Bear, CA. They have the biggest adaptive program in the country. Lauren who is a 12 yo right hemi who CAN"T ride a two wheeler, btw, did
amazing and skied for both days in the adaptive lessons.

She wanted a third day but the parents were exhausted. The cost was $85 per day for 6 hours of private instruction. We were able to ski with her and the instructor as much as we wanted.

There are several resorts around the country that offer this program. Alpine in Tahoe, Heavenly at Tahoe, Winter Park, Co are a few that I checked
into.

What a great feeling for her self esteem as she could do something that her brother and sister could do. She was better than me, and this was a great experience for her.

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The information contained in this Children's Hemiplegia and Stroke Association (CHASA) Web site is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment, and CHASA recommends consultation with your doctor or health care professional.