[aussiegirl]

A day in Disneyland with multiple myeloma

by aussiegirl on Sat Nov 08, 2014 12:08 am

My older sister was visiting from Australia. On her list of things to do was a day in Disneyland, Just me and her (not kids). We decided to take two days to enjoy one day at Disneyland and another to visit some California beaches. I was a little concerned on how I would manage the 2 days, with currently being on chemo (elotuzumab / Revlimid / dex). I did research and was tempted to get a wheel chair. I rested for two days prior.

We drove down 3 hours the night before our big day and stayed at the Candy Cane Inn next door to Disneyland and a relatively short walk, but also had free shuttle. I took Benadryl to enjoy a good night sleep. I can walk well so decided against getting a chair. My concern was waiting in line for 40-60 mins in the hot sun - Just can't do that. Even with my big broad hat and long sleeve shirt it was hot. The day we went was high 80's.

What I did get was a DAS (Disability Card). How this works. Go to City Hall and say you have a disability and they will give you a photo passport and ask how many in your group (you can have up to 6). You then take this card to a guest relations booth (they are in every land) and tell them what ride you wish to ride. They will write down a time to get there, actually you can go anytime after the listed time. So you can eat, stroll, shop on your way. When you get to the ride, show them your card and they will direct you either to the fast pass entrance or the exit and you go straight to the front of the line without waiting in line at all.

For instance, Peter Pan was a 40 minute wait - we waited 5 mins. We also chose a good day to go. We went on a Wednesday between Halloween and Christmas decoration time. The park was empty. Actually only needed to use the DAS card on 4 rides, as most of the rides were only 5 minutes (even Pirates of the Caribbean was a 5 minute wait.)

Restaurants were empty. I was really impressed with the snacks available around the park. I do better if I graze rather than eating a big meal. Fresh fruit was readily available - loved the chilled pineapple on sticks and the baggies of chilled grapes. Also love the humus and pretzels.

We arrived at 9:30 and stayed until 7:30 (didn't stay for the parade and ended up taking the shuttle back to the hotel). After 10 hours my hips did hurt a bit the day after, but still managed to drive up the California coast to visit Newport Beach, Huntington Beach, Malibu and Santa Monica before dropping my sister at the airport and then driving 2 and half hours home by myself.

Today was treatment day and I had a really GOOD sleep.

Recommend getting a DAS card to enjoy your day at Disneyland.

[NStewart]

Re: A day in Disneyland with multiple myeloma

by NStewart on Mon Nov 10, 2014 1:21 pm

Aussie Girl -

I sounds like you and your sister had a really good time. With a little bit of preplanning, we can have wonderful times doing the things that we love. Kudos to you!

Nancy in Phila

[dianaiad]

Re: A day in Disneyland with multiple myeloma

by dianaiad on Thu Nov 13, 2014 10:52 am

I love Disneyland ... I'll admit that I 'get the chair.'

Not because of the multiple myeloma, but because between my knees and my hip, walking all over the park is an exercise in torture that utterly destroys my joy.

But with the 'chair?" Oh, my. Lovely. First in line with the 'fast pass,' You get the best seats in the shows, You get to enjoy the day and not be screamingly tired at the end of it!

I do, however, try to go there when my WBC isn't floating around the basement, though.

I'm glad you had a good time there, and you took my very best road trip when you went up the coast and saw all the beaches!