This may have already been asked and I just missed it...What are the exact dates they will be here at Disney?  We stayed at the Boardwalk for our Hayden's Make A Wish Trip and it was great.  My only concern would be unloading the van.  It is valet parking and the cars have to be parked a good ways away.  For their situation it would be worth it to spend the extra money to have Valet park the car and a bellhop help them with the bags so they can take care of Hayden.   The good thing is they are walking distance from Epcot and a ferry ride away from Hollywood Studios.

I would also suggest if they are with a local Hospice team or maybe their home care team can get in touch with Hospice here and they may be able to arrange for a night nurse while they are here.  It may be cramped but at least they will get some sleep.

Talk to you soon! 

This is so good to know, they have a lot of equipment that has to be taken in. They leave Ontario on may 5th and have given themselves 4- 5 days to get to Disney, just so Hayden has plenty of time to rest in between travelling. They are actually booked into the park for 2 weeks. I think thay ck in on May 10th. I know Tina and her family are looking foreward to some family time. They have someone in their home 5 nights a week when they are at home and although they appreciate it very much, I think between them they will manage. Hayden does communicate in the night if he needs something.

Tina hopes to log in tomorrow night, weekends are family time, and she has very little time as you can imagine to spend on the computer. Thank you for all your helpful comments so far, and maybe when Tina has the chance she can fill you in on more of their wants and needs. I am planning on going to Disney next year with my kids, so I am taking all of this info in and loving it!! great job!!

First:  Yes the handicap parking is MUCH closer ususally right next to the entrance and easily within walking distance.  My only concern would be at Magic Kingdom, you will still park closer to the TTC, but will have to either ride the monorail of the ferry.  If hayden is sitting in his chair the monorail will be fine they have wider stalls for wheelchairs but they can get packed especially with morning and night rushes.  The ferry is a little slower but you have more room to spread out in.

Second:  in answer to Beth's question the baby stations can be good for peace and quiet, but are set up for babies.  They would do better to go to the First Aid Station they have big loungers Hayden could use to stretch out on for a little bit if needed.

My other question is can Hayden's parents lift him to help him get onto rides or is he strictly confined to his chair.  If they can help him that may open up some more rides for him that he may not be able to do otherwise, like Haunted Mansion or Pirates of the Carribean.  We did that alot with our Hayden but he was only 2, big difference between a 10 yr old boy.

Another Word of warning sort of.  Anuimal Kingodm's terrain is not real wheelchair friendly and can be extremely rough as you are rolling through.  It is still fun, but just wanted to give you a heads up.

Also do have they made any food reservations or are they doing all Counter Service.  It can help alot with a sick child to beable to go into a restraunt and not fight for a table, especially with all the medical equipment.  They still have time to make reservations, or if they need help they can give us their reservation number and where they want to eat and we can try to get them reservations.  Just let us know

Kyle and Eva

New tidbit.  If they are going to be there for 2 weeks they will also be there for the first week of Star Wars Weekends at HollyWood Studios.  If Hayden or any of them are into Star Wars they should plan to attend it's alot of fun!  (P.S. Beth, Angel I am so dissapointed we don't have even one Star Wars Smiley I can put here. )

Hayden is strictly confined to his chair, unless resting. As far as I know Hayden can't eat sitting up so therefore is not comfortable in restrants.

  Kyle are you using IE? Ok I just added this Yoda for you. I have a couple in my files.

Kyle Caroline did mention that Hayden has a feeding tube but can taste some foods. Since he can only sit up a couple hours then I would think a restaurant would be difficult for them unless they had a CNA to help while Hayden rested. She did say his chair does not recline.

P.s. I keep on forgetting to mention, this trip is not through the wish foundation, this is Tina and Ian's wish for their beautiful children Hayden and Lauren!

Ok I hope someone can help me here. We usually break up questions into their threads b/c some ppl feel more comfortable giving advice within a particular area i.e. dining plan, shows, resort options etc.

I will be at work tomorrow so sometimes I hop on in the a.m but I can't get on at work.

We have a dining section where ppl lay out their dining plan. dates and restaurant for the trip. Then feed back is easier in that format

Swimming: resorts don't allow pool hoping. I think one of the pools was down at Boardwalk and they were allowing swimming at the beach club but I have to check or ask someone else to answer.

I will make up a list for you or itemize the rides in a column format so we can make sure everyone has their comments. I'm still worried about It's a Small World.... it rattles but doesn't really jerk you.

We have'nt talked about parades and shows either and other entertainment.

I know you can rent DVD's at the food courts/gift shops at some resorts. Does anyone know if that is just DVC?

Do we have a resident princess maker? WE don't want to exclude Lauren... Is the Hanna Montana makeover at the Bibbity Boutique? Remember reservations are often needed.

If you are doing the luau dont' forget to catch the electrical parade on the lakes.

I'm concerned about fluids too. People who do not move a lot can often perspire and lose body fluids in what might seem like a mild day and can Hayden wear sun screen? You can get burned in the Florida sun in May, hats and sunscreen are a must and sunglasses often help.

I love the coral reef.

There are usually fun things to do around the resort too even fireworks from a balcony and don't forget you can hear the sound from your TV.  (I know Capt Tigger knows the station)

.I used to manage what we call a waiver program here, where we sent CNA's to the home or even traveled with people on vacation. I do understand what you mean about privacy. 

When my kids I used a WDW babysitter, they are bonded, but sounds like you are comfortable and are not looking for respite during the trip.

I know they let you take your leftovers out. I have to check on take outs with the restaurants. I know the quick service has take out and delivery. 

More tomorrow...

well Hayden's mum and dad Eva and Kyle, I just wanted you to know that you just made me cry!! You guy's have been so kind and helpful. I can't imagine the sadness you must feel in your hearts everyday missing your Hayden!!  When I first found this website, I didn't know what to expect, but what I did know was, I had to try and find help for Hayden and his family so they could have the best trip ever!! All of you at Mouse-Aid have blown me away, your kindness and thoughtfulness has been overwhelming!! I thank you all from the bottom of my heart!!

"The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched they must be felt with the heart."

     This will come in time.......  right now concentrate on this trip, your family and having the most magical time together !  

You can learn the fancy "do hickeys" when you have more time.  

But if you click on the yellow smiley face above the box you type in, your whole world will become a little brighter. 

We are very glad you are here.