CDH in the Happiest Place on Earth: How to Make Your Day More Magical!

If you have a CDH baby, you likely spent much of the first year in the hospital and second year (and maybe third… and fourth...) at home hiding out from germs. However, at some point, when their lungs got strong enough, it was time to let kids enjoy the life for which they fought so hard! It can still be hard to be comfortable with going out in public, even before the COVID-19 pandemic. However, one fun way to do that is at Disney! Disney has implemented enhanced health and safety measures to reduce the risk of exposure to germs and COVID-19. They have made important updates such as increased cleaning and housekeeping, adjustments to promote physical distancing and experiences have been modified to reduce contact (cashless transactions). Disney also does an amazing job at accommodating kids with special medical needs and bringing their favorite movies to life. With these tips and tricks, it really can be the happiest place on Earth!

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Disney has also modified their guidelines for guests to ensure the safety of those who come. Face coverings are required for all guests (ages 2 and up) and cast members. Make this fun for your kiddos! Have them pick out a Disney mask of their favorite character ahead of time. Additionally, temperature screenings are required for entry to some locations.

My Disney Experience App: Use the My Disney Experience App to save time and plan out your special day! In the app you can see wait times, make dining reservations, map out where to go for each ride, and even order food for pick up ahead of time.

DAS Pass: If your child is still on oxygen or has residual medical needs, consider getting a disability access pass for them. This pass holds their place in line without having to stand in line, which is a great way to reduce germ exposure. 

Know Your Transportation Options: While planning your rides, remember to plan the transportation you will take. This is important, especially if you plan to park hop or head to a different park for food. Disney has options for buses, ferries, monorails, skyliner (gondolas), and, of course, cars. Knowing which transportation goes to each park and how to navigate quickly will save time and elevate stress during the day. 

Stroller as a Wheelchair: If you need to carry around equipment or if your child has sensory issues (as many CDH babies and kids do), have them tag your stroller to be a wheelchair. This will allow you to bring the stroller right up to the rides, so your child can stay hidden away from germs while in line. It also allows them to have front row access to shows and sit within roped-off wheelchair sections, which have fewer people, thus fewer germs!

Rider Swap: If there is a ride the family wants to do, but your child isn’t tall enough or isn’t able to ride for medical reasons, simply opt to do rider swap. This will allow one parent to go while the other stays with the child, and then when that parent gets back, the other parent can go without ever having to leave the child alone or miss the ride. 

Child Care Centers: Each park at Disney has air-conditioned child care centers that allow parents to prepare bottles, nurse, change diapers, and meet their baby’s needs. Don’t be afraid to take the time to use these facilities! Your kids will last longer and your day will be more magical if they stay well hydrated and aren’t overheating. 

Come Prepared: When packing for Disney, it’s essential to put thought into what you bring. Being prepared will make the day much more enjoyable, but you will have to carry (or push) everything around all day. Some things to pack include:

• Tickets

• A change of clothes

• Sunscreen

• Hats

• Sunglasses

• Water bottles

• Food/feed supplies

• Clorox wipes

• Hand sanitizer

• The medicine you may need

• Disposable ponchos

• Disposable toilet seat covers (if your child is potty trained)

• A misting fan

• Diapers/wipes if needed

Disney will check every bag you bring in: To speed things up, consider packing things in clear toiletry bags and placing them inside a backpack. This way, they don’t have to empty your whole bag of loose items during inspection. You can also bring a small cooler for food and drinks. Be sure to pack lots of snacks your kids love. It will save a ton of money since food in the park can be very expensive. Medicine can also be kept in the cooler if refrigeration is needed, or left at the park’s first aid center. 

Cooling Vest: Disney can be hot! If your child has difficulty breathing when they get too hot, consider investing in a cooling vest. This will help keep them a little more comfortable. You can also bring a fan to clip to the stroller or a misting fan to help as well. 

Sanitize Everything: Bring Clorox wipes and sanitize anything your child will need to touch. Also, use hand sanitizer often, especially before eating food. Here is another blog on tips for staying healthy.

Sensory Free Areas: If your child isn’t used to large crowds and lots of loud noises/busy days, you may find they need time to step back and breathe. In these cases, each park has areas that are less crowded and “sensory-free.” You can ask a cast member where to go in each park, find a small bit of grass, and take a break. 

Be flexible in your plan: Remember today is first and foremost about your kids. While you want to make sure that they’re having the most magical day possible, remember that meeting their medical, emotional, and physical needs comes before checking off every ride on the schedule. It’s okay to leave the park for a quick nap or skip a ride that they are nervous about. Try to hit all of the favorite rides early in the day so that you can leave early if needed without missing something important.

Long lines, Florida heat, and big crowds can be scary for kids that have been sheltered for so long, but with some research, thought, and planning, you can make it an incredible trip they will never forget!