LuluGirl Posted February 18, 2006 Report Posted February 18, 2006 Hello! I haven't posted in a while because my 12 year old's tics "seem" to be on their way out. However, we may be doing something over Spring Break that might bring them back and I was hoping for your opinions. Before I even thought about the implications to his tics I made arrangements to go to Disney World. The rides have those flashing lights and quick moving images. We are not really a "ride" family but will most definitely be going on some. Any thoughts on the impact? If they are truly on their way out (transient tics) do you think the rides could bring them back? If they're in a waxing stage (I can never remember which is the one that is less) do you think it will bring them back AND, if so, do you think it would just be temporary? It is not too late to switch gears (yes, I am willing to be the bad mommy!). Thanks, Lisa
Guest Posted February 18, 2006 Report Posted February 18, 2006 Hi Lisa, I went to Disney World over New Years. I'm not for sure how the rides will affect your son. I experienced more tics while at Disney World because I was excited. As far as I can tell the rides themselves didn't increase my tics. The increased tics went away after I was over being excited. I know some rides have screens so I'm not for sure if they are the type that would increase tics as screens are pretty much impossible to get out of my life so I haven't done anything with the no screen plan. I woudl think if it bothers your son it would only be temporary. Hope this helps. Carolyn
Chemar Posted February 18, 2006 Report Posted February 18, 2006 Hi Lisa we live not far from Disney World and used to have annual passes when the kids were younger, and spent a great deal of time there. At that time we didnt know my son had TS and so werent on the look out for tics. I do know that going to Disney was a wonderful experience for all of us, although in retrospect I guess my son did react. The whole Disney experience is a very exciting and very sensory one so that one is continuously receiving all kinds of stimuli., the sights , the sounds, the smells, the crowds and the sheer magnitude of the parks!!This in itself can be a tic trigger. And yes, many of the rides have lights and sounds that may be tic triggers too. because of the crowds at the park and the vastness of everything, you also need to be prepared to be exhausted...another tic trigger I have heard from many other people that tics increase when visiting Disney, and so this is something to be aware of. I would not in any way want to discourage you from visiting tho as it truly is a very special place. We had some of the most memorable family times there and I wouldnt hesitate to return if my son wanted to (tho as a 16yo living here and having visited Disney so often, he no longer considers it "cool" ) But there is a very real possibility that your son will have a tic waxing (increase) from all the potential triggers that exist there. I dont know how long you plan to visit , but if you are able to pace yourselves, rather than trying to cram it all in, that can go a long way to relieving the hyper-stimuli reaction. And maybe try to add a visit say to Sea World in between ( a wonderful place!) and also Disney's Animal Kingdom...both tranquil experiences compared with the hustle and bustle at Magic Kingdom, EPCOT and MGM at Disney, and also Universal Studios (which is MEGA-stimulatory and really all rides/screens/noise etc) If you need any more info on it all, please dont hesitate to contact me. I hope you decide to still go, but do want you to do so fully informed about the potential tic triggers.
LuluGirl Posted February 18, 2006 Author Report Posted February 18, 2006 Thank you guys for the input and the heads up about Universal Studios. We are staying on their property one night but with from what I've read on U.S. I was becoming more leary by the minute. Maybe we could stay on that property and go to Sea World that day. We have been there when the kids were little but I love all things Disney. I was even thinking about forgoing the parks and doing all the other things like horseback riding, biking, etc. We're only going for 5 days and 2 are travel days so I'm thinking hopefully we'll only go to Epcot. Seems like there's a lot of other things to do there. Would really just like to relax by the pool. Chemar, what is the weather usually like late March? Thanks again, Lisa
Chemar Posted February 18, 2006 Report Posted February 18, 2006 The weather here at the end of March is great Lisa. Usually warm or mild days and mild nights, and not yet the rainy season. Epcot is great, and the Magic Kingdom really is the favourite with young kids The whole area has really got so much to offer that it is sometimes hard to choose what to do in just a few days, so I would really recommend deciding what your priorities are and then planning ahead feel free to contact me if you want to ask any questions
Giselle Posted February 19, 2006 Report Posted February 19, 2006 Hi there! Oh you simply must go on the rides - because of excitement it might increase tics but they will be short lived. We are close to Disneyland (California) and my son loves the rides - the faster the better as far as he's concerned (he's 8). He's not ticcing much at all right now and we were there last Saturday and saw no increase at all. I really don't think you should miss it because of the tics though as it is so much fun even if a few surfaced they'd be worth it and I truly believe they would settle down.. Bring along a little extra B12 and all will be fine. For us the main consideration for going to the parks is the lack of food that my son can eat (allergies) and we usually bring a long all snacks but have found that Disney is very aware of food allergies and can direct you to one of their restaurants that take them into consideration. We were able to go the Story Teller's Cafe and get a gluten,corn, casein free burger and bun and french fries specially cooked in olive oil as their regular fry oil contained corn and soy - they were amazing! I know many people who like Epcot but NONE of them are children. It's O.K. for them but the other parks are more fun. One thing you simply must not miss is Typhoon Lagoon - a very family friendly (no super radical slides) and super fun water park - we never miss it when we go to Florida! Have a wonderful trip! Giselle
LuluGirl Posted February 21, 2006 Author Report Posted February 21, 2006 Thank you both so much for your encouragement. Sometimes I guess I can be a stick in the mud and way over-think situations. Yes! We'll just go, throw caution to the wind and have a good time! Lisa
Giselle Posted February 24, 2006 Report Posted February 24, 2006 Please let us know how everything went! Giselle
LuluGirl Posted March 29, 2006 Author Report Posted March 29, 2006 We're back from Disney World and wanted to give an update. The rides did not affect his tics. However, they did begin resurfacing during the few days prior to the trip so it must have been the excitement. He had them throughout the trip (nothing too dramatic though ) and we just got back last night. Forgot to notice them today but the rides most certainly did not bring them back with a vengance like I was worried about. So, aside from the "record low temps in Central Florida" we had a great time! Lisa
Chemar Posted March 29, 2006 Report Posted March 29, 2006 "record low temps in central Florida"????? when??????? I musta missed those five minutes cos it has been the warmest winter in my 16 years living here!! We usually have winters where the days are in the 70s and nights in the 50s but it has been mid to high 80s by day and high 60s by night for most of this season. I am so glad your visit went well Lisa and that your son's tics stayed under control.
Giselle Posted March 30, 2006 Report Posted March 30, 2006 Yeah! That's fantastic - I'm so glad you all had fun! Thanks for giving us an update! Giselle
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