Tips for Finding MG-Accommodating Vacation Activities

When planning a myasthenia gravis-friendly vacation, finding suitable accommodations and attractions may initially seem challenging. However, many parks and attractions offer options that can provide a sense of relief and comfort, ensuring that the entire family can thoroughly enjoy the experience.

Many tourist activities can accommodate individuals with MG who have specific needs, such as difficulty standing for prolonged periods, require physical support or assistance, need wheelchair access or visual aid, or have dietary restrictions.

Visit "accessibility" or "disability" pages ahead of time

To ensure my comfort during vacation activities, I always check the accessibility or disability pages on my destination's website. This simple step helps me feel informed and confident about my trip. In the early stages of my journey with myasthenia gravis (MG) and extreme weakness, I hesitated to fully enjoy vacations or even go on them at all because I didn't own a wheelchair and had no prior experience using one. The thought of standing in lines at amusement parks or walking through museums felt overwhelming.

Looking back, I realize that checking the accessibility pages would have helped. I would have found information about support for mobility and wheelchair rentals. While I disapprove that many places charge about $25 for a standard wheelchair and around $50 for an Electronically Controlled Vehicle (ECV), at least options are available to make travel easier. Knowing this can improve our travel experiences and help prevent myasthenia gravis from reducing our quality of life.

Amusement parks

As my MG has shifted to being more manageable with less weakness overall and less neck weakness holding my head up, I have become interested in going to Walt Disney World to relive memories of visiting the park with my grandparents as a child. While looking at their accessibility page for guests with disabilities, I discovered that they have an app for guests with disabilities to choose the ride and then request a return time similar to the current standby wait. I wish I had known this sooner, or I wouldn't have waited for my MG to improve to go to amusement parks!

I also found out that Walt Disney World requires accessibility cards for disability services. Fortunately, I can apply for this card on the day of my visit, which is a relief in case I forget to register ahead of time—something that's likely to happen with my brain fog.

I looked into Six Flags, a park I've enjoyed for years, and found their process more complex. Guests must apply for accessibility cards through specific companies at least 30 days before visiting, limiting spontaneity for my vacation plans. I'll consider this for future trips! I am eager to get to a waterpark, possibly Cedar Fair/Six Flags or Disney World in Florida, which is known for good disability access, so that I won't feel isolated seeking help.

First-come, first-served wheelchair rentals

My MG symptoms are currently minimal, but excessive exertion can lead to significant weakness. This makes me anxious about going to an amusement park where wheelchair rentals are available on a first-come, first-served basis. I worry about wasting my time and the time of those accompanying me if I get there and can't find a wheelchair. In the future, when I visit an amusement park, I plan to look for a nearby company that offers wheelchair rentals to ensure availability.

Wheelchair-accessible tram tour

I recently was in Key West, and we did a tram tour as my legs felt rather weak after painting that morning. This left me worry free that I was not overexerting myself for the rest of the evening, and yet I was able to see the entire town! I will certainly be seeking out tram tours when thinking of ideas for future trips and outings.

Wheelchair-accessible boat tour/nature cruise

Experiencing the wonders of nature through wheelchair-accessible boat tours is a fantastic way to embrace adventure, even when my MG creates some limitations! After my thymectomy surgery, I explored the stunning Silver Springs State Park—perfect timing since I couldn't paddleboard. Despite needing to work around my limitations, I'm so glad we went. This gem in Florida has quickly become one of my favorite spots to see manatees, alligators, and even wild monkeys!

I'm also eager to add more boat tours to my travel list, including the Wendella tours in Chicago, the Maid of the Mist at Niagara Falls in New York, the picturesque Lake Havasu boat tours in Arizona, and the Argosy Cruises in Washington. I look forward to exploring places on a larger scale without having to use up all my energy and without creating unnecessary stress!

Key summary

When planning a vacation for yourself or individuals with myasthenia gravis, it's essential to consider specific needs and accessibility requirements to ensure everyone has a comfortable and enjoyable experience. Many parks and attractions offer accommodations and services to cater to these needs. Checking the parks' websites for accessibility information, registering for accessibility cards, and looking into wheelchair rentals are important steps in planning a successful visit.

You could also explore wheelchair-accessible boat tours and tram tours to provide exciting and inclusive activities suitable for those of us with MG. With thoughtful planning and consideration, a myasthenia gravis-friendly vacation can be a wonderful and memorable experience for the whole family.