Some questions re: traveling with a friend with disabilities

karensi · Jul 2, 2015

Hi, I've been to WDW many times but this time I'm going with a friend of mine who has a few medical conditions. In short, she has some cardiac problems, had a few TIA's, diabetes and inner ear problems which make her prone to dizziness at times. I know she has sometimes fainted/passed out due to what she attributes to be related to her diabetes and/or the TIA's.

My friend hasn't been to Disney in over 30 years and her only request is to go on Small World which we will do. She will be using a scooter but is able to walk and transfer without problem (just can't walk all day in the heat and humidity of September.)

I can make my FP selections next week. We are going to do MK, Epcot and HS. I'm trying to think of what rides/attractions will be enjoyable for her.
Like MK, we could do Hall of Presidents, Haunted Mansion and Small World.
Epcot we could do Spaceship Earth, Ellen, American Adventure.
HS we could do Great Movie Ride.
But I'm drawing a blank on what else we can do at each of the 3 parks. I'm looking for suggestions for "gentle" rides I guess. Anyone able to give me some thoughts. It's just that I want to be able to get the FP's next week and I can't remember all that each park has to offer.
TIA,

Karen

tobikaye · Jul 2, 2015

I would suggest pulling up the attractions lists on the WDW website. This way, it might jolt your mind on what might be a good fit for your friend.

Examples that might work from my quick glance at the list for MK - Some might need FP, but most not:
Buzz Lightyear - Does have spinning, but the spinning is determined by those in the vehicle
Jungle Cruise
PhilharMagic
Monsters, Inc Laugh Floor

redberyl · Jul 2, 2015

Mk peter pans flight, soarin at epcot

geek+nerd · Jul 2, 2015

Make sure to do Philarmagic in MK!

Don't forget that there are lots of non-ride fun things to do. In Epcot, you can see all the performers around the world. There are hidden Mickey searches you can do in each park.

gap2368 · Jul 2, 2015

pater pan and winnie the pooh the little mermaid are some I can think of at MK

Bete · Jul 2, 2015

Make sure she controls her blood sugars. That will go a long way to prevent any issues. Usually by having smaller meals and more meals you can do a better job of controlling the diabetes. Healthy snacks between regular meals help, too.

I would alternate rides with shows. Shows provide a time to rest. Also, parades and fireworks are resting periods, but you are outside for those activities. With the scooter you can do handicap access for the rides and shows.

As far as rides are concerned you can get a free vacation Disney World DVD which can prove to be helpful in picking out the rides you would like to do. U-tube is another source for seeing rides.

There are so many other things to do that you can really enjoy Disney World without doing that many rides. There is live, street entertainment in the parks which we find to be a lot of fun.

If she needs a rest mid-day then let her take a nap. Have her stay well hydrated, too.

sharona · Jul 2, 2015

Peter Pan, Pooh, Pirates, People Mover, Safari, Lion King, Nemo, Flights of Wonder, Beauty/Beast, Indiana Jones...

anonymousegirl · Jul 2, 2015

I love the films at EPCOT in France, Canada, and China. She can take her scooter into all of these (France has spaces next to seats in the theater, but China and Canada have the standing rails for you). Air conditioned and beautiful films.

gap2368 · Jul 2, 2015

Bete said:
Make sure she controls her blood sugars. That will go a long way to prevent any issues. Usually by having smaller meals you can do a better job of controlling the diabetes.

there is a big difference in type 1 and type 2 some people do really bad with small meals it spick BG and you never come back down to a normal range. if she is in good control and has had D for a while she would know how to best handle her D

karensi · Jul 2, 2015

Thank you all. You've brought to my attention some rides/attractions that I had forgotten about.
Also, I didn't even know, or didn't remember, that France, Canada and China have the movies. I'm feeling much better. I pictured us doing like 3 or 4 things in the parks and then nothing.
Phewwww, I love the Disboard people. :love:

Bete · Jul 3, 2015

The fact that the original poster has fainted from diabetic issues this has to be controlled better. Original poster hasn't stated if her friend has type 1 or 2 diabetes. My recommendations are for type 2 diabetes.

gap2368 · Jul 3, 2015

Bete said:
The fact that the original poster has fainted from diabetic issues this has to be controlled better. Original poster hasn't stated if her friend has type 1 or 2 diabetes. My recommendations are for type 2 diabetes.

she also said it could be related to TIA and I know some people who have fainted not because they were D but because they were not drinking enough water. I think what the OP friend should do is visit the dr and ask them what they should do. and also test more them normal for most type 2 they are very limited on test strips there are cheep meter at walmart rolion $15 and the test strips 50 for I think $10

karensi · Jul 4, 2015

Thank you all again, your ride/attraction suggestions are very helpful.
As for my friends health issues, I'm staying out of that. I'm just looking for ideas for rides that are not fast and that do not spin/twirl.
I just needed to jog my memory and you've given me a lot to go on.
Thank you again :flower3:

JennyDrake · Jul 5, 2015

I would suggest buying a Passporter book and you and your friend can decide TOGETHER what you would like to do.

gap2368 · Jul 5, 2015

karensi said:
Thank you all again, your ride/attraction suggestions are very helpful.
As for my friends health issues, I'm staying out of that. I'm just looking for ideas for rides that are not fast and that do not spin/twirl.
I just needed to jog my memory and you've given me a lot to go on.
Thank you again

She may like soring if she is ok with hight

Nanajo1 · Jul 5, 2015

Some of the 360 degree theaters can be disorienting. I second getting a guide book.

karensi · Jul 5, 2015

Thanks for the above suggestions. I never realized the 360 degree theaters could be disorienting :guilty:

.
I had put O Canada and Reflections of China on our "to do" list but may have to rethink that.
Yes, a Passporter/guide book sounds like it may be a good idea. I was also thinking about seeing if she would want to watch Youtube videos of different rides/attractions.
On another note, do you think Buzz and Toy Story would be OK? Not because they spin (or not spin if you choose not to, like with Buzz) but because of looking at spinning things in front of you. I just don't want her to get dizzy and fall down and/or just not feel well.
Thanks again to everyone

BagOLaughs · Jul 6, 2015

karensi said:
I just don't want her to get dizzy and fall down and/or just not feel well.
Thanks again to everyone

Have you described the type of spinning to her and seen if she thinks she can handle it?

It seems most of your responses have been assumptions you're making, why don't you just ask her? I find talking about upcoming vacations really fun so it should be a fun discussion. :chat:

rtilner · Jul 6, 2015

Buzz Lightyear jungle cruise Mickey's Philharmagic Enchanted Tiki Rm Gran Fiesta Tour Sea Base Lion King show Live Nemo Show Jungle Cruise fireworks the parades Disney RR Haunted Mansion Monsters Inc Muppets Vision 3D Pirates of the Caribbean Country Bear jamboree Hall of The Presidents Stichts Great Escape Tommorowland Speedway People Mover Under the Sea Carousel of Progress It Tough to be a Bug Living w the Land The Seas W Nemo Spceship Earth Toy Story Naia Ellen's Engery Adv Safari Wildlife Exp Train Gorillas Tiger Conservation Station Maharajah Jungle Trek Riverboat Carrousel Tree of Life. I think that's plenty don't you and I was being conservative

karensi · Jul 9, 2015

rtilner said:
Buzz Lightyear jungle cruise Mickey's Philharmagic Enchanted Tiki Rm Gran Fiesta Tour Sea Base Lion King show Live Nemo Show Jungle Cruise fireworks the parades Disney RR Haunted Mansion Monsters Inc Muppets Vision 3D Pirates of the Caribbean Country Bear jamboree Hall of The Presidents Stichts Great Escape Tommorowland Speedway People Mover Under the Sea Carousel of Progress It Tough to be a Bug Living w the Land The Seas W Nemo Spceship Earth Toy Story Naia Ellen's Engery Adv Safari Wildlife Exp Train Gorillas Tiger Conservation Station Maharajah Jungle Trek Riverboat Carrousel Tree of Life. I think that's plenty don't you and I was being conservative

Thank you! :flower3:

Some questions re: traveling with a friend with disabilities

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