Good morning everyone! I am heading to Disney tomorrow. As my signature says, I am not a novice and I think I have most things under control. I've braved the world with diabetes, before, during and after chemo, with various arthritis and joint issues, fibromyalgia, etc. I have always just slowed down when I needed to and been fine walking the parks. My husband and daughter are remarkably patient with me. We know we will be back so we are not commando style tourers.
This trip will be different. My right foot has finally deteriorated to the point where I will need a wheelchair. I debated a long time about this. I have been in a walking "boot" for a week now and the metatarsalgia has not improved. I see the physical therapist today. But the doctor told me yesterday that between the foot problem and my ongoing issues with the ankle that result from shattering the bones a few years ago that I should not plan on walking.
I have my own wheelchair. A gift from my step-daughter. Her father in law used it about twice before he passed away two years ago. It folds. My daughter has created an awesome name label for it with fabric paint! I am just trying to make sure I have everything straight for my first wheelchair trip so I am asking the pros here.
We are flying Southwest. I read the web site and it appears that after I go through security (allowing extra time for the wheelchair and other medical stuff I have with me) I speak with the staff member at the desk near the gate. I don't really need to pre-board as I can walk limited distances in the boot but I am assuming that they will want me to do the medical pre-board. Will the wheelchair be at the gate when we arrive in Orlando or will I have to wait at baggage claim? I know I see them with the stroller sometimes when getting off the plane but I wanted to confirm that they would take it away at the door and magically make it reappear! Do I need to notify the Magical Express people? The wheelchair folds so I am assuming not since it can go under the bus and I don't need any special accommodation.
My husband is calling DVC today to request that we get a ground floor room. Our reservation is Near Hospitality House so I believe there are no elevators in those buildings. If we don't get the request, my daughter will haul the wheelchair up the stairs.
At the parks, we'll get the guidebook for disabilites. I plan to park the wheelchair and walk through most lines - we use Fastpass a lot. For longer lines like the Safari, I plan to park the chair at the stroller parking and walk the rest of the way. I don't need a wheelchair accessible ride vehicle. One ride I have questions on is Pirates - one of our favorites. I've seen folded chairs in the back of boats. Do I just take the chair through the line and have my husband or daughter fold it up at the last minute?
I am not looking forward to experiencing a trip in a wheelchair but I am giving in as gracefully as possible! I don't want my daughter and husband to be miserable because I am miserable and I want my foot to heal. And that won't happen if I don't stay off it! We thought about a scooter but I have no depth perception and I am healing from cataract surgery two weeks ago so my vision is a bit off. My daughter didn't think it would be a good idea to put me in crowds of people with my vision problems and on pain medication as well!
I look forward to any tips people have to share about touring with a wheelchair - I never paid too much attention since it didn't apply to me! I know that I don't need a GAC and one would do me no good since my problem is solely mobility and the cure for that is the chair!
This trip will be different. My right foot has finally deteriorated to the point where I will need a wheelchair. I debated a long time about this. I have been in a walking "boot" for a week now and the metatarsalgia has not improved. I see the physical therapist today. But the doctor told me yesterday that between the foot problem and my ongoing issues with the ankle that result from shattering the bones a few years ago that I should not plan on walking.
I have my own wheelchair. A gift from my step-daughter. Her father in law used it about twice before he passed away two years ago. It folds. My daughter has created an awesome name label for it with fabric paint! I am just trying to make sure I have everything straight for my first wheelchair trip so I am asking the pros here.
We are flying Southwest. I read the web site and it appears that after I go through security (allowing extra time for the wheelchair and other medical stuff I have with me) I speak with the staff member at the desk near the gate. I don't really need to pre-board as I can walk limited distances in the boot but I am assuming that they will want me to do the medical pre-board. Will the wheelchair be at the gate when we arrive in Orlando or will I have to wait at baggage claim? I know I see them with the stroller sometimes when getting off the plane but I wanted to confirm that they would take it away at the door and magically make it reappear! Do I need to notify the Magical Express people? The wheelchair folds so I am assuming not since it can go under the bus and I don't need any special accommodation.
My husband is calling DVC today to request that we get a ground floor room. Our reservation is Near Hospitality House so I believe there are no elevators in those buildings. If we don't get the request, my daughter will haul the wheelchair up the stairs.
At the parks, we'll get the guidebook for disabilites. I plan to park the wheelchair and walk through most lines - we use Fastpass a lot. For longer lines like the Safari, I plan to park the chair at the stroller parking and walk the rest of the way. I don't need a wheelchair accessible ride vehicle. One ride I have questions on is Pirates - one of our favorites. I've seen folded chairs in the back of boats. Do I just take the chair through the line and have my husband or daughter fold it up at the last minute?
I am not looking forward to experiencing a trip in a wheelchair but I am giving in as gracefully as possible! I don't want my daughter and husband to be miserable because I am miserable and I want my foot to heal. And that won't happen if I don't stay off it! We thought about a scooter but I have no depth perception and I am healing from cataract surgery two weeks ago so my vision is a bit off. My daughter didn't think it would be a good idea to put me in crowds of people with my vision problems and on pain medication as well!
I look forward to any tips people have to share about touring with a wheelchair - I never paid too much attention since it didn't apply to me! I know that I don't need a GAC and one would do me no good since my problem is solely mobility and the cure for that is the chair!