1st trip, fatigue an issue

[Pookles]

Hi Folks, I will try to be as short as I can! This is my family's first trip to WDW, January 9-20th, 2016. My hubby has Kennedy's Disease, and is very fatigued all the time. Even little excursions of energy throughout the day can add up to him having to leave early. We are also going with a total of 14, which includes my siblings, their kids, and my parents. So potentially lots of options for all of us, but hubs and I plan to stay with each other and our son as much as possible...we all just want to be together and enjoy the magic! That being said we (me) are reading, reading, reading all we can and setting expectations LOW.

I'm trying not to get too focused on what I have to see, because inevitably, life happens. I'm going to roll with the punches. Since this IS our first trip and I have nothing to compare to and nothing to miss really,aside from Teacups, Dumbo, Small World, People Mover, Peter Pan, Snow White's Mine Train, meeting Mary Poppins and on and on, and of course various snacks...resetting expectations as I speak)....We are also going as a present to my mom, so lots of time I plan to try and let her make the call. Give me strength!

But is there anything you would recommend we skip? My hubs needs to be in the ECV up to the point we get on a ride if possible, but not absolutely, as he can walk a bit if needed. But anything where walking a lot or going up and down more than a couple stairs might not be the smartest use of energy for us. Anything where he might need to exert himself could lead to him cutting his day short which we want to avoid. He has about 10-15 minutes of walking energy before needing a 25 minute break.

I'm looking for any tips, tricks or suggestions you all might have about really anything you might find helpful for hubs and I to try and save his energy. And, any place you think we should avoid since DH has never used an ECV and we'd like to avoid crashing. Looking forward to hearing your suggestions!

 

[gap2368]

hi and welcome most of the lines are ECV or up to a point and then they cut off a CM at the front of attraction can let you know what you need to do the one ride I can think of that you do have to walk some is the people mover ( or what ever it is called now) you have to go up a steep incline on a moving ( or most of the time moving walk way) then walk a little not fair before you board the line is normally never 10 minutes long and the part on the ground before the moving walk way up is normally much longer. but I think you should do it as it is a nice 10 or so minute ride. also first aid in the park is great place if he need a few minute to take a break ( I have gone in for over an hour when I was having some medical problems and I have gone in wham I just needed some time) since you said this is your first time in a ECV ( and I have never used one and really can't with a disability I have) so I am just guessing main street during the parade and fire works might be a bit of a challenge so you may want to stay away or go there early and pick a spot,

 

[Bete]

I feel one of the better ways to conserve energy is to alternate rides with shows. The shows will provide a rest period. Your hubby could even take a nap in a show. My hubby has napped at a show.

Use a meal to rest, as well. Parades are a rest period, too. Fireworks are a rest, as well.

Get a DAS if you can. This will help with the rides. Also, pre-book all your fastpass plus rides and shows.

Worse to worse, the first aid stations do have cots where he could have a rest. It beats going back and forth to the resorts.

I would stay away from most boat rides; because, it's an effort to get in and and out of them. Some of the boat rides have wheelchair access; so, you may be able to transfer to a wheelchair and enjoy the boat ride that way. You'll have to talk with a CM at those rides to get a wheelchair. Also, a few rides have moving walkways; so, be careful there. Some of those rides can be stopped; so, you could board the ride.

 

[gap2368]

the op has a fituge problem and a DAS will not help with that at all and disney main advice is to rent a wheel chair ECV witch is what the OP is doing all ready

 

[Pookles]

Sorry what is DAS? I didn't see it on abbreviation page. Good to know about the boats. And actually now that you say that it makes me think more about his particular issues. Steps are hard like I said, because he can't pick his feet up very well and balance is an issue. So boats could be bad. But would that include PotC and the Jungle ride also, or just the ferries into MK? We've been planning on them all I guess.

And what about his cane? Just thinking some rides might be easier to get in and out of if he had it. I could see some allowing it and others not. Of course I suppose we can go and just see what happens.

 

[lanejudy]

to the DISboards!

DAS is the Disability Access Service and the WDW version is explained here, which is also pinned near the top of this forum.

As PP mentions, DAS is not likely to be an option since it sounds like his concerns are mobility or stamina. WDW will recommend use of a wheelchair or ECV. Nearly all queues are accessible, though on some you will be redirected to a slightly different area to avoid stairs. A couple of rides do not allow ECVs but will have a wheelchair available he can transfer to for use in the line. The Peoplemover and Swiss Family Robinson treehouse require walking. It should be noted that a few rides have moving walkways; most *may* be slowed on request though that seems to be at the discretion of the CMs at the time, and I don't believe PeterPan or the Peoplemover can be slowed or stopped. There is more info about accessibility of various attractions in the disABILITIES FAQs thread, which is also pinned near the top of this forum.

Enjoy your vacation!

 

[minnie mum]

Sorry what is DAS? I didn't see it on abbreviation page. Good to know about the boats. And actually now that you say that it makes me think more about his particular issues. Steps are hard like I said, because he can't pick his feet up very well and balance is an issue. So boats could be bad. But would that include PotC and the Jungle ride also, or just the ferries into MK? We've been planning on them all I guess.

And what about his cane? Just thinking some rides might be easier to get in and out of if he had it. I could see some allowing it and others not. Of course I suppose we can go and just see what happens.

POTC and JC, as well as Living with the Land, and Its a Small World are all boat rides. They require a couple of steps. The ferry from the TTC is very large and is fully accessible meaning no steps. If your husband has a cane he can use it on the majority of rides. I take mine on almost all of them.

 

[JennyDrake]

I feel one of the better ways to conserve energy is to alternate rides with shows. The shows will provide a rest period. Your hubby could even take a nap in a show. My hubby has napped at a show.

Use a meal to rest, as well. Parades are a rest period, too. Fireworks are a rest, as well.

Get a DAS if you can. This will help with the rides. Also, pre-book all your fastpass plus rides and shows.

Worse to worse, the first aid stations do have cots where he could have a rest. It beats going back and forth to the resorts.

I would stay away from most boat rides; because, it's an effort to get in and and out of them. Some of the boat rides have wheelchair access; so, you may be able to transfer to a wheelchair and enjoy the boat ride that way. You'll have to talk with a CM at those rides to get a wheelchair. Also, a few rides have moving walkways; so, be careful there. Some of those rides can be stopped; so, you could board the ride.

Having gone as a traveling companion to a senior with numerous issues, this post (above) is excellent.

You don't say if you are staying on site. I would HIGHLY recommend staying on site and using WDW transportation. Spend the extra money for a preferred room to be closer to the food court and bus stops. Give serious consideration to a midday break. Be at the park and RD and leave right after lunch. Go back to room for a few hours, then return. Do not push to the point of exhaustion (I learned that lesson the hard way).

 

[Pookles]

Okay, we wouldn't need DAS then.

We are staying on site. My mom turned 70 this year so as a surprise gift we're staying at AKL in Kidani studios, my sis found them through David's. We are at AS Movies the first two nights and then move to Kidani for 6 nights. Then maybe off to another resort for another few nights. We want to go to the beach and see manatees and maybe spend another couple days in the parks with just DH, DS and I.

DH is fine as long as he doesn't push himself too much but I imagine this will exhaust us all. It's hard to gauge the right number of days since it's our first trip. And then my sister and her family all ended up sick their last few days in January and she's got horror story of bringing sick kids home on the plane.

Our solid plan right now is 9th to the 17th. We're doing 5 park days with the family. 10th MK, 11th AK, 12th break, 13th Epcot, 14th HS, 15th break, 16th MK and 17th Home.

But then my family will do 17th to maybe the 20th, looking at Boardwalk, but if we aren't in the hotel all the time I'm not sure it's worth the extra money just for the coolness factor. DH says we only need 17th for the beach and then go home. But I want another couple days to do more parks if we want them. However, I'm pretty sedentary myself and working a lot of OT to pay for this so I'm not getting my walking up as many posts recommend.

Honestly, too much, too little? Ugh! Wish I had a crystal ball!

 

[gap2368]

ok this is a thought and I hope I am not going to make thing harder for you and with my disability I can not use an ECV. but I have heard that it can be mentally draining to use the ECV at the park since you have to be constantly on the look out for other people would your husband do better in a wheel chair and that way someone can push him it sounds like you are going with a big group altho you may not stick together the whole time.

I hope I did not make things harder for you just something to think about but like I said I can not use an ECV so I do not know

 

[lanejudy]

It's hard to gauge the right number of days since it's our first trip.

Honestly, the best advice I can give is to go into this trip knowing that you just can't do everything. It really doesn't matter if you are there for a long weekend or two full weeks. It's impossible to do everything. Review what's there, what are your "must do" shows/rides/activities... and plan for those. And consider anything more to be a bonus.

Enjoy your vacation!

 

[Julylady]

Another vote for wheelchair over ECV. My Mom is now 80 and had rented an ECV for several years. On our trip last July we decided to try a wheelchair instead of an ECV since she refuses to take the scooter on the bus. (Too many negative comments directed at her caused huge performance anxiety about driving the vehicle on to the bus). She was able to get a little discount by renting the wheelchair multiple days. I can't believe how much easier the wheelchair was for both of us! It took all the pressure off from her to make decisions and navigate through the crowd. She just went along for the ride. The wheelchair was easier to push than I first thought it would be. When using a ECV she tended to be either way ahead of us or way behind us, so with the wheelchair we were all together. On big hills, my Mom would get out and walk using the wheelchair as a walker. Typically she walked 2-3 times per day for 5-7 minutes each time which was good for her to get out and stretch her legs.

I will say that my nieces are now 11 and 14, so no longer need me to hold their hands like they did when they were little, which frees me up to push. The 14 year old also took turns pushing Gma.

And a bonus is that a wheelchair is much less expensive to rent either from WDW or one of the off site vendors than a scooter.

 

[Goofy14sure]

Honestly, the best advice I can give is to go into this trip knowing that you just can't do everything. It really doesn't matter if you are there for a long weekend or two full weeks. It's impossible to do everything. Review what's there, what are your "must do" shows/rides/activities... and plan for those. And consider anything more to be a bonus.

Enjoy your vacation!

Definitely agree on this one, First time or hundred and first time, you can't do it all. I also have fatigue and stamina issues and can do about 4 hours at a park, I get a fast pass for once an hour or so, a meal or special snack and any thing else is a bonus. The day can start early and i'll go for a nap around lunch, or sleep in and go out for an evening and fireworks. Just don't push too hard or he will be exhausted and too tired to have a good time.

As for the ECV, get one and use it, I have one and think it is fun to drive! I could not last an hour without it. Yes sometimes people cut you off. but that happens to you when you walk too, Its no worse than driving on the freeway!

I absolutely hate when my wife has to push me in a chair (This is why I no longer ride Pirates, its a long push mostly up hill, No ECV after the entrance). In my experience a wheelchair with a novice pusher will clip more heels than an ECV. I use an ECV and take my cane, save my walk time for loading and unloading.

Have a Great Time!!

 

[ErinTwinmom]

So your hubby will be in an ecv. What about the rest of your group, for example will MOM or any other members of your group need an ecv? I only ask because multiple vehicles can make busses more challenging as there are only so many spots per bus. It's doable, I went last year with two ecvs one electric wheelchair and a double stroller tagged as a wheelchair for my autistic twins, but it takes some planning.

 

[TheRustyScupper]

I would stay away from most boat rides; because, it's an effort to get in and and out of them. Some of the boat rides have wheelchair access; so, you may be able to transfer to a wheelchair and enjoy the boat ride that way

.
1) I recommend boat rides on actual LAKE boats.
. . . like Friendship Boats in Epcot or on Seven Seas lagoon
. . . all Friendship boats and ferry boats take wheelchairs and ECVs, as long as the water level is not too low.
2) The boats are air conditioned and can be a nice respite.
3) Additionally, you do not have to get off at any stop, and can literally ride until he is rested.
.
NOTE: When the wife and I go to WDW for lunch, we like to walk around for a while, then jump on a boat for a ride. We look around and people-watch, and play knee-zees. A nice afternoon "attraction".

 

[Bete]

To decide on an ECV you may want to try one out back home. Do a local zoo and rent a scooter there and see how well he does with one. This should let you know if he can handle one or not. Also, it's great practice for the trip. It won't be as stressful at Disney.

You can try the free ECVs at the stores. These are actually harder to use then the ones you will rent; so, keep that in mind. You don't want to scare him if he doesn't like the store scooters.

Also, if the scooter presents any challenges like getting it on a bus or elevator or whatever someone else can take over during those harder situations with the scooter.

If mobility is the only issue then a DAS will not be the answer. You can still utilize fastpass plus which is a great help.

 

[Sunnywho]

DH is fine as long as he doesn't push himself too much but I imagine this will exhaust us all. It's hard to gauge the right number of days since it's our first trip.

With chronic MS fatigue, I found that my better trips are longer trips because there is less pressure. With a longer trip, there's always another day if one day gets cut short unexpectedly.

Our solid plan right now is 9th to the 17th. We're doing 5 park days with the family. 10th MK, 11th AK, 12th break, 13th Epcot, 14th HS, 15th break, 16th MK and 17th Home.

Are the break days helpful for him? I prefer 2 half days to a full park day and then a full break day.

 

[SueM in MN]

POTC and JC, as well as Living with the Land, and Its a Small World are all boat rides. They require a couple of steps. The ferry from the TTC is very large and is fully accessible meaning no steps. If your husband has a cane he can use it on the majority of rides. I take mine on almost all of them.

Jungle Cruise, Living With the Land and Small World all have accessible boats.
Pirates of the Caribbean is the one on that list that does not.

Follow the link in my signature to the disABILITIES FAQs thread (or look near the top of this board)

Posts 18-21 of that thread will be very helpful to you - it lists access information, including things like hard to get into attractions and attractions with wheelchair cars.

There is another post on that thread that lists attractions where all guests will stand for a period of time unless they have a mobility device with them. As was already mentioned, there are a few attractions that are not ECV accessible. Those will have wheelchairs available for use in line.
The attractions with accessible ride vehivles will also have a wheelchair you can switch to if the ride vehicle is not ECV accessible.