Advice for a WDW Newbie

[Escape2Disney]

I'm a DLR vet, and am FINALLY heading to WDW in December! I just started a pre-trip report, and would really like to invite you to follow along. A lot of my planning centers around my medical needs on the trip. Having advice from you all would be fantastic! I've been lurking on this board for a while, and have learned a lot, but have quite a bit more to figure out.

If you'd like to read and advise, it can be found here:

http://disboards.com/threads/third-times-a-charm.3525351/

Thanks so much!

 

[gap2368]

what kinds of question do you have we are all good but not mind readers

 

[Escape2Disney]

I don't expect anyone to be a mind reader - there are lots of questions in my pre-trip report (link above). I can list them all here as well if that's easier for folks. The pre-trip report just puts the questions in context. I'm not sure what the rules are - can I double post on multiple boards? I thought that was discouraged.

 

[gap2368]

what kinds of question do you have we are all good but not mind readers

ok I have read some of your post here is a few things

1 the parks at disney world are much bigger then disney land ( no I have never been to the land ) but I know a lot of people that have you are criss crossing the parks a lot.

2 FP+ some parks EPCOT you have tired FP so you can not get a FP for soaring test track and illumination all on the same day. I would get a FP for soaring and let your DD do single rider line for TT it is very easy to find a spot to watch illumination about 45 minute before and the rest of the party can take turns walking to what ever country in close by.

Also book your fast pass as early as you can so your time on site 60 days off site 30

as fair as medical if you need to rest first aid is a great place cool some times dark and most of the time quiet ( they do try there best to keep it quiet but some times it is not like when someone is really hurt)

they do have free transportation to and from the ER ( I know you do not want this,) but I am almost sure to urgent care center not sure of other places. I know you will have a car but it is there is you need it like if the rest of your group need to go back home

the only real welcome show is at MK I know EPCOT dose not have one AK they make some announcement and birds flay ( really not that cool)
HS last I remember nothing.

but park oping are great you can get a lot done in the first 60 to 90 minutes

the DAS is the same as at disney land from what I hear you will need to tell the GR CM why you can not wait in traditional lines you will ( and this depends on who you get ) some want ever one in your party to link there MB or cards some just want the card/ MB

some tips for some rides

MK

7DMT they do have a week chair car where the side opens and you can get in. the ride dose sway back and forth but is kind of smooth.
PP but the line is quite cool so it is just 30 minute you may want to do sand by ( they also can not stop the moving belt)
IASM has a boat of two that you can drive on
JC also has a boat or 2 they you can ride on.
space and BTRR will give you a return time if you go on them.

EPCOT
space ship earth you get on thought the exit they will slow or stop the moving walk way for you to get on
I think figment the sea and living with the land and the mexico all have ride cars you can stay in your wheel chair on

HS

TSMM has a ride car you can stay in your wheel chair I think the great move ride to but not quiet sure.

AK I am not at this park enough to really know

hope some of this helped

 

[gap2368]

I don't expect anyone to be a mind reader - there are lots of questions in my pre-trip report (link above). I can list them all here as well if that's easier for folks. The pre-trip report just puts the questions in context. I'm not sure what the rules are - can I double post on multiple boards? I thought that was discouraged.

the trip report is just so long I tried to read it but if you had any spacific question like about the DAS, mobility, how rides work, things like that it might help some then reading a lot of things but I did try to read as much as I could and pull out what I saw. ( I do have problems with reading comprehension so with really long post it get hard for me to get thing,) and spelling so sorry about all the spelling errors

 

[Hoodie]

I'd second gap on the warning on the size. Esp. your first day at MK you have things all over the park (it's over a quarter of a mile from Buzz Lightyear to the Haunted Mansion). Will you have an ECV? Another thing with DAS in the World vs. DL, you need to go to the attraction in WDW to get the DAS. Given the time of year, just be prepared that DAS return times may be a good hour later. You can have a DAS return time and a FP at the same time. We found that it was helpful to get a return time for a ride before we used our next fast pass. Just make sure the rides are close to each other.

And if your daughter and friend want to be added to your DAS, you'll need their magic bands. I haven't been since the conversion of DAS to MAgic Bands, so not sure if they have to physically be with you or not. I'm sure someone else could answer that.

Also, a word of warning in Animal Kingdom: the pathways, esp. in the animal trails, can be longer than you expect. There's a lot of twisting turning back on themselves. You are also rather locked in once you start. No real quick way out. No rest rooms back there either.

Have a wonderful trip! 2 weeks - should be great!

 

[gap2368]

I go to world a lot one time I went to GR to add my friends ( 2 of them ) to my DAS and they said they have to be there with me another time I went they were fine with me just handing the MB. another tip GR at MK is on your left right next to it before you get to GR is package pick up often times first thing in the morning they will issue DAS card here if you see GR CM in there go there to get your DAS card they will send you over if your go to GR ( done this way to many times now I just walk in the left tunnel and look when I go by)

you were asking about park maps I think you can go on disney website and get them

here is disney guest with mobility disability https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/guest-services/mobility-disabilities/ I am sure if you do some looking you can find a map

 

[lanejudy]

I don't expect anyone to be a mind reader - there are lots of questions in my pre-trip report (link above). I can list them all here as well if that's easier for folks. The pre-trip report just puts the questions in context. I'm not sure what the rules are - can I double post on multiple boards? I thought that was discouraged.

to the disABILITIES Forum! You are welcome to cross-post questions. I wouldn't advise cross-posting your whole trip report, but the questions are fine. Some posters frequent different forums and may miss questions that are only posed in a pre-trip report. I'm working my way through your's though!

Enjoy your vacation!

 

[lanejudy]

If you haven't found these yet, there are a couple of threads pinned near the top of this forum that may help with your planning:

disABILITIES FAQs: http://www.disboards.com/threads/di...disabled-1st-trip-next-trip-wish-trip.595713/
WDW - Disability Access Service (only read the first post, the rest was discussion): http://www.disboards.com/threads/wd...15-digital-das-on-tickets-magicbands.3178976/

Enjoy your vacation!

 

[Escape2Disney]

ok I have read some of your post here is a few things

1 the parks at disney world are much bigger then disney land ( no I have never been to the land ) but I know a lot of people that have you are criss crossing the parks a lot.

2 FP+ some parks EPCOT you have tired FP so you can not get a FP for soaring test track and illumination all on the same day. I would get a FP for soaring and let your DD do single rider line for TT it is very easy to find a spot to watch illumination about 45 minute before and the rest of the party can take turns walking to what ever country in close by.

Also book your fast pass as early as you can so your time on site 60 days off site 30

as fair as medical if you need to rest first aid is a great place cool some times dark and most of the time quiet ( they do try there best to keep it quiet but some times it is not like when someone is really hurt)

they do have free transportation to and from the ER ( I know you do not want this,) but I am almost sure to urgent care center not sure of other places. I know you will have a car but it is there is you need it like if the rest of your group need to go back home

the only real welcome show is at MK I know EPCOT dose not have one AK they make some announcement and birds flay ( really not that cool)
HS last I remember nothing.

but park oping are great you can get a lot done in the first 60 to 90 minutes

the DAS is the same as at disney land from what I hear you will need to tell the GR CM why you can not wait in traditional lines you will ( and this depends on who you get ) some want ever one in your party to link there MB or cards some just want the card/ MB

some tips for some rides

MK

7DMT they do have a week chair car where the side opens and you can get in. the ride dose sway back and forth but is kind of smooth.
PP but the line is quite cool so it is just 30 minute you may want to do sand by ( they also can not stop the moving belt)
IASM has a boat of two that you can drive on
JC also has a boat or 2 they you can ride on.
space and BTRR will give you a return time if you go on them.

EPCOT
space ship earth you get on thought the exit they will slow or stop the moving walk way for you to get on
I think figment the sea and living with the land and the mexico all have ride cars you can stay in your wheel chair on

HS

TSMM has a ride car you can stay in your wheel chair I think the great move ride to but not quiet sure.

AK I am not at this park enough to really know

hope some of this helped

Thank you very much! Your tips will help a lot. Now that I know I can cross-post, I will do that. I hope I didn't make things too stressful!

the trip report is just so long I tried to read it but if you had any spacific question like about the DAS, mobility, how rides work, things like that it might help some then reading a lot of things but I did try to read as much as I could and pull out what I saw. ( I do have problems with reading comprehension so with really long post it get hard for me to get thing,) and spelling so sorry about all the spelling errors

Don't worry about the spelling. I just noticed I have a misspelled word in the thread name! I appreciate your advice and will post here from now on.

I'd second gap on the warning on the size. Esp. your first day at MK you have things all over the park (it's over a quarter of a mile from Buzz Lightyear to the Haunted Mansion). Will you have an ECV? Another thing with DAS in the World vs. DL, you need to go to the attraction in WDW to get the DAS. Given the time of year, just be prepared that DAS return times may be a good hour later. You can have a DAS return time and a FP at the same time. We found that it was helpful to get a return time for a ride before we used our next fast pass. Just make sure the rides are close to each other.

And if your daughter and friend want to be added to your DAS, you'll need their magic bands. I haven't been since the conversion of DAS to MAgic Bands, so not sure if they have to physically be with you or not. I'm sure someone else could answer that.

Also, a word of warning in Animal Kingdom: the pathways, esp. in the animal trails, can be longer than you expect. There's a lot of twisting turning back on themselves. You are also rather locked in once you start. No real quick way out. No rest rooms back there either.

Have a wonderful trip! 2 weeks - should be great!

I didn't realize how far apart things were! I knew it was big, but didn't know how big. Thanks for the example with Buzz and HM. I will have a power chair. Also thanks for the tip on how to stagger DAS and FP. I'll be working on changing things up to get rides closer together. I've heard conflicting reports about whether or not my group needs to be with me when I get the DAS. Maybe I should just plan for us all to go together to avoid a problem.

No bathrooms in the back of Animal Kingdom? Hmm, that might be a problem. I'll check the online map to see what's back there so I can be prepared. I appreciate you pointing that out!

Thanks for all of the great advice!

I go to world a lot one time I went to GR to add my friends ( 2 of them ) to my DAS and they said they have to be there with me another time I went they were fine with me just handing the MB. another tip GR at MK is on your left right next to it before you get to GR is package pick up often times first thing in the morning they will issue DAS card here if you see GR CM in there go there to get your DAS card they will send you over if your go to GR ( done this way to many times now I just walk in the left tunnel and look when I go by)

you were asking about park maps I think you can go on disney website and get them

here is disney guest with mobility disability https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/guest-services/mobility-disabilities/ I am sure if you do some looking you can find a map

Great tip about the DAS and package pick-up! I'll keep my eyes open. Thanks for the link to the mobility maps. I'm hoping to get my hands on printed ones so I can mark them up a bit. In the mean time, I'll use this link.

to the disABILITIES Forum! You are welcome to cross-post questions. I wouldn't advise cross-posting your whole trip report, but the questions are fine. Some posters frequent different forums and may miss questions that are only posed in a pre-trip report. I'm working my way through your's though!

Enjoy your vacation!

Thank you very much! I am sorry if I made things difficult. On a different Disney forum, people get chewed out for posting the same info in multiple places. I was trying to stay out of trouble I'll be sure to post my list of questions here in the future.

On an unrelated note, do you know how I can change the title of this thread? I misspelled Advice and want to correct it.

If you haven't found these yet, there are a couple of threads pinned near the top of this forum that may help with your planning:

disABILITIES FAQs: http://www.disboards.com/threads/di...disabled-1st-trip-next-trip-wish-trip.595713/
WDW - Disability Access Service (only read the first post, the rest was discussion): http://www.disboards.com/threads/wd...15-digital-das-on-tickets-magicbands.3178976/

Enjoy your vacation!

Just found this (I don't know how I missed it before - it's right at the top!)

 

[lanejudy]

On an unrelated note, do you know how I can change the title of this thread? I misspelled Advice and want to correct it.

Fixed it for you!

But you can always go into your own posts to edit, there is a little "Edit" button at the bottom of each post right next to your user name and the date/time posted. To edit a title, I think you should have an option for "Thread Tools" near the top right above the first post, and select "Edit Thread" from the drop-down.

 

[gap2368]

I would not repost every thing on this thread but just a quick who is going and your disability ( if you like but it is easer to help or for someone with the same disability to say what works for them) and maybe what your planes are for each day. Ok this is just about what your other post are, but you may be able to shorten things if you like.

 

[Escape2Disney]

Fixed it for you!

But you can always go into your own posts to edit, there is a little "Edit" button at the bottom of each post right next to your user name and the date/time posted. To edit a title, I think you should have an option for "Thread Tools" near the top right above the first post, and select "Edit Thread" from the drop-down.

I never knew we could do that - thanks!

I would not repost every thing on this thread but just a quick who is going and your disability ( if you like but it is easer to help or for someone with the same disability to say what works for them) and maybe what your planes are for each day. Ok this is just about what your other post are, but you may be able to shorten things if you like.

Good idea. I'l work on shortening it. Should be easy since you all don't need the back story to give me advice. As far as what my disabilities are, here goes...

• Advanced Ankylosing Spondylitis
• Ulcerative Colitis (now have a j-pouch)
• Post-coma autonomic dysfunction
• Tachacardia

Each comes with a host of complications...

 

[lanejudy]

Good idea. I'l work on shortening it. Should be easy since you all don't need the back story to give me advice. As far as what my disabilities are, here goes...

• Advanced Ankylosing Spondylitis
• Ulcerative Colitis (now have a j-pouch)
• Post-coma autonomic dysfunction
• Tachacardia

Each comes with a host of complications...

Since you are familiar with the CA parks, I assume you also know that DAS is not given based on diagnosis but rather for your needs related to waiting in a standard queue environment. Be sure you are prepared to explain your needs, and why the wheelchair doesn't solve those issues for you. Unlike Disneyland, the vast majority of WDW queues are wheelchair accessible.

FP+ return lines can run upwards of 20 minutes, plus length of the attraction. Some shows and rides are long with no ability to exit once it is started. You may need to skip those, or have back-up protection planned in case you can't get out quickly.

DAS is not given so you have opportunity to do more in less time. Or maybe I misunderstood a comment on your TR.

Ice water is available for free at any QS location on property. WDW can be warm even in December, especially depending on the temps you are used to at home (coming from NE, WDW in Dec. is summer for us!). You are welcome to bring your own refillable waterbottle to help stay hydrated. I'm guessing your medical issue goes to a further extreme than that, but every little bit helps.

Here is a link to the WDW Guide for Guests with Cognitive Disabilities. Don't be shied away by the title, it has some good information for all guests, including some quieter spots. https://wdpromedia.disney.go.com/me...bilities-services/wdw_cognitive_guide_rev.pdf

I noticed you mention having a new powerchair and also planning a car rental at WDW. Post #2 in the FAQs thread has some info about accessible rentals but we honestly don't hear much about those. Please give us a report if you do rent.

I've heard conflicting reports about whether or not my group needs to be with me when I get the DAS. Maybe I should just plan for us all to go together to avoid a problem.

You'll need at least their MB's or tickets when you request the DAS. If your party is larger than 6, I believe you need everyone there in person.


Enjoy your vacation!

 

[lizard1]

One other observation I would like to make regarding the space between things- there isn't really a quick way to make a trip back to a resort for a rest. For instance, in the pre-trip report I believe on an AK day you were going to ride in the morning, take a trip back to the resort and then go back to do attractions for a couple of hours. Getting from the last attraction (depending on where the location of it is in a park) to the front of the park, to the car, back to the hotel, then resting and back to the park could easily take 3 or 4 hours. For instance, on your MK day, you plan for brunch at CRT. It could take 15-20 minutes to make your way up main street. Then (I'm assuming you're driving), you have to take the ferry to the TTC where you parked your car. If you don't drive, you would have to wait for a bus. So easily maybe another 20-30 minutes. Then the commute back to your resort, another 20 minutes or so. If you plan to rest for 1 1/2 hours then get yourself ready to go and another 20 minutes transportation back to the park. That being said, people do make afternoon breaks work for them as part of their touring strategy, but keep in mind that it won't necessarily be a quick trip.

 

[gap2368]

One other observation I would like to make regarding the space between things- there isn't really a quick way to make a trip back to a resort for a rest. For instance, in the pre-trip report I believe on an AK day you were going to ride in the morning, take a trip back to the resort and then go back to do attractions for a couple of hours. Getting from the last attraction (depending on where the location of it is in a park) to the front of the park, to the car, back to the hotel, then resting and back to the park could easily take 3 or 4 hours. For instance, on your MK day, you plan for brunch at CRT. It could take 15-20 minutes to make your way up main street. Then (I'm assuming you're driving), you have to take the ferry to the TTC where you parked your car. If you don't drive, you would have to wait for a bus. So easily maybe another 20-30 minutes. Then the commute back to your resort, another 20 minutes or so. If you plan to rest for 1 1/2 hours then get yourself ready to go and another 20 minutes transportation back to the park. That being said, people do make afternoon breaks work for them as part of their touring strategy, but keep in mind that it won't necessarily be a quick trip.

I agree with a quick break not being quick. I some times take a break at the hotel but only on the summer when it is really hot and the parks are open latter and on average they take about 45 minutes one way and I take the bus which for the MK is faster With going In December and shorter hours I would use first aid to rest if you can

 

[Escape2Disney]

Since you are familiar with the CA parks, I assume you also know that DAS is not given based on diagnosis but rather for your needs related to waiting in a standard queue environment. Be sure you are prepared to explain your needs, and why the wheelchair doesn't solve those issues for you. Unlike Disneyland, the vast majority of WDW queues are wheelchair accessible.

FP+ return lines can run upwards of 20 minutes, plus length of the attraction. Some shows and rides are long with no ability to exit once it is started. You may need to skip those, or have back-up protection planned in case you can't get out quickly.

DAS is not given so you have opportunity to do more in less time. Or maybe I misunderstood a comment on your TR.

Ice water is available for free at any QS location on property. WDW can be warm even in December, especially depending on the temps you are used to at home (coming from NE, WDW in Dec. is summer for us!). You are welcome to bring your own refillable waterbottle to help stay hydrated. I'm guessing your medical issue goes to a further extreme than that, but every little bit helps.

Here is a link to the WDW Guide for Guests with Cognitive Disabilities. Don't be shied away by the title, it has some good information for all guests, including some quieter spots. https://wdpromedia.disney.go.com/me...bilities-services/wdw_cognitive_guide_rev.pdf

I noticed you mention having a new powerchair and also planning a car rental at WDW. Post #2 in the FAQs thread has some info about accessible rentals but we honestly don't hear much about those. Please give us a report if you do rent.



You'll need at least their MB's or tickets when you request the DAS. If your party is larger than 6, I believe you need everyone there in person.


Enjoy your vacation!

I haven't used GAS in the California parks. This will be the first time. I generally stay at the Grad Californian (with a group), and can get to the room really quickly if needed. I've only gone during the slow season lately, which makes things a lot easier. With the size of WDW and the time of year we are going, it'll be a lot more useful. My conditions have gotten a lot worse since my last DLR trip in February. That means I'll need to be more careful now than I was then. I don't plan to tell them my conditions - Gap2368 suggested I give a little info about my conditions to help you all help me. I plan to have a list of needs (quick access to bathrooms, needing to minimize how often I'm bumped because I'm prone to stress fractures, needing to exit lines quickly if I feel like I'm going to pass out or have a seizure- which happens a lot, staying out of the heat because it worsens dehydration, etc.). I was planning to write it all down and showing it to them. Do you know if that's okay? I have a hard time remembering things when I'm tired, and I'm worried about forgetting something.

I've had a lot of people tell me in the last week or so that even the filtered water is heavily chlorinated. I get really sick if I ingest too much chlorine, so DD and I are each bringing a water bottle with a filter known to cut back on that chemical. We're also bringing those water bags that hikers use. We'll fill them with the water we filter. The plan is to have 2 gallons with us when we get to the park, and refill when we have lunch. It sounds like a lot, but for me it's what I need. DD will drink a fraction of it, and the rest is all I can do to try to stay out of the hospital while there.

My power chair come apart, and DD is a wiz at taking it apart and putting it back together. Its an older model, but just like this one: http://www.spinlife.com/Golden-Tech...ble-Power-Wheelchair/spec.cfm?productID=95796 That will allow us to use any rental car, full sized and up. I'm not able to drive due to the seizures and passing out. DD is more comfortable driving a car instead of a van, and says she's got no problem assembling and disassembling the chair as needed.

Thanks for letting me know about the DAS process and needing to bring the group or their MBs with me. That changes plans slightly, but better to know now and plan for it.

And thank you so much for listening to my crazy questions!

 

[Escape2Disney]

One other observation I would like to make regarding the space between things- there isn't really a quick way to make a trip back to a resort for a rest. For instance, in the pre-trip report I believe on an AK day you were going to ride in the morning, take a trip back to the resort and then go back to do attractions for a couple of hours. Getting from the last attraction (depending on where the location of it is in a park) to the front of the park, to the car, back to the hotel, then resting and back to the park could easily take 3 or 4 hours. For instance, on your MK day, you plan for brunch at CRT. It could take 15-20 minutes to make your way up main street. Then (I'm assuming you're driving), you have to take the ferry to the TTC where you parked your car. If you don't drive, you would have to wait for a bus. So easily maybe another 20-30 minutes. Then the commute back to your resort, another 20 minutes or so. If you plan to rest for 1 1/2 hours then get yourself ready to go and another 20 minutes transportation back to the park. That being said, people do make afternoon breaks work for them as part of their touring strategy, but keep in mind that it won't necessarily be a quick trip.

Yeah, this is the biggest stressor for me, to be honest. I hate leaving the park, but I will need to when I can. I've planned 3 hours for breaks, but maybe I should make it 4 just in case. I naturally wake up from naps after just an hour. The reason we made the trip so long is to accommodate these long stretches of "away" time. If I'm really having a bad day, I might have to resort to a nap at first aid. I don't really want to take up their time, but I will if I have to.

 

[Escape2Disney]

I agree with a quick break not being quick. I some times take a break at the hotel but only on the summer when it is really hot and the parks are open latter and on average they take about 45 minutes one way and I take the bus which for the MK is faster With going In December and shorter hours I would use first aid to rest if you can

I should have phrased it differently. When I said quick, I meant the time actually in the room. The break itself is 3x as long to accommodate for travel time. We'll have the car, but I'm sure it'll take a while no matter what. I've always wondered if it was okay to take a nap at first aid. Do they give you any grief for that? With some parks having really short hours, it could be a lot easier to do that.

 

[gap2368]

For the most part lines at WDW are in side and AC. I use the DAS card and there are times it is hard for me to find a quiet place inside.

as fair as the bathroom be sure to use them before getting in line or just make sure you go often.

About take up the first aid time you are not if this is what you need I go to first aid just about every day that I am there and trust me if you go in take a rest you are not bothering them at all the only times I have seen them a little anoided was when someone was constantly complaining that they needed there PB, glucose ( even thought they did not have diabetes) extra checked. But for me a rest at first aid means no ER visit so this what I do