Any advice for senior citizens

[hapinowagain]

My husband and I will be going to WDW in December. I was there in 1982 and my husband has never been. I am limited in my endurance and walking some days because of spinal problems. Any advice?

 

[spiceycat]

where are you staying? if a wdw resort you can get a wheelchair for free from the luggage service/bell service/front desk.

of course you may preferred one of those scooters (so no one has to push you). you can get a better price if you rent one offsite.

my other tips - go early
freeze your water overnight & bring it
remember sun screen and easy walking shoes (I like new balance)
the sun can be harsh - so if the heat and humdity or the crowds get too much - LEAVE - go back to your resort and come back later when it is cooler
kept drinking the water - even if you don't think you need it
have fun!!!!

if you want tips on rides and things - ask.

also for more tips - see the link below
http://www.wdwinfo.com/tips_for_touring/seniortips.htm

also for the rental scooter go to this board
http://www.disboards.com/forumdisplay.php?f=20

 

[djblu883]

Spiceycat is right on top of it...take your time...plan ahead...and if possible stay on premise so if you tire you can go back to rest. I've seen quite a few rental scooters and think that is the best way to conserve energy! And many rides and shows let wheelchair rides in first and are very accomodating. Hope you enjoy!I'll be there Dec. 9th through 17 if I can be of help please let me know. DJ

 

[hapinowagain]

We are staying at the campground October 1 - 6. Of yes, we would appreciate any info or suggestions that anyone has on rides, etc.

 

[spiceycat]

the between upon your ages and how activity you are...

mother at 84 - has to slow down alot... no RR, nothing that jerks, or is to fast moving, but she still has lots to do....

the shows are fine in all the theme parks and there are several in each park

in the rides at the MK
Haunted mansion
Peter Pan
It's a small world
Jungle Cruise - although this year might her last one - the steps going into the boat were hard for her earlier this year
she would do Dumbo - but I have a problem with heights....
Tomorrowland Transit Authority (a favorite)
bluzz lightsaber - but I don't think she enjoys this one
Splash Mountain - water ride down a hill

rides she can't or won't do
Pirates of the Car
Winnie the Pooh - this one jerks
Space Mountain - rr
big thunder mountain
carsouel - getting off the horse can be a problem
---------------------------------

Epcot - this has 3 movies - Canada, China and France (France has the only seat down therator - the other you must stand - so no)
rides she can do at Epcot
Soarin' - her favorite - long lines so get fass pass as soon as you arrive at this park
Journey into the Imagnation
Living Seas
Listen to the Land
World of Energy
Norway - Maelstrom
spaceship earth
mexico El Rio del Tiempo - alot like Its a small world

rides she won't do at Epcot
Mission:Space - did it one - loved the blast off hated that Disney expected her to work....
Test Track


here is some park information - so you can decide for yourself what you can do

http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/themeparks.htm

 

[hapinowagain]

I am only going to be 65 in July, but I have disk problems in my neck and lower back and hardly any cartilege in my knees. My spirit is still good though. Would I have to wait until I get to the first park to rent a wheel chair?

 

[LindaR]

If you don't mind me asking, what kind of "spinal problems" do you have?

I have degenerative disc disease. I've had two surgeries (the last one, a spinal fusion) and have permanent nerve damage in my right leg/foot. So I have my own "list" of can and cannot do's.

DD17 and I always take a break in the middle of the day, go back to the room for me to lay down for an hour or so, maybe spend a little time in the hot tub, and then go back to a park.

I also build up my stamina about 4 months before a trip (stair-stepper, treadmill, just walking) because you can really cover some miles while at WDW. I wore a pedometer one year (and we don't do commando touring) and averaged 10 miles a day of walking (AND I took those breaks).

If you can't do that much walking (my back "locks up" when standing in line for long periods) then rent a scooter and conserve your stamina!

 

[LindaR]

Skip the wheelchair (someone has to push it) and rent a scooter instead! Bad neck, bad back, bad knees............ride, don't walk!

 

[Cheshire Figment]

First of all, go to the "DisABILTIES!" Forum for lots more information.

Second ask yourself the following questions. Here are the suggested answers to go with them.

1. Are you disabled (even temporarily)? Yes.

2. Do the people you are travelling with, such as your family, know you are disabled? Yes.

3. Do you expect to meet anyone you know during this trip who may not know you are disabled. Probably No!

4. Do you expect to meet a bunch of people who you will probably never meet again in your life? Probably yes!

5. Is there any reason at all that you should care what these people think about you? Absolutely No!!

6. Will using a wheelchair or ECV make for a better vacation for you and your family? Absolutely YES!

 

[spiceycat]

the disability link is the second one I send you - it will take you to the Disability board.

at the top of that board she lists some offsite place to rent wheelchairs and scooters from that are much cheaper than Disney prices.