DAS won't really work for us... looking for other tips

[MrsJ Henry]

We have been to WDW several times so we know the lay of the land etc...
My husband has some BAD back issues as well as having had his colon removed and diabetes .
I don't see the DAS card working too well for him since it would probably be a lot of walking back and forth etc.. and that is what we are trying to NOT do.

We are going the week of Nov 18th because it will be a "slower" time of year.
We are always at rope drop.
We have planned our days so that we are at the "lowest crowd" park of the day.
And because of his back issues we won't be riding any thrill rides.
We have magic bands and are scheduling our fast passes.

He does NOT want to get a scooter etc.... so that is out of the question unless it gets to be too much for him and we need to along the way.

Other than what I have listed, (and taking lots of breaks) are there other things I haven't thought about that could make this easier on him?

 

[utterrandomness]

He does NOT want to get a scooter etc.... so that is out of the question unless it gets to be too much for him and we need to along the way.

May I ask why he does not want to get a scooter?

 

[MrsJ Henry]

The money, the stigma and looks when he gets in and out of it, He actually would RATHER walk than sit and be at eye level with people. He says he thinks it would be more of a pain than it was worth. But like I said, after a couple days he may end up getting one.
We are there for a week and have planned everything at a slow pace etc. very different than we have done in the past.

 

[lanejudy]

You have some good plans already.

Depending on how his back bothers him, you may need to request to avoid stairs at the few attractions that have stairs -- the DAS does not cover this like the old GAC did. However, keep in mind that if you DO avoid stairs, you'll be shifted to the accessible line queue which can be a longer wait even if you don't need the accessible car. Though this may not be an issue since you might not do those rides anyway.

Honestly, I'd encourage him to think of the ECV as a "tool" rather than an impediment or symbol of weakness. A good analogy...if he needed glasses, would he refuse to wear them and have trouble seeing, simply because others might be so immature as to comment? Ignore the stares or comments of others, and he'll probably find there aren't as many as he anticipates anyway. What other people think is their problem, he should do what's best for him and your whole party to get the most enjoyment out of your vacation. The ECV can be parked, allowing him time to walk and stretch his legs; or another adult member of your party can drive it for a time to give him a break from riding.

Enjoy your vacation!

 

[aubriee]

Other than the colon removal, my 80 y/o mom has some of the same problems, plus more--poorly controlled diabetes, bad back with even worse knees (needs bilateral knee replacements but refuses), high blood pressure, balance issues, problems tolerating heat, etc. We have never even considered getting a GAC for her. An ECV provides what she needs. It gives her the independence to enjoy WDW. The first time I took her down there she resisted the idea of an ECV saying she didn't need one and didn't want people staring at her. I had to basically tell her she had no choice if she wanted to go. Now as soon as we start planning a trip, the first thing she does is remind me not to forget to order her ECV. An ECV would make the trip so much better, both for him and you.

 

[MrsJ Henry]

You have some good plans already.

Depending on how his back bothers him, you may need to request to avoid stairs at the few attractions that have stairs -- the DAS does not cover this like the old GAC did. However, keep in mind that if you DO avoid stairs, you'll be shifted to the accessible line queue which can be a longer wait even if you don't need the accessible car. Though this may not be an issue since you might not do those rides anyway.

Honestly, I'd encourage him to think of the ECV as a "tool" rather than an impediment or symbol of weakness. A good analogy...if he needed glasses, would he refuse to wear them and have trouble seeing, simply because others might be so immature as to comment? Ignore the stares or comments of others, and he'll probably find there aren't as many as he anticipates anyway. What other people think is their problem, he should do what's best for him and your whole party to get the most enjoyment out of your vacation. The ECV can be parked, allowing him time to walk and stretch his legs; or another adult member of your party can drive it for a time to give him a break from riding.

Enjoy your vacation!

I'm glad you mentioned the stairs. I hadn't even thought about that for some reason. And Stairs are very hard for him. But you are right... many of those rides we will not be riding. Just need to remember to think of it and plan.
At least we know that we can rent an ECV if we need one.
Thanks so much!!!!!

 

[MrsJ Henry]

Other than the colon removal, my 80 y/o mom has some of the same problems, plus more--poorly controlled diabetes, bad back with even worse knees (needs bilateral knee replacements but refuses), high blood pressure, balance issues, problems tolerating heat, etc. We have never even considered getting a GAC for her. An ECV provides what she needs. It gives her the independence to enjoy WDW. The first time I took her down there she resisted the idea of an ECV saying she didn't need one and didn't want people staring at her. I had to basically tell her she had no choice if she wanted to go. Now as soon as we start planning a trip, the first thing she does is remind me not to forget to order her ECV. An ECV would make the trip so much better, both for him and you.

You are probably right. There has always been so much talk about people "faking" or getting ECV's when they don't need them etc. that he feels funny about it. He looks like a perfectly healthy man most of the time.
Having them available there in case we need it and taking things slow I think will help.
Thank You

 

[MinnieLovesMickey12]

I look perfectly healthy too and have had to use a scooter many times myself and I am either not very observant of the ppl around me or just didn't notice anybody giving me dirty looks. Maybe they were and I just didn't see them but I couldn't care less.

The scooters are pricey at $50 a day. At Universal they are $60 a day. But on 2 different trips I would not have been able to do the parks without them.

I have no suggestion to make your trip better. It does seem like the DAS would not serve your needs very well. The old GAC would but not the new DAS.

 

[Sunnywho]

Don't they have wheelchairs at the rides themselves that anyone can use to go through the lines? That might give him some respite. If he's never tried out a scooter, a lot of grocery stores at least around here have them for use.

 

[WheeledTraveler]

I agree with the others about renting an ECV. I'd actually suggest either reserving ahead of time from an off-site vendor or bringing the information with you in case you need to get one part way through. The offsite vendors are substantially less expensive, tend to have more manuverable ECVs, and mean he could have it at the resort (which will also be large). Most will deliver in under 24 hours if you call while you're down there (or just book last minute). Along with the concerns about parades and ride lines, there are several shows/other attractions that require you to stand for at least a pre-show (a few you actually stand through the entire show). If he wants to walk some, he could always park the ECV and walk through shorter queues or to walk through shops/into meals, etc. One way to discuss it with him is to ask if he can walk 5 miles multiple days in a row. A couple parks you can walk over a 1/4 mile just to enter the park and several queues are that long as well. Even not back-tracking (other than to leave the park), it means the distance builds up quickly.

As far as comments from strangers go, It's pretty sad if someone actually takes the time in their WDW vacation to be nasty about someone else. I think people are far louder online about "fakers" than they are in person. I have my own custom manual wheelchair (not that people who don't know wheelchairs necessarily notice the difference between it and a rental), but I'm sure someone has looked at me at some point and said "she doesn't need that". I look healthy, transfer reasonably well (including if I have to walk a step or two), and I'm not only young, but also look younger. I've never heard a comment at WDW. If I did, I'd feel some pity for someone who wastes their vacation judging others and otherwise let it roll since I'll probably never see the person again. I definitely found that before I used a mobility aid, I had a much worse time with both self-consciousness and harassment when other people saw me using any sort of disability accommodation.

If your husband really is completely resistant to the ECV, would he consider a rollator? Those are the walkers you push that have a seat. (Rollator is just one of the brands which makes them, but it's also turned into the term for differentiating the ones with a seat from standard rolling walkers.) It would keep him standing while walking around, but give him a place to sit. It would also be a visual cue for CMs for the attractions where there are stairs that he goes on.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

Please ask him 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 traveling 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!

 

[curemyreed]

Please ask him 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 traveling 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!

This is simple, yet true. I wish you could get your husband to read this.

I don't have any tips. I keep thinking how much more endurance and less potential for pain he will have if he didn't do all that walking.

 

[MrsJ Henry]

Thanks everyone. He knows there are times he may need it so says if he does he will get one. He is getting a little camp bench that folds up and weighs only 1 1/2 lbs so we can have him sit on it in line or waiting for bus. Someone recommended them to us and we can get one at Dick's sporting goods.

 

[aubriee]

Thanks everyone. He knows there are times he may need it so says if he does he will get one. He is getting a little camp bench that folds up and weighs only 1 1/2 lbs so we can have him sit on it in line or waiting for bus. Someone recommended them to us and we can get one at Dick's sporting goods.

Per the WDW web site camp benches/seats are not allowed in the parks:


Q. What types of personal items are not permitted inside the theme parks?
A. You may not bring the following types of items into the theme parks:

You may not bring the following types of items into the theme parks:
Wagons
Skateboards
Scooters
Inline skates
Shoes with built-in wheels
Strollers larger than 36" x 52" (92 x 132 cm)
Suitcases, coolers or backpacks with or without wheels larger than 24" (61 cm) long x 15" (38 cm) wide x 18" (46 cm) high. Coolers required for medication may be stored in a locker or at Guest Relations.
Any trailer-like object that is pushed or towed by an ECV, wheelchair or stroller
Wheeled mobility devices with less than 3 wheels and devices that cannot maintain stability and balance when stopped, unpowered or unoccupied. Training wheels or similar modifications are not permitted.
Alcoholic beverages
Weapons of any kind
Folding chairs
Glass containers (excluding baby food jars and perfume bottles)
Pets (unless they are service animals)
Balloons, straws and drink lids are not permitted in Disney's Animal Kingdom Park for the safety of our animals

 

[Gracie09]

Per the WDW web site camp benches/seats are not allowed in the parks: Q. What types of personal items are not permitted inside the theme parks? A. You may not bring the following types of items into the theme parks: You may not bring the following types of items into the theme parks: Wagons Skateboards Scooters Inline skates Shoes with built-in wheels Strollers larger than 36" x 52" (92 x 132 cm) Suitcases, coolers or backpacks with or without wheels larger than 24" (61 cm) long x 15" (38 cm) wide x 18" (46 cm) high. Coolers required for medication may be stored in a locker or at Guest Relations. Any trailer-like object that is pushed or towed by an ECV, wheelchair or stroller Wheeled mobility devices with less than 3 wheels and devices that cannot maintain stability and balance when stopped, unpowered or unoccupied. Training wheels or similar modifications are not permitted. Alcoholic beverages Weapons of any kind Folding chairs Glass containers (excluding baby food jars and perfume bottles) Pets (unless they are service animals) Balloons, straws and drink lids are not permitted in Disney's Animal Kingdom Park for the safety of our animals

In addition to this, lines don't really stop for long periods of time. So he will get the stool out sit down, for maybe a minute or two, stand up walk ten feet, sit down, repeat. With Dh's back problems the act of standing and sitting we're the worst parts.

 

[MrsJ Henry]

yikes... thank you we didn't even think about the fact that they wouldn't allow those little benches. But as i think about it i never did ever see them there before. He was actually wanting it more for when we have to wait for the bus. oh well... it was a good ideas while it lasted

 

[TheRustyScupper]

. . . He does NOT want to get a scooter etc.... so that is out of the question unless it gets to be too much for him and we need to along the way . . .

1) Kindly tell hubby to man-up and get a scooter.
2) It is unmanly to walk and endure the pain, just for vanity.
3) No one will laugh at him or comment to him about using an ECV.
4) I HATE THE IDEA OF A SCOOTER, but used one for two separate days.
5) With a bad disc that inflamed a nerve, I could not walk the park.
6) Fortunately, now better, but the scooter saved the magic.
7) Sure, it was a few bucks, but better to spend a little and enjoy a lot.

 

[smitch425]

My DH had to use his cane the last few days of the trip. It made a huge difference, and he said he will use it the entire trip next time. Don't let his pride or fear of public opinion keep him from being as physically comfortable as possible. Good luck!

 

[MrsJ Henry]

You know , it's funny because he never would have given having a scooter a second thought if it wasn't for all the comments he had read on the Disboards about how so many people think others are faking. He wouldn't be in it all the time . There are so many comments and judgements on here about people using the DAS or scooter and people thinking that others are trying to get away with things. But like I said, he has decided to use it when he needs it.

 

[disney david]

You know , it's funny because he never would have given having a scooter a second thought if it wasn't for all the comments he had read on the Disboards about how so many people think others are faking. He wouldn't be in it all the time . There are so many comments and judgements on here about people using the DAS or scooter and people thinking that others are trying to get away with things. But like I said, he has decided to use it when he needs it.

Tell him to never listen to other people who say comment like that. he can use a scooter if he wants without worrying. If he needs a scooter then he needs one that all that matters it sow not matter what someone you never meet before thinking someone faking which their not. You onto Disney to have fun and enjoy your trip with your family that most likely you will never see them again. So don't worry people have nothing better to do then spend the money to go to Disney and say rude comments but I feel if you let them keep you from using something you need then they win. You don't let them win you use that scooter or das or anything you want or need to make your trip better then you win. Also the few on disboards line behind their computer screen I call them computer tough guys. Here on the disabilities forum are full of caring disers who have been where he is and you have disers who felt the same way about using a scooter then one trip they did and guess what it made it better and they got to enjoy more so they never looked back.

Again as a able bodies person I am sorry for the other able bodies people that make comments and dirty looks. To people who they don't know and who are enjoying their vacation with their family. Sometimes people don't enjoy their vacation unless they make some one feel bad.


Let him know he can rent a ecv if he wants and need worry what people write on Internet forums.