Dear Dad is celebrating at WDW...

[BuzzPrincessMom]

My wonderful Dad was diagnosed with cancer Mother's Day weekend...he is doing well and pleased with his positve progress. We had some scares along with way but the last chemo treatment is in sight. He has decided he needs to celebrate - so my Mom, Sis, Dad and I are heading to WDW just a week after his last treatment - it is his favorite place. We can't move the trip any further out - as he wants to get back to work.

Here are the details
9/15-9/19
CBR

We called and requested a first floor room for medical reasons. I explained we would rather have his energy for the parks not walking up down stairs

We (Mom,Sis and I) are planning on renting him wheelchair or ECV - (he has yet to be on board)

I am making note of all first aid stations - incase he needs a place to lie down or cool off on short notice.

What am I forgetting? Any advice?

Thank you!

 

[mickeymaker2003]

CBR is very spread out. I would recommend getting an ECV from an off-site vendor. Not only is it cheaper (about 1/2 the price), but then you get to have it at the resort and between parks.

Take your dad on a practice outing to let him test drive the ECV at Walmart or a grocery store. He might be more comfortable with it if he has already driven one.

 

[disneyworldmom2]

I agree with the idea of renting an ECV off property. We've seen many in the parks, and some of them even have a sun canopy, which might be something to consider. Also, make sure you have copies of all his medical information with you, and keep it in your carry-on luggage. Make sure you have plenty of any of the meds that he takes (tell the pharmacy you need a 'vacation over-ride' if they say it's too early to fill any scripts). Most of all, take it slow, and enjoy!

 

[disneyworldmom2]

One other thought, make sure you request a room close to the lobby. We've requested 1st floor rooms because of our son's disabilty, only to find that we had quite a hike to our room. A few times, it would have been easier to be on an upper level with a room close to the elevator.

 

[BuzzPrincessMom]

Thank you!
I never thought of trying out driving at Walmart/Grocery Store.

Definately will have multiple copies and plenty of meds.

Sis is going to call and try to get a room near Port Royale...I am trying to get us changed to Port Orleans French Quarter - but there are no rooms available.

We will take it slow...do you think he should go to Guest Services for a GAC?

 

[SueM in MN]

One other thought, make sure you request a room close to the lobby. We've requested 1st floor rooms because of our son's disabilty, only to find that we had quite a hike to our room. A few times, it would have been easier to be on an upper level with a room close to the elevator.

That is usually good advice, but at CBR, you don’t want to be at the lobby (check in place).
CBR was the first Moderate to be built and they built it with the check in area, which is called Custom House, just as you enter the resort. There is not much there besides the check in, so most people only go there to check in and out.

Thank you!
I never thought of trying out driving at Walmart/Grocery Store.

Definately will have multiple copies and plenty of meds.

Sis is going to call and try to get a room near Port Royale...I am trying to get us changed to Port Orleans French Quarter - but there are no rooms available.

We will take it slow...do you think he should go to Guest Services for a GAC?

CBR has a section of rooms that are “Preferred” location. I am not absolutely certain which buildings they are, but they are the ones close to Port Royale. There is an additional cost to this, but it may be worth paying to be closer.

PO French Quarter is a much smaller resort, so it is easy to be close to everything. PO Riverside is larger, but all the ‘amenities’ are close together.

My favorite place to suggest people try an ECV is Target if you have one close by. Their aisles tend to be wider than Walmart and there not aisle displays at Target.
WHen he gets the rental ECV, make sure he practices going straight forward, turning in both directions, backing straight and backing in both directions. He will also need to be able to parallel park to the left to get on the buses.

Epcot is a good park for a first time ECV user to start out in. It has the widest and least congested pathways and most of the park does not have any curbs to watch out for. The Studio is also not bad for the same reasons. AK does not have any curbs, but the paths are fairly narrow and the park can feel quite congested even when it is not that busy. One of the main reasons is that many of the areas have only one way in and out, unlike the other parks where there are many back ways.
MK has many congested areas and tend to be very busy with many strollers and small children to watch for. Most of the park has sidewalks, streets (where people walk) and curbs, so you do have to watch for curb cuts if you are driving on the sidewalk.

For the question about Guest Assistance Cards, I would suggest you check out post 6 of the disABILITIES FAQs thread. You can find that thread near the top of this board or follow the link in my signature.
Think about what his needs are. If his needs will be met by using the ECV in lines, he doesn’t also need a GAC. If he has additional needs beside the ECV in line, then think of what those needs are so he can request a GAC.

Some people like the sun canopies and they sound like a good idea, but they don’t block the sun all day - mostly in the middle of the day. Some people find they block their sight and don’t like driving with one. You also need to be aware of the sun canopy while in shows - they can block the view of others behind you.

Using a touring plan is a very good idea. Even during busy times, a touring plan can help you to avoid the busiest areas. You are going at a time that is not traditionally very busy, so I don’t think you will run into many problems.

 

[BuzzPrincessMom]

Thank you for all the great info on the ECV - he is still debating it. He thinks he will be fine. And we just don't want him to get all upset about us taking over and telling him what to do.

Maybe I will get Mom or Sis to mention it to the Dr.

I might have more luck with a wheelchair (convincing him - he hates to stand out) - and say we will use it for long days or big walking parks. Is there a wheelchair FAQ anywhere I can read...I know I can rent for the week for less and it doesn't reserve a wheelchair. But does he and just Mom go in the wheelchair line and wait at the end for Sis and I to get thru the queue - do we have to tell someone? As you can see we have no experience with this.

I thought of the GAC to have if he decides he wants to walk. He won't mind sitting somewhere while we go thru line if he could catch up to us at the end...maybe thats not possible.

You all have been awesome - all your advice is much appreciated!

 

[Cheshire Figment]

Please ask 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!

 

[BuzzPrincessMom]

Thank you - those are wonderful questions/arguments and I intend to use them!

I think he will lean towards a wheelchair as having to "park" the ECV on the buses may be more than he can handle

Thank you for all the advice I just didn't want to forget anything that would make this trip more magical for him

 

[Tony NY]

Thank you - those are wonderful questions/arguments and I intend to use them!

I think he will lean towards a wheelchair as having to "park" the ECV on the buses may be more than he can handle

Thank you for all the advice I just didn't want to forget anything that would make this trip more magical for him

you might want to look into a power chair it my be easer on him compared to an ECV on the bus. it not hard to drive at all and it seats highr than most ECV. I hope this helps ..

God Bless him on his road to recovery form last round chemo ...

 

[livndisney]

Thank you for all the great info on the ECV - he is still debating it. He thinks he will be fine. And we just don't want him to get all upset about us taking over and telling him what to do.

Maybe I will get Mom or Sis to mention it to the Dr.

I might have more luck with a wheelchair (convincing him - he hates to stand out) - and say we will use it for long days or big walking parks. Is there a wheelchair FAQ anywhere I can read...I know I can rent for the week for less and it doesn't reserve a wheelchair. But does he and just Mom go in the wheelchair line and wait at the end for Sis and I to get thru the queue - do we have to tell someone? As you can see we have no experience with this.

I thought of the GAC to have if he decides he wants to walk. He won't mind sitting somewhere while we go thru line if he could catch up to us at the end...maybe thats not possible.

You all have been awesome - all your advice is much appreciated!

There is not a GAC or a practical way for him to join you at the end of the line. He would need to pass through all the people in line. There is not a "wheelchair line" and Disney's answer to mobility issues is to rent a wheelchair/ecv.

If he is in a wheelchair or ECV, you will be able to be in line together as most lines can handle an ECV/wheelchair. If there is a line he feels he can walk in, you can park the chair in stroller parking.

From personal experience-my Dad is as hard headed as a rock. I "suggested" an ecv for months before the trip. He refused. (I knew he would never do a wheelchair and have to be "pushed"). I begged and pleaded on the bus to Epcot. My Dad would not hear of it. We made it from the buses to the front entrance (stopping often to rest). He still refused to use an ecv.

It took him two hours to get from the park entrance to Ice Station cool (via every bench in between.) At Ice Station Cool, my sister "hurt" her ankle and went off to rent an ecv for herself. She rode up on it telling my Dad she was not sure how it worked lmao so my Dad sat down on the ecv to "show her". My sister never got the ecv back. To hear my Dad tell the story, HE had the great idea to rent an ecv and he was able to enjoy his grandchildren in Epcot.

If your Dad is concerned about parking an ecv on the bus, someone else in your party can park it for him. He can also rent for the day in the park. The independence an ecv brings can be well worth it, sometimes they just need to think of it themselves LOL

Perhaps your Dad maybe more comfortable if he practiced by driving an ecv at Walmart or somewhere before you go.

 

[livndisney]

you might want to look into a power chair it my be easer on him compared to an ECV on the bus. it not hard to drive at all and it seats highr than most ECV. I hope this helps ..

God Bless him on his road to recovery form last round chemo ...

A powerchair is most likely not an option since most(if not all) rental companies will only rent powerchairs to people who already use them.

"In order to rent a Power Wheelchair you must already own one.

They are quite difficult to operate."

quoted from
http://scooterrentalsorlando.com/orlando-powerchair-rentals.html

 

[babylisa4]

There came a time when we had the same issues with my mom. And its funny - my boss is taking his dad to Hawaii tomorrow and just got his dad on board with a wheel chair last year. Something funny happens though- they do get more comfortable using a chair out of town(maybe it's easier not seeing everyone they know.) Helpful if you have a "grandkid" that might hop on their lap for a lift too.

Don't remember if you mentioned flying or not-but airports are big too- there are options to have help with an airport wheelchair too.

Other options- we ended up asking my mom's dr for a wheelchair prescription.
Depending on insurance, medicare etc, we did not have to pay anything. It takes about a month to get all of this done- so if you think you might want this option-just convince your dad to ask and you may end up using the wheelchair for other situations requiring long walks. The other option is you will just see your parent opting to stay home. The wheelchair was helpful in the airport. We used it in the airport and gate checked it- just like you would a stroller. (there are other options in the airport though too). When we gate checked, we removed the foot rests and carried them on the plane in a backpack. The first time we didn't do this and one had come off in the belly of the plane-they went back and found it but we just learned to take them off ourselves. If you gate check- they bring it back up right away as soon as you land if you have layovers and then you just gate check for next flight. We would walk up the plane to the front row of seats-and mom and I would sit back on that front row- the stewardess would give us the "hi" sign when she saw the wheelchair had been brought up and we were on our way. Very efficient.

Unexpected- my mom's neck was sore the first time we used the wheelchair in the park- she had never spent all day looking up before.

Also- IMPORTANT- learned the hard way- if you are taking pictures- have your dad stand up and leave the wheelchair to the side. My mom was noticebly sort of dismayed when seeing herself in every picture with the rest of us standing up around her. This got better where she didn't care anymore- but at first when they are getting used to the idea- keep in mind.

And for some reason- everyone assumes they can't hear and talk when they are sitting in the wheelchair- they would ask me- "can she walk? or can she stand?" I wanted to say- "why don't you ask her?" It made me think of things I'd never considered before. Important at the airport if you use a wheelchair- just have him stand up and get out and push the wheelchair through the security thing. (All of this is just if you know he is sensitive.)

Also if you dad swims- consider just having a noodle-or something that keeps him from having to use all of his strength/effort. It can be a subtle thing you take care of and he might use if you don't really make a big deal of it. Don't even act like its for him.

On rides where you have the moving walkway where you board and have to do it quickly- I'd just grab his arm if you notice he is a bit unsteady. And here too- I would just volunteer the info- that he is using the wheelchair for long distances - not because he can't walk at all. That way he can stay in the wheelchair during the line. There are some Disability entrances or methods for every ride and some sort of mainstream you through the regular line and some is different. Somewhere there is a Disability instructions for Disney officially from the park.

Sometimes my husband just folded the wheelchair- we could just pull up on the seat and it scrunched up and he just sort of held it near the back of the bus and my mom climbed on herself when she was able. Most of the busses either lowered or that first step was really low- not like older ones where you had a big step. That way they don't have to sit while the lift raises them up sitting in their wheelchair. All of this depends on if they are sensitive and if they don't really need that aspect of the wheelchair.

Good luck- pretty soon he'll think its the only way to go. And remember if he is content to go back to the room and rest- he might not even care about going from Dawn to Midnight. My mom was really encouraged that she could still go on vacation.

We never did the ECV thing- my mom wasn't a great driver.

 

[Tony NY]

A powerchair is most likely not an option since most(if not all) rental companies will only rent powerchairs to people who already use them.

"In order to rent a Power Wheelchair you must already own one.

They are quite difficult to operate."

quoted from
http://scooterrentalsorlando.com/orlando-powerchair-rentals.html

I sorry I did no that. I called appel for one for my self they did not ask I i own one but I do have one my self it just a pain to get it in out of the car lolz

Just rember to get him A GAC espicaly if prescription lable states You should avoid prolonged or excessive exposure to direct and/orartificial sunlight while taking this medicine

I would also ask the doctor for an Rx for a whellchair so you would not get stuck renting one.

I hoep you have a extar magical vacation with the family

PS your dad rocks for celebrate such a major mildstone .... espicaly in the happest place on eath.