Diabetes

[IWantDisney]

Traveling to Disney World this Christmas with the extended family. My dad has diabetes. He was declared 80% disabled. He lives in pain due to neuropathy(?). He is very concerned about handling the walking, but for that he can find a bench. Ride lines are the major concern. My mom was gonna get him one of those tripod things that kind of give you a seat/perch. I am not sure this would be allowed, not to mention what do u do with it while on ride.

Suggestions?

 

[Robo56]

How about renting him a scooter. I know of a place in Orlando called Walker Mobiltiy. I used them last year at Universal. They delivered to the lobby of the Universal Resort I was staying at. I don't know if they do this at Disney. You can find them on line under Walker Mobility 1-407-518-6000. Hope this helps have a great trip.

 

[gap2368]

Traveling to Disney World this Christmas with the extended family. My dad has diabetes. He was declared 80% disabled. He lives in pain due to neuropathy(?). He is very concerned about handling the walking have seen the g, but for that he can find a bench. Ride lines are the major concern. My mom was gonna get him one of those tripod things that kind of give you a seat/perch. I am not sure this would be allowed, not to mention what do u do with it while on ride.

Suggestions?

I have seen the tripod sets at disney so I guess you are allowed to have them. I do not know what they do with them on rids but some rides I do not think would be a problem with just putting it by you like small world things like that. I too think a scooter or a wheeler would be better

 

[kaytieeldr]

If it's just a stool, it's not allowed. If it's a can that opens up to a stool, it is. But most of the lines move, if slowly. He'd be up and down about every ten seconds. A walker, rollator, wheelchair, or DVD would make more sense. See the disABILITIES FAQ MUCH more so than the contents of the package, is the fact that some unknown person out there has my information.[/QUOTE] for more information - post # 32 is about alternate mobility devices, and one of the first few posts is about wheelchairs/EGGs.

 

[lanejudy]

My mom was gonna get him one of those tripod things that kind of give you a seat/perch.

If the "tripod thing" your mom has in mind is a cane seat (a cane that folds open into a tripod seat), then it is allowed because it is first and foremost considered a mobility aid (a cane). As a PP mentioned, it would be a lot of sit/stand move a few feet, repeat due to the nature of the slow-moving lines. If mom's just thinking about one of those little canvas camping-type folding stools, that is not allowed (folding chairs are not allowed).

He is very concerned about handling the walking, but for that he can find a bench.

Benches have been disappearing from around WDW, they are relatively few and far between now. I agree with others who suggest a mobility aid of some sort -- an ECV would give him freedom and independence, but other options are wheelchair, rollator, cane seat (as mentioned above, that could be a lot of sit/stand). This is the only way to guarantee he can find a place to sit when he needs one. He doesn't need to remain seated at all times; he's welcome to park the ECV and walk if he wants/needs to stretch his legs.

Enjoy your vacation!

 

[jdb in AZ]

Another vote for renting an ECV. The seats are a lot more comfortable than a bench or a tri-pod/cane, and your dad can drive the scooter right through most of the lines.

 

[SueM in MN]

Agree with the others - benches are few and far between and also may already be occupied.
The only way to make sure you have a seat is to bring one with you.
Years ago, my father in law relied on getting from bench to bench. It very much limited his ability to enjoy the parks. He died in 2007, but even then, the number of benches had gone down noticeably and his last few years at WDW, he rented an ECV.

As was already pointed out, the disABILITIES FAQs thread has a lot of useful information. Post 2 is about renting wheelchairs and ECVs. Post 32 on the second page is about touring with different mobility devices.
Also, keep in mind that some attractions require guests to stand for a portion of the attraction. It's usually shows where guests are held in one area before entering the theater, but also includes some either pre shows. There is a post on page 2 of the FAQs that talks about those.

 

[Bete]

My husband has diabetes and a scooter is the way he's been doing it for years. Without it, he wouldn't go.

The cost of the scooter is well worth it. You can rent one from an off site vendor for less and you can have it with you wherever you go including the resort.

Your dad will be in less pain, more independent, and he will last longer in the parks; so, it's a complete win.

He can practice at home on the store models for free. The store models are actually harder than the ones you will rent. If you have a zoo near by spend a day there and rent a scooter and get some good practice at the zoo. Also, your can practice at the resort for a while before going to the park.

There are travel, portable models that can fit in a trunk or car. Those models break apart into 4 or 5 pieces and the heaviest piece will weigh in at 35 pounds. You do have to charge your battery everyday. There are some scooters that come with two batteries. Depending on his weight the scooter model may have to be more heavy duty.

 

[ttintagel]

Nthing the ECV. You can't rely on an empty bench being nearby, and you have a seat in line.

If he absolutely resists the ECV, two other options are a rollator (a walker on wheels with a built-in seat) or a manual wheelchair that he can push when he wants to walk and then sit in when he needs to sit.

Most ride queues are wheelchair-accessible.