Disney World and Parkinson's

[Keylime13]

Hi Dis Friends! Long time lurker on this board. My husband has Parkinson's disease and we will be going to Disney World together for the fifth time in January 2021. During our last trip, he was able to walk with rest breaks throughout the day. For this trip, we are going to need either a scooter or a wheelchair. He can walk for short distances, but becomes tired and off-balance, especially if he has to stop quickly. he will take some walk breaks from the chair (maybe pushing it, or parking the scooter and stretching his legs) because he shouldn't be sitting in one place for too long. I am trying to plan everything out to make this trip as stress-free and as special for him as I can. He would need to stay in the wheelchair or scooter in line, but could transfer to each ride with my help and would not need to use a vehicle with wheelchair access at this point in the disease. However, it takes him some time to move. Is this going to be a problem? I am worried about him being stressed out because he can't hurry. He will need a second for me to get in the car/boat, give him my hands to stand, then step down, then I will have to fasten his seat belt then mine. I don't know why this is worrying me and stressing me out, but I was wondering if anyone had experienced any difficulties with needing a few more seconds to get situated? Thanks for any help you can give me.

 

[gap2368]

The two rides that can not stop or slow down is the people mover and Peter pans flight All other can be stoped or slowed down.

 

[Betty Rohrer]

Hi Dis Friends! Long time lurker on this board. My husband has Parkinson's disease and we will be going to Disney World together for the fifth time in January 2021. During our last trip, he was able to walk with rest breaks throughout the day. For this trip, we are going to need either a scooter or a wheelchair. He can walk for short distances, but becomes tired and off-balance, especially if he has to stop quickly. he will take some walk breaks from the chair (maybe pushing it, or parking the scooter and stretching his legs) because he shouldn't be sitting in one place for too long. I am trying to plan everything out to make this trip as stress-free and as special for him as I can. He would need to stay in the wheelchair or scooter in line, but could transfer to each ride with my help and would not need to use a vehicle with wheelchair access at this point in the disease. However, it takes him some time to move. Is this going to be a problem? I am worried about him being stressed out because he can't hurry. He will need a second for me to get in the car/boat, give him my hands to stand, then step down, then I will have to fasten his seat belt then mine. I don't know why this is worrying me and stressing me out, but I was wondering if anyone had experienced any difficulties with needing a few more seconds to get situated? Thanks for any help you can give me.

I havent been since the shutdown but never had a problem taking a little extra time. most boats do not have seatbelts. for you it would be no different than a parent helping a younger child with seatbelt. I use a cane to help me with getting in and out of most rides. might help to have moving ramps slowed down but this can not be done on a couple rides Peter Pan and I can t remember the other

 

[Keylime13]

Thank you for your replies friends. It's reassuring to have people tell you their own experiences and knowledge.

 

[Bjkandma]

I would suggest a scooter over a wheelchair. A day in the parks consist of a lot of "pushing". A scooter will give him so me independence - able to go to store, etc.

I have my own wheelchair which I used around the resorts, but definitely used a scooter in the parks.

just let a cast member know you need the walkway slowed or stopped before getting on the walkway.

 

[bookgirl]

My step dad has Parkinson's. He's used a scooter at WDW and it's worked out great. We could park it at times and he could walk to a ride since he was good in short bursts. He and my mom are resisitant to mobility devices (mom also uses one at the parks now) but at WDW they absolutly accept it as they could spend time in the parks and then not be wrecked in the evenings (before they would walk through parks and be back at the room off thier feet mid day and then only leaving for dinner then straight back to the room).

 

[KPeterso]

I have found most cast members will also ask if the person can transfer. Just let them know it may take you an extra minute or so. Cast members can slow or stop some of the moving walkways to give you the time you need to board. It will be ok! My Mom's knees do not bend well so she is slow to board many things so we just let the cast members know. Also, there are times the cast member will ask if the person can stand a few minutes and walk about X feet (I am looking at you flight of Passage!). Really think about those as sometimes it is longer and farther than they make it out to be. And never be afraid to say you want to take the ECV or scooter all the way to boarding (especially as he gets more tired through the day).

 

[Kathy1628]

I echo the use of a scooter over a wheelchair. Actually easier to use and will give your husband some independence and save you some energy for when you need it.

 

[Carol_]

For MMRR at DHS, they have an entirely independent loading area for slower loading. You can take as long as you like.