Do You Have a Tip for Somone Who has Never Done WDW (or other parks) handi?

[Wheelsie]

Let's see how many we can all come up with!

 

[lisapooh]

Enjoy the wonderful shows.

 

[SueM in MN]

If you can transfer out of the wheelchair or ecv, try to alternate things where you need to transfer out with things where you can stay in the wheelchair (like the great shows that Lisa mentioned).

 

[Wheelsie]

any handi tips Lisa?

(although that one DOES rock! )

 

[lisapooh]

Be sure to take advantage of the great interpreting available if you need it.

Companion bathrooms are great especially in MK and EPCOT where bathroom handicap stalls are small.

Don't be a hero. If a castmember offers to help at fast food restaurants accept it.

If you have multiple issues be sure that all are address in shows. (Ie mobility and hearing) Most castmembers see the wheelcahir and address that but don't address the other.

An extra set of clothes or at least undies and pants in your backpack if you might need them.

If you need a ride stopped or slowed to transfer ask. They can do it on many rides. Son't forget that Pirates requires a transfer to a manual wheelchair.

If you feel uncomfortable with a situation say so. They will find an alternative if possible. sometimes they can be reluctant but they will even if it means taking you through a backstage area.

Don't take cr*p off the bus drivers!

 

[Wheelsie]

Oh Lisa I know what you mean about an extra outfit!! I always pack one in my pack...along w all the needs I may have for changing my "bags" in tight places

 

[SueOKW]

For the wheel bound - - -
Sunscreen those knees!!!

 

[nancycels]

i always take a towel or something to absorb the sweat(sorry mom, i know, ladies
don't sweat, they glow) but it keeps u from sticking to the seat... also find if i am waiting,
taking along a book if its a ride i can't go on, makes things go faster. (course i'm always
talking to people, so i don't get much read! lol) also 70 sunblock is great! (hawaiin tropic,
at goodlings) lets see, i'm sure there are other ideas... ah yes, view parade from frontier
world, if u r lucky u can pull some shade there!)... and next time i go, i'm taking a tall red
flag like kids put on their bikes for my ecv..maybe it will keep me from getting stepped on!
(wishful thinking??) <g> good luck!!! we always have a great time! most staff are very
helpful!

 

[SueM in MN]

If you are going to WDW in the winter time and don't see sunblock out on the aisles in your local pharmacy or drug area of Target, ask if they have it behind the counter. That's where our Targets had it.
And, good hint to put sunblcok on the legs. My DD got a real bad burn one year because it was cloudy and we thought she wouldn't need sunblock. Wrong!!!

 

[Wheelsie]

Anyone else have any thoughts?

 

[lisapooh]

If you are hard of hearing or deaf use reflective captioning. Or the new handheld devices in MK and EPCOT. And contact Mark Jones for information on all types of deaf access issues. He is exceptional. So are the interpreters.

 

[SueM in MN]

Don't try to do all the parks commando style. You will just tire yourself out so much that you will not be able to enjoy it. And you WILL pay for it later.
They best thing we ever did was start buying Annual Passports. When we had 5 day passes and were in Orlando for 7 or 8 days, we felt so much pressure to use every hour the park was open so we wouldn't "waste" a day. With APs, we don't have that pressure and if we are too tired, we sleep in or leave a park early.

 

[SueM in MN]

Whhops, forgot to ask something.
Lisa, have you had a chance to check out those new handheld devices yet?

 

[Wheelsie]

Anyone else?

 

[nancycels]

Have to say i definitely agree, an annual pass is a godsend!! It means your stay is a REAL vacation, not a marathon! We've been to dis a zillion(slight exaggeration<G>) times and there are things we still haven't done! Some we may never get to.. u never know! but the annual is great! plus it forces you to save for next yr's trip!!! in advance! the second year financially is a BREEZE, especially if you compare it to the cost the first yr u buy annuals!

 

[faeflora]

I use a wheelchair so here are some tips that have helped us in our last few visits.

1. Our trip plans always start with discussing what each person really want to see...the I can't miss this attraction list. This way I can reserve energy and if we all still feel up to some more magic we can catch the attractions that are on our second list...the would like to see if we all have energy.

2. Also I found reading about each ride and its accessibilty ahead of time really helped us on all of our trips.

3.We also always make sure I have water to stay hydrated even in the winter.

4. Take some time to just stop and people watch in a shaded spot.
We did this at Epcot last summer. We went to the Matsu No Ma Lounge and just watched the crowds.

This year I am going with both a mobility disability and am
recently diagnosed hard of hearing so I am sure I will be learning alot.

Thanks again to Lisa who has so graciously shared all her insight into accessiblity in the parks for people who are hard of hearing and deaf.

I love this board...

 

[mike07801]

Hi everyone!

I am an insulin dependent diabetic and have a few tips for fellow people with diabetes:

1. Let the hotel know that you need a fridge for your insulin. I have had good experience with All Star Music waiving the fee. Your mileage may vary.

2. Once you are in your room, call mousekeeping for a sharps container. Disney resorts provide them no charge. If you want to dispose of sharps in the parks, go to first aid. They have containers to put them in. (Remember when using the containers at first aid, put your sharps in UNCAPPED.)

3. Remember to pack and carry fast acting carbohydrates with you at all times. I am pretty active, but do much more walking and moving when I am at WDW. My personal preference is glucose tablets. Having an insulin reaction is no fun, but at least with my tablets, I can treat one right away.

4. Test your blood glucose often. I get distracted with all of the fun at the parks and the testing helps me avoid the lows.

For the airport, I carry a note from my doctor on his RX script paper stating that I am an insulin dependant diabetic and need to carry my syringes, insulin and lancets with me at all times. I never check my medications and have never been questioned once I provided the note.

Hope this helps. Drop me a line if you have any questions.

Mike

 

[sneezy1956]

For those of us that have mobility problems and travel with teens, I would suggest letting the teen go on ahead and see some things without you.

My son gets tired of waiting for me, so many times he will go ahead and do something while I slowly make my way to the area we are planning on touring. An example is that he can usually get through Malstrom while I'm still making my way to this area of the World Showcase. So he gets 2 rides and I get one.

Also don't forget to drink lots and lots of water. Many of us are on meds that have much worse side effects if we are dehydrated. It's so easy to have so much fun we forget to drink enough.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

Be aware that in a WC or ECV you will become invisible! People will walk in front of you, push strollers in front of you and stop suddenly in front of you. If you hit them apologize for THEIR not noticing YOU, especially to "protective" parents who allow the children to run. It disarms them and they don't know what to do next.

(One time several yearts ago I was with a group touring, and one person was legally, but not totally, blind. A woman came rushing out of a store and was angry the my friend had not gotten out of the way; then she saw the white cane and started falling all over herself apologizing, including the statement: "I did,t see you." My friend sweetly replied: "That's OK, I didn't see you either".)

Also, be assertive; do not give up your place on line, don't let people in front of you for parade viewing (unless it is a child who will sit on the ground and the parent AGREES they will stay behind you). Don't let people rest themselves or their children on part of your chair.