First Solo Trip in September!

[Allison Joy]

I recently booked my second Disney trip ever, and my first solo trip. My first trip, I went with a friend and her mom, and the last day (Epcot) they decided to rent a wheelchair for me. I didn't think I needed it, because I can walk, and I can walk for long distances. I just get very slow towards the end of the day. I mean, I'm more of a turtle than a rabbit any time, but towards the end of the day, it gets worse. I wasn't in pain at the end of the days, so much as just... tried. Like everyone who goes to Disney. I plan to conquer all four parks on my own, with no assistive devices, just taking things at my speed, not worrying if I don't get to do everything, etc. I always feel like I straddle the line between "disabled" and "not." I can do almost anything I need to, but do have some muscle tightness, I'm short, and I'm slow, as previous mentioned. I have some slight balance problems, but not in everyday walking. For example, I'm cautious on cobblestone, while hiking, in grass, etc. but I don't really fall, unless something else unusual is going on. I also can't balance on a bike, but that's not a Disney issue. Just giving that as an example so you (maybe) understand. Last year I did Six Flags with no major problems. And since I have a Six Flags season pass now, I do plan to "work up" to Disney by doing Six Flags two days in a row a couple of times before my trip. Just to see.

I want to push myself, but not to the point that I regret it. Any specific suggestions for me? Is there anything I might be missing that might alter my plan?

 

[Simba's Mom]

First off, if you need to rent a scooter, I hope you do. I rented my first scooter when I was on a solo trip, and I was so upset about needing one, I ugly-cried. Then I had questions (like "what do I do when I go to the restroom?"), and I found that scooter-users are very helpful when I finally just asked someone on a scooter what to do. Then I worried when I approached my first closed door-that's when I learned that so many people hold doors for you. Bus drivers are so helpful, you needn't fear buses. Have a great trip!

 

[Bete]

If you plan on walking, then pace yourself with rides, shows and eating. Shows and eating provide you with a rest. Consider taking a break and possible nap in the afternoon. You can easily do 5-10 miles a day of walking. Don't do backtracking; do the park as a loop.

I would use a scooter myself. I too can walk but it's not fun at Disney to do so. I accomplish a lot more using a scooter and it's easier. If you want to walk some you can always park your scooter for a while in an appropriate place. Park tickets cost money and the scooter cost is worth it because you can do so much more.