First Time At WDW

[muteariel]

I've got a tracheotomy, and I was wondering what kind of restrictions I have with it. Should I get a wheelchair due to my shortness of breathe as well. What do you suggest to avoid and not to do? Anything I should do?

 

[SueM in MN]

Welcome to disABILITIES.
There won't be any attractions that the CMs (Cast Members) will prevent you from riding with a trach. Those that have health warnings are well marked by signs at the entrance to the ride and before boarding and also by icons on the park maps. It will be up to you to look at the warnings, find out about the attraction and then decide if it is something you should do or not. There is some basic information in the disABILITIES FAQs thread near the top of the board. One of the links in that thread takes you to the official WDW Guidebook for Guests with Disabilities at each park. Also, ask any questions about attractions that you want here; there are many regular posters who will be willing to give information.

For the "should I rent a wheelchair" question. The distances most people walk each day at WDW are estimated between 3 and 6 miles per day (or even more). Just the distance around World Showcase in Epcot is over a mile. If you become short of breath with regular activity, you will need something at WDW - the question would be, a wheelchair or an ECV (motorized scooter). You would not be able to propel your own wheelchair for long distances (pushing a wheelchair is a lot of work for someone who is not used to it, and if you already have trouble with shortness of breath, you won't have enough stamina to push). So, if you have people who are willing and able to push you (and don't mind giving up some independence), a wheelchair would do fine. If you would like the ability to control where you go (or don't have anyone who can push you), then an ECV is the way to go. You can find more information about wheelchairs and ECVs in the disABILITIES FAQs thread.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

First of all, welcome to both DisBoards and disABILTIES!

First thing for restrictions is ask your doctor. She will let you know what you can or cannot do.

Second, with shortness of breath you may be better off with an Electric Convenience Vehicle (ECV) rather than a wheelchair. If you click on where it says "disABILTIES" at the top of this page it will take you to the Index. The third item down is the "disABILTIES FAQ" which will gives lots of useful information, including where people rent ECVs.

There are also links there to the Disney Guests With Disabilities brochure; that will give you some idea.

When you start asking specific questions it might be worth giving additional information about youself (age range, etc), who you are travelling with, when you are going, stuff like that. It will give us a better feel for the advice to give.

An a minor point, please use a darker color on your font, some of us , especially in this forum, have vision problems and the light blue can be difficult to read.

 

[dclfun]

I also have a trach and live on a vent. Be sure to have your suction machine with you at all times in case of emergency. Other than that as Sue mentioned there is nothing you cannot do at WDW unless your Dr. has a restriction. Obviously swimming isn't possible but you can certainly sit in shallow water or a hot tub if you're comfortable with that. ---Kathy

 

[eternaldisneyfan]

I have a trach and use a vent part time. As dclfun said, be sure you have your suction machine. Take it on rides. I would NOT ride the rides with a lot of water effects. Kali River Rapids (AK) & Splash Mountain (MK) come to mind. I rode Pirates of the Caribbean (MK) without a problem. Backlot Studio Tours (MGM) has a pretty big water effect but you shouldn't get wet if you're not close to the window. Voyage of the Little Mermaid (MGM) has a mist effect (I haven't been since I got my trach). Heavy smoke might cause irritation...


Have fun!