First time trip with wheelchair

[Luv2Camp]

Hi everyone! My family and I are going to Disney in October, and we'll be staying in our RV at Ft Wilderness. It'll be me, my DH, DD(20) & DDBF. We've been to Disney several times, but this will be our first trip with me in a wheelchair. I had a stroke in 2/11 from lupus, so I have weakness and stamina issues. I've gotten so many great tips from this board, but I'd like your advice on a couple of items:

I don't think I'll need a GAC. I have issues with the sun, but I don't remember many rides (if any) that have queues in the sun. I'll be prepared anyways since most sun exposure will be between rides. Also, I don't think I'll need a GAC since I can stay in my wheelchair in line (standing for very long would wear me out quickly) and then transfer to a ride vehicle. Please correct me if I'm wrong on either of those points or if you think I'm overlooking something.

Also, a question - Since I'll be in my wheelchair in line, when I transfer to a ride vehicle, will a CM move my wheelchair to the exit? Are there any rides where my wheelchair will be a problem in lines?

I just want to say that this is a wonderful board with very compassionate people. When my family wanted to plan another trip, I just couldn't bring myself to even think about it. The thought of having to go in a wheelchair and not being very physically well from the lupus & meds...I just didn't know how to go from "commando-touring" to slow paced and being very careful with my health & energy. After I started reading this board, I quickly realized I'm in the same boat as a lot of other people, and I slowly started planning, which led to excitement for the trip. Now I'm about busting wanting October to get here!

 

[WheeledTraveler]

For rides where you can use your wheelchair up to the boarding area, a CM will move your wheelchair as needed. Some rides you may board where you usually get off the ride (either by being directed through the exit or after being redirected when you get to the head of the regular line) so then they'll move it away from the ride car once you're in and bring it back to you when you're done (unless another member of your party does so), but that's it.

There are only a couple rides where the wheelchair might be a problem. The TTA Peoplemover is not wheelchair accessible at all due to the incline of the moving walkway (which also cannot be delayed or stopped). Peter Pan's moving walkway (and the ride) can't be stopped (and I don't think it can be slowed). If you can get in/out of the ride in the time it takes to board then you'll be fine (you can bring the wheelchair up to the walkway).

Sometimes people are asked to transfer to a WDW wheelchair to go through the line for Pirates because the entrance and exit are actually in two separate buildings and the ceiling where the boats go between the exit and entrance is too low so you couldn't just stay in the boat (or board at the exit). I think you're less likely to get asked if your wheelchair is a folding wheelchair because they may be able to stick those in the back of the boat with you. I use a rigid manual wheelchair and wasn't asked to transfer for the line, but it could go either way. It depends on how many cast members are working the ride, how busy it is, etc.

I don't know if you've thought of this, but you might want to consider renting an ECV (scooter) offsite. If you can use one (they steer like a bike and all the controls are operated by the hands and in general can be done one-handed). It just might give you a little more freedom to get around without needing to be pushed everywhere. Renting offsite is cheaper than renting daily at the parks and tends to get you an ECV that's easier to maneuver. They do take more mental energy to use, but I wanted to mention it as an option. I know sometimes it can be rough to be at the mercy of someone pushing (even if you've generally got them trained not to face you into walls, WDW can cause them to forget).

 

[Luv2Camp]

Thank you for the advice! You're correct on the ECV - Mental fatigue is also an issue. I think we're good to go on everything else - We're going to try to hit POTC when it's not too busy so I won't have to worry about my WC.

Thanks again!