First trip after Cancer Diagnosis

[benji2012]

My love was diagnosed with an agressive multiple myeloma last May after a spinal tumor paralyzed him. It's been a long road, but we are hoping for a trip to WDW at the end of February. He has responded surprisingly well to chemo, though we are expecting him to need a stem cell transplant in the near future.

The tumor was removed, but his mobility it is still impaired. He can cover very short distances on a cane, short distances with a walker, and he purchased a low-end power wheelchair for medium/long distances (such as hotel hallways and shopping.) His walker is his most used method though.

We have booked an HA 1BR at BLT for the 2 of us, and 1 BR for his adult son...as I am nervous traveling with my love for the first time alone with his illness. We have our flights booked for midday and will rent a car. Right now we are planning on renting an power wheelchair from an approved Disney vendor as that is what he uses at home when needed. He has a handicap hangtag, and we will likely rent a car.

Our trip is scheduled Monday-Friday at the end of February. Monday and Friday are largely travel days. Tuesday is scheduled to be HS, Wednesday at Epcot, and Thursday at MK. I am hopeful that it will be a slow week!

So now to questions!!!!


1. I booked a few ADRs and noted that he would have a wheelchair, does that help at all, or do I still need to let them know when we arrive?

2. He is comfortable with a power wheelchair, and chose to buy a cheaper version of a power wheelchair than a scooter. When renting, is there any reason we should consider an ECV over a power wheelchair?

3. Anyone have experience at BLT with HA rooms? We took a test trip to a hotel 2 hours from our home and the most difficult part was showering, but we didnt have a HA room, just a shower chair. I have seen pics of the HA BLT room and it looks great.

4. Has anyone traveled with a standard walker? I will contact the airline and plan to have wheelchair transport to gate. I'd like to bring his cane and walker on the trip. What do they do with a walker at the airport?

5. My love is more of a show watcher/easy ride rider, so I'm confident we can enjoy most of his favorites. The only ride that makes me nervous is PoTC. It's the only attraction he's confident he can ride that I'm not sure he can. Anyone have any experience with someone with limited mobility getting in and out of the boats at PoTC? I really want to make it possible, and there will be two of us who can help him in and out. (He does stairs with a railing and a cane.)

6. I think we will see if we can get a DAS, though I'm not sure we'll need it, based on low crowds, utilizing FPs, and his desire to ride low wait time attractions. In addition to mobility issues, he has neuropathy, bathroom issues, diabetes, body temp control issues, fatigue, anxiety/depression/agitation from chemo drugs, etc. etc. etc. If he isn't eligible, are there any touring tips? (I have seen multiple attractions that give return times for wheelchairs/ecvs, so I'm looking for ideas other than that.)

TIA,I'm sure I'll have a million more questions!!!

 

[brb1006]

What characters do you wish to meet the most when you get to WDW?

 

[DisneyOma]

I didn't know you could rent a power wheelchair - are you sure?

 

[lanejudy]

I'm glad to hear he is doing well enough to travel!

1. I booked a few ADRs and noted that he would have a wheelchair, does that help at all, or do I still need to let them know when we arrive?

You will still want to remind the host/hostess when you arrive for the ADR, just to make sure they saw the notation.

2. He is comfortable with a power wheelchair, and chose to buy a cheaper version of a power wheelchair than a scooter. When renting, is there any reason we should consider an ECV over a power wheelchair?

There are relatively few vendors who rent power wheelchairs, usually only for those who are familiar with one at home. You'll need to shop around to see which featured or non-featured vendor(s) have one.

3. Anyone have experience at BLT with HA rooms? We took a test trip to a hotel 2 hours from our home and the most difficult part was showering, but we didnt have a HA room, just a shower chair. I have seen pics of the HA BLT room and it looks great.

Make sure the room you have reserved is actually a roll-in shower. Not all "accessible" rooms have roll-in showers as there are different levels of needs.

4. Has anyone traveled with a standard walker? I will contact the airline and plan to have wheelchair transport to gate. I'd like to bring his cane and walker on the trip. What do they do with a walker at the airport?

You should be able to bring the walker or cane (maybe both) into the cabin with you, especially if he will need the cane to get to his seat (or will he need the aisle chair?). It may be a jumble to carry that all through the airport plus your carry-ons, but hopefully between the 3 of you it will be manageable.

5. My love is more of a show watcher/easy ride rider, so I'm confident we can enjoy most of his favorites. The only ride that makes me nervous is PoTC. It's the only attraction he's confident he can ride that I'm not sure he can. Anyone have any experience with someone with limited mobility getting in and out of the boats at PoTC? I really want to make it possible, and there will be two of us who can help him in and out. (He does stairs with a railing and a cane.)

You indicated in your first post that he was paralyzed, but I'm assuming since he now uses a walker that he has some ability to help with his own transfers? I'm sure someone else can provide more specifics on this. It is one that I often see mentioned as a challenging transfer.

6. I think we will see if we can get a DAS, though I'm not sure we'll need it, based on low crowds, utilizing FPs, and his desire to ride low wait time attractions. In addition to mobility issues, he has neuropathy, bathroom issues, diabetes, body temp control issues, fatigue, anxiety/depression/agitation from chemo drugs, etc. etc. etc. If he isn't eligible, are there any touring tips? (I have seen multiple attractions that give return times for wheelchairs/ecvs, so I'm looking for ideas other than that.)

To receive the DAS, you or he will have to be prepared to explain his NEEDS and not his diagnoses. Think about how those conditions might impact his ability to wait in a standard queue environment. As you plan, be sure to utilize your FP+ options, consider taking breaks during the day -- maybe even back at the resort, alternate rides and shows so he can "rest" during the shows.

Enjoy your vacation!

 

[TheRustyScupper]

1. I booked a few ADRs and noted that he would have a wheelchair, does that help at all, or do I still need to let them know when we arrive?
. . . tell the podium person (aka, SEATER) of the wheelchair
. . . the SEATER will make a note to the ASSIGNER
. . . this should allow a table with good aisle/row access for the chair

2. He is comfortable with a power wheelchair, and chose to buy a cheaper version of a power wheelchair than a scooter. When renting, is there any reason we should consider an ECV over a power wheelchair?
. . . if he can do it, take the scooter (ECV)
. . . in some locations, the doorways are tight/tricky with a wheelchair, especially the wide ones

3. Anyone have experience at BLT with HA rooms? We took a test trip to a hotel 2 hours from our home and the most difficult part was showering, but we didnt have a HA room, just a shower chair. I have seen pics of the HA BLT room and it looks great.
. . . as mentioned above, make certain it is a true roll-in shower

4. Has anyone traveled with a standard walker? I will contact the airline and plan to have wheelchair transport to gate. I'd like to bring his cane and walker on the trip. What do they do with a walker at the airport?
. . . the walker will be checked the gate
. . . it will be available to him as he deplanes

5. My love is more of a show watcher/easy ride rider, so I'm confident we can enjoy most of his favorites. The only ride that makes me nervous is PoTC. It's the only attraction he's confident he can ride that I'm not sure he can. Anyone have any experience with someone with limited mobility getting in and out of the boats at PoTC? I really want to make it possible, and there will be two of us who can help him in and out. (He does stairs with a railing and a cane.)
. . . lots of cane-toting-folks do POTC
. . . the step is literally from the platform to the seat, then to the floor
. . . not big steps

6. I think we will see if we can get a DAS, though I'm not sure we'll need it, based on low crowds, utilizing FPs, and his desire to ride low wait time attractions. In addition to mobility issues, he has neuropathy, bathroom issues, diabetes, body temp control issues, fatigue, anxiety/depression/agitation from chemo drugs, etc. etc. etc. If he isn't eligible, are there any touring tips? (I have seen multiple attractions that give return times for wheelchairs/ecvs, so I'm looking for ideas other than that.)[/QUOTE]
. . . mobility issues and wait times at attractions are not subject to DAS
. . . they can be overcome by wheelchairs and/or ECV's
. . . there has to be another "need" for the DAS

 

[gap2368]

I hope you have a great trip I will be going the same time as you

you will have no problems with your ADR and a wheel chair ( I ended up hurting my foot and they had no problems with me using my wheel chair at dinner just tell the host what he can do like if he can transfer or needs to stay in his ECV.

as fair as the DAS I think the CM are giving them out to really any one who asks ( very said about this) but you do need to think of what he needs in lines and why he can not wait in a normal line but I think he should be fine with out one it sounds like the ECV will take care of his mobility, neuropathy fatigue problems bathroom that would depend on what his needs are not sure a DAS would help for someone with Diabetes, as fair as body temp most lines are in side and shaded so he should be fine there

I think a better idea for you and him would be to take things slow you will not get to of every thing in a short trip use the time in line to rest if you are good you can drive is ECV while standing next to him I have seen this more then once this will give him a bread while in line I would take a break some time during the day and it sounds like you have some ADR so that should help

 

[benji2012]

Thank you for all the replies. He was initially paralyzed from the tumor, but gained some feeling back upon it's removal...and continues to improve. He went back to work part time 3 weeks ago and we have seen a lot of physical progress since then because he is forced to be more independent. Three weeks ago he never used his cane, just his walker...on Christmas he only used his cane.

I did specifically reserve a roll in shower, so I hope that is what we get, though I do expect him to transfer to the fold down chair.

If we can get there, and get to the parks, and make some great memories, the trip will be a win in my book! I am probably going to make list of the top 5 things we want to do and rearrange our schedule based on that.

Again, thank you!!!

 

[DisneyOma]

Thank you for all the replies. He was initially paralyzed from the tumor, but gained some feeling back upon it's removal...and continues to improve. He went back to work part time 3 weeks ago and we have seen a lot of physical progress since then because he is forced to be more independent. Three weeks ago he never used his cane, just his walker...on Christmas he only used his cane.

I did specifically reserve a roll in shower, so I hope that is what we get, though I do expect him to transfer to the fold down chair.

If we can get there, and get to the parks, and make some great memories, the trip will be a win in my book! I am probably going to make list of the top 5 things we want to do and rearrange our schedule based on that.

Again, thank you!!!

You are getting him some kind of ECV/wheelchair for the trip though, right? In one post you mentioned him having an electric wheelchair - he can bring that with him if he is most comfortable using it. There's miles of walking at WDW, just getting around a resort or from parking/bus to the main gate is quite a hike for some.

 

[benji2012]

You are getting him some kind of ECV/wheelchair for the trip though, right? In one post you mentioned him having an electric wheelchair - he can bring that with him if he is most comfortable using it. There's miles of walking at WDW, just getting around a resort or from parking/bus to the main gate is quite a hike for some.

Oh yes!!! I think we will still get him a wheelchair as opposed to an ECV, as he is more comfortable with it. I think the only question will be if we bring both the cane and the walker, and that will depend on how much progress he makes between now and then. I suspect we'll bring both even if he rarely uses the walker at that point. Better to be overprepared than under!

 

[kashzan]

What characters do you wish to meet the most when you get to WDW?

HUH ????

 

[disneyktee]

Are you thinking about bringing the cane with you to the parks? I'm recovering from hip surgery so zero weight bearing. It was a little annoying but I brought the crutches with me and it was SO SO worth it! Just having the ability to stand up to look at things when I wanted to was a major help and it really made me feel better overall knowing I could get up when I want to. I spent 95% of the trip in the chair but there are still some times when you want to get up in a shop to see a higher shelf or be able to see the fireworks above everyone! If he's able to "transfer" onto rides too that makes an unbelievable difference both with rides and with restaurants.
If you're not 100% set on renting a car, I will say the bus drivers went above and beyond to help us out and transportation around Disney was probably the easiest part of the whole trip!

 

[DisneyOma]

Oh yes!!! I think we will still get him a wheelchair as opposed to an ECV, as he is more comfortable with it. I think the only question will be if we bring both the cane and the walker, and that will depend on how much progress he makes between now and then. I suspect we'll bring both even if he rarely uses the walker at that point. Better to be overprepared than under!

Were you able to find a company that rents electric wheelchairs down there? Is there a reason he's not bringing the one he has at home?

 

[kaytieeldr]

Randy 's Mobility, Buena Vista Scooters, Care Medical, Scootaround all rent power chairs.

 

[kaytieeldr]

2. He is comfortable with a power wheelchair, and chose to buy a cheaper version of a power wheelchair than a scooter. When renting, is there any reason we should consider an ECV over a power wheelchair?

I tried to find a picture but couldn't: he can hold the walker (standard walker, right, not a rollator?) upside down numb his lap while riding in the wheelchair, so what's normally the top is in his lap and the legs are pointing skyward. You can also purchase attachment equipment so the walker can hook onto the back of the power chair seat.

4. Has anyone traveled with a standard walker? I will contact the airline and plan to have wheelchair transport to gate. I'd like to bring his cane and walker on the trip. What do they do with a walker at the airport?

Speaking of the airline, which airline? You probably want to reserve seats near both the door and a restroom he can use. His cane can go in the overhead compartment last during takeoff and landing. If the plane has a closet, medical equipment gets priority space.

 

[DisneyOma]

Randy 's Mobility, Buena Vista Scooters, Care Medical, Scootaround all rent power chairs.

Did not see them advertised on Randy's or Care Medical's wesbites?

 

[lanejudy]

Did not see them advertised on Randy's or Care Medical's wesbites?

I'm not sure about Randy's, but yes Care Medical has them including a picture on the homepage and listed as Electric Wheelchair in the list of products. Buena Vista and Best Price Mobility also list them, as do a few of the non-featured vendors. Sometimes they are listed as "electric" wheelchairs, some as "powerchairs" and one or two even show them under "scooters" so look around the websites.

 

[DisneyOma]

I'm not sure about Randy's, but yes Care Medical has them including a picture on the homepage and listed as Electric Wheelchair in the list of products. Buena Vista and Best Price Mobility also list them, as do a few of the non-featured vendors. Sometimes they are listed as "electric" wheelchairs, some as "powerchairs" and one or two even show them under "scooters" so look around the websites.

FYI, there's more than one Care Medical website! Found 3 different ones just now, there's one that does have the power wheelchair

 

[kaytieeldr]

Did not see them advertised on Randy's or Care Medical's wesbites?

Http://randysmobility.com/randysmobility/rentals/
If that doesn't work - I couldn't copy the link, had to type it in - just click on the Reservations link on the home page. It's the third listing, below the strollers.

Walker Mobility rents them, too http://walkermobility.com/Disney-world-wheel-chair-rental/22/

 

[SueM in MN]

Thank you for all the replies. He was initially paralyzed from the tumor, but gained some feeling back upon it's removal...and continues to improve. He went back to work part time 3 weeks ago and we have seen a lot of physical progress since then because he is forced to be more independent. Three weeks ago he never used his cane, just his walker...on Christmas he only used his cane.

I did specifically reserve a roll in shower, so I hope that is what we get, though I do expect him to transfer to the fold down chair.

If we can get there, and get to the parks, and make some great memories, the trip will be a win in my book! I am probably going to make list of the top 5 things we want to do and rearrange our schedule based on that.

Again, thank you!!!

if you specifically reserved a room with a roll in shower, that should be what you get.
There was a change to the ADA regarding hotel reservations that made reserving a specific room a requirement.

Oh yes!!! I think we will still get him a wheelchair as opposed to an ECV, as he is more comfortable with it. I think the only question will be if we bring both the cane and the walker, and that will depend on how much progress he makes between now and then. I suspect we'll bring both even if he rarely uses the walker at that point. Better to be overprepared than under!

As others have posted, you can bring both. In most cases, you can bring them onto the plane send the flight attendant will help you to stow them. Many folded walkers fit in the overhead bins; if it is larger or you don't want it on the plane, you can gate check it at no charge.

I would definitely rent a power wheelchair as he is comfortable with it. I disagree with the poster who wrote that an ECV would be easier to get thru some areas, especially some doorways.
Power wheelchairs are more manouverable, can turn more sharply and can fit in smaller places than most ECVs can fit. There are also lines and attractions that are wheelchair accessible, but not ECV accessible. If he had an ECV, he would need to switch to a manual wheelchair for those.
Most of the wheelchair accessible ride cars are also power wheelchair accessible.

Are you thinking about bringing the cane with you to the parks? I'm recovering from hip surgery so zero weight bearing. It was a little annoying but I brought the crutches with me and it was SO SO worth it! Just having the ability to stand up to look at things when I wanted to was a major help and it really made me feel better overall knowing I could get up when I want to. I spent 95% of the trip in the chair but there are still some times when you want to get up in a shop to see a higher shelf or be able to see the fireworks above everyone! If he's able to "transfer" onto rides too that makes an unbelievable difference both with rides and with restaurants.
If you're not 100% set on renting a car, I will say the bus drivers went above and beyond to help us out and transportation around Disney was probably the easiest part of the whole trip!

Agree about using the cane to the parks for assistance in transferring and use the walker mostly for in the room and at the resort.
Power wheelchairs can't be loaded into a car. At very least, you would need a van with a portable ramp.
From BLT, there is actually a nice paved path that goes from the resort to MK. It is usually going to be faster just to go there that way than to use the monorail.

Monorails, buses and the larger boats (ferries and Friendship boats) are accessible.

Follow the link in my signature to the disABILITIES FAQs thread.
Post 2 of that thread has information about renting EVCs and wheelchairs, including contact information and weblinks. The companies are listed along with the type of equipment they rent. You can see there which companies rent power wheelchairs - for some, you may need to click on 'our products' or a similar place.

Posts 18-21 of that thread will also be helpful - they talk about transfers.
Pirates would be a fairly difficult transfer because the boat is low and there is not a lot of leg room. If you decide to try it, take your time and watch other guests boarding. That can help you to figure out your strategy.
For all attractions that require a transfer, getting in is going to be easier than getting out. Getting in, you have gravity helpful you. Getting out, you are working against gravity.

 

[SueM in MN]

Also - many people who use a power wheelchair choose not to do air travel with it. Power wheelchairs have a lot of things on them that can get broken. We are looking at new power wheelchair for my DD and the wheelchair consultant told us some pretty bad horror stories from her clients, including one who saw his power chair being unloaded from the plane on its side and another who watched his wheelchair get dropped from the baggage compartment all the way to the ground.

That's why a lot of people choose to rent one rather than travel with it.