First trip with a Disability - questions

[lizanne]

Hi Everyone,
My DH had a stroke in May'08 and is very hesitant about returning to WDW. We are DVC members and Disney has been our main vacation since at least 1992, but he keeps saying "I guess we won't be going to Disney again".

He has had an excellent recovery from the stroke, but even so some things are difficult.

He doesn't use a wheelchair nor a cane. He walks and exercises everyday and while he walks slower, he can walk for a decent amount of time and I don't think that will be a problem.

His main problems would be "standing still" and "moving quickly to get onto a ride". Standing Still is painful for him and quick moves aren't easy. I've read some information on this forum about a GAC. The way I understood what I was reading is if a person's problem is "standing still" that Disney recommends using a wheelchair or motorized vehicle and I really don't think he's ready to consider those two options.

Does anyone have any experience with this that they could share with me? I'd be greatful.

Thanks
Betty anne

 

[mechurchlady]

I would recommend an ECV. At Disneyland me and Calvin parked in front of Buzz Lightyear then did that and Star Tours. We eventually ended up in Frontierland where we parked. He made two trips to the bathroom while I made a trip way over to the ATM then got lunch then saw the show all without the ECV.

You do not have to stay in the ECV every moment. Sometimes it is easier especially on places like Soarin where the line stops for a while. Soarin has people wait in line then they are put in another waiting area to go into the ride then they enter the ride. Some rides are continuous and the lines move at a good pace like Splash Mountain. At Dumbo the line stops while the ride runs then moves when the next group boards. He can leave space in between you in the back and the person in front of him then move around if need be.


He would not need the GAC if he was in the ECV or obviou8sly disabled. GAC is for a person who has hidden limitations like no stairs, hearing and vision.

FAQs is stickied on this board and has lots of trip planning info and will answer your questions about the GAC.

 

[goofieslonglostsis]

Hi Betty,

like many I think ECV is the way to go. But knowing how stubborness can work, why not make a deal with him? Try to meet him in the middle. It'll be easier on him and after a small tasting of what an ECV really means (read; it isn't the end of the world ), he might be convinced. For some of those stubborn people that can be a lot easier than simply not going as they'll never learn this lesson for years on if they can get away with it.

Maybe he'll be OK with at least trying an ECV and see how that works versus no ECV and trying to sweat it? Sweating it could be made easier by taking advantage of stuff like the fastpasses. Shorter lines and if you were to get to a situation that needed standing still, it tends to be easier to walk around 'in place' in a line that is a bit less crowded. You could stand behind him for instance, allowing him enough space to keep walking in a circular motion while holding his place in the line. If keep moving is his main need, this might do the trick. Combine that with doing shows and walking in and sitting down right after (going during slower seasons and don't arrive until after the doors open). Parades; stake out a bench he can watch it from. Maybe even march in place during the actual parade???

To be honest, I don't think this will do the trick enough though, but it might get him to realise he wants to go back again enough to deal with the ECV. For instance; what about lines for diner, waiting in line for busses, standing on a full buss and the list goes on and on.

He really can do WDW and enjoy it. An ECV isn't that bad. Maybe you can sell it to him as some kind of insurance? Insurance he can deal with situations that would otherwise require him to stand still and/or can't be dealt with by using fastpasses, walking/marching while in line etc? Heck, if you need to tell him YOU'LL be driving it around untill he would actually need to sit down to get him to settle into the idea; go for it!

Makes me think of something; some people are more sensative when it comes to their partners. Would it work if he tries the walking/marching strategy (read; have something to give him convidence he can do WDW again and without ECV) and you get the ECV and drive it around as a 'just in case insurance', because YOU would need that peace of mind? A tad bit of a trick, but some people find it easier to 'give in' when it comes to easing their loved ones worries/pains/etc. then their own.

 

[lizanne]

Thank you both for taking the time to answer.

GoofiesSis, when I started reading your reply (about the stubborn ones) I thought you must know my hubby.

Our Disney vacations have always beens such a source of enjoyment for him. He's a very strong, determined person and I know he could work it out, but I think he's afraid it won't be the same.

Both of you offered good suggestions and I'll bring them up to him.

I've told him we're getting older and I really don't mind slowing down. I don't like waiting in lines and there are a lot of things I can't do anymore because of motion sickness and a herniated disk.

I'm gonna work on getting a reservation made in the next month. Thanks for the encouragement.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

Hi and to disABILITIES!

If you click on where it says "disABILTIES" at the top of this page it will take you to the Index. One of the top items is the "disABILTIES FAQ" which will gives lots of useful information. Post #6 will discuss the Guest Assistance Card and Post #2 discusses wheelchairs and ECVs and rental of them.

One thing about using an ECV (especially from an off-site rental) is if you want to you can park it (taking the key) and walk for a while.

Or, if you want an easier route, click on the link in my signature.

 

[goofieslonglostsis]

Lizanne, lol no I don't know him, but I know stubborness. Been there, done that, got the t-shirt and so on. If there's one thing I've learned it's that being stubborn can either work for you or work against you. At this moment, he's letting it work against him. I can understand that somewhat, as I was no better when the point came where I started to need a powerchair, but I also know how freeing it is when one gets past that point.

Once he decides he CAN do this, he can. He's stubborn enough after all, so somehow he'll find a way to do it in a fashion that wont mean going past his physical boundaries where he shouldn't.

Have fun with all of the planning!

 

[ireland_nicole]

another thing is to definitely use a touring plan, and consider going during the quietest time of the year. Since we started going during school time, we have been amazed at the complete lack of crowds and lines.