Getting worried about my Nov/ Dec trip.

[Robin]

OK.. Here is the deal. I have MS... I get tired, my muscles pull, sometimes I am forced into a wheelchair, the pain can be very bad, blah blah blah.

I have now invited my best friend to come so I have a back up. So it will be

Me ... a healthy looking person
Dan.. my much older SO that needs his hip/knees replaced
Caitlyn 3 yo that never stops.
Jennifer.. best friend

We are staying at the Dolphin.. Can anyone give me any hints. We will be there from Nov 30- Dec 8. I know to take it easy and pace myself... I am just so scared that I will run into a bad week. I had been doing well for the past month ... then whamo I am hurting all over and unable to walk in a straight line. I have told Jennifer that she may need to take Caitlyn out some mornings by herself to give me some down time... Jennifer LOVES the thought of her and Caitlyn going off by themselves.


How does Disney deal with guests that are *able* to stand in line but just tire to easily to do so. Is it possible for me to wait while sitting? I dont like the idea of being in my wheelchair the entire time... I want Caitlyn to have a good time. When ever I am in my chair she tends to want to *help* mommy and stay right by me... making it less than a fun time for her.

 

[teri]

Robin, first of all I hope that things get better before your trip.

Second, click on the link in my siganature for the FAQ about the GAC - the Guest Assistance Card. The FAQ explains about the card and the alternate waiting areas.

Third, you might want to think about renting an ECV for the week rather than using a wheelchair. That would free you a bit and help preserve your energy.

I am sure others will have good ideas as well...

 

[SueM in MN]

Welcome and pixie dust to you for a good week.
teri has a lot of good info in the links she posted. Look seriously into the GAC because that will help a lot with energy conservation. And an ecv might be a big help because you will be more independent and your DD might not feel like she has to mother you so much. You can rent one from one of the off site vendors at a cheaper rate than from the parks and you would have it available to you whenever you need it.
You might want to get some two way radios so you can contact each other if you need to rest or send them ahead to a park. A lot of people take a mid-day break from the park and go back to their hotel. We never found that to work out real well for us. It just seemed more restful to stay AT the park and just rest. There are plenty of places to sit and if you want to lie down, the First Aid stations at each park are quiet and have nice private little cubicles with cots. The staff are friendly and helpful without being obtrusive.
Since you are staying for more than 8 days, you might want to look into getting annual passes. The break even point is around 7 days I think. One of the most liberating things we have done is getting annual passes. Since you can come and go as you please without feelining like you are "wasting" one of your park days, it is much easier to give yourself permission to take it easy.
Last, make plans, but be flexible. Plan that each day might be a slow day and if you are able to do more, you won't be disappointed. MK is the hardest park to tour IMHO, because the rides are very short and you are constantly getting in and 2 minutes later, getting out. We never plan 2 MK days in a row. You need time to recuperate from all that activity. You might need to make your plans each day based on how you feel when you get up. We do that with our DD. If she is really energetic that day, we might change our plans and go to MK that day rather than one of the more laid back parks. If we can tell she is having a bad day, we might go to Epcot.

 

[Robin]

Thanks for the suggestions. The Nov/Dec trip we will be getting APs.. thebn going again for my DDs 4th birthday/ Easter. I am hoping to get to see a good portion of the parks during this trip so in March we wont feel the need to *fight* the crouds so much. I am bringing my scooter so that will make it easier... Although I am sure Dan is going to take it over on my good days because his knees/ hips are in terrible condition. Thanks again for the help.


Also.. How is the Dolphin's lay out.. is it wheelchair friendly??