In A Wheelchair @ Christmas

[yorkiegirl95]

I am planning a Make A Wish trip. And I am going to be in a wheelchair at Christmas. I have Ehlers Danlos Syndrom, and I have to be in one because I can't walk long distance. I have to admit that I'm worried about being there at the most crowded time of the year. Is there any tips about that? I'm bring my own chair this time so it will be eaiser for my mom to steer. I just dont want to ram ankles and stump toes!

 

[KPeveler]

Hey there - I am an EDSer myself and now a full time wheelchair user!

The biggest thing you have to know is to take it slow. You CAN do Christmas crowds in a wheelchair, but it will be crazy! It may take forever to get from thing to thing, so plan on this being a slower trip.

Also, put glow bracelets (you can get them at a dollar store) either around your ankles or on your footplate or something - I find if others can see my feet, they are less likely to run right into me!

I will be back on later with more EDS & wheelchair advice.

 

[Mary976]

I think the biggest thing we came away from during our last spring break trip was that you need to plan to take it easy after parades and shows. Get there plenty early because you won't be able to sneak in after things start filling up, and then plan to hang off to the side for awhile afterwards. With all those people, there is literally no way to get through the crowd. It's not that people are mean about it, there are just too many bodies. I started loading up on popcorn before the parade so DD could snack afterwards while we waited for things to clear out.

Also, plan bathroom breaks well in advance!

Good luck. I'm sure you will have a wonderful trip.
Mary

 

[yorkiegirl95]

Thank you guys so much! I feel alot better about going at Christmas! I have been 8 times, but sometimes being in a wheelchair can be pretty hard. So thanks for all the tips!

 

[WheelieBigDisFan]

Hi, I will be going to WDW for my first time for my birthday in September. I am undergoing studies right now to determine if I have EDS or not. I am a full time wheelchair user b/c of an incomplete spinal cord injury. I live near DLR in So. Cal, so I have lots of experience with using a chair in/around the parks here. I went one year on New Years Eve and had a TON of fun! Just take your time, watch out for others (because they unfortunately are not likely watching out for you) and plan things in advance. If you think you will need 5 minutes to get somewhere, give yourself 10 just in case.
Hope you have fun on your wish trip.
Mandy