I've got all sorts of questions regarding disabilities & my Mom

[SoonerSarah]

We are planning a trip for March and my parents are invited. I'm not sure if they will be able to make it at this point due to finances, but I'm really hoping that they can.

A little background, 10ish years ago my Mom was diagnosed with congenital hip dysplasia and she had her first complete (most will have the ball replaced, everything on my Mom is fake) hip replacement, and then her other one done about 9 months later. Her hips don't usually cause her much of a problem.

Then 6 years ago, she was at a stoplight and was rear-ended. The driver was going 60 MPH. Mom is a nurse and has not been able to work since then. She is disabled, she does have a handicap placard for parking. She lives with a lot of pain. Because of her issues due to the accident (it's mainly back pain, but other issues as well), she lives in constant pain. She doesn't really show her pain to others, but I know when she's in pain. And I "yell" at her a lot because she does too much and doesn't say no to others. And she doesn't want to spoil a party because of her pain.

We have never been to Disney World. So I'm not even really sure where to begin. I've heard that depending on what time you get there, handicap parking may not be closest to the entrance. I believe that wheelchairs can be rented, but I don't know if they are motorized, what the cost is, or even if we could get her to rent one if she needed it.

My Mom lives her life as best as she can. She's pretty active and does a lot of stuff, but I don't want her trip to be one of constant horrible pain.

OK...ask any questions that you want, I'm pretty open.

 

[KPeveler]

I suggest you start with the FAQs at the top of the page. It describes type of wheelchairs and scooters rented, how buses work, costs, etc. That should give you an idea of the specifics

Are you staying onsite or offsite?

 

[SoonerSarah]

We will be staying off site.

Thank you for advice, I'll check the thread out.

 

[Bete]

Renting a power wheelchair may get very expensive. Also, they are quite precise in how they operate. So, if you put the slightest pressure on the knob it will move accordingly. It takes some getting use to. You can use a power wheelchair on some rides. This would have to fit into the car you are using.

Scooters can help, but you have a constant fear of someone darting out at you at Disney and having to stop suddenly not to hurt anyone. You really have to be focused and pay attention at all times using one. You can't take scooters on rides. If you rent from an offsite company you will have to get it in and out of the car. Disney has park, scooter rentals, but you have to go inside the park to get it. Also, they are first come, first serve and they can run out especially if you don't get there at opening time. The Disney rental scooters are expensive like $48/day. You won't have to charge Disney ones or take them in and out of your car. If you decide this option I would have her practice with store scooters that are available at places like Wal-Mart.

Manual wheelchairs would be the easiest, but someone will have to push her. There are rides that you can go on with a manual wheelchair. Some portable, travel manual wheelchairs can go for as cheap as $100. It will be yours to keep and you will have it when ever you need it. We do this for my mom.

I would certainly speak to her doctor about the possibility of some stronger pain medicine for the trip. She will probably be more active on a trip then staying at home. Some folks get shots to relieve the pain.

Whatever you decide on for mobility I would try to stick with shows, parades, fireworks, eating, etc. and not to expect her to go on too many rides.

 

[honeydiane1953]

Ecv's r the way to go. She will get the hang of it real quick. When using a w/c it is hard on rider and haaard on pusher.

 

[Bete]

If you want your mom to enjoy some rides I absolutely feel the manual wheelchair is the way to go. I'm no spring chicken and I push my mom all the time on trips. There are plenty of times you rest; so, it's not so bad. If you are able to take turns with it, it's even easier to handle one. There are rides where the wheelchair goes onto the ride vehicle and it's tethered in. Some examples are Buzz Lightyear and Toy Story Mania. The CMs handle this part. Your mom really doesn't have to move; it's all done for her. There are good threads here that will explain all the rides and how it works with a wheelchair.

If you scooter you must park the scooter and get in and out of the rides yourself. This could be trying on your mom. It's not something she is use to, either. If you go this route, it's best to have someone before her for a ride to help her in and someone behind her just in case and the same thing when she's leaving the ride. The CMs will not help too much with this aspect. You may have to help with parking the scooter and backing it up at times for her, as well. It can be tricky at times and I would not expect your mom to feel comfortable doing it all. You can't take a scooter on the trams in the parking lot to get to the parks. I would advise having your wheelchair placard (assuming she has one) with you; so, you can get preferred, handicap parking and then you can walk to the park and not take a tram.

What would really be nice is everyone fussing about pushing the wheelchair for her. This is a great time to bond with her, too.

Now, if you skip rides then any mode will work for getting around the park.

You may want to compromise and do a wheelchair one day and do rides and then another day don't do any rides and use a scooter.

It really boils down to what kind of trip do you want to do with your mom.

 

[Janice B]

We are planning a trip for March and my parents are invited. I'm not sure if they will be able to make it at this point due to finances, but I'm really hoping that they can.

A little background, 10ish years ago my Mom was diagnosed with congenital hip dysplasia and she had her first complete (most will have the ball replaced, everything on my Mom is fake) hip replacement, and then her other one done about 9 months later. Her hips don't usually cause her much of a problem.

We have never been to Disney World. So I'm not even really sure where to begin. I've heard that depending on what time you get there, handicap parking may not be closest to the entrance. I believe that wheelchairs can be rented, but I don't know if they are motorized, what the cost is, or even if we could get her to rent one if she needed it.

My Mom lives her life as best as she can. She's pretty active and does a lot of stuff, but I don't want her trip to be one of constant horrible pain.

OK...ask any questions that you want, I'm pretty open.

I too have hip dysplasia and have had a total hip replacement, I have back issues due to a degerative disc and scoliosis. I to am in contant pain as well. Your mom sounds a lot like me (I am probably a bit younger, I am only 42). I have been to Disney 9 times with out much trouble. I have never rented a wheel chair and I go on most rides. (avoid tower of tower, the tea cup, thunder run, the water ride in AK and anything that might be real jerky. If your not sure if your mom could handle a ride. What we have done in past is our DS who is 18 goes on the ride first then comes back with a yes or no about me being about to ride. The above rides are the only things I couldnt really ride this past August). To handle the pain while I was on holidays, Is I took take quite a few breaks when my DH and son wanted to go in rides that i couldn't I just sat and waited for them. My DH carried a colapsable cane in a backpack that when I got tired of walking I would use it, I also carried my pain medication with me. At the end of the day. I'd go back to our resort and just go for a swim to relax. I would take my heating pad that when I was done at the end of the day. I would turn it on low and just lye on it to help relax the back. If you mom needs a wheel chair just encourage her to get one, she will be the only one that can really give you the answer if she needs it or not. As for parking I am not sure about that. I have always stayed on Disneys property. If I can answer any more questions, please just ask

 

[arminnie]

I've rented an ecv twice. And to be honest I NEVER had a problem with people stepping out in front of me. I drove pretty slow unless it was really a wide open space.

Having an ecv 24/7 really can make a trip so much more pleasurable. Only your mother can tell if riding an ecv is pain free though.

 

[SoonerSarah]

I really don't think she will be able to ride most rides due to her back injuries. I know that driving in a car that is being jostled significantly causes her pain. Normal bumps and whatnot are fine though.

Thank you all for your thoughts and experience!