A few notes from recent trip (mostly work trip but had some fun time built in):
1. ATL and MCO now have handicapped gates/lines for security. (They may have had them all along but they were at ends of the lines that I didn't use). My HC placard still allowed me to go through the "elite/employee" security lines, so keep yours handy.
2. Started my trip by flushing the keys to the rental car down the toilet.
45 minutes and $175.00 later I had keys and was on my way. (Alamo didn't have a spare key so I had to pay for a locksmith) If you pick up your rental car and BOTH keys are on the key chain---remove one and keep it somewhere safe. ALSO: The locksmith pulled a ziplock baggie out of the area where the spare tire was to check for the spare key and found another remote fob without the spare key--guess that would be the second key on my keychain--he put it on his key and so Alamo did not charge me $75.00 for a fob also. If you run into car troubles--check here.
3. POTC ride: Didn't have any problems with GAC when I explained there was no one to push me in a regular chair and I can't push myself.
4. Splash: Almost as soon as I got in line, a CM came by and casually remarked that the ride had just broken down and he didn't know how long we would be there. Long line, people crammed together, hot and not enough oxygen to go around, I immediately panicked and hollered out to him "then please help me leave this line" but he kept on walking. A lady a few people ahead of me saw me inching my ecv around to turn around and leave the line (even though I 'd be going opposite of people) and asked if I was alone--I told her yes and I just needed to get out of line. She was very nice and the people behind me backed up (as far as anyone can back up in a fastpass line) and I was able to make my way out. Without dissolving into absolute tears.
5. I had: two choclate covered frozen bananas at MGM, choc mousse in France and a Ghiradelli's Sundae. I have to start an eating plan next week and wanted to get my last bites in.
How I'll manage on my trip in Sept I don't know yet but I have to do this. I've packed on the pounds since my accident (1999) and it's finally reached a point where all 3 of my doctor's are saying "it's past time".
6. Had several very nice people offer to help me when they saw me lifting the ecv in and out of the car. I always declined with a pleasant smile--being independent is very important.
7. Hope to learn more helpful hints on my next trip--although I hope they will be the free kind and not the $$$$$ ones.
1. ATL and MCO now have handicapped gates/lines for security. (They may have had them all along but they were at ends of the lines that I didn't use). My HC placard still allowed me to go through the "elite/employee" security lines, so keep yours handy.
2. Started my trip by flushing the keys to the rental car down the toilet.
45 minutes and $175.00 later I had keys and was on my way. (Alamo didn't have a spare key so I had to pay for a locksmith) If you pick up your rental car and BOTH keys are on the key chain---remove one and keep it somewhere safe. ALSO: The locksmith pulled a ziplock baggie out of the area where the spare tire was to check for the spare key and found another remote fob without the spare key--guess that would be the second key on my keychain--he put it on his key and so Alamo did not charge me $75.00 for a fob also. If you run into car troubles--check here.3. POTC ride: Didn't have any problems with GAC when I explained there was no one to push me in a regular chair and I can't push myself.
4. Splash: Almost as soon as I got in line, a CM came by and casually remarked that the ride had just broken down and he didn't know how long we would be there. Long line, people crammed together, hot and not enough oxygen to go around, I immediately panicked and hollered out to him "then please help me leave this line" but he kept on walking. A lady a few people ahead of me saw me inching my ecv around to turn around and leave the line (even though I 'd be going opposite of people) and asked if I was alone--I told her yes and I just needed to get out of line. She was very nice and the people behind me backed up (as far as anyone can back up in a fastpass line) and I was able to make my way out. Without dissolving into absolute tears.
5. I had: two choclate covered frozen bananas at MGM, choc mousse in France and a Ghiradelli's Sundae. I have to start an eating plan next week and wanted to get my last bites in.
How I'll manage on my trip in Sept I don't know yet but I have to do this. I've packed on the pounds since my accident (1999) and it's finally reached a point where all 3 of my doctor's are saying "it's past time".6. Had several very nice people offer to help me when they saw me lifting the ecv in and out of the car. I always declined with a pleasant smile--being independent is very important.
7. Hope to learn more helpful hints on my next trip--although I hope they will be the free kind and not the $$$$$ ones.
