Just back from 1st trip since amputation

[Tinker Bell Fan]

DH & I just returned from our first trip since DH's above-the-knee amputation in July 2010. Boy did we learn a few things!!

The number one thing we learned: Never (EVER) listen to a CM at the Boardwalk! It was our first time staying at BWV and when I made our reservation through DVC I spoke with a CM who told me she was permenantly in a wheelchair and that she never gets a handicapped room but always stays in a one-bedroom because it is the same amount of room and requests a transfer bench for the shower/bath. No problem there - we wanted a one-bedroom. She told me she would request a room closest to the elevators. Great so far! We arrive at BWV and check in and the CM told us we were "right near the elevators". WRONG! We were the VERY LAST ROOM from the elevators! We should have complained, but DH said not to because we were both exhausted from our drive down and I ended up getting sick to my stomach due to the heat and/or something I ate (luckily that didn't last long).

We had a great view of the quiet pool (we were in room 5095) but I will know better next time and next time I will request a handicapped room. DH said he really felt handicapped by being in a room so far away from the elevator. It was easy when he was on the ECV but when our EVC broke down and we used the wheelchair - poor guy was exhausted trying to wheel himself to our room (and I can relate because pushing him in the wheelchair wasn't easy either!)

The other thing we learned is we need to plan (by looking on the park maps) where the handicapped/family-friendly bathrooms are in the parks. Each time DH tried to use the handicapped stall in the mens room and someone was in the bathroom - they would quickly jump in front of him and use the handicapped stall and he would either have to wait or use one of the other stalls (which isn't easy when you only have one leg and no bars to hold onto).

Overall we managed and had a pleasant (and much needed) vacation. We even renewed our wedding vows at the Wedding Pavilion (which was the real reason for the trip). The Disney FairyTale Wedding folks were great and very accommodating especially with DH.

The characters we met along the way were funny when they realized DH only had one leg (he didn't always wear his prosthetic) - even they were accommodating - they would drag me over to DH so he didn't have to move. We didn't do too many rides (just a few) - another thing we need to research and plan for our next trip!

Anyway...just wanted to share our experience...and now I know I'll be spending more time here in the Disabilities thread to learn more!

 

[SueM in MN]

DH & I just returned from our first trip since DH's above-the-knee amputation in July 2010. Boy did we learn a few things!!

The number one thing we learned: Never (EVER) listen to a CM at the Boardwalk! It was our first time staying at BWV and when I made our reservation through DVC I spoke with a CM who told me she was permenantly in a wheelchair and that she never gets a handicapped room but always stays in a one-bedroom because it is the same amount of room and requests a transfer bench for the shower/bath. No problem there - we wanted a one-bedroom. She told me she would request a room closest to the elevators. Great so far! We arrive at BWV and check in and the CM told us we were "right near the elevators". WRONG! We were the VERY LAST ROOM from the elevators! We should have complained, but DH said not to because we were both exhausted from our drive down and I ended up getting sick to my stomach due to the heat and/or something I ate (luckily that didn't last long).

We had a great view of the quiet pool (we were in room 5095) but I will know better next time and next time I will request a handicapped room. DH said he really felt handicapped by being in a room so far away from the elevator. It was easy when he was on the ECV but when our EVC broke down and we used the wheelchair - poor guy was exhausted trying to wheel himself to our room (and I can relate because pushing him in the wheelchair wasn't easy either!)

The other thing we learned is we need to plan (by looking on the park maps) where the handicapped/family-friendly bathrooms are in the parks. Each time DH tried to use the handicapped stall in the mens room and someone was in the bathroom - they would quickly jump in front of him and use the handicapped stall and he would either have to wait or use one of the other stalls (which isn't easy when you only have one leg and no bars to hold onto).

Overall we managed and had a pleasant (and much needed) vacation. We even renewed our wedding vows at the Wedding Pavilion (which was the real reason for the trip). The Disney FairyTale Wedding folks were great and very accommodating especially with DH.

The characters we met along the way were funny when they realized DH only had one leg (he didn't always wear his prosthetic) - even they were accommodating - they would drag me over to DH so he didn't have to move. We didn't do too many rides (just a few) - another thing we need to research and plan for our next trip!

Anyway...just wanted to share our experience...and now I know I'll be spending more time here in the Disabilities thread to learn more!

Glad to hear you had a good time.

The part about the handicapped/accessible rooms vs the regular rooms is true - the accessible rooms are the same size as the regular rooms. The difference is in how the space is arranged. In the fully accessible rooms, the bathroom is arranged differently to make space for a roll in shower. There is also a raised seat toilet, with space to park a wheelchair nearby and with grab bars. Some people need those things and do ask for an accessible room. Others feel they can do just fine with a regular room and requesting a bath bench or chair (I suggest that if you do ask for a bath bench/chair, check it over before using it. The last time we got one, the screws were loose, which made it unsteady).

And, accessible rooms can be found anywhere in any of the resorts. They are not necessarily the closest to anything. So, having an accessible room doesn’t mean you will be close to the elevator. One of the ‘problems’ with Boardwalk is that the hallways are long and only a few rooms on each floor are very close to the elevators.

Regarding the Companion Restrooms, there is a link in post #3 of the disABILITIES FAQs thread about Companion Restrooms. That thread does list all the locations. When you enter the parks, look for the Guidemap for Guests with Disabilities - in most of the parks, you will find them with the regular park maps in the kiosk at the entrance (they will usually be found in a spot with a wheelchair symbol and the maps have a black band across the top). You can also get the maps at Guest Relations in any park and may be able to get them at your resort. Those maps are the only ones that have the Companion Restroom locations marked.

 

[Tinker Bell Fan]

Thank you SueM for the info. I appreciate it. DH doesn't like to think of himself as "handicapped" he prefers "someone without a leg" (we've tried to keep our sense of humor through all that he's been through); so I tend to forget he's handicapped (especially when he doesn't wear his prosthetic).

I do know I have a lot to learn though before our next trip!

Thanks again!

 

[KPeveler]

Thank you SueM for the info. I appreciate it. DH doesn't like to think of himself as "handicapped" he prefers "someone without a leg" (we've tried to keep our sense of humor through all that he's been through); so I tend to forget he's handicapped (especially when he doesn't wear his prosthetic).

I do know I have a lot to learn though before our next trip!

Thanks again!

Something I have found that helped with the "identity thing" was "person first language." For instance, I try to refer to myself and others as "a person with a disability" or "a person with autism." I find this works better than just being referred to as the "handicapped" or "the disabled." This is just one part of my identity, just like being female, blonde, short, etc is...

I've been called "hey, wheelchair!" before - and that was not very comfortable, so i tried insisting on "people first language" and that was great!

I also found going to things like the Abilities Expo, where people without disabilities were in the minority, helped me feel more comfortable with just being a person.

A lot of terms like "handicapped" are falling by the wayside - but the struggle for identity with a new disability is very difficult... it takes a while, but it gets easier!