Mom can't stnad prolonged time, how to que up with her?

[Cin]

Hi, Mom has mobility issues due to a back surgery last year and can't stand for prolonged periods. Walking is ok, but again not for long periods. When we go to que up for an attraction is there a place Mom can sit until it is our turn to board? Does she need a special pass for that? She walks very slowly and has a cane for balance, so it should fairly obvious to an outsider that she has mobility issues, but not blatantly so. Her plan is for me to "run ahead and get tickets" since she walks so slowly. It's a good thing for fast passes.

 

[livndisney]

Hi, Mom has mobility issues due to a back surgery last year and can't stand for prolonged periods. Walking is ok, but again not for long periods. When we go to que up for an attraction is there a place Mom can sit until it is our turn to board? Does she need a special pass for that? She walks very slowly and has a cane for balance, so it should fairly obvious to an outsider that she has mobility issues, but not blatantly so. Her plan is for me to "run ahead and get tickets" since she walks so slowly. It's a good thing for fast passes.

Disney's answer to mobility problems is to rent a wheelchair/ecv to provide a place to sit until your turn. The way the lines are it is not possible to join someone in line (and often meets with resistance from those in line).

You can also consider a rollator for your mom. It will not help with walking, but will provide a seat when she needs one.

Having travelled with the "slow walker", I would strongly suggest a wheelchair/ecv. Once my dad had the idea to rent an ecv, he was able to enjoy more of the park.

 

[Singledad]

I'd suggest an ECV or a wheelchair. She then always has a chair when needed. This is the suggestion disney would give you as well. I'd check out the FAQ at the top of the forum as well. it has great info on everything from renting a chair, to what a GAC (Guest Assistance Card) is and what it can and can't do for you.

If she is resistant to getting a wheelchair or ECV think not just about the amount of time walking, but how FAR you walk. It is crazy how many miles we put on our feet at Disney! and if she has a wheelchair there is nothing stopping her from walking with it if she wants to do so, or even parking it somewhere to walk without it for a while.

 

[aubriee]

I agree with the others. WDW's response to mobility issues is to rent an ECV or wheelchair. My mom has really bad arthritis and needs both knees replaced (both are bone against bone) and also has balance issues. She does not use anything at home, but has to have an ECV for WDW. Due to the way most rides are built, there is no way to wait somewhere else then catch up with the rest if your party. Besides which even if she could, she'd be getting some dirty looks and comments as she tried to squeeze past all those people in the queue trying to get to the front of the line to meet you.

Besides waiting in lines, think about how much walking you do between rides. Most people average about nine miles a day at WDW. I know there is no way my mom could possibly walk that much. An ECV makes it possible for her to enjoy her trips and keep up with the rest of us. We may be exhausted at night, but she still feels good. If she is concerned about parking an ECV on the buses, someone else in your party can do it for her. Also the ECV would guarantee her a seat on the buses.

 

[Cin]

Thanks for the answers. It sounds like then we won't be doing anything with a longer than 20 min wait time as that is about her limit. I hope everything she wants to do has a fastpass. I already inquired about her and an ECV, she is in denial, I am thinking though that by day 2 she will be reconsidering the ECV rental. She has never needed an ECV before and it might be a bit of an ego thing too in having to use one. We're dining at California Grill so she can view Wishes without having to stand a long time. She is really excited about that. Me too, since I have never been either. We chose a Jan visit so we could have the lowest crowd levels and hopefully shortest lines for her to make it easier on Mom. This will probably be her last trip to WDW and our only trip to WDW together. Anyway, again thanks for the help.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

First of all, pick a place about a mile from where your mother lives and ask her how difficult it would be to walk there. After a short pause, add "and back". Then after she answers, say "four times in a row".

Then she will give you a look as only a mother can do to a child which implies "Are you out of your mind". Explain to her that most people tend to walk 8-12 miles per day at WDW. Once around the Epcot World Showcase Lagoon Promenade, is about 1½ miles. And that is without actually entering any of the pavilion areas.

 

[LilyWDW]

Thanks for the answers. It sounds like then we won't be doing anything with a longer than 20 min wait time as that is about her limit. I hope everything she wants to do has a fastpass. I already inquired about her and an ECV, she is in denial, I am thinking though that by day 2 she will be reconsidering the ECV rental. She has never needed an ECV before and it might be a bit of an ego thing too in having to use one. We're dining at California Grill so she can view Wishes without having to stand a long time. She is really excited about that. Me too, since I have never been either. We chose a Jan visit so we could have the lowest crowd levels and hopefully shortest lines for her to make it easier on Mom. This will probably be her last trip to WDW and our only trip to WDW together. Anyway, again thanks for the help.

Ask her if she can walk 8,9, or 10+ miles over the day AND stand for 20 minute periods of time (since you say that is her limit). Most likely, the answer will be that she looks at you all crazy like and says no. Then tell her that THAT is what a day at Disney can be like. Even with taking breaks to rest it is a LOT of walking and standing on often uneven and hard pavement.

Another thing to think about is if you are planning on ropedrop. You say she needs a cane for balance and walks very slowly. If you are at the front of the rope, that could become a somewhat dangerous situation if she is really unsteady on her feet. Same thing at the end of the night leaving the fireworks. Not that anyone would do anything on purpose, but I would worry about the crowds for her if she is trying to walk (I would worry the same for my grandmother in that situation). A wheelchair or ECV would be much safer.

 

[kamik86]

My mom had similar issues last trip due to a bad knee. So she got a wheelchair. Honestly it worked out great. She used to walk slow before her knee started hurting too (not her fault she is only 5 ft tall and has really short legs - even as a kid when I was the same height as her my legs were a good 3 inches longer) so it was nice to be able to move at a faster pace. She got out and walked when she wanted to stretch her legs. Since your mom can get out it won't stop her from being able to do rides or even make her wait longer for the special ride vehicles or anything.

 

[kamik86]

Thanks for the answers. It sounds like then we won't be doing anything with a longer than 20 min wait time as that is about her limit. I hope everything she wants to do has a fastpass. I already inquired about her and an ECV, she is in denial, I am thinking though that by day 2 she will be reconsidering the ECV rental. She has never needed an ECV before and it might be a bit of an ego thing too in having to use one. We're dining at California Grill so she can view Wishes without having to stand a long time. She is really excited about that. Me too, since I have never been either. We chose a Jan visit so we could have the lowest crowd levels and hopefully shortest lines for her to make it easier on Mom. This will probably be her last trip to WDW and our only trip to WDW together. Anyway, again thanks for the help.

One other thing, a wheel chair may be easier espeically if you have a few others that can help push. When we took my mom there were 9 of us going total so no one had to push too much. There is no way we could do an ECV, mom has never driven one and in the crowds at Disney she would be one of the crazy people knocking down little kids (she wouldn't have been rude about it and would feel bad but she wouldn't have had any control of where she was going).

 

[bidnow5]

The best thing I ever did to make my family's vacation better was to rent an ECV.
I slowed everyone down and was in so much pain by the end of the day the evenings were no fun either. The first time I rented a scooter it was better for everyone I had much more fun and could go out at night to do other things

 

[SueM in MN]

Besides the distances mentioned by other posters, there are a number of attractions where all guests without mobility devices need to stand for a period of time, either waiting for the next show or during a pre show, or both.

You will find a list in post 22 on page 2 of the disABILITIES FAQs thread.

 

[mb187143]

I don't know if this was mentioned, but last time i was in WDW (Feb '11) I also saw some people using what looked like a cane, but it had a small seat, and in long lines they were able to unfold it and give themselves a small rest. I don't know if that could work for you. I know you mentioned an ECV may be an issue, my grandmother is the same way. It's just a suggestion, but since I saw people with them, I figured I'd throw it out there. Either way, I hope you have a wonderful trip!

 

[Singledad]

a rollator walker can provide a seat in lines and help with balance. just another suggestion. but I really double up what Cheshire Figment said to do. honestly, a wheelchair or ECV would make everyone's trip easier.

 

[clanmcculloch]

Another thing to think about is if you are planning on ropedrop. You say she needs a cane for balance and walks very slowly. If you are at the front of the rope, that could become a somewhat dangerous situation if she is really unsteady on her feet. Same thing at the end of the night leaving the fireworks. Not that anyone would do anything on purpose, but I would worry about the crowds for her if she is trying to walk (I would worry the same for my grandmother in that situation). A wheelchair or ECV would be much safer.

Actually, I think some people do shove on purpose in order to get ahead of others. We purposely stay to the back/side at RD so we won't be in the mob because DD13 has some serious touch issues. People who are running late have literally shoved us despite the fact that there isn't even a mob around us and there was clear room for them to get by and she was clearly clinging to me because of the sheer number of people around. People become mean and will physically push and shove and step on you to get to the headliners at RD. If you have balance issues and want to try to attempt the headliners, have somebody run with the pack to get Fast Passes and have the person with the mobility issue stay outside the turnstiles for about 10 minutes and meet at a pre-designated meeting area. IMO it really is dangerous to be near the mob at RD if you have trouble standing up unassisted and won't use a wheelchair or ECV.

 

[Mama Who]

One other thing, a wheel chair may be easier espeically if you have a few others that can help push. When we took my mom there were 9 of us going total so no one had to push too much. There is no way we could do an ECV, mom has never driven one and in the crowds at Disney she would be one of the crazy people knocking down little kids (she wouldn't have been rude about it and would feel bad but she wouldn't have had any control of where she was going).

Good point. I found myself using an ECV at Wal-Mart at the end of a really bad pregnancy and while I managed to avoid hitting anybody, I did bump into a couple things and if it had been crowded with children hyped up on sugar and Mickey... yeah, I'd have been a hazard. They're not super easy to use without practice.

 

[Cindy6457]

I really appreciated this post. Like a lot of you, I feel guilty about using an ECV. Last year I lasted 1 miserable day at the parks. Day 2 my DH rented a wheel chair and we had a wonderful vacation. This year we are taking our 7 year old grandson and are renting a ECV from Walker Mobility and I am nervous of the way people will look at me when I climb on the bus or get out of my chair and wait in line. My knee injury is not noticable unless it is over used and then it swells. I don't want to put anyone out of sorts but it has been years since my family has been able to see a parade or fireworks because I can't make it through a whole day. I am determined to not let people bug me and plus, my husband says he's looking forward to driving my buggy on and off the bus (he loves to parallel park).

Nov. 2011 Pop Century
Aug. 2010 PO French Q
July 2009 PO French Q
June 2008 Carribean Resort
April 2007 Carribean Resort
March 2006 Disney Institute Treehouse
April 2005 Dixie Landings
April 2004 Dixie Landings

 

[Cheshire Figment]

Please ask yourself the following questions. Here are the suggested answers to go with them.

1. Are you disabled (even temporarily)? Yes.

2. Do the people you are traveling with, such as your family, know you are disabled? Yes.

3. Do you expect to meet anyone you know during this trip who may not know you are disabled. Probably No!

4. Do you expect to meet a bunch of people who you will probably never meet again in your life? Probably yes!

5. Is there any reason at all that you should care what these people think about you? Absolutely No!!

6. Will using a wheelchair or ECV make for a better vacation for you and your family? Absolutely YES!

 

[disneymarie]

Thanks for the answers. It sounds like then we won't be doing anything with a longer than 20 min wait time as that is about her limit. I hope everything she wants to do has a fastpass. I already inquired about her and an ECV, she is in denial, I am thinking though that by day 2 she will be reconsidering the ECV rental. She has never needed an ECV before and it might be a bit of an ego thing too in having to use one. We're dining at California Grill so she can view Wishes without having to stand a long time. She is really excited about that. Me too, since I have never been either. We chose a Jan visit so we could have the lowest crowd levels and hopefully shortest lines for her to make it easier on Mom. This will probably be her last trip to WDW and our only trip to WDW together. Anyway, again thanks for the help.

Mom should never be in denial about the mobility to use a ECV. She should think about how she can keep up with everyone all day, not be totaled out for the next day, and be able to wheel around with little cooler of water, and jackets.
It is a much better day to keep up then to slow everyone down to our speed.
Take her to Walmart or Sams to try the scooters out and get use to one.

 

[LisaBi]

Absolutely get the wheelchair or ECV. I use a WC in the parks for my son. Then I feel guilty when people see him up and running around. What they don't know is that he can walk, run, and jump like most everyone else, but does not have the stamina for the distances. And I learned the hard way last year that his feet are built a little strange, causing more rubbing and pressure than most of us. We went to a small park here at home and I didn't get him a chair. I figured it was short distances between everything, and there were virtually no lines (so no prolonged standing) so he could manage it. The next day he couldn't walk at all. His feet were covered in blisters.