MVMCP Free Strollers = Free Wheelchairs?

[degrapevine]

Hi, all!

Just doing some last minute planning for our annual MVMCP trip. We leave Thursday November 30 for the party that night and will be staying at the Fort Wilderness Cabins through Saturday December 2.

My parents are coming along this year (which we are thrilled about) and my mom has MS. She has good and bad days and never knows until she wakes up in the morning how she's going to feel. She doesn't have a wheelchair, but we can borrow one from our church if necessary, although that would mean a lot less room for luggage in the van!

I was wondering ... maybe MK offers free wheelchair rentals (The regular type, not the electric scooters - My mom would be scary on one of those!), since they already offer free stroller rentals during the parties? Has anyone ever asked about this to see if they would waive the rental fee? It would make things a lot easier.

My mom can walk short distances in small amounts when she's not feeling well. She'll be fine from the car to the tram and the tram to the entrance, but will definitely not be able to walk around the parks.

Just wondering if maybe I'm not the first to ask this question and another DIS'er will have the answer. Thanks in advance!

Rose

 

[tjmw2727]

I don't know about free wheelchairs - that's a great question and I hope you get an answer. If not here try posting on the disAbilities forum.

I do know that my SIL with MS gets a GAC card. She dosen't need a wheelchair but she does need to wait out of the sun. One of her affects is that she can't control her body temp and if she overheats she is pretty much done for a day or two. With the GAC she can take her 4yo son and 2yo daughter to Disney, without it she couldn't.

Go to Guest Relations and let them know of any accomodations in addition to the wheelchair she may need to make your mom's trip more managable for her. She does need to be with you and explain her needs, they are IMHO very discreet.

There is also a post with the information on GAC's on the disAbilities forum.

TJ

 

[degrapevine]

Thanks, TJ!

This is our first trip with my parents and I want to make sure that my Mom is both comfortable and doesn't feel like a burden (I don't at all that she is, but she sometimes does).

I will ask at Guest Services about the GAC card. She has always been so energetic and upbeat but on the days when she wakes up and her legs just don't seem to work right, she can get very down. I'm hoping this trip will be a bright spot for what has been a difficult year for her.

Great idea about posting on the other forum. I will do just that.

Rose

 

[OhhBother]

My husband was diagnosed with MS two years ago, so I know exactly what you mean about good days and not-so-good days.

We're going to Disney in 14 days, and I'm hopeful he'll handle all the walking with no problem. If he needs assistance, we'll definitely ask for it. (I suspect he'll do better than me with the walking -- my only excuse is I'm out of shape!)

Best wishes to your mom. I never knew what MS was until DH was diagnosed. Thankfully, he's had no new lesions since his first MRI. He has weekly Avonex injections and is doing well.

Hopefully, some major pixie dust will one day lead to a cure!