My upcoming GF & BCV vacation, plus vacationing with my new disability

[Janet2k]

I have been putting off posting about my upcoming vacation for a myriad of reasons, but since it is finally approaching, I thought it was about time that I got it out of the way. Maybe posting about what I have been going through regarding the planning of this vacation will help someone else here on the Dis. This will be a long post, but hopefully you will glean some information from it. Planning a Walt Disney World vacation without a disability can be headache enough. Just imagine how daunting that task becomes when you are planning it to include someone who is disabled. Here is my story…

Several weeks ago, I sprained one leg and broke the other. Because of this, I am not allowed to walk (and believe me, what little hopping I am allowed to do is no picnic either). My upcoming Halloween Walt Disney World vacation had been planned since the end of last year and it was suddenly in jeopardy. Big-time jeopardy. What was a girl to do?

Since this is the Dis and I am amongst fellow Disney lovers, I thought you would get a kick out of the following. As I was lying in the ambulance on my way to the hospital, my first words to the paramedics were, “Do you think I’ve only sprained my legs, not broken them, and they’ll heal in time for my upcoming Walt Disney World vacation?” Followed by my first words to the Emergency Room physician, “Do you think I’ve only sprained my legs, not broken them, and they’ll heal in time for my Walt Disney World vacation?” Followed by my first words to my surgeon as I was coming out of the anesthesia after my surgery, “Will my broken bones heal in time for my upcoming Walt Disney World vacation?” Oh, yeah. To say that I was really looking forward to my upcoming Walt Disney World vacation would be the understatement of the year.

Days went by after my surgery, and at each of my follow-up appointments, I would ask my surgeon the same thing, “Can I go to Walt Disney World?” And each of her responses was the same, “I suggest that you cancel your vacation.” Since my vacation was still a few months in the future, I decided to let it ride (I’m a gambling woman) and didn’t dare touch my reservation. I am pleased to report that at my last doctor’s appointment, she finally gave me the okay to travel. That is, as long as I promised to remain in my wheelchair and off of my legs. Yahoo! I’m goin’ to Disney World; I’m goin’ to Disney Worrlllldddddd!

Before I received the “okay” from my doctor, I was e-mailing & PM’ing back and forth with a few of my fellow Dis’ers. I had told them about my predicament, and one of them decided to post my plight on the Dis’ disABILITIES board (click here for the disABILITIES board). Drats! I was outted! So I decided to suck it up and come out of the closet . Here is the link to my thread: click here. That board has such wonderful people posting on it. Words cannot possibly describe how lucky I felt to have had the experts of the disABILITIES board come to my aid. They soon put me at ease about traveling to Walt Disney World with my disability. I will forever be in their debt.

I should also mention that a few weeks after my surgery, I was in touch with Disney’s Special Needs Department. Every person I have spoken with in that department has been an absolute angel. They have sent me “Guidebooks for Guests with Disabilities” for each of the four major theme parks, they have arranged handicap-accessible rooms for me at the Grand Floridian and Beach Club Villas resorts, they have told me about the water wheelchair that the Grand Floridian Resort has at its zero-depth entry swimming pool, they have given me the names and telephone numbers for the companies in the Orlando area that rent Electric Convenience Vehicles (ECV), and they have even notified the Luau and the Hoop-Dee-Doo folks about my disability so that my Priority Seating dinner reservations will come off without a hitch. The Special Needs folks really made me feel at ease about traveling with my disability. I am grateful for everything they have done for me.

Once I had the “okay” to travel from my doctor, and once I was armed with all sorts of information from the disABILITIES board and the Special Needs Department, what do you think I did? Yep, I wavered on whether or not I should actually go through with my vacation after all. I couldn’t believe how wishy-washy I was. Was I a fool to consider traveling from Coast to Coast with the risk of DVT? How would I navigate the airplane aisle and lavatory? How would I be able to navigate through my Disney resort? How would I be able to navigate through Disney restaurants? How would I be able to travel on a Disney bus, boat, or monorail? Yikes! So many last-minute concerns rumbled through my head regarding the entire vacation. But I carefully went over the Pro’s and Con’s of each concern; and I used the knowledge that I had gained from my talks with my surgeon, my fellow Dis’ers, Disney’s Special Needs folks, and the powerful Internet (medical sites, etc.). After another week or two of mulling everything over, I came to my decision. It was Walt Disney World or bust.

Since this is the Resorts board, I should tell you what I have learned regarding the Disney resorts, in particular, the Grand Floridian and Beach Club Villas resorts.

The older resorts do not have as many handicap-accessible rooms in them as the newer resorts have (the resorts that were built after the laws were modified are the ones that are the most handicap-friendly). Since the Grand Floridian Resort is an older resort, there are only a few handicap-accessible rooms there. My reservation was for a concierge room in the main building (Royal Palm Club), and thanks to the Special Needs folks, I now have a handicap-accessible room reserved for me. My room will have a roll-in shower and a bench seat. It will be located on the 4th floor and it has a pool/garden view. (I will take lots of photos and post them here upon my return.) I should note that I was also told that if all the handicap rooms were already reserved for other guests, the resort would have placed a bench in my bathtub, along with a handheld shower. That would have been perfectly acceptable for me.

As for the Beach Club Villas, since that is Disney’s newest resort (completed in 2002), it has many handicap-accessible rooms. My room will have a roll-in shower and a bench seat. I don’t know yet what floor it will be on or what view it will have, but I will take photos of it and post them here upon my return. As for the swimming pool complex (a.k.a., Stormalong Bay), there is no zero-depth entry area and there is no water wheelchair. I was sad about that, but luckily there is a way that I can get myself into the pool without too much effort. There is some sort of “bump-down” railing/step setup. I’m sorry that I am not describing it properly, but from what I have learned from the disABILITIES board and Disney’s Special Needs Department, you sit your rear-end on the steps and “bump” your way down into the pool. I will take some photos of this setup and post them here upon my return from vacation. I should note that the pool at the Grand Floridian Resort also has this setup and I will get photos of it, too.

I hope you folks have learned a few things from my post. ) If someone in your party needs a handicap-accessible room at any of the Disney resorts, please request one. 2) If you are concerned with navigating the theme parks, please download the “Guidebooks for Guests with Disabilities” from the official Walt Disney World website (click here for official WDW website). 3) If you would like to communicate with other Disney lovers who are also disabled, please visit the Dis’ disABILITIES board – click here. 4) If you need help with planning your Walt Disney World resort vacation, stay right here on the Dis’ Resorts board – click here.

I have taken a lot Walt Disney World vacations, and I thought I knew just about everything that there was to know about Walt Disney World. That said, I am now discovering that there is another side of Walt Disney World that I never gave much thought to before. It should be a very enlightening vacation for me and my guests. I promise to post all about it upon my return, especially any information that I have learned about the Grand Floridian and Beach Club Villas resorts.

 

[CarolA]

Have a great trip.

I know people sometimes get upset at getting a handicapped accessible room at Disney, but cases like yours should remind us all that we could all need these great features at any time.

Hope you are up and moving soon without your "assistants!"

 

[Deb & Bill]

There is a wheelchair entry at SAB near the entry to the pool by Beaches and Cream. You can transfer from your chair to the raised stair and lower yourself down each step while seated. I'm sure that I remember this because this is the spot where I always enter the pool. It's close to the large raised hot tub area, not that far from the lazy creek area. It's very similar to the wheelchair entry spot at the Dunes Cove pool hot tub. You can do, I know you can.

 

[GladysK]

So swimming is ok? You won't be in a cast?The pool at AKL has that zero entry pool, very nice.

How about help pushing you around the parks...or will you rent a motorized wheelchair?

 

[CaliforniaDreaming]

Janet, I'm so glad to hear you've decided to go ahead with your vacation. You really need it.

 

[floridafam]

HAVE A WONDERFUL TRIP!

It's interesting you mention DVT. How do you handle preventing this if you can't get up on the plane and walk? May I ask what suggestions your doctor gave you?

I know you'll have a wonderful time.

We will be at YC Concierge 10/19 to 10/23 and VWL 10/23 to 10/27. We are going to have tea at the GF on Sat. October 25.

Can't wait to hear your trip report.

Glad to hear you are feeling better.

 

[Pamlur]

Oh, I can SO completely empathize! After planning our trip with grown children and grandchildren for over a year, my husband ended up in the hospital just over two weeks before we were scheduled to go (BCV for a week). His doctor looked at me very strangely when the very first words out of my mouth were "can he still GO?" (he had some complications caused by diabetes), and he said "I doubt it".

I immediately started researching ways to manage the trip; my first stop was the DisABILITIES board right here at the DIS. We rented an ECV and everything went great; he rode along in style while we trotted along beside him. In crowded situations (which there were very few of), a couple of us walked in front of him, just in case. He isn't the world's greatest ECV driver.

We didn't need the handicap access because he could park the cart and walk into the restaurants, etc., but the buses were wonderful with ramps, etc. He did take the cart up to the area to load some rides, especially the safari.

 

[wdwnut61]

Hi Janet

I first want to say how sorry I am to hear about your injuries. I also want to say how much I admire your spirit and agree with Cali that you really need this vacation.

I hope you and your family have a magical stay. I look forward to reading your trip report when you return and take lots of pictures. Please take care of yourself and heal quickly

(((((((((((((Hugs and get well wishes to you)))))))))))))))))))))))))

 

[SueM in MN]

Janet, thanks for saying such nice things about the disABILITIES Board.
Here's some more pixie dust for a great trip.
And here's a preview of the roll-in shower and roll under sink at BCV (thanks to someone who posted it on the DIS photo page). This is actually a studio (you can tell by the microwave reflection in the mirror), but the master bedroom shower in the one and 2 bedrooms would be similar.

 

[bridgettesmom]

This has helped me so much.To make a long story short,my niece just had emergency surgery on her hip 3 days ago and we are leaving for the world on 29 days.I will contact the special needs dept,it didn't even occur to me that Disney had one.Hope you have a speedy recovery and a wonderful trip.

Thank You

 

[swilphil]

Janet--Sorry about your injuries, but I enjoyed reading your eloquent post. It's great to hear how nice Disney is to work with on such matters. Have a great trip!

 

[crs7568]

Janet, as always your posts are so informative and descriptive. I hope that you have a great trip and look forward to hearing all about it when you return.

 

[erikthewise]

Janet,

I am sorry your injury is having such an affect on your vacation, but was very relieved to read it was not something permanent and irreversible as I initially feared.

You have been a pillar on these boards, always willing to help others even before asked, and you deserve all the help you ask for in this situation.

 

[Janet2k]

CarolA, CaliforniaDreaming, Wdwnut61, Swilphil, and Crs7568, thank you for your kind words and good wishes. I am still a little worried about my upcoming trip, I don’t think I would be human if I weren’t (I worry about all of my WDW trips). But I think that I am armed with enough information to help my trip be as ~magical~ as it can be, and that’s all that a girl can really hope for.

Deb & Bill, thank you for letting me know where the handicap entry is at Stormalong Bay. I’m not sure how I’m going to “bump” my rear-end down those steps without causing too much of a comical scene, but I’m going to give it my best shot. (Comedy, as they say, is not pretty.) I think I’ll “practice” at the less-busy Grand Floridian pool, so that by the time I make it over to Stormalong Bay, I’ll be a pro at “bumping down.“

GladysK, my doctor has promised me that I should have a removable cast by the time my vacation rolls around. She told me that I still will not be allowed to walk, but I can remove the cast when I want to float in the pool. When I finally get that type of cast, I will also be given a series of foot and leg exercises to perform in order to begin strengthening my muscles in preparation for walking. I currently am on my third hard (fiberglass) cast. I have at least one more hard cast in my future before I get the removable cast. As to a motorized wheelchair, I have not pre-rented an Electric Convenience Vehicle (ECV) yet. I’m just not sure how much time I will be spending in the theme parks. Before I broke my leg, I had already decided that I was going to do nothing but lounge around the pools at the GF and BCV. I have had very difficult years career-wise (the company I work for has had layoff after layoff for three years) and wanted to do nothing but veg-out by the pool. I had already informed my husband and daughter that they could do whatever they wanted during our vacation, but if they wanted to spend time with me, they had to do it at the pool because I planned on camping out there. Now that I have been immobile for a few months, with another month or two ahead of me, I might want to change my tune. I’ll probably wait to make the ECV decision until after I arrive in WDW.

Floridafam, for my plane ride to MCO (Orlando, FL), there will be two segments to it. The folks on the disABILITIES board (and my doctor) suggested that I have at least two segments to my trip since I am flying Coast-to-Coast. This will force me to get up and about by having to switch planes. When I booked my airline tickets, I also set it up so that I would have at least two hours between connecting flights. I did this for two reasons: (1) so that I can easily make my connecting flight (!!) and (2) so that I can perform a series of leg exercises in order to get the blood flowing again in my veins. I should also mention that my doctor will be giving me a set of foot & leg exercises to perform while I am seated on the plane, and she also wants me to stand at least once every hour and stretch. I am allowed to hop on my non-broken leg, but since that leg is sprained, I try not to hop on it unless absolutely necessary. Of course, getting myself to the lavatory on the plane will be a necessity, so I will be hopping down the asile at least once or twice (“Gotta go, gotta go, gotta go right now. Gotta go, gotta go, gotta go!”). By the way, I made sure that my airline seats were very close (extremely close) to the lavatory. I know my priorities!

Pamlur, I agree – the disABILITIES board is a Godsend. I’m so happy that everything worked out for your family’s trip.

SueM in MN, you folks on the disABILITIES board are truly angels. I don’t think I would be going through with my WDW vacation if it weren’t for you kind folks and all the knowledge that you passed along to me. I am truly grateful.

Bridgettesmom, yes, do contact Disney’s Special Needs folks. They were helpful beyond words. And please check out the Dis' disABILITIES board (click here). They have lots of tips to pass along to help make your trip flow smoothly.

Erikthewise, a “pillar,” eh? If I were such a pillar, then how come I sprained one of my pillars and broke the other? Doesn't the saying go, "The bigger they are, the harder they fall?" (hee hee) Seriously, thanks for the kind words. It’s nice to know that my friends here on the Dis can always make me laugh!

 

[BCV23]

Janet, I'm so sorry to hear of your injuries. Lots of Pixie Dust for a magical stay.

Our DD has cp and does WDW in a chair. It is a wonderful place to visit if you have to be wheelchair bound. I'm sure you'll have a great time.

I agree with Erik, you are a wonderful and positive support on these boards.

SueM is pretty amazing isn't she. So much good info.

 

[LvsTnk]

Janet, great post, and I am sending more*~*~*~* Pixie Dust*~*~*~* for an awesome trip!!

 

[IvyandLace]

Thanks so much for your post! I have been debating whether or not to post on a similar subject myself as I have been out on short-term disability for back and leg problems. After weeks of MRIs, meds, bed rest, and stronger meds (*drool*), I am now three weeks into a six week physical therapy routine. I go to the doctor's office for my next appointment on October 14th, and I'm not sure what will happen from there-depends how I do now, I guess. All I know...I'm going to WDW, October 30th-November 9th no matter what!! My mobility is better than a few weeks ago, but I get pain and weakness in my right leg very easily (a little vaccuming, an hour or so of being on my feet, etc.)-so obviously I was interested to see your information on ECVs and other disability-related subjects.

Thanks again...you will be in my prayers!!
IVY

 

[Janet2k]

Well, my vacation is finally at hand and I am so very excited about beginning it. I thought I’d give a quick update while I had the chance.

I finally got my long-awaited removable cast. Yahoo! I can’t wait to float in the pool at the GF. I have been visualizing that moment for quite some time now and can’t believe that it’s almost here. And I am itching to take the GF’s water wheelchair out for a spin. I had the concierge check to make sure that it would be available during my vacation, and he informed me that it is outside at the pool just waiting for someone to use it. I promise to post photos of it upon my return.

The first night of my vacation will be spent at PO-RS. I should arrive just in time for Bob Jackson’s second act. I can’t wait to see it. My daughter and I experienced Bob’s show last year during our Mother & Daughter Vacation. We had an absolute ball (and those rumors of me conga’ing through the River Roost Lounge are absolutely true). My husband is excited to see Bob’s show, too (he’s heard us mention it enough times throughout the past year).

After our PO-RS stay, we transfer over to my husband’s favorite resort, the Grand Floridian. The GF portion of our vacation will be ~magical.~ I have no doubts about that whatsoever. The staff at that resort has treated me with such kindness and respect, they truly have made me feel like Cinderella who is heading to the ball in her wheelchair (my current mode of transportation). I cannot wait to meet two Cast Members in particular who have helped me plan some of the most unique events found anywhere in the World. And when I meet them, if I thought I could get away with it, I’d give ‘em both big, bear hugs. Alas, a heartfelt handshake will have to do.

The second portion of my vacation will be spent at the Beach Club Villas. I just adore the DVC resorts and this one is no exception. I stayed there for the first time last year and loved it.

Joining me on this vacation at one point or the other will be the following cast of characters: my parents, one of my best friends from home, and a few Dis’ers (they know who they are). We have many fun and unique things planned. I’ll mention just a few things below.

On my first night at the GF, we are having a Private Dining Event on the Water Taxi Dock. If anyone is in the area, please feel free to pop your head in to say hello. Joining my family for dinner will be another Dis’er and her family. We’d just love to meet some other Dis’ers, so don’t be shy. We’ll be dining on the dock in time to catch the MK’s fireworks and the Electrical Water Pageant. I hear the weather is supposed to be gorgeous that night.

On Sunday morning, my family will be attending the new “My Disney Girl Princess Tea Party” that is being held at the GF. My daughter is thrilled about attending it (and my husband is thrilled that he’ll get to personally meet Princess Aurora). It should be a wonderful event and surely will easily top the American Girl Tea Party that my daughter and I attended a year or so ago.

On Sunday evening, I am joining the DoomBuggies.com gang for a special presentation by Jason Surrell, the author of a just-released book entitled, "The Haunted Mansion: From the Magic Kingdom to the Movies" (Disney Editions, October 2003), and Don Hahn, the producer of the upcoming “Haunted Mansion” movie that stars Eddie Murphy. It will be a once-in-a-lifetime event and I am so excited to be able to attend it. Besides hearing those two gentlemen speak, we’ll also get a sneak peek at some “Haunted Mansion” movie footage. What a thrill.

We’re also supposed to make it to MNSSHP that night, but I have a funny feeling that we’ll probably only make it to the last hour or so of the party. That’s okay because we will also be attending the party on Halloween night.

I’m going to stop boring you with the rest of my vacation plans, but there are a few special ones that I hope to be able to share with you folks upon my return. One of those events is beyond wonderful and I am so excited about it that I can barely contain myself. It will truly be a once-in-a-lifetime kind of event that will make this vacation hard to top. And I owe it all to the wonderful staff at the Grand Floridian Resort. I can’t say enough good things about that resort and its staff. I have a funny feeling that I may have a new favorite resort after this vacation.

Well, I’m packed and ready to go. My wheelchair is, too. This will be a most interesting vacation. I have never had to travel with a disability before, so as you can all expect, I am a little apprehensive. But thanks to everyone here on the Dis’ Resorts and disABILITIES boards, I am as prepared as anyone could be. I’m going to Disney World. ~Sigh~

 

[LAinSEA]

So sorry to hear about your accident. Here's to wishing you a very speed recovery...and what a place to recover - at Disney World.

Your trip sounds like so much fun and really not a hassle at all but an adventure.

Please have a magical time with your family.

-Laurie

 

[erikthewise]

Best wishes, Janet!
Be sure to post your report in a prominent place AND place a link to it in this thread. That way I won't miss it.