Overwhelmed, uncertain and considering cancelling.

[jippity]

Hi all,

I'm new here and have booked to be a first time WDW visitor next year.

I have multiple disabilities and while I cope ok at home I find I have to plan everything around my disability. we rely heavily on my car (driven by someone else) and short walks.

I am struggling with the uncertainty of WDW disability policies. I wish there was someone there I could talk to before going, to really gauge whether it will be possible to visit. I find the uncertain "just head to guest services when you get here to talk about your needs" very daunting.

if their answer to my issues is a wheelchair or ecv, im pretty screwed. my partner isn't tip top himself and couldnt push me in a wheelchair and my coordination is affected so a scooter would be unwise.

I had no idea that even with renting a car we'd still have to take the monorail or ferry and then a walk to the park. I think it would wipe me before I even got to the gates! the wait for a bus would likely do the same.

I have ataxia (balance & coordination problems), ME, diabetes, IBS, irritable bowel and carpal tunnel syndrome. I'm not in a wheelchair but use pacing to carry out my day to day stuff.

should I just give up on the idea and accept that WDW is inaccessible to me? I'd lose £150 deposit, but surely it's better than taking a 9 hour flight to be trapped in a hotel room and wishing I was home?

I'd love to hear peoples opinions and/or experiences.

thanks xxx

 

[bidnow5]

Unfortunately the answer to stamina issues will be scooter or wheelchair even if they had a pass that would let you go to the front of the line if you can't handle the walk to the park I don't think you would be able to handle the walk between the rides most people walk 6 to 10 miles a day at magic kingdom

 

[livndisney]

Hi all,

I'm new here and have booked to be a first time WDW visitor next year.

I have multiple disabilities and while I cope ok at home I find I have to plan everything around my disability. we rely heavily on my car (driven by someone else) and short walks.

I am struggling with the uncertainty of WDW disability policies. I wish there was someone there I could talk to before going, to really gauge whether it will be possible to visit. I find the uncertain "just head to guest services when you get here to talk about your needs" very daunting.

if their answer to my issues is a wheelchair or ecv, im pretty screwed. my partner isn't tip top himself and couldnt push me in a wheelchair and my coordination is affected so a scooter would be unwise.

I had no idea that even with renting a car we'd still have to take the monorail or ferry and then a walk to the park. I think it would wipe me before I even got to the gates! the wait for a bus would likely do the same.

I have ataxia (balance & coordination problems), ME, diabetes, IBS, irritable bowel and carpal tunnel syndrome. I'm not in a wheelchair but use pacing to carry out my day to day stuff.

should I just give up on the idea and accept that WDW is inaccessible to me? I'd lose £150 deposit, but surely it's better than taking a 9 hour flight to be trapped in a hotel room and wishing I was home?

I'd love to hear peoples opinions and/or experiences.

thanks xxx

If you feel a wheelchair and ECV are out-you need to plan to walk. I can tell you (from experience) that the parking lot of Epcot to Spaceship Earth (the first ride you see) is a HAUL. After that you need to walk up an incline to get to the tip board, before heading to to other rides/shows or World Showcase. "Short walks" is not really an option. There may be benches in a few places where you can rest a bit. But you should plan to walk 10+ miles a day.

From the TTC to the Gate at MK is a hike. You need to walk down a small hill and up the other side, across the TTC to either the boat or up a steep ramp for the monorail. Then down the ramp, thru the line for bag check and to the gates. Then a long walk up Mainstreet-easily a mile before you see a ride.

There is A LOT of walking. I have gone with a family member who tried the "pacing" thing without a wheelchair/ECV. I wish I could say it was a success.
Have you considered a rollator? That may help with balance and also give you a place to sit when you need it.


You mentioned WDW disability policies-what is it you would like them to do for you?

 

[cobright]

You might be alright if you can find a rental source for a companion-controlled electric vehicle, like this one: http://www.americanwheelchairs.com/specccelecwc.shtml

Then your companion can support your limited coordination without taxing his weakened strength.

 

[jippity]

hi Glen, thanks for the reply. I can't seem to find an answer on the length of walk to the park, whether there will be a wait on the monorail, whether there are places to rest en route etc.

the rides dont bother me, even if I didn't get to do a single ride there I'd still enjoy the atmosphere, character meals, parades etc. but obviously not if I had exhausted myself too much to enjoy it even being there.

I've visited disneyland paris several times and stay in the hotel right by the gate and then they have a train which goes around the park and stops at each land which makes things easier. I've not heard of anything like this at WDW?

 

[jippity]

If you feel a wheelchair and ECV are out-you need to plan to walk. I can tell you (from experience) that the parking lot of Epcot to Spaceship Earth (the first ride you see) is a HAUL. After that you need to walk up an incline to get to the tip board, before heading to to other rides/shows or World Showcase. "Short walks" is not really an option. There may be benches in a few places where you can rest a bit. But you should plan to walk 10+ miles a day.

From the TTC to the Gate at MK is a hike. You need to walk down a small hill and up the other side, across the TTC to either the boat or up a steep ramp for the monorail. Then down the ramp, thru the line for bag check and to the gates. Then a long walk up Mainstreet-easily a mile before you see a ride.

There is A LOT of walking. I have gone with a family member who tried the "pacing" thing without a wheelchair/ECV. I wish I could say it was a success.
Have you considered a rollator? That may help with balance and also give you a place to sit when you need it.


You mentioned WDW disability policies-what is it you would like them to do for you?

thanks, youve pretty much answered all my questions. I think all I would like is to have had someone to talk to at WDW before I got there. I've never heard of a rollator so will google that. otherwise it's looking rather impossible.

 

[livndisney]

hi, thanks for the reply. I can't seem to find an answer on the length of walk to the park, whether there will be a wait on the monorail, whether there are places to rest en route etc.

the rides dont bother me, even if I didn't get to do a single ride there I'd still enjoy the atmosphere, character meals, parades etc. but obviously not if I had exhausted myself too much to enjoy it even being there.

I've visited disneyland paris several times and stay in the hotel right by the gate and then they have a train which goes around the park and stops at each land which makes things easier. I've not heard of anything like this at WDW?

WDW does not offer front door service. If you stay on Disney Property you can take a bus/boat/monorail depending on resort/park but there can still be quite a walk.

No, WDW cannot tell if you if there will be a wait for the Monorail on the day you want to use it. If you go at opening, there could be a wait, at park close, there will be a wait. Middle of the day-there could be a wait. If a train goes down, there will be a wait.

As far as distance-from the value bus stops at Epcot to Spaceship Earth-about 1/2 mile. There may be benches part of the way.

 

[livndisney]

thanks, youve pretty much answered all my questions. I think all I would like is to have had someone to talk to at WDW before I got there. I've never heard of a rollator so will google that. otherwise it's looking rather impossible.

Before you give up-consider the Rollator-it may help.

Consider what you want to do at the parks. If you plan to spend most of your time at MK-book a monorail resort. They will get you the closest to the entrance. Combine that with a rollator and your trip maybe doable.

If you plan to spend the most time at EPCOT/Studios-book an EPCOT resort. Again the boat will get you the closest to the entrance.

Rollators:

http://www.specialtymedicalsupply.com/medical-equipment/rollators/?gclid=COTD1evzm7gCFRRk7Aod9VwACA

 

[JJZMgailey]

There is a BIG section over on the Disney Parks Moms Panel where people have written in and asked all sorts of questions about traveling to WDW with many different disabilities. You should check it out and send in any questions you have if you don't see that someone has asked a similar question!

http://disneyworldforum.disney.go.com/questions.aspx?pid=80&cid=83

There are benches everywhere throughout the parks and you'll find plenty of places to just stop and take a break when you need to. If you go in just knowing that you'll do whatever you can and not push yourself, you should be able to just soak in the magic! There is a lot of walking, but you choose how much you're going to do.

You mentioned having your car with you. I find that parking in the handicap parking sections can have a lot of walking to the front gates, but if you park in the regular parking where you can catch the tram, you will end up being dropped off right at the front entrance of the 4 major parks. Those parking aisles can be long and sometimes you'll hit the timing just right to park right at the beginning of it close to the tram. I hope that helps!

 

[livndisney]

Hope this link works this is a overhead shot of Epcot to give you some idea of distance.

http://www.mapquest.com/?q2=4243690+type:mqid

On the right you can click "Satellite" for a better picture.

 

[jippity]

Before you give up-consider the Rollator-it may help.

Consider what you want to do at the parks. If you plan to spend most of your time at MK-book a monorail resort. They will get you the closest to the entrance. Combine that with a rollator and your trip maybe doable.

If you plan to spend the most time at EPCOT/Studios-book an EPCOT resort. Again the boat will get you /?gclid=COTD1evzm7gCFRRk7Aod9VwACA[/url]

thanks, I googled a rollator. I have seen them before but didn't know the name. Whenever I've seen one the person has been stooped over using it. not sure if that's them or the rollator? there is a local mobility shop so i'll go and check it out in person, maybe rent one at home for a couple of days to see how my back and carpal tunnel take to it.

even if I do decide not to go I am very grateful for the responses, they'll have saved me a ton of money and a wasted trip

 

[jippity]

There is a BIG section over on the Disney Parks Moms Panel where people have written in and asked all sorts of questions about traveling to WDW with many different disabilities. You should check it out and send in any questions you have if you don't see

There are benches everywhere throughout the parks and you'll find plenty of places to just stop and take a break when you need to. If you go in just knowing that you'll do whatever you can and not push yourself, you should be able to just soak in the magic! There is a lot of walking, but you choose how much you're going to do.

You mentioned having your car with you. I find that parking in the handicap parking sections can have a lot of walking to the front gates, but if you park in the regular parking where you can catch the tram, you will end up being dropped off right at the front entrance of the 4 major parks. Those parking aisles can be long and sometimes you'll hit the timing just right to park right at the beginning of it close to the tram. I hope that helps!

thanks, I hadn't heard of a tram. we've booked a low crowd season and it's good to hear that there's plenty of seating once you get in.

 

[bedogged]

There is a BIG section over on the Disney Parks Moms Panel where people have written in and asked all sorts of questions about traveling to WDW with many different disabilities. You should check it out and send in any questions you have if you don't see that someone has asked a similar question!

http://disneyworldforum.disney.go.com/questions.aspx?pid=80&cid=83

There are benches everywhere throughout the parks and you'll find plenty of places to just stop and take a break when you need to. If you go in just knowing that you'll do whatever you can and not push yourself, you should be able to just soak in the magic! There is a lot of walking, but you choose how much you're going to do.

You mentioned having your car with you. I find that parking in the handicap parking sections can have a lot of walking to the front gates, but if you park in the regular parking where you can catch the tram, you will end up being dropped off right at the front entrance of the 4 major parks. Those parking aisles can be long and sometimes you'll hit the timing just right to park right at the beginning of it close to the tram. I hope that helps!

I just checked out the Moms Panel with your link and found this advice, "Before you head to WDW, simply have a doctor write a note explaining what your family member needs. Take that note to Guest Relations at any park, and you will receive a Guest Assistance Card (GAC), good for that family member plus up to 5 additional Guests." If they are advising people to get a note from their doctor, I am not sure that I would trust their advice! There is much better and more accurate advice here on the disABILITIES board.

 

[jippity]

You might be alright if you can find a rental source for a companion-controlled electric vehicle,

Then your companion can support your limited coordination without taxing his weakened strength.

thanks, it's a grear suggestion and another thing to try out.

 

[Piper]

I just checked out the Moms Panel with your link and found this advice, "Before you head to WDW, simply have a doctor write a note explaining what your family member needs. Take that note to Guest Relations at any park, and you will receive a Guest Assistance Card (GAC), good for that family member plus up to 5 additional Guests." If they are advising people to get a note from their doctor, I am not sure that I would trust their advice! There is much better and more accurate advice here on the disABILITIES board.

Exactly! They don't know what they are talking about. Guest Services will not even look at a note. Also, there is no way to shorten the space between attractions AND a GAC is NOT a front of the line pass (contrary to popular belief!) There is usually no place to sit and wait in line (especially in pre-shows) and even the number of benches in the park is getting smaller. You cannot find nearly as many as you used to find. Read the FAQs at the top of this board for accurate information.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

The "Mom's Panel" is a source for misinformation about WDW. I have been working in WDW ticketing and Guest Services for almost eight years and I see all sorts of wrong information from that group.

At least on DisBoards if someone posts misinformation there will be about a dozen people jumping in to make corrections.

 

[jippity]

Exactly! They don't know what they are talking about. Guest Services will not even look at a note. Also, there is no way to shorten the space between attractions AND a GAC is NOT a front of the line pass (contrary to popular belief!) There is usually no place to sit and wait in line (especially in pre-shows) and even the number of benches in the park is getting smaller. You cannot find nearly as many as you used to find. Read the FAQs at the top of this board for accurate information.

ok.. thanks for the reply. I didn't expect to jump queues, as I said earlier, rides dont bother me (the movement of rides often gives me motion sickness anyway), I was just asking for personal expriences on resting places and the journey from carpark to MK.

 

[letsgoreds]

thanks, I googled a rollator. I have seen them before but didn't know the name. Whenever I've seen one the person has been stooped over using it. not sure if that's them or the rollator? there is a local mobility shop so i'll go and check it out in person, maybe rent one at home for a couple of days to see how my back and carpal tunnel take to it.

even if I do decide not to go I am very grateful for the responses, they'll have saved me a ton of money and a wasted trip

People shouldn't be hunched over these...they are more for steadying people than supporting them. The link was a good one...pushing one of those looks like a great idea, kind of like bringing your own personal portable bench with you. You can take a break whenever you like!

Where there is a will, there is a way! You will get the best advice on this board...noone at WDW will be as informative. Understand it is a big, spread out place. Once you are in the park, the GAC kicks in. The CM won't look at any sort of Dr's note, so it really isn't necessary or even usefull. Just go to guest services, explain to them your disabilities, what you can/cannot handle, and they will provide the appropriate pass.

 

[bidnow5]

I have to add there are some benches to rest but for some reason there are less and less it can be a good hike from one to another sometimes. Don't count on lots of benches

 

[jippity]

we're now toying with the idea of hiring a standard wheelchair to carry the bags, for me to lean on and an instant seat when I need it.