Parkinsons

[doconeill]

Basically looking for some advice...

DFiL (and DMiL) will be joining us on our December trip. DFiL has been generally diagnosed with a form of Parkinsons that manifests itself by some mobility issues. He can walk, but he has troubles sometimes getting going, tends to shuffle his feet more than actively walk, and occasionally has issues with stairs. I'm not aware of him having endurance issues...mostly speed and on rare occasions where he can't get his brain to tell his legs to move. Memory is a bit of an issue.

Not having to have dealt with these issues before, any advice is appreciated.

We will have a car, although not all of us will likely fit. Probably those ready early will catch the bus (currently staying at SSR, hoping to get BCV or BWV though so he can be closer to Epcot) while I will drive him (he does have a handicap placard we will likely use).

He is unlikely to need (or want) to use an ECV or wheelchair (and I'm not sure I'd want him driving an ECV).

I'm thinking that we should get a GAC our first day. I can see that continuous loading attractions (like omnimover/peoplemover - which he loves) may present a problem as he'd possibly have issues loading fast enough. We are NOT concerned about wait times - he knows Disney (been many times in the past), but hasn't been since this has been an issue.

Are there things I should be aware of? Anything that I might need to consider? Should we reconsider a wheelchair, perhaps as an as-needed item?

 

[Cheshire Figment]

I would suggest considering a wheelchair. He could use it as a walker to assist in stability and then sit in it as needed. And probably better off renting one from off-site.

 

[KPeveler]

I agree - I think he might find endurance is an issue, especially if he is shuffling his feet.

The moving walkways CAN be slowed down at everything except Peter Pan and TTA. You would need to speak to the CM at each attraction and they will direct you to where you need to be. You can also ask about a GAC at Guest Services that will allow him to avoid stairs in queues.