parks if you can't walk much?

[snyderla]

My step father might come with us to WDW in October this year, but do to some cardio/pulmonary problems, he cant walk long distances or stand for a long time. He doesn't use a wheelchair, but does anyone have any suggestions on how we can make this trip with him, and keep him safe?? Anyone know hwere we can get a small folding stool or something for long lines? We would really like him to come with us, but just don't know how to make that happen.

Thank you,
Lori

 

[CarolMN]

Would he consider renting/using an ECV?

My advice is to post your question over on the disABILITIES Forum You will find lots of helpful people who can give you advice based on personal, first hand experience.

Good luck!

 

[Bete]

and there are a couple of avenues to go. If he can handle a motorized vehicle then rent a cart. It's $40 a day but you get a $10 deposit back; hence, $30/day. You can rent a wheelchair, too. Even though he's not in one normally it helps with the parks and it's cheaper to rent then the carts. Now, don't expect him to necessarily drive the wheelchair; you have to be willing to push it. If you intend on carrying the folding chair for him then this is ok. You will have to leave the folding chair behind for the rides, most of the time. Probably it would be best to leave it with strollers and such and pick it up after the ride. We bought folding chairs from Target but it may be a seasonal item.

If he has a handicap sticker or can get one before the trip, then you can go to guest services and get a special consideration for the whole day. You don't have to be wheelchair bound to get this privelege. It allows you to go in the quick lines for the rides. It gives you preferential seating for the shows, parades and fireworks. Your whole party will get this benefit. I would always be curtious though and give my spot up for someone more handicap then I for the shows, parades, and fireworks. Remember, this also gives you handicap parking at the parks. If you don't do this then....

A good strategy is to mix up your day with walking, riding, sitting and eating. Don't go with long stretches of walking without a break of somekind. Secure benches, etc. for the parades and fireworks. Now, you have to plan on sitting places to take more time because the whole world is doing the same thing. A mid-day break is good, too. Go to early entry (suprise mornings) if you are a resort guest and by late morn cut out for a while and return for late afternoon. That break really helps my significant other.

I'm sure others will share their thoughts, too. The important concept here is not to make your step-father feel like he's a drag regardless of what strategy you use.

In our case my companion wants the handicap parking, rests through the park, and a nap each day. We really don't do the rest. My companion wants to hold on the longest he can before becoming sedentary.

 

[Simba's Mom]

I've seen those folding stools for use in lines at both a few golf shops and also in a few birding shops. However, in both cases I went to several stores before I finally found them.

 

[simonmunro]

We ALWAYS use Walker Mobility, their number is 1-888-SCOOTER
They have an ECV at your hotel when you check in and you keep it with you the entire week. It makes for all around convience and the person in question has such peace of mind on the issues you mentioned! When you check out you leave it with hotel and Walker picks it up later that day.

 

[snuggles]

I'll move this over to our Disabilities Board. I'm sure you can get some great help there. Thanks for posting.

 

[grinningghost]

I have MS and can't do alot of walking either. When going to WDW, I take frequent breaks to sit down. There's almost always somewhere to plop down if you need to. If he won't use the carts, just make sure he paces himself and rests frequently. I'm truly looking forward to our upcoming trip. My DD is bringing a friend and they are old enough to go off on their own this time. That will make it a thousand times easier for poor old mom to sit whenever she feels the need. Dear old Dad will probably appreciate it too.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

To both give him the freedom he needs, as well as not restricting the speed of the group, I would suggest his renting an ECV from off-site. Pushing a wheelchair can get very tiresome, especially if you are not used to it. Also it depends on the weight of the passenger and the condition of the pusher(s). Some information for off-site rentals are:

Here are the URLS:

Care Medical:
http://www.caremedicalequipment.com/

Walker Mobility:
1-888-726-6837
www.walkermobility.com

RANDY'S Mobility is in Kissimmee 407-892-4777
http://randysmobility.com/

Colonial Medical
http://www.colonialmed.com/about_cms.html

I have used Walker many times. They will ask for a credit card and charge it the day before arrival. They will deliver the ECV to your hotel bell services before your arrival and pick it up there after your departure. Their rates, especially for longer than a week, are much better than Disney's. Also, their scooters are much better. Also, they have different sizes and can handle up to about 400 pounds.

Most major grocery stores now have ECVs available, he might want to try one while shopping to see what they are like. Just be aware that the ones in grocery stores tend to bve largefr and not as maneuverable as the rentals.

You don't say if you are renting a car or what. If you are using a car for getting around, the ECVs break down into five pieces, the heaviest about 39 pounds. They take about a minute or so to take apart and about two minutes (once you are used to it) to put it together.

Another suggestion is find out your state's requirements for a temporary disabled hang tag and get the paper work and have your doctor sign off on it. The tag will allow you to use any of the handicap parking areas (which will be a necessity). Also, with the policy of charging for valet parking, with a handicap hang tag the fees will be waived. Also the valets will usually volunteer to assist in loading/unloading an ECV. (I will normally tip the valets $5.00 if they assist in the breakdown and loading the trunk or unloading the trunck and putting the ECV back together instead of my normal $2.00 tip.) In Virginia I printed the required form from the DMV website. When I took the completed form to the DMV Office it took less than 15 minutes from the time I walked in until I had my tag.

 

[SueM in MN]

If he has a handicap sticker or can get one before the trip, then you can go to guest services and get a special consideration for the whole day. You don't have to be wheelchair bound to get this privelege. It allows you to go in the quick lines for the rides. It gives you preferential seating for the shows, parades and fireworks. Your whole party will get this benefit. I would always be curtious though and give my spot up for someone more handicap then I for the shows, parades, and fireworks. Remember, this also gives you handicap parking at the parks.

What this person is mentioning is called a Guest Assistance Card. It's not really a benefit for having a disability; it's more a quick way to let a CM know what type of special assistance might be needed. The GAC is given out for a party of up to 5 people, plus the person with a disability. If he has a wheelchair or ecv, he will not need a GAC, since he will be using the accessible entrances. You apply for one at Guest Services, but having a Handicapped parking sticker is not a requirement to get one or a guarantee that you will get one. Each person's needs are looked at individually. The GAC is not meant to (and usually will not) limit your wait in line, but it may allow you to wait somewhere more appropriate to your needs, for example, out of the sun for someone who has problems with sun exposure. It may also allow use of the wheelchair entrances where the regular entrance involves climbing stairs. Some of the lines have long, shallow ramps (which he would not avoid with a GAC, since you still have to go thru to the entrance).
The preferential seating that was mentioned is basically a place without stairs to climb and a place where wheelchairs can safely park. For the parades and fireworks, the handicapped seating areas usually fill up quickly and when it is busy, they will limit to the person with a disability and one member of their party. They don't always have benches or places to sit, since they are used primarily to give peole in wheelchairs a spot to park where someone will not be standing in front of them blockong their view. They are often in good viewing spots, but we have already ended up with DD's wheelchair parked right behind a tree for Illuminations. Sometimes the area for daytime parades will be in the sun, so that is something to watch for.
Since you say that he has trouble with both walking long distances and standing for long periods, I really don't think a GAC would help him a lot. Even if he didn't have to stand in lines, the distances involved in walking between things at WDW are huge. For example, the distance around WS in Epcot is one mile. I've seen estimates of how much the average person at WDW walks per day of between 3 and 7 miles. If he doesn't want to rent a wheelchair or ecv, other posters gave some very good advice. All the parks have benches where he can sit down and take things easy. He might feel better just planting himself on a bench for a while and watching people. My FIL says every year that he will rent an ecv, but so far he hasn't. He does though, go at his own speed and really enjoys people watching as much as going on any rides.

 

[snyderla]

Thank you all so much for your suggestions. We are going in October so the weather won't be so hot and before the Food and Wine Festival, so the lines won't be as long. He does have a handicap sticker, but we will most likely be using WDW transportation. Hoping to stay at a monorail resort so he can go back to the room quicker for naps. (At least on Magic Kingdom and EPCOT days).
We are driving though, in case we need a car for anything.

I have RA, so we will probably all take frequent sitting breaks.

Lori

 

[SueM in MN]

I just wanted to mention that DH and I were at WDW over New Years and saw aquite a few people carrying those little cane/stools. As long as it is something small like that, he would be able to bring it into line with him.
The lines for shows tend to not move for a long time, then they let in a "batch" of people and the line moves ahead quickly.
The lines for rides tend to keep moving forward at a slow, steady pace. Some of the lines are deceptive; it might look like a long wait when it really isn't or there might be a short wait, but because of how the line winds around, it's a fair distance to walk. You can ask the CM at the ride entrance about things like this.

 

[dcwesley]

I am accompanying my parents to WDW in late February. My sister and I will be pushing my mother in a wheel chair as she cannot work very far.

My fahter is in very good health for 78, but does tire and uses a cane ocassionally if he is going to be walking long distances or standing for long periods of time.

I would like to take a cane/stool for him. Any suggestions where these can be purchased?

Thanks!

Debbie

 

[SheDaisy0088]

I have a question about renting from a company off site. Do they place a hold amount on your credit card? Do they ask for a deposit? Just wondering because we are thinking about renting one for our upcoming trip this week and I need to call them tomorrow and reserve one.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

I use Walker. When I call them to make the reservation they tell me exactly what the amount will be based on the date/time of my arrival and departure. They will then charge my credit card for that amount the day prior to the trip, so if there has been any need to cancel as long as I give them at least a day's notice there is no charge. There are no "holds" placed on the card as it is an actual charge. I'm not sure how the other companies work.