Please help me formulate a strategy

[mickeyphile]

My DH, three kids, and I are scheduled to go to WDW and on DCL in one month. Unfortunately my DH has recently hurt his back. He has trouble walking and has been using a cane. He is also in a lot of pain when he has to do a lot of walking (which is still not very much in comparison to the am out you have to walk in the park). I am hoping he will be better but want to think ahead and have some ideas so that he can enjoy himself with us. I am worried that he will just stay in the hotel and tell us to go ahead without him. I am also worried that he will be resistant to the idea of renting a wheelchair. Any and all ideas are appreciated. TIA

 

[Cheshire Figment]

Hi and to disABILITIES!

If you click on where it says "disABILTIES" at the top of this page it will take you to the Index. One of the top items is the "disABILTIES FAQ" which will gives lots of useful information, including Post #2 which discusses mobiulity and stamina and where people rent ECVs.

He would probably be better off using an ECV rather than an wheelchair. And if he uses it he can be the one to go ahead to get fastpasses and carry everything.

And, Please ask the following questions. Here are the suggested answers to go with them.

1. Are you disabled (even temporarily)? Yes.

2. Do the people you are traveling with, such as your family, know you are disabled? Yes.

3. Do you expect to meet anyone you know during this trip who may not know you are disabled. Probably No!

4. Do you expect to meet a bunch of people who you will probably never meet again in your life? Probably yes!

5. Is there any reason at all that you should care what these people think about you? Absolutely No!!

6. Will using a wheelchair or ECV make for a better vacation for you and your family? Absolutely YES!

Or, if you want an easier route to the FAQs, click on the link in my signature.

 

[Bete]

You can rent one from the Disney parks or an outside company. Renting from Disney is more expensive and most people go to an offsite company like Apple Scooters (one of the reasonably priced ones) to get one.

Renting from Disney can be tricky; it's first come first serve plus you don't have it for the transportation side; since, you get it at the park. The outside rental company usually will have an ECV waiting at bell services for luggage at your on site Disney resort. If you are offsite with your resort then you will need to talk to the rental company you'll be renting from as to how it will work for pick up and drop off.

There's way too much walking and standing at Disney. The ECV will allow him to enjoy Disney, too. You can use them through ride queues and everything basically. You will have to transfer to many rides; because, the ECV does not go on the ride, but the walks are not too bad. You can utilize handicap areas for parades with an ECV.

This will be a great opportunity to try one out. You may end up renting one at home if it will help him until he gets better. There are portable travel ECVs that fit in a car.

Another consideration is maybe using more pain relief medicine; check with his doctor and see if something can be described for the trip. Explain the walking, standing, etc. There are some who walk 10 or more miles per day at the parks.

Don't overdo it with hubby. You may have to consider shorter days or perhaps an afternoon nap and then go back for the evening to the parks.