Question for co-worker

[mplsmom1]

I have a co-worker who is planning to bring her DGrandS to WDW this Oct. This person has rheumatoid arthritis and also suffers from fibromyalga (sp). Walking is difficult for her. Any tips on how she might enjoy the magic?

 

[Cheshire Figment]

She is probably best off renting an ECV from an off-site company. Some information for off-site rentals are:

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

Care Medical:
http://www.caremedicalequipment.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 a few 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.

If she is staying at a Disney resort there should be no problem at all for transportation. The monorails, boats other than the small yachts, and almost all the buses can handle them. This will not get her to the head of lines, but she will be comfortable and will not tire out.

If she has never used an ECV, have her go to a large grocery store. They will generally have ECVs available for their customers. Just tell her that the store ECVs are MUCH harder to use than the rentals. (The rentals are generally three wheel and much more maneuverable.)

Even at the smallest-room Disney resorts there is sufficient space to plug in the charger and park the ECV, hooked up to the charger, overnight.

 

[Sanacrow]

I also have fibro as well as osteo.

What has made the biggest difference for me is *pacing*. Get as much information as you can ahead of time - guide books, web sites, etc - and pick a handfull of things that are really important for you to see in each park. Plan your days to include those handful of things, and whatever else fits in with your strength for that day. And don't worry about the rest. Take it easy, and enjoy what you *do* do.

Even in the best of physical shape there's no way anyone can see everything in one trip... so don't worry about trying to fit so much in that you end your trip in pain.

Also, get a GAC so that you can wait in cues out of the sun. I've found that roasting (even if it's not really all that hot out) followed by air conditioning can trigger a lot of fibro symptoms.

Don't be afraid to ask for help from the CMs - or whoever necessary - if you need it. And ask *before* you get in bad shape. Most CMs are very good about helping if you let them know what you need, and it is *your* vacation. You deserve to enjoy it.

Blessings,
Sana

 

[mplsmom1]

Thank you for the very detailed websites and ideas. I know she's so looking forward to going - these tips should help out.

 

[sneezy1956]

I have both Fibro and RA.

I would strongly suggest she rents a scooter from one of the off site rentals and use it. I personally like Randy's Mobility, but many on the group have had great experience with the other off-site rentals.

The combination of RA and Fibro can be really painful and the stress of WDW and trying to see everything along with the change in schedule can really wreck you.

Make sure she talks to her doctor and finds out if he has any suggestions. And the biggest item is she needs to make sure she stays well hydrated. Drink lots of water and juice. If she likes the taste of Gatorade drink it.