Questions for upcoming trip

[tomandrobin]

We are going to WDW at the end of the month. My wife has recently fractured her heal. She has a special boot the she can wear for limited mobility, but not for any length of time. Standing for long periods of time is out of the question. She has been resistant to the idea of a wheel chair, but not totally against it. So with this in mind I have seveal questions.

During parades, fireworks, shows and such, are there reserved benches or seating where she can watch?

Would it benefit her to get an "assistance card"?

Is there any special planning we need to do or call the resort to let them know of anything?

Any help would be appreciated!!!

 

[OneLittleSpark]

I would strongly suggest she uses either a wheelchair or an ECV. Disney holidays entail an awful lot of standing and walking, and using a chair can save her energy, and prevent unnecessary pain, allowing her to enjoy the holiday more fully.

If you have a wheelchair / ECV, you can use the designated areas for viewing parades, Illuminations and shows (inc. Fantasmic). These are marked on the maps with a red box containing a P and a wheelchair symbol (it may be an I for Illuminations, I can't remember). Wishes doesn't have areas as they think, because it's i the sky, you can see it from anywhere. Unfortunately, this isn't really the case, as you'll sometimes get an idiot who stands in front of you at the last minute. I'd recommend one of the bridges off the hub, that way you can get right up to the railings and have an unobscured view.

If she has a wheelchair or ECV, there will be no added benefit in having the card, unless she has any other needs that you've not stated. If, for instance, she is on medication that gives her a low tolerance to sunlight, she could get a card to allow her to wait out of the sun where possible. If, however, the wheelchair will accommodate for all her needs, you don't need to get card, the CMs will see the chair and sort you accordingly.

If she needs an accessible room, for instance, if she needs added grab rails on the bath or a raised toilet, then you'll need to talk to the resort in advance. If a normal room will work for you, you don't need to do anything. A wheelchair or ECV can be parked in a normal sized room. However, make sure you don't get a room above the ground floor if there aren't lifts (elevators) at the hotel. Where are you planning to stay?

Hope this helps!

 

[tomandrobin]

We don't need a handicap room. She can walk, with the boot on, but in short stints. Getting into a shower is not much of a problem. The biggest problem is the exrended walking and standing for extended periods of time.

So based on your response, parade watching sounds like it will be difficult.

We are staying at Saratoga Springs.

 

[OneLittleSpark]

Oh no, parades with wheelchairs are actually quite easy. You just need to find the CM attended areas (all marked on the maps) and they'll let you in. If you're in a big group and it's busy, you may need to split up, but normally you can keep together. The CMs in these areas are very good, and will make sure no one obscures your view at the last minute. I'd recommend the area opposite the Hall of Presidents in MK, as it's nicely shaded and there's seating for the others in your party.

The only area you may have any issues is for Wishes at MK. It's fairly easily sorted, just get your place about half an hour before it starts, make sure no one can get in front of you and you should be fine.

Saratoga Springs should not be a problem, I'm pretty sure all the buildings have elevators.

You might want to check out the FAQ at the top of this board, and this thread on doing Disney on wheels, for a few helpful tips.

If you have any more questions, just post them here and we'll do what we can to help!

 

[Marie14625]

Have your wife go for the ECV. It will make her life so much easier, and her trip sp much more enjoyable. With my bad hip, and upcoming hip replacement surgery, I am in the same boat. Cannot stand for long periods or walk long distances.
The ECV was a lifesaver for me. I suggest you look up in the FAQs about renting one from off site. Then you will be assured of having one for your entire trip. And yes, it will fit in a standard room no problem. Just remember to charge it every night.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

The normal response at Guest Relations concerning a stamina or mobility problem is to recommend the person rent a wheelchair or ECV.

For parade viewing the reserved areas are for people in wheelchiars or ECVs and a limited number of people with the person in the chair.

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!

 

[SueM in MN]

If she can only walk for limited mobility and can't stand for long periods, then your only options are either a wheelchair or an ECV.
There is information in the disABILITIES FAQs thread about Guest Assistance Cards (GACs), but a GAC would really not provide what she needs. In most cases, the amount of walking in a line is going to be the same with or without a GAC and, even if you have a GAC that says you need seating while waiting, many of the attractions don't have anywhere to sit.

An ECV would give her more independence, but some people feel to nervous to use one, even though they are pretty easy to use. If she feels insecure about driving an ECV and doesn't mind having you push her, then rent a wheelchair.

We have stayed at Saratoga Springs resort several times; all the buildings do have elevators, so you don't need to be concerned about whether or not you are on the ground floor.

 

[mechurchlady]

Definitely get the GAC as it is easier to get one at the beginning of the day instead of hiking back to the front of the park for one.

She does not have to stay in her ECV or wheelchair all the time. She may see a small shop and go shopping for a bit then rest in the chair later. She can hobble around the shop then have a family member stand in line and pay for the items. I go to Wal-Mart and use their ECV but I get out when it is easier like waddling up an aisle to get something when the aisle is full of junk. The ECV is a tool that can be used a little or a lot.

 

[tomandrobin]

Thanks for all your responses! I have been able to convience her to use a wheel chair, she is too scared of the ECV. Like I said earlier, she does have limited mobility for short distances. But there is no way she can walk in the parks all day with the boot on her foot. Standing on the foot is worse then walking.

She is being the "tough" girl and is resisting the "wheeled" transportation. But the last thing I want is for her to set the healing process back to zero, and a need another two months.

 

[LisaBi]

Get the wheelchair! WDW is much more walking than you can ever imagine. There's no way I'd try it on an injured foot. There is no problem walking around a bit, then riding the rest of the way.

I get a wheelchair for DS every trip. He can walk just fine, but not for extended distances due to low muscle tone. At home, we never need one, and only have to use handicapped parking at places like the ball stadium where it is a very long walk. But there is no way to do WDW without one.

I would also recommend you rent one from an off site company instead of in the parks (there's good info in one of the FAQ threads and it's no more expensive, if not cheaper, and you get a nicer chair). That way she can have it around the resort and from the bus stop to the park. Those can also be VERY long walks.

The first time I did WDW with DS after he outgrew a stroller, I planned to rent in the parks. WRONG. Our first day was Epcot. By the time we got from the bus to the wheelchair rental place, he was done. I mean literally done for the day. He pooped out about 20 yards from the rental place, and I had to have someone go get a chair for me.

 

[tomandrobin]

Will the offsite rentals deliver the wheel chair? We won't have a car, since we are traveling via Magical Express.

I want her to get one of the turbo models with the optional tourist catcher in the front. But she is too scared to drive one of them in WDW.

 

[OneLittleSpark]

All the off-site companies listed in the FAQ will deliver to the resort. I think it's Randy's that deliver to the room in person, while the others all deliver to bell-hop, but I may have got that wrong. If it's a manual wheelchair, there's unlikely to be much 'demonstration' needed, so that doesn't really matter; with ECVs some first-timers prefer to have to-room delivery, so they can be shown the ins and outs of it.

 

[SueM in MN]

All the off-site companies listed in the FAQ will deliver to the resort. I think it's Randy's that deliver to the room in person, while the others all deliver to bell-hop, but I may have got that wrong. If it's a manual wheelchair, there's unlikely to be much 'demonstration' needed, so that doesn't really matter; with ECVs some first-timers prefer to have to-room delivery, so they can be shown the ins and outs of it.

You are correct.
All the companies listed in the disABILITIES FAQs thread will deliver to the resort. Randy's delivers it directly to your room in person.

 

[Roxane]

I would strongly suggest that she bring a cane along if she's using a wheelchair. I'm recovering from a knee injury and the first few trips I used a wheelchair. I lost track of how many people ran into my bad leg the first time. The second time I took along a cane and held beside my bad leg as a barrier to keep people away from it. I didn't like doing it much though. Now I just use crutches and have found that people don't crowd me as much or run into me.

 

[tomandrobin]

Just figure I post an update of my wifes foot. She just got from the doctors today and the boot is to stay on for at least two more weeks. She is still not allowed walk on it, except for short stretches. She told about our WDW trip and was told to get a wheel chair. So there now I am in the process of trying to arrage to have one delivered to the resort for out trip.

Any tips on using the wheel chairs in WDW parks, resorts and transportation will be much appreciated.

Thanks again!

Tom

 

[Schmeck]

Definitely get the GAC as it is easier to get one at the beginning of the day instead of hiking back to the front of the park for one.

If a wheelchair meets the wife's needs (and it sounds like it does) then there is no need for a GAC. As stated before, the CM will tell the family what to do to accomodate the person in the wheelchair.

 

[mrmagicmph]

One tip that I can't remember whether or not has been posted elsewhere (maybe this weekend I'll look around & if it isn't, I'll put it in the wheeling around WDW thread or other appropriate one myself).

When in the Magic Kingdom, be very careful not just about curbs, but about the horse drawn trolley tracks that run down the center of Main Street. If you need to cross them, you'll be best off doing so at a 90 degree angle to the tracks. Why? Very simple, but one that's very easy for new (or not so new) wheelchair or ECV users to forget or not know. If you try to cross at less than a 45 degree angle (or just plain are unlucky), you can get one of your tires semi-stuck in the track (just momentarily), but it just takes a moment to make for an unpleasant bump, or a dangerous unbalanced push to knock you down. So, be careful, and most important of all, Enjoy The Magic!!!

 

[SueM in MN]

If a wheelchair meets the wife's needs (and it sounds like it does) then there is no need for a GAC. As stated before, the CM will tell the family what to do to accomodate the person in the wheelchair.

For most people, having a wheelchair or ECV will be told that if they come to Guest Relations asking for a GAC. That is what you will be told if you go to request one.
If you are not sure that you need a GAC after reading the disABILITIES FAQs info about GACs, you probably don't need one and would have problems explaining your needs.
You can always go to Guest Relations and request one if you find you are having problems. That way, you will be able to explain what your needs are.

 

[OneLittleSpark]

OK, wheelchair tips. Firstly, there's a great thread with loads of tips in it listed in the FAQ (I'm afraid I don't have the link to hand, as I'm using my mother's PC). Read that through carefully, as there's a lot of stuff you might not think of. One of the most important is to cover your legs in suncream!

Remember that a wheelchair makes you a lot shorter. WDW is pretty good about this sort of thing, but you will sometimes find that counters are too high. Two ways to solve this: have someone else handle the transaction, or be assertive and make yourself noticed!

Also be aware that to a lot of people, wheelchair's seem to be invisible. I have honestly had people look directly at me, then walk straight into me anyway! Most of the time it's just amusing .

When you're renting, try to get one with a proper cushion on it, otherwise she will not be a happy camper by the end of the day!

If you will be leaving it anywhere other than at the loading / unloading area of a ride (i.e. if you're not planning to take it through queues with you), make sure it has something distinctive on it, to make it easier to spot. That said, I would recommend taking it through lines with you, as there's no point her tiring herself out on the queue and not having enough energy to play the rest of the day.

Decorating your chair, even if you don't have to for identification purposes, can be fun! When we were there in September, I had the wheels all trussed out with various decorations, and got a lot of positive comments. It seems to work as a good ice-breaker and gets you positive attention, rather than negative (plus, as I said, it's fun!).

I know I have pointed out some negatives, but that's just to prepare you for the tiny minority of jerks in the parks. For every one person who cuts you up, gives you a funny look or does something mean, there will be at least ten who go out of their way to help you - holding a door, offering to carry a tray, picking up something you've dropped etc. etc. etc.! Try to focus on the nice people and forget the jerks - they're ruining they're own holiday by judging other people, but that doesn't mean they have to ruin yours!

Oh yes, that reminds me, doors! There are some doors in Disney that are quite hard to open from a wheelchair. A few methods my fella and I have found are:
Person on foot opens the door whilst the person on wheels propells themself through it
Person in the chair holds out their hands whilst the person on foot pushes them through it (don't go too fast, or you may have some accidents!)
Person pushing backs through the door, pulling the chair and open the door with their behind
Ask a friendly-looking person to hold the door for you

When coming up to a ride, just ask the CM at the entrance where you should go, and they'll sort you out. At Pirates, they will try to convince you to transfer to one of their manual chairs. If you feel happy with that, do so, but be aware that the footplates are stupidly high, which puts extra strain on your legs and ankles. If you want to keep your chair in the line, stand your ground.

Ummm... Well, that's about all I can think of right now. I'm sure you'll work out anything I've forgotten, pretty quickly. Have a great holiday!

 

[tomandrobin]

Thanks again fo rall your help and suggestions. I rented a manual wheel chair from Walker Mobility, located in the FAQ sticky.

Having a extra cushion fo rthe chair is a great suggestion. Adding some decorations is something I will do for her.

One good thing she has in her favor is she will have me and the three kids (22,16,14) to help tend to her needs. Plus, she is able to walk with her "boot" on her foot, for short distances. I do think this will change our plans for NYE, but I have a back-up plan. Its hard enough to try and get through the NYE crowds on foot, I can't even imagine how hard it will be by chair!