Sad story...need advice.

[ColoradoDisneyFan]

I saw another mom I know at school today and she was asking for my help with planning a last minute trip. She is taking her sister-in-law and niece to WDW next week because her sister-in-law is dying of cancer and wanted to take her daughter to WDW before she died. They will be there 4 days staying at AKL. They want to "pilot" the monorail and see mostly MGM, MK, and EPCOT. They don't want to "use" her health status as a crutch to get special treatment but I wondered if there's anything special I can tell them?

 

[lllovell]

I don't find it to be using her illness to check in with guest services and get her the special assistance pass. GET IT AND USE IT! We went with my mother Feb 15-18, 2004 and she passed away April 2nd of that year and it is one of the best memories I have. Use the pass to enjoy the day and her to get the most out of a day without tapping her strength to the point where she cannot enjoy herself. If she is feeling good, she doesn't HAVE to use the pass and can certainly stand in line, but Mom was on oxygen and standing really zapped her. She was just thrilled to be there and to be with all three of her daughters and 2 of her grandbabies! Please please please tell her to get a letter from her doctor saying she cannot stand for long periods (if this is truly the case) to use so that she can enjoy every minute of her trip and give her family something wonderful to remember.

Also, I would think back to your first visits to WDW and make them a list of "must sees" to help them plan a bit. I am not sure of the sister-in-laws current condition or daily strength, but explain to them the great use of PS ressies and how they will also help. Be open for questions. Don't overwhelm, but help them to see beyond the craziness of WDW that can be so mindblowing at first. Get there early or go late to stay late, etc. Tell the Aunt to check with her niece and let her pick what they want to see sometimes, etc. All the things I would tell anyone else with the addition of GETTING THAT CARD so that she can use her energy for sharing this with her daughter.

 

[Plus4206]

How do say this without offending: If there is ever a time to use her health "as a crutch" now is the time to do it. Don't worry about what you think other people will think,it's none of their business. No one hates "cheaters" more then I do, but if someone truely is in need, then the sky's the limit as far as I'm concerned when it comes to preferential treatment.

I do know they are allowing people to "pilot" the monorail again. Also if you have time do one of the AK behind the scenes tours...they are great. To bad they can only stay four days. So much to do,so little time.

 

[lllovell]

I didn't realize they had stopped allowing people to "pilot" or I would have told you that my boys have done it 4 times in the last 6 months now. If there is no line, we always ask and have yet to be told no.

 

[JimMIA]

How do say this without offending: If there is ever a time to use her health "as a crutch" now is the time to do it. Don't worry about what you think other people will think,it's none of their business. No one hates "cheaters" more then I do, but if someone truely is in need, then the sky's the limit as far as I'm concerned when it comes to preferential treatment.

Absolutely! Cases like this are exactly what special assistance is for, and those of us waiting in line while she goes ahead of us would not have it any other way. Tell her to use everything she can to grab as many memories as she can!

Also, recommend that she do "Leave a Legacy" at Epcot.

 

[Plus4206]

Great idea.

 

[DebbieB]

I didn't realize they had stopped allowing people to "pilot" or I would have told you that my boys have done it 4 times in the last 6 months now. If there is no line, we always ask and have yet to be told no.

We were on the resort monorail platform last week and a couple with a little girl were alllowed to ride up front.

 

[AFMom]

My son's and I sat up front back in October - shouldn't be a problem! I vote for the pass as well. It will help everyone have a fun time - there is a reason they offer them - and this is the reason!

 

[donaldbuzz&minnie]

I'm pretty sure that you can ask to sit up front on the monorail, and if someone already has the "pilot's job" they will let you wait until the next train comes. I know that your friend doesn't want to play the cancer card, but I'm sure everyone would understand why that family should be first in line for this treat given the circumstances.

Hope they have a wonderful trip!

 

[goldilocks_63]

I'd call down and see if maybe you could be in the parade.

Another cool thing, is the fireworks cruise. My father had a stroke, and was paralized on one side, and they were able to put his wheel chair on the boat.

It was great, cause even with handicapped sections people come in front of you and stand so you can't see.

On the boat, there was no rude people to obstruct.

I second asking for assistance. Often, because it would take my dad 10 or 15 minutes to get on a ride, they'd let us ride it several times consecutively.

now my father has passed away, and these are some of the best memories my whole family had.

It wasn't sad, and now it gives me something nice to think about.

Goldi

I bet others on the disability board could give you great tips!

 

[Happy Birthday Cat]

Make sure you pilot the monorail. Here's a picture of my 12 Year old DS "piloting" on New Year's Day:

HBC

 

[OneMoreTry]

If I were in a line at WDW I would be glad to wait a few seconds to allow this family ahead of me. They should get special treatment and more! Encourage them not only to get an assistance pass but to let staff know about the situation so they can make it really special.

 

[SueM in MN]

Follow the link in my signature to the disABILITIES Board.
You can search there for posts about "Guest Assistance Card" or "GAC" (it's the name for what one other poster called a Special Assistance Pass).
Also, if you check out the disABILITIES FAQs thread, you will find information about the different ways you can get a wheelchair or ecv (electric mobility scooter). I would highly recommend using one of those to stretch her strength. Most people don't realize how much walking is involved in a WDW vacation. If she can avoid most of the walking, she can the strength she does have for the more fun and memory making things.

 

[Pa@okw95]

Anyone with minor health problems gets drained at WDW especially during one of the busiest times of year. I must say do your friend a big favor and talk her into using the special needs things they have at WDW. Cancer is very draining of ones energy--get help from WDW

 

[ColoradoDisneyFan]

Thanks for everyone's help. I will pass on all your info!!