Scooter rental question

[iamadisneynut]

Hi everyone!

I am coming in August with my son and we are bringing his girlfriend. It’s her first Disney trip. She was recently diagnosed with Lupus. She has trouble in the heat and walking long distances so I’m thinking renting her a scooter for the trip might be a good idea. Does anyone have any experience travelling with those with lupus. Was a scooter helpful? Any other tips to make the trip easier?

Thanks!

 

[AprilsZoo]

It will absolutely help. With Lupus (and other autoimmune disorders) it’s extremely important to conserve energy.

For most people, overdoing it means being a little sore the next day, & maybe a little more fatigued. But for someone with lupus, overdoing it could lead to a whole host of problems, and could even trigger a serious flare— which would definitely ruin any chance of continuing the vacation.

Consider that most able-bodied people will walk an average of 6-10 miles each day at Disney (on our last trip, dh walked around 30-35,000 steps each day, and we were absolutely trying to do things to avoid traipsing back and forth all over the park, because I didn’t trust my scooter).

I suggest talking to your friend about her needs. Share your concerns and your desire to help her have an enjoyable trip, where her most vivid memory isn’t that she was exhausted and sick the whole time.

There’s tons of threads here that will describe why an ECV (scooter) can be a lifesaver in the park and beyond.

@mamabunny has posted tons of great info, including her amazing essay all about the best way to scoot around in the park. (I cannot for the life of me remember what she titled it. … sorry, mb)

 

[piccolopat]

Make sure she stays well hydrated (you too!) as the heat can be overwhelming in August. Hand misters can help. If you rent a scooter, see if they have an option for a sun shade. Disney scooters are available but there are no options, can sometimes sell out and can only be used in the park you rent them. Off site rentals have more options and can be used anywhere during your stay.

 

[NYCgrrl]

A hat is another option; just as useful as the sun canopy on a scooter.
Have fun.

 

[Lewisc]

Hat is better then a canopy.

 

[Bete]

I would alternate rides and shows and eating. Mix it up. Shows provide a rest period; and so, does eating. Indoor shows will have air conditioning.

Take some breaks back at the resort.

Some people like using fan misters.

If not familiar with a scooter get some practice in at your local stores. Maybe, try a day at a local zoo with a rental scooter. Crowds at Disney can make scootering challenging. Kids especially will dart out in front of your scooter. You may want to consider a wheelchair, but then someone will need to push it.

 

[HeiHei2018]

Depending on the individual symptoms, make sure to pack electrolyte drinks or mixes. We do better if we drink Gatorade before going into the park and then after. I hate the taste, but it really makes a difference for me.

 

[maxiesmom]

I would get a sun reflecting umbrella. I got mine on Amazon, and it helps a lot! And yes I have scooted around the park with one hand on the controls and the umbrella in the other.

 

[Simba's Mom]

I would get a sun reflecting umbrella. I got mine on Amazon, and it helps a lot! And yes I have scooted around the park with one hand on the controls and the umbrella in the other.

This sounds like a good option! I ordered a scooter today for my upcoming trip, and I noted that Gold Mobility didn't have a sunshade listed as an option. One plus with a scooter, though, is that you can always find a place to sit in the shade (even if Disney doesn't have any seats available.

 

[Dan Murphy]

@mamabunny has posted tons of great info, including her amazing essay all about the best way to scoot around in the park. (I cannot for the life of me remember what she titled it. … sorry, mb)

Hope this search works.

https://www.disboards.com/search/60...c[nodes][0]=20&c[users]=mamabunny&o=relevance

 

[Madteaparty001]

My DD has JIA which can cause her to fatigue easily and be painful when in a flare. She's still on the small side so we push her in her wheelchair, before that it was a disability stroller. It's a must on our trip for keeping all of us happy and comfortable. The last evening of a previous trip we didn't have it (because of the return window) and my DH ended up having to carry her piggy back style for half the evening at MK, he said never again and we bought a wheelchair when we got home so we'd always have it.

 

[LuvMyEAR]

Scooters are indeed wonderful for so many conditions and a hat is better than a canopy. I hope you will all have an honest conversation about this before your trip. Some people find it very hard to accept the benefits of assistive devices. My own dear husband was one. The battle can be real! I hope a scooter will be a welcome suggestion. The impact falls heavily on everyone when one person is not able to comfortably enjoy the days’ plans.

 

[JennyDrake]

Hello! I have lupus and I'm a veteran of numerous WDW trips! Sun and heat can both trigger a flare, and I suffered a grand one at WDW. I
The scooter is a good idea, and the sunscreen umbrella is a must have!
I highly advise a mid day break in August to completely get out of the sun and heat and REST.

 

[gap2368]

I just got this fain from Amazon and it is amazing. fan