Seeking advice/info on doing Disney 'differently'

[dimndgal1]

Hope everyone is having a great weekend!

My family and I are planning a trip to Disney next summer and, while not a WDW novice, the trip is going to be different for me. In the last year, I've had some back and leg issues that have severely impacted my tolerance for walking/standing. Also, my FIL will be with us on our trip and he will be about 4 months removed from knee surgery.

Based on this, I know that we will have to tackle the trip differently than in the past - no more running from the gates to Everest for me. We decided to stay in the BWI so that we are close to the parks and can take midday breaks easier (DD is 4 so breaks are good for all!) and I definitely plan on using FastPasses often to avoid standing for extended periods, but are there any other suggestions or advice anyone has? I'd also love to know of good places to sit and relax that might be off the beaten path.

Thanks in advance!!!

 

[mdvlprof]

First Aid stations are a good place to take a break and to cool down.

 

[dimndgal1]

I hadn't thought of First Aid stations!
Do they have an area to sit? Are there any major restrictions?

I'm sorry to ask such random questions... I'm still adjusting to the lifestyle changes that have come with my new health issues and have had trouble overdoing myself with small day trips so I'm very nervous about WDW -- I overdid it when I was in top form, I know it will be easy to do it now.

 

[WheeledTraveler]

Have you considered renting ECVs or wheelchairs for yourself and your FIL? Even people having a slow day in WDW generally walk 6 miles or more. So if you're not sure you're up to that much walking for multiple days in a row, you might want to look at renting mobility devices. Personally, I think an ECV is generally better for most adults than a wheelchair because you don't have to rely on someone else to push you. Both ECVs and wheelchairs can always be parked outside an attraction if you want to walk through the line, although most lines are mainstreamed (and some, such as Soarin', are quite a long distance and nothing can shorten that distance).

Also, I'd suggest using FastPasses when possible if you do want to walk through a line or don't rent any sort of mobility device; you can send someone in your party who doesn't have any sort of mobility issues over to get the fastpasses. Rather than planning on walking/running all over the park and doing 'commando' touring, plan to go through and do attractions close to each other at the same time. The first aid centers can be used to lie down if you need a break as well.

 

[tinkrebell]

I second the ECV suggestion, and this is coming from a girl who is able to walk fine anywhere, all the time. I've been lucky that my asthma and back issues seem to do well enough in the parks, but if I were any less mobile than myself at my best, then I'd be all for having a little extra support. It's ten miles a day, honestly, walking through all hte parks unless you do each ride immediately as you approach it, and we all know that's just not going to happen.

If you're really concerned about poor looks from pathetic anti-ECV people, decorate your scooter. I'm not joking when I say that the people who really look like they're trying to cheer themselves up for having the extra help (whether it be permanent or temporary) always get sweet smiles and usually some pleasant conversation - it's like writing a get-well card to yourself and everyone wants to sign it. Silly, but my grandparents were always well-received when they had excuses to chat with others about the random stuff they had on their chairs!

 

[popgfd]

DW uses an ECV without "dramatic" issues. i suggest taking in some of the shows like Bug's life at AK; Mickey's Philamagic (sp?) at MK; several in WS or FW at EPCOT and Ariel's Grotto at DHS for example. Depending on the heat and humidity consider going to those with air conditioning instead of those outside.
In both cases you can relax. We try for rides in the morning and intersperse with shows. Also sitting by a lake, waterway etc especially in shade is also very relaxing and you can enjoy the people watching.

Pop

 

[dimndgal1]

I admit part of me is excited to have a reason to sit and enjoy the shows and it's good to know there are many places to relax.

I really want to avoid an ECV but I think it's because I haven't accepted I need it yet... even though I probably do. I had an undiagnosed hernia in my left sciatic region for 3 year (it kept getting dismissed or misdiagnosed), and do to the pain, I compensated in my gait/stance and now I have two bulging discs and chondromalasia in my knee... as well as ongoing sciatic issues since the hernia was removed (it got caught on the nerve).

The few times I've needed to grab a wheelchair, I get these awful glares. I like the idea of decorating it to make it more 'me' and maybe that will help me get over my mental hurdle, too. Also, maybe we could get one and FIL and I could swap -- he's as stubborn as I am, so I know he won't willingly get one.

I admit that I will try to avoid a wheelchair at all costs only because I hate to make my family push me. I have rolled two people through the parks and I had no idea how hilly EPCOT was or how big AK was until rolling a family member. It was worth it to get to enjoy the parks with them but it's hard to have someone do the same for me

 

[popgfd]

There are a couple of threads about "the look". My observation is by myself I'm invisible as hardly anyone smiles or nods in my direction. With DW on the ECV we get an amazingly high percentage of people saying hello.

DW chose the ECV for the independence. We've been to WDW 20+ times with the ECV and only once in all of those weeks/months did we ever bump into people we knew from back home.

Basically, no one knows you and you don't know them --so why care? Enjoy

Pop

 

[nanakay2]

I have back problems also, and avoided the ECV's too. Then I was bitten by a brown recluse spider and almost lost my leg, was told I would never walk again. I proved them wrong and learned to walk again, but can only stand and walk for a very limited amount of time. The last 3 times I have been to WDW I have used an ECV and no one has ever said anything to me (except my grandsons who wanted to drive it for me). I have found that once I used one, it made such a difference in my stamina...I can stay all day and not get tired with back and leg hurting. If you are going to be there more than 1 day I would check into renting one from Walker or Apple; you can get a good deal for multiple days.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

Please ask yourself 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!

 

[Dan1]

In addition to the shows, you can of course watch the parades as a non physical activity.

Also, going to Rafiki's Watch (I forget the proper name and am in a hurry this morning) on the train and then spending time there is another non physical stressful activity.

DD (who uses a wheel chair) and I have done that before and plan to do it again on our next trip.

Also, 'window' shopping at DTD is another possible activity, or also the Cirque du Solei show.
Dan

 

[tobikaye]

If you do decided against the ECV or wheelchair, you might want to consider a rollator. That at least would give you a place to sit when you cannot find somewhere close to sit and possibly something to lean on when walking. You would be able to sit in it during the parades if you cannot find a bench with a view without having to get up and down off the curb. Also, some of the shows do not have places to sit when waiting before going in.

Not so good picture of my sister's rollator during our 2010 visit:

 

[dimndgal1]

Wow, thanks again -- I really appreciate the wealth of information and feel more confident about this upcoming trip.

I like the idea of the rollator if we opt against an ECV, and I'm glad I have some time to plan out and figure out which will make more logistical sense.

Thanks again - you all rock!