Stopping solo travel due to age?

[pwdebbie]

Yep, I've read a lot about it on the DIS. My most recent trip, this past December, I got the rash after just an evening of resort hopping on my arrival day. Another name for it is "exercise-induced vasculitis." Disney rash sounds better!

 

[goofyernmost]

Yep, I've read a lot about it on the DIS. My most recent trip, this past December, I got the rash after just an evening of resort hopping on my arrival day. Another name for it is "exercise-induced vasculitis." Disney rash sounds better!

Sounds less serious as a Disney rash as well. By the medical name of it I have to wonder if it is because someone hasn't been walking much and between the sun and the unusual amount of walking it just shows itself more openly. From what I understand it isn't something that lasts very long.

 

[tachyonbb]

As I rush towards 80 I find myself thinking about whether I can do the trip. I did decline to take a fly in fishing trip in Canada as I think that it would be to much strain on this old body. Going to disney is still in my wheel house even with a cane.

 

[goofyernmost]

As I rush towards 80 I find myself thinking about whether I can do the trip. I did decline to take a fly in fishing trip in Canada as I think that it would be to much strain on this old body. Going to disney is still in my wheel house even with a cane.

Just some helpful advice, if you are anything like me, mobility is getting to be a real challenge and also fatiguing. I went a few years back after years of walking the parks for over 35 years I found that trying to maintain my youth was sapping all the joy out of what was once a very happy experience. I finally followed the advice of almost everyone and rented an offsite scooter and the joy returned. I could spend all day there and because I was sitting in the long lines instead of trying to stand (which I couldn't do for any length of time). It was great. I could get from attraction to attraction with no pain, even use standby lines with no discomfort and then easily board the rides with no assistance.

I stated offsite scooter rentals because it is much less expensive and after renting a Disney scooter for one day I found that I could have laid on the ground and rolled to attractions faster than those machines would move. Very frustrating. At least look into it, they deliver it to wherever you are staying and pick it up after. No hassle and a fun saver.

 

[kwdw]

I'm not as old as you, but I do have a health issue that makes my partner concerned about me when I travel solo. We have a bit of a check in system - at min. once in the morning, once around our "at home" typical bedtime. If my condition gets worse, I'd probably standardize that a bit more.

I think having the ability to track on your phone, knowing your approx. plan for each day, and having check in time frames should be helpful for you.

Just so you know - I missed a curb and fell in the park one night after fireworks - and someone made sure a CM got me over to first aid. I didn't need anything more than time and space to stop the bleeding and get it cleaned out, but they were ready if I thought I needed an ambulance. Definitely also seen a couple of medical instances IN the parks - and the Disney response is assertive and quick.

I have ALSO taken myself to Urgent Care during a Disney trip - twice. Once went super smooth - once I had obnixous folks at the center who told me to book an appointment for faster care. I highlyy recommend the option to have Dinsey transport you to Urgent Care vs. trying to take yourself. Driving or dealing with rideshare when you aren't in great shape is no fun.

AND - once I got taken to the Emergency room based on a call to the Disney front desk - dialed 911 and Disney CMs were at my door before the EMT's made it. Spent the next 4 days in the hospital.

The front desk has a flyer they can hand you about seeking medical care locally - maybe its a website now - but maybe familarize yourself with that in advance.

But - I think if you have a PLAN in place - and know how to access emergency help - I think that might give you more confidence to continue to travel alone.

 

[disneyseniors]

As I rush towards 80 I find myself thinking about whether I can do the trip. I did decline to take a fly in fishing trip in Canada as I think that it would be to much strain on this old body. Going to disney is still in my wheel house even with a cane.

I hope you keep going to disney until you physically can't! I am 75 and I am slowing down, but will continue my yearly trips to Universal until I am unable to go anymore.
Those trips bring me such joy that I can't see stopping them anytime soon.

 

[pwdebbie]

Just some helpful advice, if you are anything like me, mobility is getting to be a real challenge and also fatiguing. I went a few years back after years of walking the parks for over 35 years I found that trying to maintain my youth was sapping all the joy out of what was once a very happy experience. I finally followed the advice of almost everyone and rented an offsite scooter and the joy returned. I could spend all day there and because I was sitting in the long lines instead of trying to stand (which I couldn't do for any length of time). It was great. I could get from attraction to attraction with no pain, even use standby lines with no discomfort and then easily board the rides with no assistance.

I stated offsite scooter rentals because it is much less expensive and after renting a Disney scooter for one day I found that I could have laid on the ground and rolled to attractions faster than those machines would move. Very frustrating. At least look into it, they deliver it to wherever you are staying and pick it up after. No hassle and a fun saver.

Thank you for mentioning the scooter. I might have to consider this as I'm having trouble with a knee. I don't want to, and it feels like giving in. I will try to do without on Day 1 but if necessary to enjoy my trip (in 59 days), I will order one. I love to walk. A stumble on a Disney bus in December when it suddenly stopped really put a hurtin' on my knee. (Sort of wish now that I hadn't shrugged it off when the driver asked if I was okay.)

 

[TCRAIG]

Thank you for mentioning the scooter. I might have to consider this as I'm having trouble with a knee. I don't want to, and it feels like giving in. I will try to do without on Day 1 but if necessary to enjoy my trip (in 59 days), I will order one. I love to walk a stumble on a Disney bus in December when it suddenly stopped really put a hurtin' on my knee. (Sort of wish now that I hadn't shrugged it off when the driver asked if I was okay.)

Best decision I ever made. I’ve had serious back issues for almost 20 years…back @2010, we’d parked in the handicap area at MK and I couldn’t even walk to the TTC - I ended up sitting on a bench in tears. After that trip, I went on EBay and bought a scooter (GoGo Elite Traveller 3 wheel brand new for $500 including shipping) and I’ve never looked back. It’s the only way I can do Disney at all! They’re so easy to drive and actually fun..plus I don’t have to lug around rain gear or water or worry about a place to sit and eat.

 

[Simba's Mom]

After that trip, I went on EBay and bought a scooter (GoGo Elite Traveller 3 wheel brand new for $500 including shipping) and I’ve never looked back. It’s the only way I can do Disney at all! They’re so easy to drive and actually fun..plus I don’t have to lug around rain gear or water or worry about a place to sit and eat.

I have the same scooter, but I don't bring it to WDW. I rent a scooter from offsite-it has a cup holder, USB port to charge my phone, more comfort for all day. At first, I was sure I'd get snippy comments, but instead, every guest was so nice and helpful. Recently, I've requested a HA room and the extra grab bars have helped so much that I feel more confident about going solo.

 

[TCRAIG]

I have the same scooter, but I don't bring it to WDW. I rent a scooter from offsite-it has a cup holder, USB port to charge my phone, more comfort for all day. At first, I was sure I'd get snippy comments, but instead, every guest was so nice and helpful. Recently, I've requested a HA room and the extra grab bars have helped so much that I feel more confident about going solo.

Luckily- I didn’t have any reservations about getting the ECV…but I understand many are nervous about driving one or facing snide or rude comments. I’ve really never encountered any hurtful comments and as far as driving my ECV - it’s truly easy peasy! As I like to say - ‘Once you scoot, your fears are moot’

 

[goofyernmost]

Luckily- I didn’t have any reservations about getting the ECV…but I understand many are nervous about driving one or facing snide or rude comments. I’ve really never encountered any hurtful comments and as far as driving my ECV - it’s truly easy peasy! As I like to say - ‘Once you scoot, your fears are moot’

That's was what prevented me from getting one sooner, in fact I once cancelled a trip to WDW after a falling accident caused a serious knee injury. Back then there was a lot posts where people were making comments like all those people are just fat and lazy and only get them to get to the front of the line.

The problem with that is you don't get to the front of the line. All they really do is allow the person to comfortably use the standby lines and unless you had a FP or the new crap, you didn't go to the front of any line. You wait your turn, but you do it without the pain which makes the whole thing a lot more enjoyable.

I finally just said, to hell with them, if they want to believe that I'm just lazy why should I care. I will probably never see them again in my life and I'm not going to subject myself to pain to make idiots happy.

 

[Simba's Mom]

I finally just said, to hell with them, if they want to believe that I'm just lazy why should I care. I will probably never see them again in my life and I'm not going to subject myself to pain to make idiots happy.

And it gives you the opportunity to meet so many polite, helpful people. I'd say, the world (at least at WDW) is 100 to 1.

 

[goofyernmost]

And it gives you the opportunity to meet so many polite, helpful people. I'd say, the world (at least at WDW) is 100 to 1.

Exactly, no one said a word to me and I had a few wonderful happy days doing the one thing that I had loved to do for 35 years. Wander around WDW, pain free.

 

[diswish]

I agree with Disney transport for Urgent Care, they were great for me. The rash was the reason for going and the doctor diagnosed it as PLE (polymorphous light eruption). Evidently it's common in people coming from northern areas and caused by exposure to massive UV rays. I needed steroids to stop it both times I got it. It can be a one time occurrence or last 10-20 years. Had to wear sun protective clothing for 10 years but I still go to WDW alone every year in my 70s. And yes, I was using sunscreen but later discovered I am allergic to the chemicals in sunscreen only when they contact the sun. Without the Florida doctor's input, my northern doctors would still be trying to figure out what was wrong. If you get a rapidly spreading red rash that's painfully itchy, consider PLE.

 

[Simba's Mom]

I agree with Disney transport for Urgent Care, they were great for me.

Where is the information, especially the phone # for Urgent Care? Thanks.

 

[diswish]

Where is the information, especially the phone # for Urgent Care? Thanks.

It's been a few years, but I called the front desk for help. The driver was great. Took me to a pharmacy after to fill the prescription and I broke down when I realized I did not have my credit card with me. He brought me back to the resort, waited for me to get it and returned to the pharmacy. Above and beyond service.

 

[goofyernmost]

Good for you! I'm almost 72 (in January) and I've done many road trips from Maryland. I always stay somewhere along the way and I book that room before leaving.

Chuck (one of our moderators and a DVC member) also mentioned the Life360 app. I'll have to check it out.
I'm also checking in on Sunday but I'm leaving tomorrow and going to Disney's Hilton Head Island first with family.

In the past I've had family members drive with me, spend the weekend and fly back home. It works out nicely when they are available. Have a good ride down!

My daughter shared her Life360 app with me a couple years ago. We both keep track of each other while on the road and after. Initially she wanted me to have that in the event that she couldn't reach me by text or call and she could see where my phone was located. If I was home and not responding she would know to physically check, but both of us use it when each other are traveling. A little over a year ago both of us made a trip back to Vermont. (Different times) and they could track me and I could track them in real time all the way, over a thousand miles, and knew when we had reached our destinations.

It is comforting to know both where they are and conversely for them to know where I am.

 

[TAPMD]

I was wondering if anyone here, who took and enjoyed solo trips, at some point has said that fragility and inconsistent health has made them feel unsafe in traveling alone any more. If so, how difficult a decision was it? Or was there a way that made you feel more comfortable again traveling solo? I used to be perfectly happy traveling solo, but as I recently entered my 70s, I'm starting to feel a little uncomfortable about it. For example, I wonder, if anything happened to me, how long it would take before DH figured it out. Maybe when my plane arrived home and I wasn't on it? On this last trip with family, my DIL and all 3 of my DGDs ended up in Urgent Care, and she mentioned that they came to our resort to pick someone up. She spoke highly of how they were treated-that helped. I'm really just looking for encouragement to keep taking solo trips. Anyone here over 75 and still going to WDW solo?

I think that’s a question only you can answer because everyone is different.

 

[Selket]

Just a heads up on urgent care centers - Advent Health has a stand alone "emergency room" over in Flamingo Crossings which is very close to WDW. This is great if you need an ER but many mistake it for an urgent care - and it charges ER rates. At least near me, I don't think anything like this exists - all the ER's are in the hospitals.

My son was in the Disney college program (he is a full time CM now) and the Disney housing for those kids is right next to this place. He passed out at his residence and the ambulance that was called took him there. In the DCP parents groups this place is well known because many times someone's kid goes over there when they are a bit sick and maybe want to get checked or need antibiotics thinking it's an urgent care and walk out with a $5000 ER bill.

Apparently it is wonderful if you need an emergency room - they serve Dole Whips..... https://www.adventhealth.com/emergency-room/adventhealth-er-flamingo-crossings-town-center

 

[North of Mouse]

Sounds less serious as a Disney rash as well. By the medical name of it I have to wonder if it is because someone hasn't been walking much and between the sun and the unusual amount of walking it just shows itself more openly. From what I understand it isn't something that lasts very long.

I started getting this rash on the back of my calves about 15 years ago at Disney and it scared DH & I to death. I'm not overweight so couldn't imagine what was happening to me. Called Dr. when I got home and was so relieved to hear that it was a harmless rash called Golfer's (rash) Vasculitis caused by prolong heat and unusual amount of walking. Exactly what happens at Disney lol. It was gone within a few days. We don't go to Disney during summer anymore, haven't for years, we go for Flower and Garden.