The last time I went to Disney world I could walk. I need your advice.

[Kleese]

I am 33 and I have a couple of illnesses which limit me. I use a cane and can't walk for long. I've been to Disney twice in my lifetime and it's left a strong impression on me. I want to go back with my husband next year as it will be our 10th anniversary and we never went on a honeymoon i would really love to have a romantic and very exciting time. However I am nervous about what I could do.
I want to buy me a wheelchair for when we do things. I am tired of being limited. I am just wondering how can I possibly go on rides or shows when I am saddled with a cane and a wheelchair? Please if you can give me advice or a web site or even a book that lets me know my possibilities I would be extremely elated. Thank you

 

[Cheshire Figment]

The lines for almost all attractions at WDW are "mainstreamed". This means that the queue is set up to allow wheelchairs and/or ECVs to go through the line just as a person without a mobility problem. As it was built prior to the ADA, the Magic Kingdom is most likely to have non-mainstreamed lines. Some attractions, such as Splash Mountain and Haunted Mansion you will go part way through the regular queue and then be diverted. Other attractions, such as Big Thunder Mountain or SpaceShip Earth you will initially be directed to an accessible entrance.

All the theaters are set up with seats (usually in the back row) removed so a wheelchair or ECV can pull into a space and there will be regular seating on either side of the space for the others in the party.

Where there are quantity limits on space, or other limitation involving accessibility, you may have to wait longer to see a show or ride an attraction than people without disabilities.

The normal (and official) response of Guest Relations to people with mobility and/or stamina issues is to recommend rental of a wheelchair or ECV. The Guest Assistance Card (GAC) is intended for "invisible" disabilities not related to mobility or stamina. A wheelchair or ECV is sufficient to notify Cast Members of special assistance normally needed. However, if a person has other issues, such as auditory or visual, they would probably also need a GAC.

Note that a GAC is not intended to allow bypassing of lines, and it so states on the card itself. The only people who will get the special Front Of The Line GAC are where a terminal or medically fragile child is traveling on a trip from Make A Wish or similar foundation.

 

[Piper]

If you read the FAQ at the top of this board, you will get a lots of good information. It will be very helpful.

 

[stitchlovestink]

I am 33 and I have a couple of illnesses which limit me. I use a cane and can't walk for long. I've been to Disney twice in my lifetime and it's left a strong impression on me. I want to go back with my husband next year as it will be our 10th anniversary and we never went on a honeymoon i would really love to have a romantic and very exciting time. However I am nervous about what I could do.
I want to buy me a wheelchair for when we do things. I am tired of being limited. I am just wondering how can I possibly go on rides or shows when I am saddled with a cane and a wheelchair? Please if you can give me advice or a web site or even a book that lets me know my possibilities I would be extremely elated. Thank you

Might I suggest you look at renting an ECV instead of going the wheelchair route...
An ECV will give you so much more independence!
You don't say what your illnesses are and are under no obligation to do so. The only thing I will suggest that is if any of them create hidden disabilities, I would suggest requesting a GAC from guest services to accommodate those needs. Just keep in mind when you go to guest services, you need to tell them what accommodations you need for you disabilities, not so much what your disabilities are. Two people can have the same disability but their needs can be dramatically different. That's why it is important to tell them what accommodations you need rather than the disability.
I think you will be pleasantly surprised at how much you CAN DO at WDW even with medical issues. Depending on what your 'medical issues' are, there will probably be some things you will not want to do for obvious reasons, but I think you will find there is SO much that you can do that you will not be bored!! Disney is one of the absolutely best places to vacation when you have a disability/medical issue! Speaking from first hand experience!!
Hope you have a Wonderful trip!!!

 

[nurse0009]

Remember to get a medical card when you get there. I forgot mine and, even though I was using an ecv,found a few "cast members" to be very rude.

 

[Bete]

There are rides where the wheelchair can go on the actual ride. You go through a special ride queue some or all of the time. Then a cast member or two will help with getting the wheelchair secured onto the ride.

Going from memory The Jungle Cruise in Magic Kingdom you can stay in the wheelchair the whole time, as well as, the Riverboat Steamboat. It's a Small, Small World is a boat ride which can fit a wheelchair on it. You go to a special boat for this one. The Safari ride is another one you can stay in the wheelchair the whole time in Animal Kingdom; there's a special truck for it. Buzz Lightyear in Magic KIngdom is still another one. Toy Story Mania ride in Hollywood Studios is another ride that you can go on in a wheelchair. The Great Movie Ride in Hollywood Studios allows wheelchairs on the ride. The Living Land boat ride in Epcot takes a wheelchair on the boat. Soarin' in the Living Land building you take your wheelchair all the way up to the actual ride and then you transfer a few feet to the actual ride. After the ride the wheelchair is brought to you to transfer back again.

If you can walk some there will be a few other rides you can enjoy depending on your mobility. Your husband will have to do the assisting most of the time if you get more adventurous.

There are tons of shows to see at all the parks and they are all wheelchair friendly. Infact, the Hollywood Studios park I believe is more shows then rides. There are some movies to see like in Epcot's World Showcase for Canada and China. Alternate some shows with rides; so, you don't get so tired.

Disney offers a free vacation DVD that may help you see some of the rides to see if you can handle them or not. U-tube is a good source to see how the rides are, but you need to put the ride name in to get the videos for it.

Don't forget all the parades. There are special areas for wheelchairs that are roped off. If you have trouble finding those areas ask a cast member. I always find watching fireworks as romantic. The park maps are a good source for this info, too. There is a disability guide you can get for the parks for free.

On Amazon, there is a kindle book for 99 cents called "Wheelchair Users Pocket Guide to Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World" (Updated 2013)

Finally, let hubby do a few of the thrill rides on his own while you people watch if you feel comfortable doing so.

We took our mother who was wheelchair bound and we always had enough to see and do. She was 89 on her last trip there.

It might be fun to consider getting Photopass for the trip.

 

[Kleese]

Remember to get a medical card when you get there. I forgot mine and, even though I was using an ecv,found a few "cast members" to be very rude.

Do I have to get a medical card from guest services if I already carry my handicap license from my home state? I am totally new to all of this. I had ruled out Disney out altogether but my husband says that he wants to see me smile again and he wants to do it for me. I can walk with a use of a cane but I can't go very far and tire easily.

My disability is that I have fibromyalgia, arthritis, a pinched nerve in my back.
They won't operate on my back because of the fibromyalgia. I have a hard time getting around. Normally I work and go home and thats all I can do. A lot of people tell me I should go on disability but I am so young and I've worked so hard to get my position. I am going to go until I can't. I just have to remember not to push my limit which is hard to do as I am sure most of you know. You forget your a different you. Anyway that's the back story on me. Thanks for all your advice. I hope it keeps coming. I am going to look around the threads but I do hope you keep posting on mine. I really am trying to adjust myself. It's been years of hell but now I am on medicine and they know what I have. I know it will never go away and that I need to get used to it, it's just hard you know. Thanks for listening to me.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

Remember to get a medical card when you get there. I forgot mine and, even though I was using an ecv,found a few "cast members" to be very rude.

Do I have to get a medical card from guest services if I already carry my handicap license from my home state? I am totally new to all of this. I had ruled out Disney out altogether but my husband says that he wants to see me smile again and he wants to do it for me. I can walk with a use of a cane but I can't go very far and tire easily.

There is no such thing as a "Medical Card". There is the Guest Assistance Card which is intended for people who have "invisible" disabilities which are not related to mobility and/or stamina. There is a lot more information about the GAC in Post #6 of the disABILITIES FAQs and a direct link in my signature.

If you are using a wheelchair, ECV, cane, or walker that in itself indicates you have a mobility and/or stamina problem and automatically lets the CM know what services (or assistance) they can provide to you for a specific attraction.

Neither a mobility device nor a GAC will provide Front Of The Line access.

 

[WheeledTraveler]

I would highly recommend renting an ECV (from an off-site vendor) and taking it through lines with you. There are a few where you'd need to transfer to a park wheelchair, but the majority of lines you can bring the ECV through all the lines. The ECV will give you more independence because your husband won't need to be pushing you so that you can look around shops or something independently. You will not be the only person at WDW using an ECV and you will not even be the youngest person using one. You will not need a GAC if you are using a mobility aid.

Tomorrowland Transit Authority & Peter Pan are the only two rides with your level of mobility (not thinking about the causes/pain) that you either couldn't ride or might not be able to ride. If you can transfer at least some of the time, you can ride most other rides. I wouldn't recommend some of them with the conditions/symptoms you have, but there are plenty of rides and other attractions you can enjoy.

Using an ECV or wheelchair is just like using any other tool you're given. I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia when I got my first wheelchair at age 20 (ultimately I was undiagnosed with fibro & diagnosed with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, instead). Most of my doctors were completely against it because they had it in their head that I'd get in it and never walk again and they were effected by the social stigma. They were honestly happier with my being housebound and in ridiculous pain when I did get out than thinking about how to make it so I could be active. I've been able to keep walking in general more years because I use a wheelchair (now a power wheelchair) when I need it so they were wrong there. Social stigma isn't my problem, that's something that can only be fixed by societal change so that people stop thinking if you're disabled you're somehow lesser. The best way I can do something about that is by proudly using my mobility aids and supporting things which further making things as equal as possible. The wheelchair changed my life. I went from pretty much housebound to being able to get around. I am positive I wouldn't have graduated from college without the wheelchair and then, later, a scooter. I managed an extra year of working before I had to give it up because I switched to a power wheelchair. Now it's one of the major reasons I can live anywhere near independently (I'm 28 and lived with my parents for 3 years after I had to stop working, but am now back out on my own even though I still can't work). Do not think of a wheelchair as limiting. I think you may find that a wheelchair (or ECV) is far more freeing than you realize.

 

[SashaFarce]

I am 29 so not that far in age from you - from experience, Disney is THE BEST vacation for someone with the kind of health issues that you and I have. With few exceptions, it's much more navigable from a disability standpoint than any other trip my partner and I take.

I want to echo the advice to rent an ECV. I could and WOULD not go without one. That way you are not tethered to your husband or anyone else for extensive mobility assistance. I hope you have a great time!

 

[stitchlovestink]

I would highly recommend renting an ECV (from an off-site vendor) and taking it through lines with you. There are a few where you'd need to transfer to a park wheelchair, but the majority of lines you can bring the ECV through all the lines. The ECV will give you more independence because your husband won't need to be pushing you so that you can look around shops or something independently. You will not be the only person at WDW using an ECV and you will not even be the youngest person using one. You will not need a GAC if you are using a mobility aid.

Tomorrowland Transit Authority & Peter Pan are the only two rides with your level of mobility (not thinking about the causes/pain) that you either couldn't ride or might not be able to ride. If you can transfer at least some of the time, you can ride most other rides. I wouldn't recommend some of them with the conditions/symptoms you have, but there are plenty of rides and other attractions you can enjoy.

Using an ECV or wheelchair is just like using any other tool you're given. I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia when I got my first wheelchair at age 20 (ultimately I was undiagnosed with fibro & diagnosed with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, instead). Most of my doctors were completely against it because they had it in their head that I'd get in it and never walk again and they were effected by the social stigma. They were honestly happier with my being housebound and in ridiculous pain when I did get out than thinking about how to make it so I could be active. I've been able to keep walking in general more years because I use a wheelchair (now a power wheelchair) when I need it so they were wrong there. Social stigma isn't my problem, that's something that can only be fixed by societal change so that people stop thinking if you're disabled you're somehow lesser. The best way I can do something about that is by proudly using my mobility aids and supporting things which further making things as equal as possible. The wheelchair changed my life. I went from pretty much housebound to being able to get around. I am positive I wouldn't have graduated from college without the wheelchair and then, later, a scooter. I managed an extra year of working before I had to give it up because I switched to a power wheelchair. Now it's one of the major reasons I can live anywhere near independently (I'm 28 and lived with my parents for 3 years after I had to stop working, but am now back out on my own even though I still can't work). Do not think of a wheelchair as limiting. I think you may find that a wheelchair (or ECV) is far more freeing than you realize.

Bolding is mine...
Not necessarily...she may have other issues with her disabilities that she may need to request accommodations for... that should be between the OP and guest services. Just because someone uses an ECV does NOT automatically preclude them from needing a GAC.

 

[Kleese]

Note that a GAC is not intended to allow bypassing of lines, and it so states on the card itself. The only people who will get the special Front Of The Line GAC are where a terminal or medically fragile child is traveling on a trip from Make A Wish or similar foundation.

I don't want front of the line access. That's not why I am on here asking for advice. I am a fighter and I know that there are worse off people then me in this world and thinking of that gives me strength everyday to move my self out of bed. You may not mean anything by it but the reason I am commenting is that you've stated this more then once on here. So I want you to know that my intentions are pure. If I can get a close spot by a door I will not park in a handicap parking space because I know that someone of more need may come. I just want to enjoy my life the best way I can. I can't go to the store with out using a motorized scooter because my hips and knees give out. I am nervous about going somewhere public, and Disney World that's huge and overwhelming for an able bodied person seems rather impossible to me right now. Thank you for all your information. I hope you don't take my commenting wrong I just don't want anyone to think that I am an imposter that wants front row seats.

 

[Kleese]

On Amazon, there is a kindle book for 99 cents called "Wheelchair Users Pocket Guide to Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World" (Updated 2013)

Thank you very much for recommending this book. I've just purchased this. I don't have a kindle, I have a nook but luckily for me we have a prime subscription so I was able to download it to my computer. I am very excited and I can't wait to read it.


Also, there is so much information that y'all are giving me and I so appreciate it. It's taking me some time to really get into everything. The reason I was going to finally buy my own wheelchair was because I think we are going to try the cruise as well and when we get off at the ports it will be kind of difficult. I don't know. I know I won't get off at every port but it would be nice to get off at least one. Have any of you gone on the cruise and how was it to get around? I've been on one before but that was when everything was first starting and things weren't as bad. I just really want this to go right. I want my husband to have a great time and not have to worry about me hurting while we're trying to have fun. It does sound like renting one will be the way to go but does anyone know about cruising?

 

[Cheshire Figment]

I don't want front of the line access.

I'm sorry, but my first post (#2) which you had quoted was a "stock" answer; it was not intended to be insulting in any way - just stating facts.

 

[Bete]

I can't comment about cruising. I have read on these boards that it's tough to go on port excursions. Do your homework way ahead of time if you want to try an excursion and make sure it's wheelchair friendly. Don't wait until you are on the ship.

My cousin had fibro and arthritis when she joined me for a Disney world trip. She was 58 at the time. She just loved renting a scooter. It made all the difference in the world to her. You can still bring the wheelchair for the cruise, but the scooter in the Disney parks will allow both of you to go quicker through the parks. Your hubby will be able to relax more, too. Off site scooter rentals can go for $25 to $30/day for the smaller, portable travel scooter. We like Apple for our vendor.