Those who have used Oxygen at the parks

[JodyLynC]

Hello,

My husband has a lung disease. It has not progressed to the point where he needs oxygen all the time, however, he does need oxygen when he over exerts himself. We will need to take oxygen with us to WDW since there is so much walking, so I am looking for advice.

What do you take to the parks? Do you take the tanks that can be rolled behind you or do you take the ones that you carry? Do you use the concentrators or the tanks? Do you get a Guest Disability card?

Are there certain rides that you do not ride because of the oxygen? Is there anything else we should know or keep in mind?

I appreciate any advice. This will be our first trip since he was diagnosed.

Thank you,
Jody

 

[redberyl]

If you are flying, it will have to be a concentrator, because tanks aren't allowed on planes. We only use ours at night, so I'm afraid I don't have any other tips to share

 

[Mrsjvb]

a tank would be cumbersome unwieldy and a PITA. a DAS is only issued if he cannot wait in any ride lines. I am sure there is a list somewhere of rides that would be inadvisable to ride carrying a concentrator.

 

[lanejudy]

Post #30 of the disABILITIES FAQs thread pinned near the top of this forum has information about traveling with oxygen.

There is information about the DAS in another sticky -- WDW - Disability Access Service. He would need to explain why he is unable to wait in a standard queue environment. For stamina issues, the typical accommodation is to use a mobility device because those are allowed in the queues.

You might also consider renting an ECV for him to use. He is welcome to park it and walk when he feels up to it. But can preserve some of his energy by riding.

Enjoy your vacation!

 

[Wendydagny]

If you fly, you will either have to use a concentrator or have tanks delivered to your hotel by a local company. We have used both a concentrator and tanks in the park, but they attach to my daughter's wheelchair. We have had no issue taking the oxygen on the tamer rides, but have never attempted to take it on a roller coaster. Probably the bumpiest ride it's been on has been the safari. Also, if you have oxygen, they will tell you which section you must sit in for Festival of the Lion King because of the fire knife dancer.

 

[DisneyOma]

Hello,

My husband has a lung disease. It has not progressed to the point where he needs oxygen all the time, however, he does need oxygen when he over exerts himself. We will need to take oxygen with us to WDW since there is so much walking, so I am looking for advice.

What do you take to the parks? Do you take the tanks that can be rolled behind you or do you take the ones that you carry? Do you use the concentrators or the tanks? Do you get a Guest Disability card?

Are there certain rides that you do not ride because of the oxygen? Is there anything else we should know or keep in mind?

I appreciate any advice. This will be our first trip since he was diagnosed.

Thank you,
Jody

I would think pulling oxygen tanks all day would be over-exerting in itself? Also, although it would be a medical reason, WDW doesn't allow anything to be pulled behind - not sure if oxygen tanks are an exemption for that. It would be an issue walking in crowds - people could trip over the tanks.

Get him an ECV - the tanks could be attached or put in the front basket. It would save his energy for the day, and he wouldn't have to stay in it all the time.

 

[gap2368]

I would also look at getting an ECV I think some you can have something put on the back for the O2tank if you go this way Also he dose not have to use the ECV all the time he can park it and walk around each area and then come back to it. I think ( and it sounds like he dose not need to been on oxegian all the time) but he could leave the tank behind when he is on the rides if he could do this I think he could ride more things. I am not sure but I do not think they let then on RNR Space but I could be wrong.

 

[princessfionasmom]

My husband is on oxygen for a lung disease as well. His, unfortunately, is progressing and now he needs a bipap a few times a day and for sleep on top of oxygen. For our upcoming trip we got an FAA approved portable oxygen concentrator because we are flying. The concentrator has a 9 hour battery pack which is much better than lugging tanks around and they do not last a fraction of the time. It might be worth looking into renting a portable oxygen concentrator for the trip, they are much lighter and much easier to carry. DH's has a backpack which he likes a lot. We also rented a scooter to make the trip more enjoyable, he has severe osteonecrosis in his hips so he will really need this. I called his current oxygen company had arranged for a full size oxygen concentrator to be delivered to our hotel for night time, he needs the constant flow at night.

Good luck and I hope you have a great trip!

 

[JodyLynC]

Thank you for all the great advice!!