thrill rides?

[lizzyb5280]

Just wanted to pop over and say that I too appreciate all of this great info! I've got my five year D-day anniversary coming up in a couple of weeks (T-6 paraplegic due to Transverse Myelitis), and our trip this fall will be my first time doing Disney in a chair, though I have done other, smaller amusement parks. I do most transfers myself (never have mastered floor to chair, but can do most anything else), so this info was quite helpful!

 

[BillSears]

Just wanted to pop over and say that I too appreciate all of this great info! I've got my five year D-day anniversary coming up in a couple of weeks (T-6 paraplegic due to Transverse Myelitis), and our trip this fall will be my first time doing Disney in a chair, though I have done other, smaller amusement parks. I do most transfers myself (never have mastered floor to chair, but can do most anything else), so this info was quite helpful!

You'll love it!

Floor to chair is the hardest transfer out there for me. I used to do it fairly regularly up to my mid 20s. But even then it left me out of breath, sweating and I tore a lot of pants doing it. Then I started doing what I call assisted transfers. Where I would have one hand on the chair and one had on a table or something else stable at that height. Now a days at 51 even the assisted transfers are rough. So now I do it in steps. Floor to a low/middle height normal chair, then that chair to my wheelchair. But as you've probably figured out by now you do whatever you need to do to get things done.

 

[SueM in MN]

If there are any other attractions you would especially like pictures from, I do have lots of pictures. Only a few are posted on the internet and I have not had time to make any more of the photo montages like I did for Soarin', but I will hunt down a picture and post it if someone needs to see one.

 

[PirateFairy8]

I didn't see anyone mention it but on Test Track I always ask them to use the booster seat and the grab bar once I am at the wheelchair transfer area. It is much easier for me to get (really just controlled fall) into the vehicle and to get out. It is not as far down or out. However, I do have use of my legs on most days so this may not help everyone else.

 

[weswife]

I didn't see anyone mention it but on Test Track I always ask them to use the booster seat and the grab bar once I am at the wheelchair transfer area. It is much easier for me to get (really just controlled fall) into the vehicle and to get out. It is not as far down or out. However, I do have use of my legs on most days so this may not help everyone else.

What exactly do you mean by a booster seat? She is 16 and a bigger girl. I am nervous that my DH may have trouble getting her in and out. I don't want him to hurt his back.

 

[PirateFairy8]

It's just a black seat that goes down into the seat to make it higher and you don't have as far to get in or out. I can't really explain it very well, I don't have any pictures either. It does make it much easier on me to transfer.

 

[weswife]

It's just a black seat that goes down into the seat to make it higher and you don't have as far to get in or out. I can't really explain it very well, I don't have any pictures either. It does make it much easier on me to transfer.

ok, Sounds like it might be helpful. I will ask about it. Once again great info. and THANKS!!!!

 

[SueM in MN]

It's just a black seat that goes down into the seat to make it higher and you don't have as far to get in or out. I can't really explain it very well, I don't have any pictures either. It does make it much easier on me to transfer.

we have used the grab bar, but not the booster seat.
Is it usuable in the middle seat or only on the end?

 

[PirateFairy8]

I have only used it in the end, but they always ask me if I want it in the middle or on the end. I am 5'7" if this helps anyone wondering about the height. For me, it's easier for somebody to be in the car and help "catch" me as I slide into the booster seat on the end while using the grab bar also. I sort of do a type of slide transfer. If I'm not making sense just let me know and I will get my boyfriend to help me explain it better. He usually helps me transfer. Again though, I do have use of my legs, just not always or enough that I wouldn't fall. Usually it's an issue of them not supporting me for this transfer, which is why I do it this way.

 

[Zbugz]

Just wanted to pop over and say that I too appreciate all of this great info! I've got my five year D-day anniversary coming up in a couple of weeks (T-6 paraplegic due to Transverse Myelitis), and our trip this fall will be my first time doing Disney in a chair, though I have done other, smaller amusement parks. I do most transfers myself (never have mastered floor to chair, but can do most anything else), so this info was quite helpful!

I know this is an old thread, but in hopes of LizzyB still being around:

My daughter is a T-12 paraplegic due to transverse myelitis, too, as of June 27th. We had previously planned a trip to DLR late August, and I am trying to decide whether to postpone it or not. She has very good torso control and is already doing advance moves.

LizzyB how did your trip work out? Anyone else with experience with transverse myelitis paralysis doing Disney parks?

TIA, Zbugz

 

[BillSears]

I'm a T6 complete para due to a snow skiing accident in my senior year of high school in 1977. My accident was in February and I went to WDW for my first time in July. It was fantastic!

So I'd say if you guys want to go then you should go! It'll be a great reminder that even though you have to do things a bit differently from others you still go out and do them.

 

[Zbugz]

I'm a T6 complete para due to a snow skiing accident in my senior year of high school in 1977. My accident was in February and I went to WDW for my first time in July. It was fantastic!

So I'd say if you guys want to go then you should go! It'll be a great reminder that even though you have to do things a bit differently from others you still go out and do them.

Thanks for the encouragement. My heart says to just do it. My head says to wait until November when she hopefully will have regained some control. It's great to hear how well you have done.

 

[rastika]

Thanks to everyone for such an exciting thread! I am so stoked to learn that my sister (15 already! eep) will be able to ride some awesome thrill rides! We were a little concerned about stepping down into low seats, but learning about the swing away sides and transfer benches has opened up a whole new world for us! Ha sorry for the Aladin pun.

Thanks again everybody! You have just made my year!