Touring Disney with CFS

[ddgckg]

I have CFS. I can walk easily, but not long distances without becoming very tired. Standing for longs periods of time are also bad on me. Stress makes it worse. I can become very fatigued, almost breathless, and have heart palpitations. I had mono a couple of years ago and I haven't been the same since.

I'm considering renting an ECV... or at the very least, taking a walker that has a seat.

I'm thinking that if I had a place to sit while waiting in line, or even if I get faster entry, it would make our vacation so much easier!

Would I be able to get a GAC for mobility issues? If so, how do I go about getting one for CFS?

 

[mechurchlady]

The FAQs have lots of info on the GAC. You should get the GAC since you will need to avoid stairs for example. You would not need a note from a doctor.

The wheelchair is the least stressful and easiest aid to use in the parks. The main problem is that the pushers can tire out. If you have a group of people who can take turns then that is the best option in your case.

The ECV is essential if you do not have a wheelchair as you can save lots of energy. Driving an ECV can be stressful because idiots will walk in front of you, jump right in front of you, people will stop and block the path, and other rude behavior. Some people think that the GAC will make life easier or that the FastPass and Single Rider Lines will be easier. The problem is that you will still have to walk a long long long way. Due to legal, park rules and/or other factors often there are limits on how many disabled riders can ride at one time. That can mean waiting 30 minutes while the other lines are 15 minutes long. Some rides have preshow or hidden waiting rooms.

I was on a trip to San Antonio recently and this was my stress busters. I planned for the trip in minute detail. I had a set itinerary. I then had options like if a hurricane hit I could drive to Fort Worth or to an online friend in Plano. I knew and had on me a list of restaurants and how to get there. I had a list of things to do. The day I was not up to par I had a back up plan and drove around the park looking at the pretty sunken gardens and did not have to get out of my car.

To avoid stress you need lots of back up plans and do not stress over not doing things as there will always tons of other things to do. Take the opportunities at they come like see a show that is available now instead of racing across the park to see the parade which you probably will miss half of.

 

[KPeveler]

definitely get a wheelchair or ECV. Disney's policy on stamina issues is that the person should get a wc/ECV, because the lines are mainstreamed and this would allow you to be able to wait with everyone else (the queues are awesome!)... the GAC does not shorten wait times. Unless you can pull yourself along in your walker, it probly won't help for lines, as they are slowly but constantly moving.

I have CFS, have had it for 8 years, and I use a wheelchair in disney. Its a lifesaver!

 

[Cheshire Figment]

Hi and to disABILITIES!

You have gotten some good advice from the two prior posters.

The official Disney policy for mobility/stamina issues is the suggestion to rent either a wheechair or an ECV.

The Guest Assistance Card is not intended to all bypassing of line, and many lines cannot be bypassed anyway. Can you do five or more miles a day with a walker? For example, once around the Epcot World Showcase Lagoon Promenade is over 1¼ miles.

Any most lines have continuous movement as most attraction have continous boarding; only where there are shows and they load a theater at a time do the lines have periods of not moving.

If you click on where it says "disABILTIES" at the top of this page it will take you to the Index. One of the top items is the "disABILTIES FAQ" which will gives lots of useful information. Posts #2, #3 and #6 may be best for you.

Or, if you want an easier route, click on the link in my signature.

 

[ddgckg]

Thank you all for the awesome info!! I plan to have afternoon breaks each day so I know that will help. And I think that a conventional wheelchair might be my best bet. Just having something to hold onto while walking helps a lot. Then there comes a time when I am so exhausted that I have to SIT DOWN NOW! So many times my husband has found me sitting on the floor at Wal-Mart because I didn't have the buggy to hold onto and there were no benches nearby. We have an exercise room at work and I have been trying to get on the treadmill each day. Hopefully by the time we leave for our Thanksgiving trip, I'll have a little stamina built up.

Thanks again!!