touring parks w/ weight, COPD, slipped disks and RA questions

[Piwacket's Mom]

Hi, I have reservations for my first trip with my brother this mid December. I am over 300 pounds and I have COPD, slipped disks and other health issues. I have been dieting for a several months now and my goal is to be at a better weight and stronger by December but I have to be prepared for the struggle that I know park touring will be for me.

I decided worst come to worst I can at least move about the parks in a wheel chair. I don't want to do use this option.
It will be December so heat wont be so much an issue but don't know if there is a lot of humidity.
If I use a walker w/a seat, does anyone know if I would be able to put it aside once I get to board the ride?
Does the regular lines accommodate a wheelchair?

I was told the amount of benches are less now (I posted elsewhere and someone suggested this site was a better spot for my questions)

Can you please offer me tips and information to guide me?

Thank you for your help.

 

[OurBigTrip]

I would absolutely rent an ECV - you can propel yourself, and it will be much easier on not only you, but your entire family.

 

[lanejudy]

If I use a walker w/a seat, does anyone know if I would be able to put it aside once I get to board the ride?
Does the regular lines accommodate a wheelchair?

To answer your specific questions -- yes, a rollater (walker with a seat) can be used in all mainstreamed lines, and CMs will hold it to the side while you ride. Yes, a wheelchair may be used in most lines; the few that are not mainstreamed (accessible) will guide you to an alternate entrance.

I also agree with PP that you might want to consider an ECV. They are very common in the parks and nobody will think twice about you using one.

Enjoy your vacation!

 

[mamabunny]

What lanejudy said.

If you are not used to self-propelling in a wheelchair, you won't last long as you want to. The only people I would ever recommend using a self-propelled chair at WDW would be those who use one daily - and even some of them will tell you that WDW can kick your booty hard. As is frequently discussed around here, you can easily go anywhere between 5 - 10 miles *per day* in the parks; that's a *lot* of work when you consider the number of ramps, and hills you will have to face.

I'm a self-described 3L: a Lovely Large Lady. I use an ECV at WDW because I want to enjoy my time there. I don't want my arms/hands to give out, and then rely upon a family member to push me; I want all of us to have fun! So, I use an ECV.

I promise, no one will make fun of you. No one will point and laugh. There are so many folks at WDW that use an assistive device of one kind or another, you won't even be noticed. Just think of it as a tool to make your trip better. Just like I have to use a calculator because I stink at math - I have to use an ECV because my body doesn't work like everyone else's. Both are tools.

If you do decide to self-propel in a standard wheelchair, please make sure that you rent a chair that is appropriate to your size. You can actually injure yourself further trying to use a chair that is not properly sized. Additionally, bring along a pair of bike gloves to protect your hands from blisters, and a pair for anyone who might need to help out and push you; most rental chairs have a hard plastic grip that will tear up the pushers hands in short order, and leave them blistered.

If you are concerned about the cost of renting an ECV, check with some of the local off-site vendors in the Orlando area. You can typically rent a scooter off-site for a small percentage of what WDW charges per day for the in-park rentals.

Whatever you decide to you, I hope you have a lovely, Magical time at WDW!

 

[Piwacket's Mom]

thanks for the information and support. I appreciate it. I checked out Apple and was glad it was one of the recommended sites. I will see how the upcoming months go. I will get information soon to figure out how far in advance I have to reserve a chair and be prepared to use it when and if necessary.