Two time cancer survivor, some concerns about my upcoming trip in October.

[MataHari22]

I have a couple of concerns about my up coming trip booked in October. I am a two time cancer survivor and I have a lot of side effects from my treatments that are not apparent when you look at me, but are very difficult to live with. I do not have the stamina that I used to, and I am worried about being able to do all the walking and being able to bear up well in the heat. When I called the Port Orleans Resort about some of my concerns, one of the things I asked is if it was possible to have a room where I would not have to walk up steps. She said that I could call two weeks ahead and request that, and they could even put me in a room that was closer to the transportation. She also said I could get a GAC (if I brought a doctors note) if I needed it. After having read the boards here, and looking at a few other places, I read that the doctors note is not necessary. So I'm not clear on that, since I was told by the hotel to have one. I do have a SSD letter stating my disabilities, and could bring that along, if I need to.

I think, to be on the safe side, I should get a GAC, so that I can wait in a shaded area if that is an option. I have also decided that if I need to, I will rent a scooter if I have a lot of trouble on the first day. Is a doctors note necessary for that?

One of the issues that I deal with, is severe dysphagia. It's hard for me to swallow. I have made dinner reservations and have informed them and the lady that took my reservations has that noted on my reservations. I need soft, sort of bland foods, and can only drink milk with dinner. I do have the Disney dining plan, which was free when I booked. I can take me two hours to eat a meal. Will I be able to make changes to menu items, so that I can get food that I can swallow? Will I be able to take the time I need to finish my food? I don't eat in restaurants here at home because of my eating issues, and I am really nervous about this. I cannot afford to lose any weight, and I am very nervous I will not be able to get enough nutrition during this trip. One of my thoughts was to fed ex some Ensure or Boost to the hotel to have when I get there, so at least I know I will have those easily consumable calories there for me. One thing I can easily eat are bananas. I have heard that you can get fresh fruit as a snack on the DDP, are bananas easily available in the parks?

I am really nervous about this trip. I have been really struggling with my health for years and I haven't been anywhere since 2006. I hope I haven't made a mistake trying to go.

Any help or advice would be appreciated. Thank you.

 

[WheeledTraveler]

When you call the resorts, you aren't generally getting the actual resort, but a call center. Whomever you reached at the call center was incorrect about the need for a doctors note.

I would suggest calling and telling them that you need a room at your resort without stairs as a medical need. They can put that on your reservation. You may still need to double check within the 2 weeks before you go (and when you check in) because they have no way of blocking off non-ADA rooms for medical needs when you book, but it should be possible for you to get and you do not need a doctor's note. Having it already on the reservation should make the chances of your having a problem when you get there be reduced.

You do not need any sort of medical proof for a GAC or to rent an ECV (scooter) or wheelchair. Most queues are already shaded or are in air conditioning so you may find you'll be better served by planning around how to manage the sun in general than a GAC. You'll be far more exposed to the sun between attractions than in queues, whether you're walking or using an ECV. I do think it's worth talking to guest services about your needs to see if/what a GAC could help you with. For example, if you don't get an ECV, you might consider whether you need a GAC to avoid stairs. If you think you'll need a ECV, you really should consider renting from offsite. It's substantially cheaper than renting at WDW and means you will have access to it around the resort if needed. All the buses can transport ECVs. If you aren't sure, you can always bring the number for one of the offsite rental companies and they can often get one to you within 24 hours if you get there and realize you need an ECV.

Sit down restaurants can modify with items on their menu and some of the QS/CS places can do some modification. I'd suggest looking at sample menus for items you think could be modified for your needs and made ADRs for places that will have those foods. If having things blended or puréed will help you, they can blend food that they've prepared within their own kitchen, however they cannot blend foods you bring from outside. You will be able to take the time you need to eat. I don't know if you use thickeners, but I know you can get individual serving packets of thickeners such as Thick-It so you might want to pack a bunch of those. I honestly can't remember how often I saw bananas last time I was at WDW, but they were definitely available some places.

Sorry for the rambling, but I hope I answered some of your questions.

 

[Bete]

My mother had swallowing issues and I know you can have your meals puréed. I would get that noted on your meal reservations. Also, as soon as you see your waiter I would advise about the foods needing to be puréed. My mom did fine with mash potatoes, jello, and so forth. You'll need to decide, but I strongly recommend doing puréed foods. You don't want to have issues on vacation. I believe most food courts located at the resorts will have bananas. For safety sake I would do the energy drinks like boost and ensure. Boost has a powdered form, then you could take it with you and you add milk which can be found in the food courts and restaurants.

I highly recommend getting a scooter. The cost is well worth it; because, it will allow you to have the energy to stay in the parks longer. Park tickets are costly and you want to maximize your time in them and a scooter will help. Renting from an outside source is like half the cost of doing it in the Disney parks. You can get a portable, travel scooter. They come as a three or four wheel scooters. Most who use them feel the three wheel has a better turning radius and the four wheel is a more stable. Disney transportation is set up for this. The scooter will help you around the resort, too. If you rent from an outside source you will have to charge your battery each day to make sure you have the power to run each day. Turn the scooter off when seeing a show, parade or fireworks. If a ride queue has a long wait you may want to consider shutting it off at those times, too. You can practice for free with scooters in stores like Target, your local grocery, Wal-Mart and so forth. The store scooters are more awkward then what you will be actually using. Also, you can park a scooter for a while if you choose to walk at times. Just park it in a good place away from entrances or exits; don't block walkways. Take your key and belongings if you choose to walk for a while. Scooters can get very close to the rides; so, you can take them in and get off at the last minute. Shows have special areas usually in the back and you can sit in your scooter for the show.

There are threads here that can help you understand GAC better and also suggestions for scooter companies. Maybe, the doctor's note had something to do with getting you a better location at the resort. There are preferred room locations that normally have an up charge. You definitely as of today don't need to have a GAC for the parks. If you have a scooter you will probably not need a GAC; unless, there are other issues besides mobility.

 

[eacosper]

I have no advice to you that's helpful except please don't be nervous. 99% of the cast members will go above and beyond to make your vacation amazing. I have never been anywhere where the staff cares so much. So please please please don't be nervous!

 

[Schmeck]

I have a couple of concerns about my up coming trip booked in October. I am a two time cancer survivor and I have a lot of side effects from my treatments that are not apparent when you look at me, but are very difficult to live with. I do not have the stamina that I used to, and I am worried about being able to do all the walking and being able to bear up well in the heat. When I called the Port Orleans Resort about some of my concerns, one of the things I asked is if it was possible to have a room where I would not have to walk up steps. She said that I could call two weeks ahead and request that, and they could even put me in a room that was closer to the transportation. She also said I could get a GAC (if I brought a doctors note) if I needed it. After having read the boards here, and looking at a few other places, I read that the doctors note is not necessary. So I'm not clear on that, since I was told by the hotel to have one. I do have a SSD letter stating my disabilities, and could bring that along, if I need to.

I think, to be on the safe side, I should get a GAC, so that I can wait in a shaded area if that is an option. I have also decided that if I need to, I will rent a scooter if I have a lot of trouble on the first day. Is a doctors note necessary for that?

One of the issues that I deal with, is severe dysphagia. It's hard for me to swallow. I have made dinner reservations and have informed them and the lady that took my reservations has that noted on my reservations. I need soft, sort of bland foods, and can only drink milk with dinner. I do have the Disney dining plan, which was free when I booked. I can take me two hours to eat a meal. Will I be able to make changes to menu items, so that I can get food that I can swallow? Will I be able to take the time I need to finish my food? I don't eat in restaurants here at home because of my eating issues, and I am really nervous about this. I cannot afford to lose any weight, and I am very nervous I will not be able to get enough nutrition during this trip. One of my thoughts was to fed ex some Ensure or Boost to the hotel to have when I get there, so at least I know I will have those easily consumable calories there for me. One thing I can easily eat are bananas. I have heard that you can get fresh fruit as a snack on the DDP, are bananas easily available in the parks?

I am really nervous about this trip. I have been really struggling with my health for years and I haven't been anywhere since 2006. I hope I haven't made a mistake trying to go.

Any help or advice would be appreciated. Thank you.

Are you looking for a first floor room? Or would an elevator make everything OK? You need to be very specific when making requests, because the cast members are not mind readers

There is a lot of walking at WDW - try zooming in on the area with Bing.com maps or google maps to get an idea of how far everything is just at the resort. then check out how far you have to walk just from the bus stop tot he entrance of MK. You are definitely going to need a scooter if endurance is an issue for you. Also look into some cooling vests/bandanas to help with the heat.

A GAC may get you a place to wait out of the sun if that is an issue, but most of the queues at WDW are under cover now, with fans and even a bit of AC under there. Disney's standard advice for stamina issues is to rent a wheelchair or scooter, because most of the walking is done between the attractions. Miles of it, every day. A GAC is only for attractions, and there will be other situations with buses, food courts, restaurants, etc, where you will benefit from having a scooter.

You can order from an online grocery delivery to have food brought to your resort, but I don't know names specifically. We drive down, so we bring our special food with us. (One daughter has a texture issue) Make sure you request to have a working fridge in the room - some are being switched out right now due to a safety issue.

 

[bidnow5]

Don't worry every restaurant has been wonderful about my food issues and no one will rush you. Scooters are the best thing to happen to my vacations you can do more and have more fun if you are traveling with others it will be better for them also.
We request first floor for medical reasons and have always gotten a first floor I do call several times to be sure and several times my request disappeared from the reservation so do call to check.
Have fun

 

[MataHari22]

When you call the resorts, you aren't generally getting the actual resort, but a call center. Whomever you reached at the call center was incorrect about the need for a doctors note.

I would suggest calling and telling them that you need a room at your resort without stairs as a medical need. They can put that on your reservation. You may still need to double check within the 2 weeks before you go (and when you check in) because they have no way of blocking off non-ADA rooms for medical needs when you book, but it should be possible for you to get and you do not need a doctor's note. Having it already on the reservation should make the chances of your having a problem when you get there be reduced.

You do not need any sort of medical proof for a GAC or to rent an ECV (scooter) or wheelchair. Most queues are already shaded or are in air conditioning so you may find you'll be better served by planning around how to manage the sun in general than a GAC. You'll be far more exposed to the sun between attractions than in queues, whether you're walking or using an ECV. I do think it's worth talking to guest services about your needs to see if/what a GAC could help you with. For example, if you don't get an ECV, you might consider whether you need a GAC to avoid stairs. If you think you'll need a ECV, you really should consider renting from offsite. It's substantially cheaper than renting at WDW and means you will have access to it around the resort if needed. All the buses can transport ECVs. If you aren't sure, you can always bring the number for one of the offsite rental companies and they can often get one to you within 24 hours if you get there and realize you need an ECV.

Sit down restaurants can modify with items on their menu and some of the QS/CS places can do some modification. I'd suggest looking at sample menus for items you think could be modified for your needs and made ADRs for places that will have those foods. If having things blended or puréed will help you, they can blend food that they've prepared within their own kitchen, however they cannot blend foods you bring from outside. You will be able to take the time you need to eat. I don't know if you use thickeners, but I know you can get individual serving packets of thickeners such as Thick-It so you might want to pack a bunch of those. I honestly can't remember how often I saw bananas last time I was at WDW, but they were definitely available some places.

Sorry for the rambling, but I hope I answered some of your questions.

Thank you for all the info! I did find a site that has all the restaurants menus, so I am going to look at the restaurants I am going to, and write down some options I think will be good for me, so I am not overwhelmed when I get there. Will peruse some of the quick service food places, and see what looks like my best bet to go to while there. I don't use the thicken up anymore. Milk is usually thick enough for me.

 

[MataHari22]

Thank you, Bete. I do not normally have my meals puréed at home. I find it really unappetizing and unpalatable for me, so I try and cook things I can eat without it looking like baby food. There may come a day when I will have to do it, but right now, I can still eat sort of normally. I drink a lot of smoothies, eat a lot of yogurt and softly cooked veggies

Good idea about trying a practice run on a scooter, as I have never driven one of those things.

 

[MataHari22]

I have no advice to you that's helpful except please don't be nervous. 99% of the cast members will go above and beyond to make your vacation amazing. I have never been anywhere where the staff cares so much. So please please please don't be nervous!

Thanks! One of my issues is anxiety disorder, so being nervous is usually a given. Lol. I have actually been to WDW in the past, but I was younger and in much better shape then.

 

[MataHari22]

Are you looking for a first floor room? Or would an elevator make everything OK? You need to be very specific when making requests, because the cast members are not mind readers

There is a lot of walking at WDW - try zooming in on the area with Bing.com maps or google maps to get an idea of how far everything is just at the resort. then check out how far you have to walk just from the bus stop tot he entrance of MK. You are definitely going to need a scooter if endurance is an issue for you. Also look into some cooling vests/bandanas to help with the heat.

A GAC may get you a place to wait out of the sun if that is an issue, but most of the queues at WDW are under cover now, with fans and even a bit of AC under there. Disney's standard advice for stamina issues is to rent a wheelchair or scooter, because most of the walking is done between the attractions. Miles of it, every day. A GAC is only for attractions, and there will be other situations with buses, food courts, restaurants, etc, where you will benefit from having a scooter.

You can order from an online grocery delivery to have food brought to your resort, but I don't know names specifically. We drive down, so we bring our special food with us. (One daughter has a texture issue) Make sure you request to have a working fridge in the room - some are being switched out right now due to a safety issue.

When I called POR, I actually asked if they had elevators. The woman I spoke to was the one that mentioned the first floor room and making it closer to the transportation.

I have been to WDW before and I know how much walking there is to do, which is why I am concerned. I just do not know what I am capable of doing right now, but I know it's a far cry from what I was like when I was healthy.

Thank you for all the advice! I really appreciate it.

 

[crashbb]

Thank you, Bete. I do not normally have my meals puréed at home. I find it really unappetizing and unpalatable for me, so I try and cook things I can eat without it looking like baby food. There may come a day when I will have to do it, but right now, I can still eat sort of normally. I drink a lot of smoothies, eat a lot of yogurt and softly cooked veggies

Good idea about trying a practice run on a scooter, as I have never driven one of those things.

I wonder if restaurants will cook vegetables so that they are soft enough for you. I would think that it is something that they can do, but I've never tried, so I'm not totally sure.

 

[MataHari22]

Don't worry every restaurant has been wonderful about my food issues and no one will rush you. Scooters are the best thing to happen to my vacations you can do more and have more fun if you are traveling with others it will be better for them also.
We request first floor for medical reasons and have always gotten a first floor I do call several times to be sure and several times my request disappeared from the reservation so do call to check.
Have fun

Thank you kindly, Glen. I will be sure to call and check. I think part of my problem is I am always worried I am being a pain with special requests and I don't speak up. I am learning that I need to do that, because I just cannot do some things that everyone else can. Plus it's hard when everyone thinks you're fine, because I have no obvious disability.

 

[GrammyJudy]

Allears.net has great menus. I really suggest you rent a scooter...why stress Are youbtravelling alone?yourself......and make sure they put first floor, near bus on your reservation.

 

[MataHari22]

I wonder if restaurants will cook vegetables so that they are soft enough for you. I would think that it is something that they can do, but I've never tried, so I'm not totally sure.

I was kind of hoping they would. I cannot really swallow meats. It is like trying to swallow sawdust. I can do chicken thighs, most of the time, bit they have to be cooked "right", and it's tricky for me to eat, so I don't think I would risk it. It might be a week of eating ice cream and drinking milkshakes if worse come to worse. Lol

 

[MataHari22]

Allears.net has great menus. I really suggest you rent a scooter...why stress Are youbtravelling alone?yourself......and make sure they put first floor, near bus on your reservation.

Yes! That is where I found the menus, thank you. No, I could never travel alone. I have a friend that is traveling with me. She helped me out after my last two surgeries and I stayed there to recuperate. I am paying for the trip.

 

[Bete]

FYI the average guest travels 6 to 8 miles a day through the Disney parks. Of course, there are rest periods like when you see a show, eat, and so forth. You are not continually on the go, but there is a lot of walking.

You don't have to have everything puréed, but if there is something that might be borderline it is something to consider. When you think about it a lot of soups like cream of tomato and so on are somewhat like eating puréed food. I'm glad for you that you can get by right now mostly, but just be aware it's available if you need it.

I agree that guest services all over is great. If you need help in some way then ask. The worse that can happen is that you are refused for some reason.

Another thought is to take a break in your day. We like to go early in the morning and leave by noon for the resort and return late afternoon. My hubby takes a nap and I play with my iPad.

 

[heidibilotti]

I know you said you drink milk. Many menus have a mega berry smoothie made with yogurt odwalla mega berry and raspberry purée. It is super great and might be worth a try if you think you might like it.

 

[MataHari22]

FYI the average guest travels 6 to 8 miles a day through the Disney parks. Of course, there are rest periods like when you see a show, eat, and so forth. You are not continually on the go, but there is a lot of walking.

You don't have to have everything puréed, but if there is something that might be borderline it is something to consider. When you think about it a lot of soups like cream of tomato and so on are somewhat like eating puréed food. I'm glad for you that you can get by right now mostly, but just be aware it's available if you need it.

I agree that guest services all over is great. If you need help in some way then ask. The worse that can happen is that you are refused for some reason.

Another thought is to take a break in your day. We like to go early in the morning and leave by noon for the resort and return late afternoon. My hubby takes a nap and I play with my iPad.

I do eat a lot of creamed soups. Those are the good kind of puréed foods, those are yummy. It's when they try and purée steak, and a whole meal and try and feed it to me that I have a problem with. Ick.

I thought about taking a break in the afternoon and resting if needed. Also, I have two days that are totally unscheduled, just my two table service meals are reserved. I can rest if I need it, or go to one of the parks. When I used to go, those two days would have been my second day at Epcot, and a Universal Studios day. I used to pack my itinerary. I realize I cannot do that anymore and I will have to take it slow. I used to try and see everything. Now I thought I would have a goal of maybe 5 attractions in each park.

 

[MataHari22]

I know you said you drink milk. Many menus have a mega berry smoothie made with yogurt odwalla mega berry and raspberry purée. It is super great and might be worth a try if you think you might like it.

I love smoothies and make them most days. What's an odwalla mega berry? If the raspberry purée is seedless, I can have it. I have to watch my fruits, I am allergic to mangos, and acidic fruits like tomato, pineapple, kiwi and papaya are a no go. My mouth is very sensitive because of the radiation from my head and neck cancer treatments.

 

[TreeSapp]

We're traveling in the near future with my FIL who has very similar concerns. We were told the best way to get a scooter or wheelchair is from an offsite company (if you call disney the have contact info for 3-4 that they recommend). The company will drop the scooter/chair off at your room and you can use it your whole stay (not just in the parks) hope that helps!

-Tree