Wheelchair dilema

[OneLittleSpark]

That’s neat! Unfortunately, I think it would be very uncomfortable for my dad to ride in one. He’s 6’8”ish and all leg, so I don’t think that would work unless my mom or I pushed him at a slant. Lol! That would be a sight!

Yes, that might make things 'interesting'! But I don't think using a rollator as a wheelchair would be very comfortable for anyone, over a long distance, as they don't usually have footplates. That means they would have to hold their feet off the ground all the time, unless their legs were short enough to dangle freely. Not too comfy!

That sounds like a lot of fun! My dad definitely would not mind decorating the ECV. He’s very laid back and actually usually encourages it. For instance, he had a horrible foot wound that forced him to wear a big black fuzzy boot thing. We saw some Disney Princess paper tape and some neon colored (fake) duct tape at the 99cent store and bought it so that I could decorate his foot and his “boot“.
Now my mom on the other hand…I think it will take a while to convince her.

May I suggest a pirate flag and a sign on the back saying "Warning: I take no prisoners!"? Just make sure he doesn't go the whole hog, and wear an eye patch and a hook - it might make driving a little more tricky.

One thing to note also is that your dad won't be able to ride many of the attractions with FP, as they are too jerky/violent for someone with a bad back - he could take a break and rest while you and your mom experience those rides.

Good point! He will probably want to avoid the rides with very sharp turns and drops. A good indicator would be the warnings they put on the map, and on signs outside the ride entrance. You can find films of just about every Disney ride on YouTube, so you can use that to get an idea of how rough each of them is before you go. If you're still unsure, you can ask the CM at the line entrance for some more detail. Or you could just post your question up here!

Also, if being prodded in the back hurts him, he won't much like It's Tough to Be a Bug in AK. There are one or two points where things in the seats poke you in the back. If you want to do this one, I suggest he takes his ECV through the line, and stays in it for the show. There are a number of spaces in there, so he shouldn't be taking a place away from anyone else; and he can be sure that his seat won't injure him!

Hope this helps!

 

[Katie's Butterflies]

One thing to note also is that your dad won't be able to ride many of the attractions with FP, as they are too jerky/violent for someone with a bad back - he could take a break and rest while you and your mom experience those rides.

Good point! He will probably want to avoid the rides with very sharp turns and drops. A good indicator would be the warnings they put on the map, and on signs outside the ride entrance. You can find films of just about every Disney ride on YouTube, so you can use that to get an idea of how rough each of them is before you go. If you're still unsure, you can ask the CM at the line entrance for some more detail. Or you could just post your question up here!

Thanks so much for the heads-up. Yes, we were aware that he wouldn’t want to go on certain rides because of his back. Luckily, (or unfortunately) he can’t fit into a lot of ride cars because of his size anyway. He’s 6’8 and all legs, so it was painful for him, before his back problems, to just get into or out of the ride cars. I’m sure he would love sitting back and reading in some shade or at least off to the side if there is a ride my mom and I want to go on. Though, I doubt it because my mom HATES those types of rides. So, I think we’re good!

 

[Katie's Butterflies]

Also, if being prodded in the back hurts him, he won't much like It's Tough to Be a Bug in AK. There are one or two points where things in the seats poke you in the back. If you want to do this one, I suggest he takes his ECV through the line, and stays in it for the show. There are a number of spaces in there, so he shouldn't be taking a place away from anyone else; and he can be sure that his seat won't injure him!

I never would have thought of a show hurting him. I doubt it would poke enough to hurt him, but I personally hate the surprise poke/tickle etc. So, I’ll take this as a warning for me to stay far, far away! lol

May I suggest a pirate flag and a sign on the back saying "Warning: I take no prisoners!"? Just make sure he doesn't go the whole hog, and wear an eye patch and a hook - it might make driving a little more tricky.

This made my dad lol! He really needed that today, so thanks! His response… “sure why not!” I think I have a stuffed parrot somewhere too…

 

[kaytieeldr]

If there are attractions he hasn't visited before, he can accompany you through the line and then just ask for the exit, and arrange to meet you somewhere. Disney does its queues VERY well.

 

[Katie's Butterflies]

If there are attractions he hasn't visited before, he can accompany you through the line and then just ask for the exit, and arrange to meet you somewhere. Disney does its queues VERY well.

Really? That's awesome! Thanks so much for posting this! Some of those queues are really neat and interesting, so this way, not only will he be able to see the details, but he also won't have to wait so long by himself!

 

[kaytieeldr]

Sure! A couple of years ago I was at Animal Kingdom with friends. Expedition Everest was new, so we all wanted to see the regular (vs. FastPass) queue but only I planned to ride. When we got to the loading platform, they told the CM they weren't riding and were directed to the exit. No problem, and we all got to see the queue and talk while we waited.

Some lines don't 'take' an ECV (Pirates, Tower of Terror, Spaceship Earth...) so if he wants to go through the line with you, Disney has loaner wheelchairs at these attractions. Pirates is actually pretty gentle, he can probably manage it - and, honestly, this is one attraction where I don't think there's an easy exit due to the building design.

 

[Katie's Butterflies]

Sure! A couple of years ago I was at Animal Kingdom with friends. Expedition Everest was new, so we all wanted to see the regular (vs. FastPass) queue but only I planned to ride. When we got to the loading platform, they told the CM they weren't riding and were directed to the exit. No problem, and we all got to see the queue and talk while we waited.

Some lines don't 'take' an ECV (Pirates, Tower of Terror, Spaceship Earth...) so if he wants to go through the line with you, Disney has loaner wheelchairs at these attractions. Pirates is actually pretty gentle, he can probably manage it - and, honestly, this is one attraction where I don't think there's an easy exit due to the building design.

This is great! I really don’t like splitting up the group so that a couple people can go on it and one person waits by himself, so this is amazing. But, can a person in an ECV/wheelchair exit as easily as an ambulatory person?

 

[OneLittleSpark]

I never would have thought of a show hurting him. I doubt it would poke enough to hurt him, but I personally hate the surprise poke/tickle etc. So, I’ll take this as a warning for me to stay far, far away! lol

It does poke very hard, and I have heard people with back problems (particularly slipped discs, I seem to remember) being put in a lot of pain by those little 'bugs'. Also, if you don't like being unexpectedly tickled, you'll need to watch out during Honey I Shrunk the Audience. I'll put the reason for this, and way to avoid it in white text, so it doesn't spoil it for anyone who doesn't want to know (sorry for people using Orlando Blue Night like me, I'm afriad I can't hide it from you too!). When the white mice are released in the film, a 'mouse' tickles the backs of your legs under your seat. If you just pick your feet up when you see the mice release, you'll be fine. Do be warned, they come in two waves, so don't put your feet down again too quickly. You'll be able to tell when they're about by the wave of screams!

This made my dad lol! He really needed that today, so thanks! His response… “sure why not!” I think I have a stuffed parrot somewhere too…

Glad to help bring a smile! Just remember, you have to take photos of the finished article for us, so we can all admire your handy-work! Oh, and you might want to get some battery-powered fairy lights of some kind, to decorate up the chair for night-times too. This last visit I used a set of solar powered, outdoor lights, and a couple of those glow necklaces that they sell on the carts around the parks.

This is great! I really don’t like splitting up the group so that a couple people can go on it and one person waits by himself, so this is amazing. But, can a person in an ECV/wheelchair exit as easily as an ambulatory person?

Don't worry, this is Disney! Just make sure you tell the CM at the entrance what you plan to do, and then tell the CM at the loading dock, and they'll sort you out. Almost all of the rides, you will be able to go through the regular line together, then he'll be directed out, while you ride. As a number of Disney visitors aren't able to transfer out of their wheelchairs (so can't do the thrill rides), or can't ride the more violent rides because of risk of injury, they will have made sure that the 'chicken exit' is wheelchair accessible.

I don't know whether it has a warning or not, but the new (OK, not that new, anymore) Toy Story Midway Mania does turn a bit sharply on some of the corners. He may be able to manage it, if he knows to brace himself whenever the car is moving (it stops at each of the target screens, for you to shoot), as it has good high backrests. Oh, and make sure he's ready for the huge drop in It's a Small World

 

[mcco5543]

This is great! I really don’t like splitting up the group so that a couple people can go on it and one person waits by himself, so this is amazing. But, can a person in an ECV/wheelchair exit as easily as an ambulatory person?

Oh yes, as a full time wheelchair user, I can assure you getting around Disney and in and out of lines and really...anywhere! Is the easiest thing in the world. That is why it's my preferred vacation spot. Completely accessible with no worries! A true vacation.

 

[Katie's Butterflies]

Oh yes, as a full time wheelchair user, I can assure you getting around Disney and in and out of lines and really...anywhere! Is the easiest thing in the world. That is why it's my preferred vacation spot. Completely accessible with no worries! A true vacation.

I’m so glad. I really want my dad to have a good time. He needs this vacation and so I don’t want the fact that he needs a wheelchair putting a damper on his fun and relaxation.

 

[Katie's Butterflies]

It does poke very hard, and I have heard people with back problems (particularly slipped discs, I seem to remember) being put in a lot of pain by those little 'bugs'.

I’ll make sure he doesn’t go on ITTBAB then. He has stenosis of the spine, several pinched nerves and fibromyalgia (as well as some other things I can’t remember and that‘s just the stuff in the back) So, I don’t want to inadvertently cause him even more pain.

Also, if you don't like being unexpectedly tickled, you'll need to watch out during Honey I Shrunk the Audience.

We’ve actually been to WDW before (1994). However this was way before any health issues or injury. We also used to be AP holders to DL but had to stop a few years ago because of dad’s health. So, we have been on Honey I shrunk the audience (I yelped in shock when a couple things happened ).
However, planning to go back is like planning to go somewhere we’ve never been as now we have to look at everything differently.
(And so many things have changed. My 2 fav rides are gone! One of which is referenced in your user name. Every time I read your name, the song pops up in my head. Aw memories )

Don't worry, this is Disney! Just make sure you tell the CM at the entrance what you plan to do, and then tell the CM at the loading dock, and they'll sort you out. Almost all of the rides, you will be able to go through the regular line together, then he'll be directed out, while you ride. As a number of Disney visitors aren't able to transfer out of their wheelchairs (so can't do the thrill rides), or can't ride the more violent rides because of risk of injury, they will have made sure that the 'chicken exit' is wheelchair accessible.

I am so glad Disney is so accessible. Recently, I have been having to wheel my dad around to drs appointments and other things and I am just amazed at how inaccessible things are. We got stuck yesterday trying to get in a door because it was too narrow. Plus, I had a hard time holding it open while pushing him through. (How do people traveling by themselves do it? There is no way he would have been able to do it himself without getting hurt) I do not want him to have to worry about getting stuck (or anything else) while he is on vacation.

I don't know whether it has a warning or not, but the new (OK, not that new, anymore) Toy Story Midway Mania does turn a bit sharply on some of the corners. He may be able to manage it, if he knows to brace himself whenever the car is moving (it stops at each of the target screens, for you to shoot), as it has good high backrests.

I’ll make sure to warn him about the turns. I know that he would love this ride. Although, somewhere I heard you have to pull a string to “fire.” Is this true? If so, he won’t be able to do it. His right shoulder is bone on bone with a missing rotary cup (sp) or something like that, so he can’t pull, nor raise his arm up high.

Oh, and make sure he's ready for the huge drop in It's a Small World

I will make sure to warn him of the new improvements to It’s a small world

Glad to help bring a smile! Just remember, you have to take photos of the finished article for us, so we can all admire your handy-work! Oh, and you might want to get some battery-powered fairy lights of some kind, to decorate up the chair for night-times too. This last visit I used a set of solar powered, outdoor lights, and a couple of those glow necklaces that they sell on the carts around the parks.

We'll light him up like a Christmas tree and take lots and lots of pictures!

 

[OneLittleSpark]

I’ll make sure he doesn’t go on ITTBAB then. He has stenosis of the spine, several pinched nerves and fibromyalgia (as well as some other things I can’t remember and that‘s just the stuff in the back) So, I don’t want to inadvertently cause him even more pain.

I'm a Fibromite too, though thankfully don't have all the other things he has to deal with, so if you've got any specific Fibro questions, do give me a shout. Does he get the fun of fatigue, with his Fibro? If so, make sure he takes regular breaks, listens to his body, and keeps well hydrated and fed. I found that I didn't know I was hungry, until I was too far gone; we started carrying a few snacks around with us, and a bottle of Poweraid, and this was a huge help.

We’ve actually been to WDW before (1994). However this was way before any health issues or injury. We also used to be AP holders to DL but had to stop a few years ago because of dad’s health. So, we have been on Honey I shrunk the audience (I yelped in shock when a couple things happened ).
However, planning to go back is like planning to go somewhere we’ve never been as now we have to look at everything differently.
(And so many things have changed. My 2 fav rides are gone! One of which is referenced in your user name. Every time I read your name, the song pops up in my head. Aw memories )

There is a version of Imagination there now. It's not as good as the original, but it does have Figment, and you do still get the song! The playground isn't nearly as good as it used to be, though.

I am so glad Disney is so accessible. Recently, I have been having to wheel my dad around to drs appointments and other things and I am just amazed at how inaccessible things are. We got stuck yesterday trying to get in a door because it was too narrow. Plus, I had a hard time holding it open while pushing him through. (How do people traveling by themselves do it? There is no way he would have been able to do it himself without getting hurt) I do not want him to have to worry about getting stuck (or anything else) while he is on vacation.

Yes, unfortunately, the 'real world' isn't always that easy to get around on wheels . Thankfully, Disney have been generous with the Pixie Dust when it comes to accessibility. If you're able to walk a bit, you can do any ride (unless, of course, it will cause you injury or pain); if you're able to transfer out of your chair, you can do almost any ride; if you can't get out of the chair at all, you can still do a lot of the rides. As others have said, Disney is a real holiday for those of us with mobility issues - not only a break from work, but a break from having to worry whether or not you'll be able to get in or around. It's utter bliss!

I’ll make sure to warn him about the turns. I know that he would love this ride. Although, somewhere I heard you have to pull a string to “fire.” Is this true? If so, he won’t be able to do it. His right shoulder is bone on bone with a missing rotary cup (sp) or something like that, so he can’t pull, nor raise his arm up high.

In that case, ask for the accessible car, because that has the option of a push-button on the cannon. You will go to the accessible entrance anyway, as he will need to take the ECV through the line (looooong queue). If you briefly explain to the CM loading that he can't operate the pull-string, they will get you ready for the accessible car. This car is cleverly designed, as it can either have seats or a space for a wheelchair (seats are removable, very cool!). I'd suggest you head straight for this, as the line builds from rope-drop.

I will make sure to warn him of the new improvements to It’s a small world

We'll light him up like a Christmas tree and take lots and lots of pictures!

Glad to hear it!

 

[Katie's Butterflies]

I'm a Fibromite too, though thankfully don't have all the other things he has to deal with, so if you've got any specific Fibro questions, do give me a shout. Does he get the fun of fatigue, with his Fibro? If so, make sure he takes regular breaks, listens to his body, and keeps well hydrated and fed.

Yep, that sounds like my dad. He gets very tired, often forgets to eat, and usually ends up pushing himself a little too far. Unfortunately, not many doctors around here believe it’s an actual disease and keep trying to take him off of the meds which actually do something for him . At least his pcp tries to understand. I hope your doctors are a little more believing and understanding.

I found that I didn't know I was hungry, until I was too far gone; we started carrying a few snacks around with us, and a bottle of Poweraid, and this was a huge help.

Thank you for the tips. I’ll definitely make sure we bring some snacks with us and we take it nice and slow. I don’t think he’s ever tried poweraid, so I think I might suggest it to him. It’ll be much better than the endless diet cokes he drinks anyway…

There is a version of Imagination there now. It's not as good as the original, but it does have Figment, and you do still get the song! The playground isn't nearly as good as it used to be, though.

I've seen some video of it but, it just looks... weird. lol Plus, Dreamfinder was cut from the cast; It's not the same without him! But I am glad to hear they kept the song

Yes, unfortunately, the 'real world' isn't always that easy to get around on wheels . Thankfully, Disney have been generous with the Pixie Dust when it comes to accessibility. If you're able to walk a bit, you can do any ride (unless, of course, it will cause you injury or pain); if you're able to transfer out of your chair, you can do almost any ride; if you can't get out of the chair at all, you can still do a lot of the rides. As others have said, Disney is a real holiday for those of us with mobility issues - not only a break from work, but a break from having to worry whether or not you'll be able to get in or around. It's utter bliss!

It’s so wonderful to learn that even though my dad is now disabled, he can still enjoy the trip as much as my mom and I (perhaps even more so because he’ll have a chair!) .

In that case, ask for the accessible car, because that has the option of a push-button on the cannon. You will go to the accessible entrance anyway, as he will need to take the ECV through the line (looooong queue). If you briefly explain to the CM loading that he can't operate the pull-string, they will get you ready for the accessible car. This car is cleverly designed, as it can either have seats or a space for a wheelchair (seats are removable, very cool!). I'd suggest you head straight for this, as the line builds from rope-drop.

Thank you so much. I feel like you’ve given me all of this secret hush-hush Disney information that’s worth my weight in gold! Seriously, thanks to you and everyone else who has responded, I’ll be able to help my dad have a truly enjoyable vacation.

 

[OneLittleSpark]

Yep, that sounds like my dad. He gets very tired, often forgets to eat, and usually ends up pushing himself a little too far. Unfortunately, not many doctors around here believe it’s an actual disease and keep trying to take him off of the meds which actually do something for him . At least his pcp tries to understand. I hope your doctors are a little more believing and understanding.

Yes, unfortunately an awful lot of doctors don't 'like' Fibromyalgia (like us patients do?! . A wonderful doctor I used to have before we moved, told me this is because doctors like to be able to 'fix' people, and you just can't do that with Fibro, so some get frustrated.

If the meds he's on are doing any good at all, keep fighting tooth and nail to keep them! I also find that multi-vitamin tablets help to keep my body a little more 'in balance', and that magnesium helps with the fatigue, somewhat (got this tip from some other Fibromites, so I'm happy to pass it on to anyone else that it may help).

Make sure he has plenty to drink - Fibro often causes issues with dehydration, so it's something you have to watch a bit more carefully. Oh, and if he gets really wiped out and needs a rest, each of the parks has a first aide centre with beds that you can use. Just explain to the CM at the desk that he has fatigue issues and needs to lie down, and they'll help you out.

Thank you for the tips. I’ll definitely make sure we bring some snacks with us and we take it nice and slow. I don’t think he’s ever tried poweraid, so I think I might suggest it to him. It’ll be much better than the endless diet cokes he drinks anyway…

Eating small, regular meals worked well for me at Disney; I often found the children's meals actually suited me better, because it gave me enough, but not too much, to eat. I only had one crabby CM question an adult having a child's portion (there were just us two 'grown ups', so she could tell it was for us), everyone else was more than happy to serve us! I don't know how familiar you are with the kids' meals, but with it you get a main meal, your choice of two sides and a kid's drink. I often found that I was full enough to be able to take one of the sides away to eat later (the cookie, carrots and applesauce are all good for this, as they come pre-packaged). Make sure you have the snacks on you at all times, because I always seemed to find that I got wobbly in the middle of a line, when there was nothing I could do about it .

I've seen some video of it but, it just looks... weird. lol Plus, Dreamfinder was cut from the cast; It's not the same without him! But I am glad to hear they kept the song

No, I completely agree, it's not nearly as good as the original . It is a lot better than their first attempt, though; when they first re-opened, they had taken out the song , and even Figment himself ! They got so many complaints that they closed it down for another refurb within about a year of it opening.

It’s so wonderful to learn that even though my dad is now disabled, he can still enjoy the trip as much as my mom and I (perhaps even more so because he’ll have a chair!) .

Yes, I'm sure he will have just as good a trip as you guys! Disney is the one place I've found, where those of us with disabilities can forget them for a while, and just have fun! You won't need to worry about 'can I get here?' or 'will I be able to do that?', you can just troll around in your own happy little bubble, enjoying the magic with everyone else

Thank you so much. I feel like you’ve given me all of this secret hush-hush Disney information that’s worth my weight in gold! Seriously, thanks to you and everyone else who has responded, I’ll be able to help my dad have a truly enjoyable vacation.

One more secret piece of information - there are parade viewing areas for wheelchair users (including those with ECVs and mobility related GACs), which will stop your father having anyone come along and stand in front of him at the last minute. They're all marked on the maps with a little wheelchair and the letter 'P' (the Illuminations viewing areas are marked with an 'I').

'Disabled Disney' is a bit like a secret club that welcomes in anyone who needs to join . I very often get chatting to other disabled Guests and their families, and it's almost like having the wheelchair / GAC / scooter / leg braces / crutches / walking stick etc is a secret handshake . Disney does some wonderful things to help those of us who need it, but these things are largely invisible to the other Guests.

Glad we could help out, and I hope you all have a magical trip

 

[Katie's Butterflies]

No, I completely agree, it's not nearly as good as the original . It is a lot better than their first attempt, though; when they first re-opened, they had taken out the song , and even Figment himself ! They got so many complaints that they closed it down for another refurb within about a year of it opening.

They cut figment?! How in the world did they even imagine that that would be ok? He’s practically the ride. At least this showed the power of Disney’s guests. I can only imagine how many complaints they received to redo the ride, especially in that short amount of time!

Yes, unfortunately an awful lot of doctors don't 'like' Fibromyalgia (like us patients do?! . A wonderful doctor I used to have before we moved, told me this is because doctors like to be able to 'fix' people, and you just can't do that with Fibro, so some get frustrated.

Sigh, ok, I’ll try to believe that. It’s nicer than what I usually think of these doctors my dad has to see.

If the meds he's on are doing any good at all, keep fighting tooth and nail to keep them! I also find that multi-vitamin tablets help to keep my body a little more 'in balance', and that magnesium helps with the fatigue, somewhat (got this tip from some other Fibromites, so I'm happy to pass it on to anyone else that it may help).

He definitely advocates for himself when it comes to medicine. He knows what works and what doesn’t and won’t let doctors tell him otherwise.

I’ll tell him about the multi-vitamins and magnesium. Anything that can help alleviate any of the symptoms will be a godsend. Plus vitamins and minerals are usually good to take anyway!

Make sure he has plenty to drink - Fibro often causes issues with dehydration, so it's something you have to watch a bit more carefully. Oh, and if he gets really wiped out and needs a rest, each of the parks has a first aide centre with beds that you can use. Just explain to the CM at the desk that he has fatigue issues and needs to lie down, and they'll help you out.

I don’t think my dad will have to worry about not drinking enough. I saw some pictures of the gag drinks from the whispering canyon, and it reminded me of how much my dad drinks. He’d probably drink that and ask for another!

I’ll also tell him about the first aid center. That’ll make it much nicer than having to go all the way back to the hotel!

Eating small, regular meals worked well for me at Disney; I often found the children's meals actually suited me better, because it gave me enough, but not too much, to eat. I only had one crabby CM question an adult having a child's portion (there were just us two 'grown ups', so she could tell it was for us), everyone else was more than happy to serve us! I don't know how familiar you are with the kids' meals, but with it you get a main meal, your choice of two sides and a kid's drink. I often found that I was full enough to be able to take one of the sides away to eat later (the cookie, carrots and applesauce are all good for this, as they come pre-packaged). Make sure you have the snacks on you at all times, because I always seemed to find that I got wobbly in the middle of a line, when there was nothing I could do about it .

I will tell him that he can eat a kids meal. Some of them did sound large when I was looking at menus on allears. My dad would love it then because they’d fit his perfect meal criteria of “cheap and filling.” Sometimes, I don’t think he even cares what the stuff tastes like.

And isn’t it always the case, you feel horrible when there is absolutely nothing that can be done about it. We’ll make sure to bring plenty of snacks. We wouldn’t want him falling and squishing someone or losing control of his ECV and running other Disney goers down!

One more secret piece of information - there are parade viewing areas for wheelchair users (including those with ECVs and mobility related GACs), which will stop your father having anyone come along and stand in front of him at the last minute. They're all marked on the maps with a little wheelchair and the letter 'P' (the Illuminations viewing areas are marked with an 'I').

'Disabled Disney' is a bit like a secret club that welcomes in anyone who needs to join . I very often get chatting to other disabled Guests and their families, and it's almost like having the wheelchair / GAC / scooter / leg braces / crutches / walking stick etc is a secret handshake . Disney does some wonderful things to help those of us who need it, but these things are largely invisible to the other Guests.

Glad we could help out, and I hope you all have a magical trip

Thank you so much for letting me glimpse into “the secret Disney club.” I’m sure my dad will have a great time utilizing many of the tips and tricks you and several others have generously given. I must admit, I was slightly nervous posting my original question because I thought I might be laughed out of the boards! But everyone has been so kind and helpful!
Thank you!

 

[OneLittleSpark]

They cut figment?! How in the world did they even imagine that that would be ok? He’s practically the ride. At least this showed the power of Disney’s guests. I can only imagine how many complaints they received to redo the ride, especially in that short amount of time!

Yes, I rode it then, it really wasn't that great without our happy little purple friend.

Sigh, ok, I’ll try to believe that. It’s nicer than what I usually think of these doctors my dad has to see.

He definitely advocates for himself when it comes to medicine. He knows what works and what doesn’t and won’t let doctors tell him otherwise.

I’ll tell him about the multi-vitamins and magnesium. Anything that can help alleviate any of the symptoms will be a godsend. Plus vitamins and minerals are usually good to take anyway!

Unfortunately, a lot of doctors are not good with Fibro. It's something that can't be tested for, with any nice simple test (yes there's the tender points test, but that's not definitive); it's something that nobody fully understands; it's not something that can be 'treated', just managed; and it's not something that will 'go away on its own'. Far too many of us get pushed to the side, ignored, or shoved out of the system all together . I've regularly been told that I shouldn't use mobility aids, completely ignoring the fact that I would be utterly housebound without them. I'm glad to hear he's self-advocating, it's a shame, but it's necessary with invisible illnesses.

I don’t think my dad will have to worry about not drinking enough. I saw some pictures of the gag drinks from the whispering canyon, and it reminded me of how much my dad drinks. He’d probably drink that and ask for another!

Yup, that sounds familiar

I’ll also tell him about the first aid center. That’ll make it much nicer than having to go all the way back to the hotel!

I've not actually had to use them yet, but it's always a comfort to know they're there. I find that the sunshine and Disney magic do wonders for the Fibro, and as long as we took things gently, I was fine.

I will tell him that he can eat a kids meal. Some of them did sound large when I was looking at menus on allears. My dad would love it then because they’d fit his perfect meal criteria of “cheap and filling.” Sometimes, I don’t think he even cares what the stuff tastes like.

And isn’t it always the case, you feel horrible when there is absolutely nothing that can be done about it. We’ll make sure to bring plenty of snacks. We wouldn’t want him falling and squishing someone or losing control of his ECV and running other Disney goers down!

Yes, I do find a lot of the meals far too large for me, and it seems silly to buy something that you're only going to eat half of! Also, I quite often fancy something simple, like macaroni and cheese, and the kids' menu often offers that.

Thank you so much for letting me glimpse into “the secret Disney club.” I’m sure my dad will have a great time utilizing many of the tips and tricks you and several others have generously given. I must admit, I was slightly nervous posting my original question because I thought I might be laughed out of the boards! But everyone has been so kind and helpful!
Thank you!

Of course we wouldn't laugh at you! We've all done Disney with a disability for the first time, whether it was our first time in the parks, or the first time with a disability. One of the reasons I like hanging out on the disABILITIES board is that we've got a such great community here, and everybody's welcome

 

[OneLittleSpark]

Just a random point I thought of that might be of use - you might want to take a cup around the parks with you, to use at water fountains. I found them hard enough to use from standing; trying to use one from my chair usually ends up with more going down my front than my throat . When you add severe back problems to the equation too, it gets to being an 'interesting' challenge!

Are you guys staying on property? If so, you might want to consider getting your father one of the resort mugs, which you can use for unlimited refills. If you drink tea or coffee and plan to have most breakfasts in the resort food court, they pay for themselves within about a week (I think, but don't quote me on that!). You can also get soft drinks from any resort food court (the cup design is now the same for all resorts. The official writings said you can use it 'at the resort in which you purchased it', but the CM we bought it from said to use it anywhere), as often as you like. You can't use them in the parks (other than to get water from the fountains, of course), but we would often swing past the CS retaurant on our way back to the room, and grab a soft drink to take back with us. At PO at least, the place stayed open until about 11 or 12 (can't quite remember), so you could get a drink fairly late.

Just a random thought, but hopefully it will be of some use!