[sjpurple]

Does any one have any suggestions to make the trip easier for my DH? This is his first trip to WDW. Also the first one using his scooter and wheelchair.

[bbowers]

Due to a back injury, my DH had to use a scooter on our trip last November. He had never used one before.

First thing was that I had a very hard time slowing down to his pace. Now his machine certainly had enough juice to leave me in the dust, but the crowds were always getting in the way. I would try to walk in front of him to part the crowds, but unless he practically nipped my heels, the crowds still had a way of blindly closing behind me so he had to stop and wait again.

People do NOT look where they are going. He had one guy fall into his lap and DH was completely stopped. So just be prepared for such accidents and obliviousness on the part of everyone else.

CMs are very helpful in getting you where you need to be for special doors, etc. There is also a section you can download from Disney's web site that gives you hints such as whether you must transfer from the scooter to another chair, etc.

It might be helpful to make sure you have lots of reflectors or even lights (like those "effect" lights some people have under their cars) for at night, since that oblivious thing is going on AND people can't see as well in the dark.

Plan your meals carefully, if a buffet would be a burden (either you having to get the food, or a pain for your husband to get to the buffet).

Try to go in off-season. We went the first week of Nov and I just can't imagine trying to get around during the really busy time.

If you're driving, make sure you bring your handicapped tag for parking.

Bring an extra poncho for the scooter, if you have to leave it out somewhere.

Go with the absolute BEST possible attitude and don't overplan. You simply cannot do as much when a scooter is involved.

But most of all - know that you will have a great time no matter what, because you're going to the best place in the World!

[sjpurple]

Thanks!!

Our van has a handicap tag and a scooter lift. We will be staying at SSR.

I had not thought about an extra poncho for his scooter. Great idea.

We are also bringing his regular wheelchair. Just in case.

[tinkerbell]

sjpurple,
my DH has M.S. and an electric wheelchair (which goes much faster then scooters!!) that he uses at WDW.

an important thing CM's will need to know at any ride your DH wants to go on will be "Can he transfer from the Scooter or w/c to the ride"
My DH can walk short distances with his cane.. but he does have problems with the moving sidewalks. We have been told CM's will stop them, but he refuses to ask or let us ask.
Jungle Cruise has a couple of boats that will load w/c's. POC he will have to transfer to a manual w/c to travel to where the boats load.. they will place that w/c in the back of the boat and you take an elevator back up.

bbowers, is right about crowds .. specially small children ..who are just amazed by all that is around them and can dart in front of you in just a second. do not be surprised though at people who will look right at your DH and still walk right in front of him.
(you should read my trip report :devil :madmad from this past march) . All I can say is pack an extra can of tolerance for those types if you can..

I would suggest too that you go by Guest Services at the first park you go to and get a GAC card. this will help so very much.

[sjpurple]

What is a GAC card???

[bbowers]

One more thing I thought of - if you're going to be on the go all day, when you stop for meals, see if there is some place to plug in to recharge while you eat. Most places should have a plug for you.

[tinkerbell]

Originally posted by sjpurple
What is a GAC card???

Guest Assistant Card

see this thread
http://www.disneycentral.com/forum/s...&threadid=5361

[tinkerbell]

Originally posted by bbowers
One more thing I thought of - if you're going to be on the go all day, when you stop for meals, see if there is some place to plug in to recharge while you eat. Most places should have a plug for you.

last summer my DH had battery problems and the First Aid stations are great if you need to recharge. I have never seen this suggestion before about recharging where you eat .. mmmm
well we had not problems this past March .. in fact he still had enough power in his batteries at the end of the day that the girls were hopping in his lap for a ride from the bus to the room.
but I do wonder if this is possible ..
any way if you do need a recharge at the first aid station when my DH did they loaned him a manual chair to use while he was charging his wheelchair.

[sjpurple]

Thanks so much for all the help. I have bben making lists. You can't plan too soon.
I have been many times but my husband has never been.
I just want to make this the best vacation ever.

Thanks again:) :D

[tinkerbell]

I must say that they really do thier best to make it easy for those with disabilities. Back last summer before our first trip with DH and his w/c I worried and fretted something awful.
and he did too, but things turned out to be really easy with our worst worries being not running over anyone.. I think you will find this will be your biggest challange!
oh if your DH has any problems with the heat .. I would like to suggest you get a couple of cooling scarfs for him.
As I said my husband has M.S. and the heat makes all his symtoms worse. I bought him a couple at Wal mart last summer, but then also made him one and .. I purchased 4 more at WDW when we were there :) they work great and last for hours.

[sjpurple]

good idea thanks.

[gumby101]

Definately get the GAC. It really helps!

[James Ross]

Hello everyone. I have a ? What is a the card you are refeering to and how do i get one? I am disable along with my mom who is in a wheel chair that will be coming with me in July to Disney World. This will be our first trip to Florida, let alone Disnaey World. Help JIM
;)

[tinkerbell]

Originally posted by James Ross
Hello everyone. I have a ? What is a the card you are refeering to and how do i get one? I am disable along with my mom who is in a wheel chair that will be coming with me in July to Disney World. This will be our first trip to Florida, let alone Disnaey World. Help JIM
;)

Jim Welcome to DC !!
here is a link with information about the GAC. But all you need to do to get one is when you go to the first WDW park, go straight to Guest Services and explain your/ your mothers disabilities. These cards let the CM's at rides know how best to help you. They also will list the number in your group so that the CM's will keep you together as a family
they will not get on a ride before everyone else ..please understand these cards are not "passes to the front of the line" but for example, my DH can not even sit out in the sun / heat so I make sure the card states when he needs to wait it needs to be in a cool and shaded area. The one card will be good for your entire stay at WDW.

http://pixiedustinn.com/disabilitiesfaq/GACFAQ.html

[gladstone]

I was in WDW this past Oct, and for the first time I had to use a scooter, I have had three hip replacements, plus COPD and must carry oxygen with me most of the time.

The comments about people barging in front of you, not looking, or caring are VERY valid. I have learned a lot of respect my self. Not at to say it was unplesant, just be careful. Small children are especially necessary to watch. They are SO understandably excited.

I found the MK a little more difficult to manage over the other three parks. The best for me was in MGM for the fantasmatic show {DO NOT MISS IT!} We got there very early and they placed us on the top of the arena dead center as we were the first there. It was probably the best seat in the house.

Over all it is very easy to navigate and most of the CM'S very helpful. Do beware the heat though, and bring some kind of seat covering for your chair or scooter, the seat gets very warm. {yours that is}

Most of all, GO, and ENJOY after all There is really no place like it in the world :) :D ;) :wow: