First trip & with a disabled...... About This Page:

[jrkmorgan2]

I am planning our very first ever trip! I'm so excited and I definately have planning fever!

One question I have, that is super important for us, but have yet to find the answer to is......

Just HOW far apart are the different parks and the rides & attractions within the parks?

My party consists of myself, my two children (7 & 9) and my parents. My father has a plastic chest cavity and his lung capacity is only 20%. He can only walk about 50 yards at a time without rest.
He has a motorized scooter that he will bring with him, but he's thinking he's going to walk. I'm freaked out about him thinking he can walk this, because from the maps and such, Disney World looks overwhelmingly HUGE!
Not to mention the Florida heat! We are going May 27-31st.

Also, trying to figure out how much time to allot for each park that will give us adequate time to do what we want in each park. The attractions seem to be spaced out really far based on the maps I've seen/have. I ordered the disney maps, and they should be here soon. I'm hoping it helps more!
I'm seriously in a panic over the distances!!!!

[Caldercup]

Let me just tell you that I wore a pedometer on a recent trip and we averaged 9 to 12 miles (that's MILES) per day. Heck, even the rides themselves are more than 50 yards apart and that doesn't account for all of the standing around in lines.

He's going to want to be on the scooter (often referred to as ECV's on the boards) to get around the parks. WDW is 40-some square miles -- bigger than Manhattan and twice as large as San Francisco. Between the parks, you'll have transportation, but within the parks, you'll do a ton of walking. Not only should he use an ECV, but he should get a Guest Assistance Pass so that he can use the special entrances, which can minimize walking or waits for guests who have disabilities.

Plus, that's Memorial Day weekend, right? It'll be busy! The Guest Assistance Pass will help your whole party make up for any slow going due to the scooter.

I also recommend that you look over the Special Needs forum and consider purchasing the PassPorter for Your Special Needs book.

Good luck convincing him!
Eileen

[lauren-roxy]

I would definitely bring your father's scooter for the trip!! Take your time and take frequent breaks!! I know you are going to have a wonderful trip!!! By the way, welcome to the boards!!

[jrkmorgan2]

Originally Posted by Caldercup

Not only should he use an ECV, but he should get a Guest Assistance Pass so that he can use the special entrances, which can minimize walking or waits for guests who have disabilities.

Plus, that's Memorial Day weekend, right? It'll be busy! The Guest Assistance Pass will help your whole party make up for any slow going due to the scooter.

I also recommend that you look over the Special Needs forum and consider purchasing the PassPorter for Your Special Needs book.

Good luck convincing him!
Eileen

My PassPorter AND the Special Needs book will be arriving in my mail box within the next few days! I DEFINATELY felt it was worth it to buy!

What is the Guest Assistance Pass? And where do I find more information on it??

I've glanced at the special needs forum, but not in detail.

I'm also looking for information relating to food allergies. My Mom is HIGHLY allergic to MSG, and I can't find squat about that particular allergy!

Yes it's Memorial Day weekend, and I totally did NOT think about that!!!!! It's my birthday, my father's birthday, and my parents' anniversary of 32 years!

[Caldercup]

I had my acronym garbled in my head -- it's a GAC or a Guest Assistance Card. It will be mentioned in the Passporter books you've got comming


...but more info can be found here:
Scroll down to where they mention the GAC

In terms of the food allergies, I'm sure someone will be along with more info, but I do know that you can mention it at any restaurant when ordering and they will usually send out a chef to speak with you about your mom's allergy. If it's for a specific restaurant that concerns you, you can get their telephone number (from the PassPorter, right?) and call ahead to speak with a chef regarding your meal.

If you have an ADR at a specific restaurant, you can pre-arrange things with the chefs -- I think it's like 24 hours before you are to eat. I know I've read about this from people's trip reports regarding allergies or finding something for vegetarians, etc.

Lots of PassPorters have people with food allergies (some very severe) in their traveling parties. I'm sure you'll get the help you need soon!
Eileen

[jrkmorgan2]

Ahhh, I'm going to be reviewing the threads very heavily tonight! I'm sure I'll find more answers! And I'm eagerly anticipating my PassPorter books arrival!

It looks like I will need to have Dad get a letter from his physician? He definately LOOKS fine from all accounts if you just look at him. But he's definately NOT! He's missing 4 ribs and has a plastic replacement "wall" instead!

Oh, the other thing I can't seem to locate...... check in times for our hotel! Port Orleans Riverside!

[Eeyore Lover]

We went in January 07 with my DFIL and he had lung cancer 19 years ago. They removed 2/3 of one lung. He gets winded very easily. He also has back trouble. We convinced him to rent an EVC. Well, he had the best time of his life! My DFIL would tire out after a few hours in the park from getting in and out of the EVC because you have to transfer for many of the rides. I would almost go as far as saying your father should not make the trip without it. Especially given the fact that he has one at home now he would not have to spend money to rent one. All during the planning phases my DFIL would torture us with not wanting to rent a wheelchair when we full well knew he needed one. Worst case you bring his EVC and everyone gets to borrow it during the day to take a break. Its a lot to think about. I wish you the best of luck with your planning!

[Caldercup]

Originally Posted by jrkmorgan2

He definately LOOKS fine from all accounts if you just look at him. But he's definately NOT!

I know how that is -- I have MS and I generally look (and feel) fine, but there are times that I'm suffering and have to take a break. That's why the GAC is available -- for those illnesses that aren't always obvious.

Oh, the other thing I can't seem to locate...... check in times for our hotel! Port Orleans Riverside!

You can check in at any time of day. The only thing is that they don't guarantee that your room will be ready for you to get into until after 3PM. If you arrive earlier than that, you can check in and store your bags with Bell Services until your room is ready. Go and enjoy the parks or the restaurants and then come back after 3 to get into your room. (You can also get lucky and have a room ready when you get there, but they don't guarantee it!)

Here's a great FAQ sheet on PORiverside - Port Orleans - Riverside Fact Sheet

Have fun reading!
Eileen

[SHEANA1226]

Welcome to the boards! Your Dad is definately going to need a scooter. Here is a link to our special needs forum you will find a lot of useful information there.... http://www.passporterboards.com/foru...special-needs/