Trip with disabled brother About This Page:

[Tamaruny]

Hello all, new to this forum. I have decided to take my brother, age 30, and for clarification purposes he is considered "severely" developmentally disabled. He walks, but tires, does NOT like wheelchairs, non verbal and is friendly. I am in the beginning stages of planning, I have the open mouse book and have reviewed this forum. I have a few questions.. We will being staying on site (haven't decided exactly where , suggestions welcome), as this will allow him to go back to rest, so I wasn't going to rent a car, is relying on Disney transportation not a good idea?
I am concerned about the lines, mainly because he isn't real good about "people's space" and I have waited in those lines, there isn't alot of room, and I don't want other guests to be uncomfortable. What is a good length of time to stay? I was thinking 4-5 days and limit the parks, as I will be letting decide when he has had enough. I have been trying to address all the "what ifs" but if anyone has any specifics I may not have thought of from there own experience, I would appreciate any and all input. Thanks!!

[disneydani]

In terms of where you are staying....if your budget allows it, I would go for one of the resorts either on the monorail or within walking distance to Epcot. This allows for the easiest and quickest transportation back to the hotels for a midday break. I would consider if you would spend more time at MK/Epcot or at Epcot/DHS and then work backwards.
You also should look into getting a GAC (guest assistance card) for your brother. It will allow you and him to wait in a quietier space until your turn on a ride. I believe, by law, you don't need a doctors note. You need to go to guest services on the first day and explain your brother's needs. They will then give you a card that is good at all four of the parks.
In terms of length of stay....it really depends on how much you want to tour. I would definitely go during the quietier times to minimize crowds and lines.
I hope that is a start.

Happy Planning!

danielle

[blondie]

I would also vote for getting a GAC. It will give him his needed space as he wouldn't have to wait in long lines crowded around other people. Also, when rides are already handicapped accessible and a GAC doesn't really work, those are the rides that I would get a FastPass, which works like a GAC.

Also, if he doesn't like wheelchairs, what about a travel chair? My 18 year old with Down Syndrome also tires easily, and depending on what time of year, he also wilts in the heat. So, we got him a travel chair, which is easy to push around and he has the option of either sitting in it or not. If not, we just push it around empty or with packages in the seat. He usually opts to sit in the chair and I think he is able to take in more of the park cognitively when he is not focusing on walking and keeping up with us. Good luck!

[Tamaruny]

I havent ever heard of a"travel chair" how do they differ from the traditional wheelchair? Can I rent one or do they need to be purchased?
I am thinking the first weekend of October for our trip, how is that as far as weather and crowds?

[Ms_Butterfly]

A travel, or transport, chair is a wheelchair where all the wheels are the small kind, not with two wheels being large. The person in the chair can't push themselves around - a person walking behind them must do so. Other than the wheels, it is a regular wheelchair.

What is it about wheelchairs that your brother doesn't like? Maybe there is a solution to making it work for him so that he can enjoy more of Disney (and you can, too).

[blondie]

Our travel chair also folds pretty nicely ...the foot pieces come off, the back of the chair folds down and then it folds in the middle. The airlines love it and it fits in a car better than a wheelchair. We have seen some also that fold up like umbrella strollers, but the ones we have tried don't maneuver as well as a travel chair.

[Eeyore Tattoo]

Welcome to the boards Tamitha,
You will get some great info here from our members..
Lots of us have similar experiences & can be very helpful..
I always say, take it easy & enjoy your trip, a GAC is always helpful. Buses are always less crowded after the main morning rush & a hour or 2 before closing..
I think with good time management you should be fine without renting a car..
Deb

[Tamaruny]

Thanks for all the info everyone, all suggestions are welcome! Why doesnt he like wheelchairs? I have no idea. He just wont sit in the wheelchair (stiffens won't sit) without a TREMENDOUS amount of coxing, and the he wont keep his feet in the foot holders, I don't know why. Now, he has never been offered a wheelchair after walking through an amusement park, maybe if he was wore out it would be a welcomed helper (I know I would appreciate it lol). It may be pretty difficult traveling with a chair, as he needs me to hold on to him so he goes in the right direction, stops in the right place etc. I'm going to try and get ahold of one, maybe we can have a few test runs, maybe he will warm up to the idea

[bfth]

I would also recommend going at a "low" time (Value season) when crowds will be less so he won't have so much to deal with.

If he likes (or you think he'll like) a particular park, I'd pick a hotel that is close to that resort. There is nothing like staying on the monorail line if MK is your favorite place to be.

I don't know if you'd have that much trouble with Disney transporation. They are ususally very timely and if you plan accordingly, there should not be that much crowding (DON"T leave the parks at closing -- leave an hour or so prior).

Have a wonderful time. You're a great sister for planning this!

[mrsaboz]

I go for the GAC as well!

As far as where to stay, it really depends on how much you want to spend. When I went on my honeymoon, my husband and I stayed at a monorail resort, but you pay a premium for that. When we go back in 2010 we're staying at Swan/Dolphin. Its between both the Studios and Epcot, and you can walk to either park, and the resort gives deep discounts!

[Tamaruny]

I think I am going to narrow my choices to something with a kitchen or kitcenette. I think if he is able to have breakfast where we are sleeping, before getting dressed, and have a snack in the evening with his meds, he may be a little more relaxed. He also needs a "seperate" sleeping area, so these things run into bucks. Has anyone stayed in the family suites at all star music? It looks like there may be a "seperate" sleeping area, even though it is not a seperate bedroom. I cant tell i its just a little divider or a whole wall

[Eeyore Tattoo]

All Star Resorts Model Suite
All Star Music Resort Family Suites
Check these sites for pictures & info.
Deb

[Tamaruny]

Thanks I thought of that right after I posted and checked, looks like there is a bedroom!

[SueM loves WDW]

I don't have time to post much because it's late, but he may not like the way the wheelchair seat feels. The rental ones have seats like directors chairs and he may not like the 'squishy' feel or softness of it.
He may also agree to hold onto the chair and push it while walking behind it. That would help in 2 ways, it would give him something to lean on which would help him conserve energy and it would also help to keep him in one place, since he has something to hold onto besides you.
Another advantage to a travel chair is that he would not be able to drive it and go off in his own direction because of the 4 small tires.

[Eeyore Tattoo]

Have you considered a walker with a seat?
Amazon.com: Duro-Med Walker with Wheels and Seat, Royal Blue: Health & Personal Care
Something to hold on to & a place to sit in lines.. A nice sturdy seat..