My afternoon/evening in a wheelchair at Epcot

dweiss said:
I'm getting nervous. We leave on the 12th for a whole week at CR. We haven't been to Disney since 1986. Two weeks ago I broke my foot. I don't have a cast but the dr. said he would only let me go on our vacation if I agreed to use a wheelchair in the theme parks. He doesn't want me over doing it while we're there. Everyone at work said they thought I would do great so we decided to go ahead with our trip. Now I'm nervous that it will be awful. I can walk short distances but 7 whole days on my broken foot would not be good. I can't even wear a regular shoe yet. I will be able to swim though.

Just go, have a great time and don't sweat the small stuff. I've never taken a single step in Disney World but I still love it there. It may not be perfect but it's a whole lot better then the real world.

BTW you might want to consider renting an ECV. Using a wheelchair for 7 days if you're not used to it will probably wear you and anyone pushing you out.
 
I agree, you should rent an ECV off-prop. This way you can enjoy your trip more. You will be able to control where you want to go. And not be a the mercy of the person pushing you. Plus the wheelchairs and ECVs that you can rent at the parks have to be returned when you leave that park. You will have to walk to and from the bus stops or parking lot.

At the very top of the disable forum, there is a stick thread that gives names and numbers of some of the off prop rental companies that are in the Orlando area. Check it out, and give them a call. On my last trip I used Walker, and really liked them!
 
Hi all, due to a car accident in the fall :sad2: , I am in a wheelchair for anything outside my home-my dh and I are considering a trip to wdw in Aug. My question is this: is it worth it in a wheel chair? I am able to hobble on and off a select few rides and am ok with just rollin around, but is it unfair to him to push me around and will the crowds prevent a nice trip? Are there electric chairs avail? :moped:
 
Cheshire Figment said:
Click on where it says "disABILITIES" at the top of this page; it will take you to the index. The 4th item down is the "disABILITIES FAQ" with lots of information about ECVs and wheelchairs.

Our general recommendation is that she rent an ECV from an off-site company as: they are better, they are available at all times including the hotel and Downtown Disney, and for six or more days they cost are less than you would pay Disney.
Will her having and using an ECV make for a better vacation for everyone in your family? Yes.
Problemchild this reply albeit edited says it all.
 
I was directed here from mousepads - I just returned from a Disney trip - and going back again in October. I need to have back surgery and I have severe arthritis so the trip was very painful for me, I eventually ended up not being able to go to the parks because I didn't want to use a wheelchair (mostly because of the pride factor). I did talk to alot of people in wheelchairs and heard many of the same things that are posted here - we certainly need to better educate society of those who have disabilities. This has made the decision to return and use a w/c much more difficult - I didn't expect to read about so many difficulties, but am grateful for the eye opening so in the event I do - I know what to expect and can maybe deal with it a bit better than being surprised.
 
I have fibromyalgia as well - I also need to have back surgery. I would gladly trade a wheelchair, my handicapped parking card and any other benefit anyone thinks I get by being disabled but not looking it to anyone who would take my pain with them.
 
Disneymar said:
I was directed here from mousepads - I just returned from a Disney trip - and going back again in October. I need to have back surgery and I have severe arthritis so the trip was very painful for me, I eventually ended up not being able to go to the parks because I didn't want to use a wheelchair (mostly because of the pride factor). I did talk to alot of people in wheelchairs and heard many of the same things that are posted here - we certainly need to better educate society of those who have disabilities. This has made the decision to return and use a w/c much more difficult - I didn't expect to read about so many difficulties, but am grateful for the eye opening so in the event I do - I know what to expect and can maybe deal with it a bit better than being surprised.


I just wanted to post and give you a HUGE hug :) :grouphug: I feel your pain for I had to use a wheelchair on several visits to WDW. I too have arthritis (rheumatoid) and it pained me to walk after several hours. It was a pride issue for me too. I certainly am ABLE to walk, but my knees are so bad that I had to go ahead and use the wheelchair. I was really amazed at how little knowledge people have of wheelchair users. Whether it is when I go through the handicap entrance at a ride and getting dirty looks from those waiting in line, or when people do not move out of the way when they see my husband pushing me through a crowd. I remember people who just ignored me and stuck their rear-ends in my face. Please!
If anything, I truly have more respect for those who are in wheelchairs. I always was careful not to be quick to judge before, but now I am most certainly respectful of anyone in a wheelchair. I do not feel sorry for them since I know that I hate when people look so sad at me. I am fine people! I am normal just like anyone else. I just happen to not be able to walk great lengths at a time :)
I am glad there is a board here where we can be supportive of one-another :)
 


Disneymar said:
I was directed here from mousepads - I just returned from a Disney trip - and going back again in October. I need to have back surgery and I have severe arthritis so the trip was very painful for me, I eventually ended up not being able to go to the parks because I didn't want to use a wheelchair (mostly because of the pride factor). I did talk to alot of people in wheelchairs and heard many of the same things that are posted here - we certainly need to better educate society of those who have disabilities. This has made the decision to return and use a w/c much more difficult - I didn't expect to read about so many difficulties, but am grateful for the eye opening so in the event I do - I know what to expect and can maybe deal with it a bit better than being surprised.
Welcome to DisBoards and disABILITIES. Anyway, I did not direct you to come here, I only suggested it. BTW, read post #95.

Mike
 
Thanks for letting me know where I could find all this information - the support and the knowledge have really helped alot.

As I stood in Epcot one night 3 women came up behind us, one young lady was in a wheelchair. I turned around to chat and noticed she wouldn't have been able to see any of the fireworks and lights because the railing and other people were in her way, so I directed her to a disabled viewing area. The 3 ladies actually found my family after the show and thanked us because their 23 year old daughter got to see the entire show.

As an individual who doesn't have a disability that confines me to a wheelchair full time, my heart goes out to those that are, and who consistently do their best to put up with those that just don't know how to treat them. For now, I can say I will do my part to educate society of the challenges wheelchair-bound individuals face. Thanks everyone for sharing your stories!
 
Well I'm not about to read 8 pages of wheelchair experiences, but I do have my own.
My brother is severally retarted, mentally and physically. He's fairly smart for his condition, but not polite at all. If we ever let go of the chair and he's off on his own, you better watch your back or he'll run right into you.
The last time he was at disney, he was in a stoller. The next trip I go on, I want my mom and brother to come. What I remember from way back when, the CM's were nice and they were always helpfull in getting him onto the rides. Now he's a lot bigger, and from what I've noticed, there's not that many CM's left at attractions, so I'm sure it'll be a trip and a half dealing with him.
The one time we're ever in any crowds is when we go to the youth fair, and each year they slowly stop being polite, they slowly stop making room to allow a wheelchair to pass through. You know those rides that have a line a mile long, and in order to get across you have to pass through the line. My god, you think we were cutting to the front of the line, just to get to the other side. And ride opperators, forget it... we won't let him go on it. "You're gonna tell me that after 20 years of coming to this fair?? And every year before we leave we go on the giant wheel, and this year for your inconsideration your not going to let us go on it?" Ohh I always let them have a piece of my mind. Of course you always get the occasional nice guy that picks him up and puts him on the ride, and then lets him ride for free.
But it's nice payback when we get tired of pushing him to just let him push himself into every one. He'll make room for himself, even if no one wants to be polite about it.

When I get back, I'll be sure to post about it.
 
Disneymar said:
I was directed here from mousepads - I just returned from a Disney trip - and going back again in October. I need to have back surgery and I have severe arthritis so the trip was very painful for me, I eventually ended up not being able to go to the parks because I didn't want to use a wheelchair (mostly because of the pride factor). I did talk to alot of people in wheelchairs and heard many of the same things that are posted here - we certainly need to better educate society of those who have disabilities. This has made the decision to return and use a w/c much more difficult - I didn't expect to read about so many difficulties, but am grateful for the eye opening so in the event I do - I know what to expect and can maybe deal with it a bit better than being surprised.
DIsneymar, I just returned from WDW and used my power wheelchair my entire trip. I have Fibromyalgia, Osteoarthritis, Diabetes, Neurofibromatosis and Sciatica. I'm hard of hearing as well. And unfortunately some unneeded stress caused my fibro to flare big time so I was in major pain which was not being controlled by my pain meds. The CMs were great im making my trio magical. Yes there were rude guests, Plenty of them but refer to post #95. They don't know my condition and I will never see them, again. And this even applies to some DIS people who think they know your condition and consider you a whiner. Pay no attention to them. Only you know how you feel day by day. Go an enjoy because WDW is magical and really picks your spirits up when you are down. On a good day I can walk around the grocery store and on a bad day I am bedridden btw.
 
I know this board has to do with Disney world .. but.. I was hoping one of you would know .. of a site for handicapped people that can go camping and skydiving and horseback riding.. I know there one .. since I have seen it ONCE> lol any help would be wonderful~~

happy travels

minxy
 
minxy said:
I know this board has to do with Disney world .. but.. I was hoping one of you would know .. of a site for handicapped people that can go camping and skydiving and horseback riding.. I know there one .. since I have seen it ONCE> lol any help would be wonderful~~minxy

These are the websites I know about for accessible travel. We haven't used them yet, but they are pretty good, with many types of travel, from escorted to individual and from complete care to completely independent. Try these: http://www.tripsinc.com/ , http://www.disabilitytravel.com/, http://www.access-able.com/.

If these websites don't come through the boards, please PM me and I can help you then. Connie :wave: :
 
I'm am ashamed of how non-wheelchair individuals act. I had an experience back in Feb 1998. My daughter, Loren, (no longer with us) was undergoing treatment for cancer was granted a Make-A-Wish trip to WDW. With her being a Make-A-Wish guest they gave us special treatment at the rides. Being brought to the front of the line. (Not sure if that continues.) Well, on one ride (can't remember which) a woman behind us started complaining because we were brought to the front of the line. Well, I decided to take me daughters hat off. (Yes, she had very little hair.) One of the individuals with this woman told her to shut up and told her to look. I felt a little vindicated. I also understand about the looks and pointing and yes, the commits. We had a lot of stares taking Loren out.

What's wrong with our society? Just because people are different then us doesn't mean their inferior. As a child I grew up with handicapped and mentally handicapped individuals. I learned that they were able to do many things that I could just doing it differently. I thank my parents for teaching me how to respect and appreciate the differences in all of us. I hope and pray that my kids learn this as well. Diversity is a wnderful thing.

Okay, I'm stopping now. Once I get going on something that I feel very strong about it's easy for me to get started and difficult for me to stop.
 
Actually I just started a thread that kind of relates to this one. I've had the "invisible" treatment, along with "talking to my keeper". However, what bugs me the most is people asking all sorts of nosy questions that I wouldn't dream of asking a stranger and patronizing, belittling remarks. Honestly, can't people just talk to me like a "Normal" person? Actually, that's what I am, really. I don't need people coming up to me and saying things like "Jesus loves you" or "I'll pray for you". I really don't need false displays of concern and sympathy, either. Just when I'm enjoying myself and acting like a "normal" person someone takes it upon themselves to remind me and everyone with me that I'm not ("normal"). I'm not talking about offers of assistance that are clearly indicated, like help with a door, package, or the time I was at Disney and nearly passed out and two nice ladies gave me their seat and got me a bottle of water. That 's quite a different scenario than approaching a disabled person sitting in a restaurant, or with a group of friends, and saying things like "Jesus loves you" or "People like you are such an inspiration", yadda yadda. Last summer we went on a vacation and my daughter fell and hurt her knee. It was her idea to use a wheelchair to get around. After about an hour she didn't want the wheelchair anymore, although her knee was swollen and obviously painful. She said people were acting too weird. She's 8 years old, and, in my opinion, quite pretty. I guess she made a sight in the wheelchair, and apparently many people thought it was their place to let he know how "different" she looked. We had the religious nuts, people coming up and patting her (really, keep your hands to yourself!), and someone actually gave her a dollar! She was in tears and said she'd rather walk, but couldn't due to her injured knee. She just wanted to come home, and we did. She said she wasn't one of the exhibits! Before we left, we went to a restaurant. The only way she could get in was using the wheelchair, and the waitress was obnoxious, with all her comments, hugging her, talking to her like she was retarded, etc. Finally my husband got up and talked to the manager and asked for another waitress that knew how to act. We got a waitress who was "terrible". she didn't make one comment on the wheelchair! Imagine that! No hugs, no baby talk, no "Jesus loves you (BTW, we're Jewish), none of that! She just treated my daughter like any other kid. Honestly, some people! (The second waitress got a big, cash tip. It was her business if she decided to split it with the first waitress).
 
vhoffman said:
That 's quite a different scenario than approaching a disabled person sitting in a restaurant, or with a group of friends, and saying things like "Jesus loves you" or "People like you are such an inspiration", yadda yadda.
My Dd got that kind of treatment a lot more when she was smaller, but she still sometimes gets those comments.
The people mean well, but it's certainly not welcome for most people.
 
SueM in MN,

I'm the poster who originally asked that this thread be posted on a sticky and you did that. I now I question whether that was the right move.
It seems like this great, great thread is not getting the attention it so deserves. Hard to tell if the 'hit' count has increased but based on recent posts, the last one being almost three months ago, it would seem it's not getting the attention it so richly deserves.
So...maybe this should get resurrected as a regular thread so some of us could bump it up when it seems to fade into page2..page3...
I have just reread this entire thread and am still so utterly moved by everyone that has posted here.
Donna
 
I think sometimes that the stickies become just part of the "wallpaper" of the page and don't get noticed. Maybe it is time to retire this one for a while.
What I will do is put a link to it in the disABILITIES FAQs thread. That way, there will be an easy way to get to it, and people can still post and bump it up if they want.
 
Regerding the invisibility factor...my sister has cerebral palsy and although she usually gets around with crutches, in crowded places she is safer, and faster, in a wheelchair. One evening we were at Fantasmic, sitting in front of Sal in her wheelchair, when some man in the standing area stood his young child on the handles of the wheelchair! When my sis asked him, very politely, to remove the child from her chair, he went off the deep end, the old story about spending so much money for this trip, child couldn't see around Sal's dam&%d chair, yadda yadda yadda. He took off in a huff, but let me tell you, it was pretty tempting to remind him that we ALL pay for WDW and to suggest that perhaps if he'd arrived at Fantasmic an hour ahead of time, he, too, might have had a seat. But we didn't, we were polite, even though he barely deserved it!
 
Hello. Although I am not always in a w/c there are times when it is absolutely necessary. The last timei was in Disney I started off in a w/c and when I was having a good day i would walk a bit. I had both good and bad experiences. People looked at me like i was a fraud when they would see me walking and then they would see me later on in the day in a wheel chair. I got some stares and whispers. But for the most part I have to tell you My experience was very positive. People were nice and respectful. They talked to me and apologized for accidentally bumping me. The cast members were very nice and most people were great. I did once in a while have someone just bump into me or push a stroller in front of me. So don't be discouraged by other posts because you may have a great experience! :wave2:
 

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