If you could give one piece of advice...

MouseketeerKelsey

Mouseketeer

Joined

Nov 19, 2014

• Aug 28, 2015

• #1

Hi guys!

I frequently posted on this board a while back and it was so helpful. Now I am more of a quiet lurker. But I am back today with a purpose! I am working on a project and I was wondering if some of you can help. I am writing something for people going to Disney with Disabilities. It is probably mostly for people going for the first time, but not only the first timers.

I was wondering, if you guys could give one piece of advice to someone traveling to Disney with Disabilities for the first time, what would it be?

It can be about any aspect at all!

Thanks! ​

 

mamabunny

DIS Veteran

Joined

Oct 11, 2012

• Aug 28, 2015

• #2

Hi Kelsey!

If I could give only one piece of advice, I would tell them to use whatever tools they need to, so they can have the best possible vacation at WDW, regardless of what that tool is: wheelchair, ECV, rollator, cane, stroller, whatever.

 

R

redberyl

DIS Veteran

Joined

Apr 25, 2014

• Aug 29, 2015

• #3

Dont overdo it trying to see and do everything. Youll wear yourself out fast, and ruin your trip. Better to take it slowly, enjoy what you can and accept you might have to miss some things

 

HopperFan

"It's a bug-eat-bug world out there, princess."

Joined

Sep 6, 2003

• Aug 29, 2015

• #4

Whatever your normal routine is at home, stick to it. Stepping into fantasy, do not forget reality because you'll pay for it. Be aware of meal times, food intake, types of foods normally eaten, sleep routine, water intake, medicine on schedules, rest times. It may have to be adjusted like instead of resting at home in a chair, you are sitting on a bench in the shade with a bottle of water - but make sure you do it. Things may go well for a day or so but eventually the detour from what the body and mind is used to can cause a crash that could ruin a trip. Especially with those that won't or can't let you know, be aware and watch for cues as they are easily missed with all the fun that is being had by all.

Been there and done that so I am actually more in tune to time and DS cues than I ever am at home.

 

Last edited: Aug 29, 2015

Bete

DIS Veteran

Joined

Sep 14, 1999

• Aug 29, 2015

• #5

To add to the above...

You will last longer in the parks if you alternate rides with shows. The shows provide a nice rest. Also, the shows are mostly air conditioned and that can be very important when it's hot. A meal in the park provides a rest and nourishment and the eateries are air conditioned. Stay hydrated. You can get free tap water at any food stand. Use suntan lotion. Bring cooling devices like a misting fan, sun hat, and even a cooling vest.

Become familiar with the first aid centers in each park. Also, be aware of the family restrooms located throughout the park.

 

dismom57

Mouseketeer

Joined

Jun 12, 2014

• Aug 29, 2015

• #6

Agree with everything above, realize that you will not be a commando tourer and just enjoy what makes your alternately advantaged soul happy. Some people might be disappointed in not doing SM or PP, ToT or RnR. Us we are just happy to be there and having all the WC adapted opportunities.
PS. study up on alternate entrances and adapted vehicles.

 

HopperFan

"It's a bug-eat-bug world out there, princess."

Joined

Sep 6, 2003

• Aug 29, 2015

• #7

Bete said:

To add to the above...

You will last longer in the parks if you alternate rides with shows. The shows provide a nice rest. Also, the shows are mostly air conditioned and that can be very important when it's hot. A meal in the park provides a rest and nourishment and the eateries are air conditioned. Stay hydrated. You can get free tap water at any food stand. Use suntan lotion. Bring cooling devices like a misting fan, sun hat, and even a cooling vest.

Become familiar with the first aid centers in each park. Also, be aware of the family restrooms located throughout the park.

Click to expand...

Huge one for us. We now book TS at lunch time, so we can sit, enjoy A/C, being waited on, better meal and take our time. It does wonders to re-energize and allow DS to last longer. And bonus is that lunch usually costs less.