I have been to WDW many times with DH and kids. But it's been about four years since our last trip. Now, DD will be a senior in high school next year and she has asked for one last "childhood" WDW trip.
I love the idea. However, I unfortunately, was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in May '17. I feel like I am still learning about how this disease has changed what my body can do. But, I have come a long way!
I'm scared about planning a trip. I'm wondering if I can physically do this.
I have balance problems. I have sensory loss and can't feel my feet. Some days I'm ok and my disability is not noticeable to others. Other days, I use a cane.
I'm worried more about standing, than walking. i sway when I stand. It's like I don't have a sense of where my body is in space.
I want to go. But I'm scared. I worry about falling. I also worry about making it through the days. Fatigue and heat make symptoms worse.
January is a *great* time - in fact, I think it is the best time - to go if you have issues with the heat (like I do). I'm also allergic to the sun (I know, I'm crazy to even go outside in Florida, let alone run around all over WDW LOL) so I tend to plan either late fall or late winter/early spring trips, and try to avoid holidays.
If I am reading your post correctly, you are concerned primarily about the following:
Balance problems, standing, numb feet, falling, fatigue and heat. (Heat we just discussed - I really think you have found the best time of year to go - in fact dress in layers, because it can get cool at night!)
I think you should consider a mobility device of some sort. I'm not a medical professional, but I am a WDW regular with my own set of mobility issues (some of which are very similar to yours, just for different reasons)
Your three primary options are: Wheelchair, Rollator (which is a walker that has a built-in seat) or
ECV (
scooter).
Which option you choose depends on a lot of things. Where are you going to stay? On property, or off? Will you be park hopping? What is your touring style going to be? (probably
not "commando"-go-all-day-nonstop now if you are like me)
Is there someone to push you in a wheelchair? Do you think you could push the Rollator for the (average) 3 to 10 miles per day that the average Disney Guest walks? Or do you have issues that would preclude using an ECV, like vision issues or dizziness, etc.?
There are pros and cons to using any kind of assistive device - which one you decide is best for you is very personal. Regardless of what you decide to do, just remember that like our
@arminnie said above, use the tools you need to have the best possible time with your DD. Just as using glasses if you can't see, or a calculator to do math, or hearing aids if you are deaf are all tools that we use to accomplish a task, using a mobility or assistive device at WDW is simply using a tool to make moving around WDW easier.
Many people who use a device at WDW don't use one in their "regular" life at home. For many years, the only place I used a scooter was WDW until my condition progressed, and I now use one daily. And don't worry about what anyone will think - first of all, you, on a scooter (or in a wheelchair, or with a Rollator) is a total non-event at WDW. There are so many other folks using devices of all sorts that no one will bat an eye. The chances of bumping into someone you know (outside of your traveling party) are slim, and none - and Slim just left town. And if you present it to your DD, and your family that "This is what I'm going to do so that we can have more fun, and less time watching me struggle to walk/stand/deal" - in other words,
if you set the expectation that this is no big deal, your family will most likely take their cue from you. If you aren't upset or emotional about it, they won't be either. (speaking from actual personal experience)
Whatever you decide to do, we will all be here to help you find any answers you may have. I don't have MS, but I do know what it's like to look down the barrel of a Disney trip, knowing that I won't be able to give my DD the trip I want to - unless I use a device.