Walking worries!

[MadHatter]

Hi,

Me and 4 friends are going to Orlando in November. One of them is of a larger size and is worried about walking round the parks. This will be her first time going (my 8th) and i've explained how big the parks are. She does find it difficult walking in general, and does find it tiring walking up stairs. Her sister has just returned from Orlando and were saying these buggy things (i think they are the Segway Tour things) are available to rent like wheelchairs at all Disney parks now. Is this true, or should she rent Electric Wheel chairs to save her little legs!! She's 5ft 3ins, size 26.

Many Thanks

[2JsMom]

The Segway Tour is only for a short time, 2 hours I think, in Epcot. Sounds like you friend needs a scooter, or electric wheelchair.
If you do a search you should find some helpful info!

[JuniorMickey]

As of early March Segways were not able to be rented. If you're going to be looking at an EVC then consider renting one from offsite because they add up really fast renting at the parks

[uscwest]

There is also a weight limit on the Segway.

[MadHatter]

I thought these were not available to use like wheelchairs, but as it has been nearly 2 years since i was last in Florida, i wondered if things had changed, so thought i had better investigate!!!

I'll start looking around for electric wheelchairs for her to rent!!!!

Thanks to everyone who replied!

[BigThunder]

Since you aren't going until November maybe she should try to walk a little every day to get her strength built up. Try just walking a short distance first & by November she may have built up to where she can outdo everyone in the group!

[triciacarole]

Good idea BT, there's loads of benches to stop for a rest :).

[MadHatter]

She is trying that at the moment, she started with walking her dogs round the park, and now she is walking round twice instead of just once! She is trying to lose weight at the moment (i think she's around 21 stone) and she's aiming to lose around 4 stones by the time we go! I'm just a little worried about her struggling to keep up, as the rest of the group are fast walkers, and she doesn't much like walking in general!!!!

Hopefully, as you said BigThunder, she'll get used to walking the more she does it before we go!

[triciacarole]

Good on her, I'm sure she will improve her pace and stamina by doing this and her friends will slow down a bit for her, a wheelchair would only slow her down even more :).

[MadHatter]

Fingers crossed she'll reach her target! She's already lost 2 stones so far so she's doing really good so far!!! We were looking at the electric wheelchairs in case she gets too tired or as she has some knee problems (caused from her weight, which has improved a little since losing some of the weight) so i don't want her to strain her legs too much from the amount of walking there is!

Does anyone know how fast the electric wheel chairs go, i don't want us to have to run after her if she does need one, and goes speeding off into the sunset!!

[triciacarole]

Believe the electric wheelchairs are slow and will slow your group down. My daughter has arthritis in her knees and she has difficulty walking so we have to hire a manual wheelchair for her and we usually find the electric ones travel about the speed as us pushing her, it is also difficult to weave in and out of the crowds to get to places. Perhaps nearer to the time she should ask her doctor for some advice about damage to her knees. I am sure you will all have a fantastic time with or without the wheelchair :).

[Whitequeen]

You can't actually rent an Electric Wheelchair. They are electric Scooters and usually come in 2 sizes. The only company that will rent the wheelchairs is Care Medical and you have to already be using one at home.
The speed of the scooters is variable and you can go as slow or as fast as you can manage.:thumbs:

[JasonC]

Fingers crossed she'll reach her target! She's already lost 2 stones so far so she's doing really good so far!!! We were looking at the electric wheelchairs in case she gets too tired or as she has some knee problems (caused from her weight, which has improved a little since losing some of the weight) so i don't want her to strain her legs too much from the amount of walking there is!

Does anyone know how fast the electric wheel chairs go, i don't want us to have to run after her if she does need one, and goes speeding off into the sunset!!

Your friend is going about things the right way MH, the best way in which to condition the body to perform a particular activity - namely walking is by gradually increasing the amount of walking into her daily routine, ask her to get a pedometer to record the number of steps she has been doing on a daily basis - I know from reading Chris/Lisa's trip reports that some of thier days they were recording upward of 11000 steps per day, on average 10000 step equates to around 6 miles, that sounds a lot but break that down to how many hours you envisage being in the park for, to give you a less daunting number of steps.

Hope this helps :thumbs:

[BigThunder]

I know from reading Chris/Lisa's trip reports that some of thier days they were recording upward of 11000 steps per day, on average 10000 step equates to around 6 miles

Wow! And still weight is gained by me when at WDW :wink:

[triciacarole]

Wow! And still weight is gained by me when at WDW :wink:
Me too :rolleyes:

[MadHatter]

Thank you so much to everyone for their help!

JasonC - Good idea about the pedometer! I'll also let the rest of my group know how many steps it is roughly each day, that will shock them! No wonder my legs want a holiday when i get back to England!

triciacarole - I'll ask her how her knees are when it gets closer to the time, and advise she checks with the doctor for advise as you said! I have bad knees myself (born with my knee caps out of line) but i only really get the pain after a lot of walking, so i'm worried for her having pain also! And i block it out with all the fun!!!

Whitequeen - I meant to say Electric scooters! Whenever i say scooters, i always think of little mopeds!!! She is hoping to walk the parks, but i'm kind of checking out things incase she starts finding hard to get round the parks. If everything goes as she's planning and looses the weight she's aiming for, she'll be running round the parks!

Again, thank you to all of you for your help and advise! :)

[YoungHeart1954]

I thought these were not available to use like wheelchairs, but as it has been nearly 2 years since i was last in Florida, i wondered if things had changed, so thought i had better investigate!!!

I'll start looking around for electric wheelchairs for her to rent!!!!

Thanks to everyone who replied!

MadHatter ... From what I have learned so far: WDW has wheelchairs for rent, but they are limited in supply, plus it's a first come, first serve basis. As for scooters, when you do your searching, you may want to ask about the styles of the seats each model has, because there may be an array of seats available, depending on the model of the scooter. Just keep in mind: wheelchair seat vs scooter seat...which would be more comfortable?

As for walking: one can tire out very easily and quickly at WDW, and there's no guarantee you'll be able to find somewhere to sit when needs be, especially when least expected.

[jennacool]

Ok, well, I am handicapped and I can say that I do have to take many breaks, as I am heavier then I would like to be...but my friend always slowed down for me and when she wanted to run ahead to see something I would always let her go ahead..I know that not everyone moves at the same pace...as far as wheelchairs go.. I personally do not like them nor would i ever rent one.. its just a personal pride thing being heavy.. her in the states when people see a heavy person in a chair they simply think that you just got too fat to walk..and never consider that you might be heavy cause you are not well... so I have a mental hangup about them .. plus I think about how it would feel to have someone I love pushing me in a manual chair and I just cannot in good conscience let that be...so be kind to your friend and have a chat with her and what she is comfortable with.. and don't leave it to the last minute.. make plans as to how long you will be walking and remember what the weather is like etc etc.. and map out an itinerary....think about what you are gonna do..and rides you will go on.. someone of size especially if they are chesty..can have some problems with rides like rock n roller coaster..it depends on build...I am very big chested and have problems with pushing the overhead bars over my chest.. and while I do fit as I am only a size 18 my poor chest suffers from the pressure of the bar..it is good that you are already thinking of her.. you are a good friend to show concern...

[triciacarole]

Thanks for the warning about the Rock 'n' Roller coaster, I am chesty too so I imagine it would be painful :thumbs:

[MadHatter]

Thanks Jennacool! We've done an itinerary for what we are doing each day and when we have rest days, so she's aware and ok with that, and i had the park maps from my last trip so she's looked through those so she gets an idea of what is coming. There's also a good tourist guide i have that gives all the info on the parks i.e. how many acres the parks are and cost of food etc plus some handy tips and tricks. She's glued to reading all of it, so she'll probably go there knowing more than me, and this is my 8th time!!

She is also 'big chested' so she will find some of the bars on the rides a bit uncomfortable i think, so i've pre warned her about that also. Another girl in my group used to have the same problem when we went 2 years ago but she's now had a reduction, so she'll find the rides different this time!

I'm kind of letting her know what is to come just so she is aware, but not so that it puts her off! Not that i could, we've just booked it last week, so she's all excited now and is counting the days!

Thanks to YoungHeart1954 as well. I didn't think about the different seats available so i'll definately keep that in mind as well!

Again, thank you to everyone for your kind help!!!

[Figment]

I did the *pride* thing on our first trip as a family back in 2001. (I have no cartlidge in my knees and it is painful for me to walk around...I am also heavy). I would fall farther and farther behind my son (then 6) and my husband. By the time I got back to my room each evening, I was in such incredible pain I was crying with each step. I would take pain pills and go to bed. In the morning I would nearly fall down when I first tried to get out of bed...I would push myself and keep walking. My husband kept telling me to rent a scooter, but I wouldn't do it. It was a difficult trip and we didn't get to do nearly as much as we wanted, and when we got home I couldn't walk for 2 days. So much for pride.

Our second triip in 2004 I rented a scooter from Randy's Mobility. I ignored stares from nasty people and accepted all the wonderful compassion from Disney CMs. We had a spectacular trip and I laughed and had fun instead of crying and we were able to do so much more. So for my son...I swallowed that pride. Tell your friend to get the scooter if she still thinks she won't be able to keep up with the group...the one I rented travelled plenty fast enough to keep up.

[MadHatter]

Thanks Figment!!! Glad you enjoyed your time in 2004!!

I've been recommended Randy's Mobility by someone else as well, and from looking into it, you can call them and they'll drop it off the same day and pick it up at the end of your holiday as well! We've talked it over and our first day in Orlando is at Seaworld (I always seem to go there first as its a nice easy day with lots of shows) and we'll see how she goes there, and if need be, she'll get a scooter from Randy's! Definately don't want her not to enjoy it because of pain!

Thanks again!!!

[triciacarole]

That's a good plan MadHatter :thumbs: :)

[allowman]

That sounds like a great plan. I also definately agree with making an itinerary of your day and map out what you want to do. There is nothing worse than having to keep backtracking all day long and walking twice as much as you need to!

[chefsusantexas]

I just got back from WDW and we were in the parks for three days. The first day I tried to walk all around, but I was miserable by the end of the day. I have arthritis in my hips and knees. For the next two days I rented a scooter in the parks. They are first come and I had to wait until one was available on the second day, around three, so get there early to get one. When we go back, I plan to rent a scooter offsite, have it delivered to the hotel at WDW and then I will be able to get around whenever I want.

Also the regular wheelchairs for adults come in two sizes. They have a larger one(wider seat) for those who need it. I didn't see any electric wheelchairs.

We had such a good time at WDW, I can't wait to go back. It only took us 35 years to get back there, I only hope we make it sooner the next time.
Susan

Polynesian 1971
New Orleans 2006

[tnpoohbear]

Because of a knee injury I cannot walk long distances or my knee will pop out of line. We usually go to WDW twice a year and I always rent the electric vehicle which is great! I tried to walk and did one time at MK and paid dearly for it the next day 0 I could not move my knee at all! Rent the electric vehicle - it is worth the $$.

[Mic'sApprentice]

I'm a pretty large lady, size 3X, in excellent health, but don't normally get a lot of exercise.

I've gone to Disney several times for 6 days, and I'm a total themepark commando. Like another post, my pride won't let me rent a scooter.

I wear 2 pairs of socks at the same time.
I even bought some that had extra support in the arch.
I always wear well broken in athletic shoes.

On the last trip, my feet didn't bother me until day 3 instead of day 1.

With advise from other disney boards, next time...
I will drink water instead of soda.
Soak my feet in warm water at night.
Elevate feet at night.
Take 1 or 2 ibuprofin each morning.

I'm walking and losing weight, and hope to be in better shape by our next trip in April 2007.

Americans can be a little self-conscious about the scooters, but it's a personal thing so by all means, if she thinks she wants the scooter, then get one.

Personally, I would still walk the 1st day at least. It would make me feel more like one of the group.

I know you'll all have a great time!

[PrincessHeather]

:welcome: to the boards. I love your attitude. Good luck with your health and weight loss goals :)

[hardrockmom]

Does anyone know the website for Randy's Mobility? I like a lot of people on here was just going to tough it out walking, even though I have rheumatoid arthritis, because I too think that there is a stigma about using an electric scooter, many many people have said nasty things on such subjects, especially if the person is heavy! (Which I am....but lighter than my last trip, which I did all nine days walking on my own....[didn't have the rheumatoid back then!!]) I am really afraid to push myself too much because it could totally ruin the vacation if I cause a severe flare up, and can't move. So I will swallow my pride and rent one....not everyday....just somedays when I absolutely can't take it. (I honestly feel like I will not be "A PART" of the vacation using it....I KNOW SUPER SILLY & STUPID :shrug: )

[Whitequeen]

Here's (http://www.wdisneyw.co.uk/disababout.html) our disability page and you'll find the link to Randy's site there.:thumbs:

[triciacarole]

Does anyone know the website for Randy's Mobility? I like a lot of people on here was just going to tough it out walking, even though I have rheumatoid arthritis, because I too think that there is a stigma about using an electric scooter, many many people have said nasty things on such subjects, especially if the person is heavy! (Which I am....but lighter than my last trip, which I did all nine days walking on my own....[didn't have the rheumatoid back then!!]) I am really afraid to push myself too much because it could totally ruin the vacation if I cause a severe flare up, and can't move. So I will swallow my pride and rent one....not everyday....just somedays when I absolutely can't take it. (I honestly feel like I will not be "A PART" of the vacation using it....I KNOW SUPER SILLY & STUPID :shrug: )


Don't worry about what anyone thinks :hug: and certainly don't force yourself to walk if you are not up to it. DD has RA so I know what you are going through and flare ups are not good.

[hardrockmom]

Thanks Whitequeen, I forgot about the disability page, I actually looked up some stuff last time we went because of my son's hearing impairment.

triciacarole - thanks for the support. I know I shouldn't be worried what others think (a little self -conscious) I just wish people would mind their own business, if they can't be nice!!!!! Sorry to hear your dd has RA! I hope she is doing ok with it. :hug:

[triciacarole]

Sorry to hear your dd has RA! I hope she is doing ok with it. :hug:

Thanks for your kind thoughts, she has just started the Methotrexate so although it is not pleasant it does seem to be helping a bit, we just really take it as it comes :shrug:

[hardrockmom]

triciacarole, if you don't mind me asking, how old is you dd & when was she diagnosed? My doc. just started me on daypro & plaquenil, which have helped a lot with the stiffness & pain & even given me back some energy. (total exhaustion from this, which I am sure you see with your dd)

[utilidorman101]

For walking in the parks get an EVC. For standing in lines do this: (No doc's note or blue handicapped sticker needed)

1 go to guest relations and request a guest assistance pass.

2 if they ask why say has a walking problem

3. Tell them how many are in your party, how long you are staying and which park you are going to (you can get one for each park)

4. the pass looks sort of orange says GUEST ASSISSTANCE PASS on it and will act as a ultimate fastpass. they shouldn't take it away when you go through the fastpass lines at rides and attractions.

5 ENJOY YOURSELF!:) :wink: :wiggle:
if you have any more questions look for my Advice thread or post on this thread i come on everyday! hope i could help

[triciacarole]

She is 14, the problems first reared their ugly head when she was 10 or 11, she also has hypermobility which makes the problems worse.

[hardrockmom]

:ohdear: triciacarole, I am so sorry....no one that age should have to deal with this. I am glad that the medicine is helping. Please know that you are both in my prayers, and here is a :hug: for both of you!

[triciacarole]

:ohdear: triciacarole, I am so sorry....no one that age should have to deal with this. I am glad that the medicine is helping. Please know that you are both in my prayers, and here is a :hug: for both of you!

Thanks for your kind thoughts but there are a lot of kids that are worse off than DD we see them when we go to the hospital every few weeks. We just look at it as an inconvenience that is being treated and get on with it, we just need to plan a bit more in everyday life :shrug:

[pluto]

Thanks for your kind thoughts but there are a lot of kids that are worse off than DD we see them when we go to the hospital every few weeks. We just look at it as an inconvenience that is being treated and get on with it, we just need to plan a bit more in everyday life :shrug:

I think your so brave and strong.. What might seem so natural to you dealing with and getting on with everyday life, for an outsider it looks like you go through so much. I think you deserve all the praise and support that you get.. Your so strong even if you might not feel it sometimes

[triciacarole]

I think your so brave and strong.. What might seem so natural to you dealing with and getting on with everyday life, for an outsider it looks like you go through so much. I think you deserve all the praise and support that you get.. Your so strong even if you might not feel it sometimes

Thanks for your kind thoughts but really it is something you just have to get on with, there are time when it does get us down when DD is having a particularly bad flare up, but in reality her condition is not terminal and it breaks my heart to see the little mites in hospital who are obviously very sick, it really does put our problems into perspective.

[Debbie99]

Thanks for your kind thoughts but really it is something you just have to get on with, there are time when it does get us down when DD is having a particularly bad flare up, but in reality her condition is not terminal and it breaks my heart to see the little mites in hospital who are obviously very sick, it really does put our problems into perspective.

Hi Trisha

I know how you feel, my DS has a genetic condition with his bones, he has had several operations and has to live with some pain, but when I see others in hospital who are clearly a lot worse off it just puts things in perspective. Our children are able to live normal lives with some pain and inconvenience - there is always someone worse off - a thought which keeps us going through hard times.

This is a very interesting post, my mother has some pain when walking, she is coming to WDW with us this christmas and there is no way she will be able to walk around the parks with us, there has been a lot of interesting info on here, thanks folks - you've given us food for thought.

[triciacarole]

This is a very interesting post, my mother has some pain when walking, she is coming to WDW with us this christmas and there is no way she will be able to walk around the parks with us, there has been a lot of interesting info on here, thanks folks - you've given us food for thought.

Glad its been of some help :)