Doing WDW with M.E. - any tips?

[Sammy P]

Hi, our next trip will be our third together but my first with M.E., which first reared its ugly head during our last trip, at the California Grill of all places!
We've hired wheelchairs to solve the mobility/light-headed/standing up issues, but I'm still quite anxious about the trip (nervous flyer too!). I get stomach problems/flu-like symptoms quite often, and on occasion a sort of 'sensory overload' if in a hot/crowded noisy/place. We're going in November and I've planned a schedule with rest periods but would be grateful for any tips, especially from anyone with M.E. or who has travelled with a family member with the illness.
I'm determined to enjoy the trip, and to make sure my other half will too. Cheers!

[uscwest]

Pardon my ignorance but what is M.E. please?

[Wendy L]

Pardon my ignorance but what is M.E. please?

It's also known as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome John, it affects the nervous and immune system as well as other things.

[triciacarole]

Hi Sammy, you will need to get a guest assistance pass, this will help you with some of the crowded wait areas buy giving you a separate entrance. I'm sorry I don't know too much about your condition but November is usually a quieter time. Which airline are you flying with?

[Sammy P]

Good idea, thanks. I assume I'd need a doc's letter to get the pass? We're going with Virgin and they are being very helpful, sent me a questionnaire to assess my needs on the flight and in resort.

[triciacarole]

Good idea, thanks. I assume I'd need a doc's letter to get the pass? We're going with Virgin and they are being very helpful, sent me a questionnaire to assess my needs on the flight and in resort.

You don't necessarily need a Drs letter but I always take my daughters 'certificate of fitness' letter for the insurance that states what she has, although the cast members have never wanted to see it. Go to Guest Services at the parks and tell them about your condition, they will probably give you a GAC. You can get this on the first day of your holiday and they will date it up to your departure date.

Virgin are usually quiet good, they didn't send me a questionnaire though, perhaps they have changed things :shrug:. I have heard it stated on these boards and totally agree that WDW is one of the best places to go to if you have any special needs :).

[bawden2]

There is a questionnaire. But as Trish has said i have not had one. Even though they have asked for me to fill one in :shrug: . They are a good airline with special needs though :thumbs: . Not much more than Trish has said to you. Have a great holiday.

[Sammy P]

Thanks, I'm sure we'll enjoy it, despite my worries! NB If you think a questionnaire would help you (it's mostly about the flight/airport, but also any in-resort help) I dealt directly with Virgin's Customer Care dept. I THINK this is 0870 990 8350 but don't quote me on that! I wonder if they don't automatically send one out to those taking their own wheelchairs. Thanks again to you both.

[triciacarole]

Perhaps the questionnaire is for Virgin Holidays, I've booked with Virgin Atlantic, we requested the bulkheads and when I checked this morning for our flight tomorrow they had allocated them to us :D

[Sammy P]

Only hours to go - you must be so excited! Have a fabulous time!

[utilidorman101]

sorry it is a little late but, you dont need a doc's note to get the guest assisstantce pass. All you have to do is go to Guest relations and ask for a pass tell them how many people are in your party how many days you will stay, and which park you are going to. i needed one for my sister who has a handicapped disability. that is all you need to do. hope i could help sammy!

[triciacarole]

I didn't take DD's Drs letter but did take the disabled parking blue badge and showed that to the CM as I explained what we needed. I found MK to be really helpful although last year I had problems with AK.

[utilidorman101]

you can get the passes for free at guest relations no doc's note needed. it will act as a fastpass that never leaves you until you leave the park

[utilidorman101]

when i went i didn't need a blue pass

[triciacarole]

Perhaps you didn't need it but as DD has an invisible disability I felt it strengthened my case, especially as I had been refused at AK last year.

[Whitequeen]

Always better to take something......................just in case.:thumbs:

[angelprincess]

Hello I have twins with cerebal palsey one also has aspergers and Disney have always been fantasic we picked up a pass so we had a different entrance to other people as my DD would find it very hard to queue I took my DD blue badges just to be on the safe, I also flew Virgen and also filled out a medical form Virgin were fantastic and even provided my DD with a special seat for the plane also I was taking a electric wheelchair and had to take a wet cel battery that may of been the reason I had to feel out a medical form. Im sure you will find WDW very helpful and I hope you have a fantastic holiday :)

[triciacarole]

Be warned though some of the CMs are not very knowledgeable of disabilities. When we went to the Muppets I flashed the card and was told by a middle aged cm that all rides and shows at mgm are wheelchair accessible, I stopped and told him that not only is my daughter in a chair but is on meds that make her skin very sun sensitive and prone to burning easily and she can not wait for a long while in the sun, fortunately there was not much of a queue, but I think he had a very blinkered attitude.

[utilidorman101]

asburgers as in autisim?

[Sammy P]

Thank you all for your advice; feeling more confident now!