5 replies to this topic

[Vicky17]

Hi, I was wondering if anyone could help us please, we are wanting to book a holiday to Florida and was wanting as much information as anyone has got please. My husband is C6/C7 complete, so no trunk control from chest down and little hand movement/grip. What is peoples experiences of rides, roller coasters, the ones you sit in and the ones where your legs dangle? We are not sure if it is possible to even go on them, will it damage my husbands legs as he cannot control them. Also anyone got any experience of the childrens rides that maybe only have a lap belt, he is frightened of slipping off and not being able to support our child? The other thing is villas to sleep 4 adults and 2 children, does anyone know of adequately adapted villas as close to Disney as possible or near to international drive. Thank you so much for any information you can give us. Vicky and Gav

[Brad Williams]

Your in luck. My wife and my two girls went last year. I am a t12 and I had no problems at all. Your husband will probably need you to sit next to him on a couple of rides but they are all safe. In the entire park there was only one ride they wouldn't let me on and that was because it never stops, you had to walk next to the cart and step in, it was the peter pan ride or the flying carpet, I don't remember right off. Anyway MOST IMPORTANT THING! !! When you get there go straight to the front office and tell them you need a DISABLED PASS let them know your husband is in a wheelchair and they will give you a pass so you don't have to wait in ANY LINES AT ALL. You go straight to the front. As long as your down there you really need to go to sea world! !! I liked it better than disney, and so did my wife and seven year old, well she was five at the time. The shows are great and all there rides are handicapped accessible too. As far as villas we stayed in a really nice one and it was only about 30 min. away. I don't remember the name right off but I'll ask my wife when she gets home. Good luck, and have fun.

[Brad Williams]

Sorry, I called my wife and she couldn't remember either. But she said it was in the city next to orlando, ( now I know that this is not the right way to spell it ) but the town was called kissamee. At least that's the way we said it. If you look on your map you will see it. They had signs all the way from the villa to disney world. Just be sure to make sure you get a handicap room. If you don't they will book you in a room that he can't get around in.

[Aparr]

Hi Vicky and Gav~
I'm the same injury level and complete. I was just at Disney World in June. Although I didn't have a lot of experience like Brad I will share my experience. I ended up in the hospital because as it turned out I'm now a diabetic and didn't know it until we went to Disney, lol. We stayed on Disney property at the Port Orleans so I can't help with the villa. I can tell you I took Disney's bus transportation and the monorail. They are both wheelchair accessible. Handy if you get a hopper pass and want to leave your vehicle at one park and go to another. One other thing you want to keep in mind for the villa or wherever you stay is to maybe ask for a roll in shower. I found all the restaurants to be accessible but use there call ahead seating and let them know you are coming with a wheelchair so they can be prepared for you. There were only a few rides you can take your chair on and I didn't trust myself transferring and such as I am only 2 years post. I agree with Brad, Sea World is wonderful! We also went to Bush Gardens and that was fantastic too! I enjoy Epcot because I could take my chair on the rides and I could get around the "world" too. Do yourself a favor and price a villa verses 2 rooms at a hotel. The other thing you may want to look into is googling "Disney World for the disabled" a lot of info should come pope. I hope all this was a little helpful.
I've traveled down to Disney many times. This past trip was my first in a chair. I had a great time and would suggest making the trip. There may be a lot of planning and extra packing but it's a "magical" experience that the two of you and your children will enjoy.
Take Care and Enjoy!
April

[Vicky17]

Thank you for the information. We have been to Disney World before gavs accident and we love rides so it was more if it is possible for gav to access the big ones. He is only 1 year post injury but we don't plan to go until 2013/14 so just wanted to get as much info as possible. The thing we like about the villa is gav can swim in privacy, there is still an eliment of embarrassment for him not sure if this will reduce as time goes by. He just thinks that Disney will become boring and he will just be sat on the side lines, I don't think that is the case, don't get me wrong he's very positive I think he just loved fast rides so much he doesn't want to miss that! Any information about access is fantastic, I will check out the intent, we have plenty of time but I like to be prepared!! Thank you all again, Vicky

[KarenB]

I hate to put any damper on your plans but I wouldn't recommend going on any of the fast roller coaster rides. My injury is at the T11/12 level so I have good upper body strength and good grip but I have a hard time keeping myself upright and in place on those kinds of rides. Definitely go to Disney World. There are so many things to do and many rides that are completely accessible without even leaving the chair. If possible your husband should use a manual chair so that he can stay in it because some of the rides will accept a manual chair but not an electric one.

The guides that you can download from this link - Disney Guides are very helpful. Unfortunately the Magic Kingdom section of Disney World ,where many of the kid's rides are located , is the oldest part of the park and has the most rides that are hard to access. Most of the ones where a transfer from the chair into the ride vehicle is required are difficult because of the narrowness of the opening or the height difference involved in the transfer.