Last week, I went to Disney World with my family for a week. I was a bit nervous due to horror stories I had heard about traveling with RSD (many claimed that being on an airplane made the pain worse and caused swelling). Not to mention Disney World is huge! Getting around the parks was going to be a challenge.
WORRIES
1 - Walking around the airport and the resort would end up hurting my feet.
2 - That the airplane would cause me pain and I wouldn't be able to take care of it.
3 - That I would be in pain the entire week, slowing my family down.
4 - That I wouldn't be able to participate with my family in the activities at the parks and resort.
Good news!
Check-in and security at the airport were so easy! I got a wheelchair and everyone was really nice. Due to my SCS, I was unable to go through the metal detector and received a pat down instead. It was done by a female employee, whom they specifically asked for (I guess to make me feel more comfortable). She touched me with the backs of her hands, and there was never a point at which I felt uncomfortable. She explained everything to me and was very nice. I really don't get why everyone is so upset about getting pat downs. I've never had a problem. Ever. They are just doing their job. Nothing inappropriate occurred.
Anyway, like I said, the wheelchair service was great. Getting on the plane was a breeze. I was allowed to pre-board due to my disability, so I could choose a seat with more leg room that was comfortable for me. This also allowed me to be able to sit next to my sister and niece. The crew of the flight were so nice and even gave my niece a coloring book to play with during the flight.
There was no pain on the flight. Take-off and landing were great. No pressure changes that affected swelling. Nothing. I was pleasantly surprised.
When we arrived, I received wheelchair service again, all the way to the buses outside. Disney's Magical Express was a very comfortable bus, with TVs and soft seats and (THANK GOD) seat belts.
I picked up my scooter when we arrived at the Art of Animation resort. All I had to do was sign my name and show them my ID. Then they brought it out to me and I was on my way with my family. That scooter had some punch to it! It was fast! By the way, the service my mother used to reserve a scooter for the week was Best Price Mobility.
The scooter was pretty easy to maneuver and I was able to change the top speed just in case my niece wanted to mess with the handles. This prevented collisions. LOL!
The resort was unbelievably accommodating. We didn't have cell phone service in our room, so an employee showed us to 3 different rooms to see if they worked any better. Unfortunately, they didn't, but it wasn't that big of a deal so we just dealt with it. It was still a nice gesture, though.
Having that scooter proved to be the best idea! Getting onto the buses to the parks was super easy. I got to board first and the bus driver secured my scooter with hooks. Then my family and everyone else could board. No one was rude or impatient with me. It was awesome!
The parks were SO accessible. Often times, I didn't have to wait in a regular line to get on rides. I had my own entrance - the disabled entrance. That line was often very short or nonexistent. I got onto rides quickly and had minimal wait times! My family was also able to wait in the disabled line with me so we could all stay together. It was so great.
Disney went above and beyond to accommodate those with disabilities like myself. They ALWAYS boarded the rides first and were taken care of quite well. No one had to wait in long lines that would cause pain. It was so awesome! I felt so included and not like an inconvenience at all! It was like I was just like everyone else. No barriers for me whatsoever :)
The resort was equally accessible. Despite the fact that I ran into the door one night (oops), it was easy to get around. The pool was huge (it was Finding Nemo themed) and Emma (my niece) LOVED it.
Best Price Mobility was a fabulous company. I noticed later on in the week that my scooter would not charge, so I called the company while we were at Epcot. They met me the next hour IN THE PARK with another scooter for me, free of charge. It was great and so convenient! I couldn't be happier with them.
All my worries disappeared on this trip. Southwest Airlines, Best Price Mobility, and Disney took care of everything and made me very comfortable. I was so happy with how nice and accommodating they were.
So here's some advice to you: Go to Disney World! Don't feel like you're going to miss out or slow down your family. They will do just about anything to help you out. They want to make sure everyone is happy and having a good time. They take their jobs very seriously.
They have a section on their website specifically for people with disabilities. It even has disabled guides for every single park. Click here to view the webpage.
WHEELCHAIRS: Available at the parks as well as through outside approved business that deliver it right to your hotel/resort. May bring your own as well.
SCOOTERS: Available to rent at the parks (must stay in the parks) or through approved outside businesses that deliver your scooter straight to your hotel/resort! May bring your own as well.
PARK ACCESSIBILITY: 10 out of 10
WAIT TIMES: Low to non-existent, fast passes were very easy to use as well
RESORT ACCESSIBILITY: 10 out of 10
BUS ACCESSIBILITY: 10 out of 10
AIRPORT ACCESSIBILITY: 10 out of 10
CONDUCT OF STAFF: 10 out of 10, always nice, always helpful
Extra tip: Get a scooter with 3 wheels instead of 4. They have a much better turning radius!
Happy healing!
-Sammie
