Hi everyone!! You may or may not have noticed that I have been among the missing for the past several weeks and the cause of that absence is my main focus for writing this article. Suffice it to say I went from being extremely healthy to desperately ill in a very short period of time and am now in a fairly long recovery period (hey – at least I can call it a recovery). The illness has given me a new perspective on physical limitations and their potential effect on a vacation to Walt Disney World and what effect they may or may not have on our upcoming October visit.
A lot of folks in their mid sixties have huge egos when it comes to their physical prowess and abilities (GUILTY!!!). In the past I have had no issues with the theme park death marches every day on a visit to Walt Disney World vacation but my recent illness may have a significant effect on that and my stamina may still be limited come vacation time. Things may change in the next four months but in the event I am still somewhat limited come vacation time there is a rental scooter in my future. That is something I never thought I would do but we will be traveling with friends on this trip and I refuse to let my ego impact this vacation. The minimal cost of a scooter will make the trip go as planned so that my issues don’t impact my wife and friends. O.K. I’m off the soapbox!!!
The point I’m trying to make is that no one will think any less of you when you do the smart thing and take advantage of all of the assistance available at one of the most “disabled friendly” places on earth. Your companions will probably thank you for your consideration. There are always those folks out there who might think someone using assistance is faking it, especially if you look perfectly healthy as I do. Who cares what they think, your aim is to have a wonderful visit to Walt Disney World regardless of limitations. Believe me – if I can overcome my gigantic ego out of respect for my fellow travelers (not to mention how much easier it will be on this old body) you can too. Don’t forget, your willingness to take advantage of the assistance available will not only make your visit better for your companions but it will allow you to enjoy your visit in the style to which you have become accustomed. Everybody Benefits!!! WIN-WIN-WIN!!!
I am thrilled to be at a point where I can resume writing for Chip and Company and even though my contributions may be a bit limited at first, I should be back at full speed in just a few weeks. Thanks for taking the time to read my stuff! As always, enjoy your visit to Walt Disney World!!
Ken
Related articles
- Walt Disney World’s QR codes for PhotoPass (jedimouseketeer.blogspot.com)
- Disney World Quick Tips – Your To-Do List (chipandco.com)
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Thanks everyone for your thoughts. I hope to near full speed by October, at least that’s my goal!!
Ken
Ken,
I read your articles all the time and was wondering where you were. Sorry to hear you were ill but very glad to hear you are doing better. You will enjoy WDW as much in a wheelchair (or electric cart) as you did before but at a different angle. Take care and hope you have a speedy recovery.
Ken,
I read your articles all the time and was wondering where you were. Sorry to hear you were ill but very glad to hear you are doing better. You will enjoy WDW as much in a wheelchair (or electric cart) as you did before but at a different angle. Take care and hope you have a speedy recovery.
Ken, glad to know you are on the road to recovery! Get well soon! I’m glad you can write again, I always enjoy your posts! Take care!
Katie
Ken, glad to know you are on the road to recovery! Get well soon! I’m glad you can write again, I always enjoy your posts! Take care!
Katie
Ken, glad to know you are on the road to recovery! Get well soon! I’m glad you can write again, I always enjoy your posts! Take care!
Katie
Thanks for pointing this out! I’ve hesitated in the past to get a Guest Assistance Card for my sons with autism, because they LOOK perfectly normal. But put them into a situation they can’t handle, and everyone around us will wish we had asked for accommodations.
Thanks for pointing this out! I’ve hesitated in the past to get a Guest Assistance Card for my sons with autism, because they LOOK perfectly normal. But put them into a situation they can’t handle, and everyone around us will wish we had asked for accommodations.
Yay for recovery! 🙂
I have fibromyalgia, and this past February was my first Disney trip “with it”. It broke my heart having to rent both the regular wheelchair one day, and then the scooter on the last day. My body simply wouldn’t keep going. I know it’s foolish pride, but we’ve all got it.
My biggest issue with having to use the wheelchair is that you become practically invisible to other guests. I nearly wound up with someone in my lap because they weren’t paying attenion. Perhaps in the future, a post about paying attention to one’s surroundings? 🙂
Ken,
I am glad you are recovering! I do know exactly what you are talking about, I was critically ill last June and am still in the recovery process. I know my next trip to WDW will be slower and more thoughtful of health & energy and have decided that is perfectly okay. Walt would love that we are slowing down to admire his world!
Keep taking care.