Lung/breathing difficulties

[thejens]

I would be interested to hear from anyone who visited the world who has breathing difficulties or lung disease. My mother was just diagnosed with a progressive disease and I am trying to plan a trip with as much ease and joy as possible. She has difficulty with short walks or bending or physical exertion. We plan to rent a scooter and she will be using oxygen 24/7. Can she bring her oxygen on the rides? Could she leave her tank safely with her scooter if she chose to? I'd love to hear about any suggestions. This is a very new challenge for her and none of us know what to expect.

[TinkRocks]

I think that most attractions would be accomodating. Some attractions may require your Mom to transfer to a wheelchair so that the Cast Members can escort you guys closer to the rides.

Not sure about the 'big thrill' attractions, though (Space Mountain, Tower of Terror, etc.), but I'm assuming your Mom will be opting out of those anyway.

You can always contact Guest Services at your resort and / or each park to double check accessibility, etc.

[tennantsrwe]

I agree, we've seen people with similar health issues many times at WDW. The CM's really do try to accommodate their needs, quickly. I, too, would think there will be certain rides not suitable for your mom but she probably wouldn't opt for those anyway. Other than that I think she would be fine. They even have special areas for parade viewing, etc. I would check out all my options while planning so there are no suprises when we got there. By the way, I'd plan for a slower season to make the trip. The weather is usually more comfortable and the crowds are lighter. I think you all will have a great time, happy planning!

[MsMin]

My grandfather had emphysema and lung cancer back in the 80's. He was on oxygen for several years. We never went to WDW with him; but he did travel a lot. I can't say whether they let you take the oxygen on the rides. It seems like it could be possible to on most slow rides. I don't think they would want a tank on a ride where it could get tossed around b/c injury could result.
I've left many things in strollers or my parents have left stuff in scooters. Most times people don't bother with it and there are CM's around. I wouldn't hesitate to leave it if need be.
Are her lungs reacative to weather or smells?
I do like the suggestion to go during the off season because the crowds and weather will be easier to tolerate. How is her other health? I know with my dad the cold can be such a stress to the heart. I'm interested in knowing more about this...

[bleukarma]

I have gone to WDW in the past with a family friend that was on oxygen. Some rides they ask if she can transfer to the ride vehicle and others (like The Land boat and I think IASW) will put the wheelchair on the ride. She carried a small travel oxygen tank with her. She opted out of the major rides like Space Mountain and Thunder Mountain, but the smaller rides it wasn’t a hassle to get her on, sometimes she had to walk from her wheelchair onto a ride, which was fine since it was a short walk and she could walk ok. I don’t remember if they let her take her travel tank on the ride or not. I don’t see why not, as someone could potentially die if they didn’t have their oxygen! But, her small travel tank was just something that she carried around her shoulder, kind of like purse.

WDW was great at accommodating her. Everything from the busses that transported her to/from the parks to the resort (we stayed at the old Dixie Landing resort) to the ride operators. At one point she set up with the oxygen company to deliver another oxygen tank and the resort was great about getting it to us. I remember there was a slight problem (I don’t remember what it was…it was a while ago…probably going on 10 years) so I would make it noted about the oxygen on the reservation. Also I would speak to someone directly at the resort and tell them about the oxygen and see if there are any procedures or restrictions at the resort that you should know about. You don’t want to show up and then there be a glitch of some sort!

My great aunt that I live with now isn’t on oxygen but she does have mild breathing problems due to congestion. We have learned to keep her out of the night air. Also the humidity causes major havoc on her breathing so I would suggest going at a milder time of the year like March or November when the humidity isn’t so bad.

Good luck and have fun! With a little bit of planning you and your mom should have a great vacation!!!

[offwego]

My grandmother had radical surgery to treat TB after WWII (she only had 2/3rds of one lung) and was often on oxgyn and for the last few years was full time.

The rides may not be a problem with the tank, but you should give some thought to the size and her comfort hanging on to it and or member of your group who would do this. While my grandma didn't mind the tank once she was settled it moving could cause her to be stressed about the tank and the hose etc..so it flopping around would bother her. So having someone hold it steady was important (like on rides where you move around corners or up or down a hill such as haunted mansion or similiar)

She had no problems with cm's at WDW explaining what would be done or being able to decide if she wanted to do it however.

[Johnno52]

I had 2/3 of my lung removed in 06. Most of your answers have all been answered and are correct. I only have trouble breathing and gasp for air when I walk past the smoking areas or when I am following someone that is smoking. Other than that I think going to Disney is ideal vacation for someone with disabilities.

[thejens]

Thank you for your comments. She is able to walk fine and transfer in and out of scooter to get into rides. I tend to agree that TOT is out this year. She will have difficulty with stairs or long walks. It would be ideal for her to use the small pak for rides, but I can't imagine that would be enough for her for a whole day. I am trying to figure out if we need to bring several cans and then store some in a locker??? Or if we have to keep running back to the hotel? Or is there a place at the park to pick up and return cans of oxygen? Can she have a concentrator delivered to room for night time? I really am bewildered. If anyone uses oxgen and could shed some light on this it would really help!