3 questions re upcoming trip with broken ankle

[CRI]

Hi
idk if i should post these 3 questions separately, I'm a long time DIS follower, but rarely post questions. My apologies if this is a no no.
1.) Does anyone know where (in Orlando, or anytown USA) I might purchase a waterproof, to the knee, cast cover for swimming, not just showering? I found them on internet, but its too late to order one since we leave Friday. I have one from cvs for shower but wouldn't trust it for a dip in pool if it is as hot as I hope it is in Florida!
2.) I've never used a wheelchair before, I have access to both a standard wheel chair, and a smaller "transport chair" which I can take on plane, or I can rent a small ECV type scooter down there. My husband and 3 young adult children will be with me and can take turns pushing the chair (i'm an average sized 50 some yo!). Is a wheelchair easier than ecv to access rides, theaters, restaurants, and manuver the crowds with (for someone who can't use both feet)? I worry about back support and comfort after many hours, day after day touring the parks in wheel chair. Also I can't decide if I should take larger heavier chair, or transport chair (I fit ok in both). I'd love your feedback
3.) If I gate check my wheelchair, can I take crutches on board the plane with me? If yes, where would they be stored?
I hope these don't seem like ridiculous questions, I'm so distraught that my vacation has been "altered" so much by my fall on the ice.
Thank you,
Chris

 

[JennyDrake]

Just my 2 cents, I would rent an ECV from an off site company. I've experienced excellent service from both Walker Mobility and Apple Scooter. Pushing the chair could get real old, real fast. You access to rides is no different with the wc than the ecv. If you get a wc, I would get the lighter, transport chair--and again, you can rent off site to pick up once you get there, if you so choose. Again, go with an off site company so you can have 24/7 usage.

If you choose to do off site rental, call ahead and the airline should make arrangements for door to gate wc transport for you.

 

[lanejudy]

As for the cast -- I'm not sure I'd trust a "cover" for submerging in a swimming pool. Shower yes, pool no. But I haven't had a cast to deal with lately, so maybe there's a product I'm not familiar with. I'd suggest speaking with your doctor about a waterproof cast if you really want to go in the pool.

As to ECV vs. wheelchair -- I'd rent an ECV from off-site. You'll have more freedom and flexibility not relying on someone else to literally move you every couple of feet. There are a few rides that you'll need to transfer to a wheelchair, but one will be provided at the attraction. Bring either your manual chair or the transport chair for use at the airport; yes you can bring both crutches and wheelchair onboard the airline. I'd contact them ahead just to have it noted and clarify if there is anything specific you need to do before getting to the gate.

Enjoy your vacation!

 

[gilesmt]

Just wanted to add that if you need to rest, get ice or put your foot up because it gets swallow, go to the first aide, I had just got my cast off, and I did fine one year for a few days but then my ankle started to swell, I was able to get ice and take a short nap I. First aid while family kept moving saving the hottest part of afternoon for down time and allowing my ankle to work again later at night. But I will say I did not use chair to much, had it but being blind it was to diffult so the kids kept taking off with it and I kept walking.

 

[stargazertechie]

Rent the scooter! It will make everyone's life happier!


And LaneJudy- they now make cast covers specifically for swimming I could have used those a time or four in my childhood

OP-you could order one now and have it shipped to your resort! I almost always mail stuff to my resort prior to a trip (toiletries, snacks, etc). If you have Amazon Prime you can have it shipped 2 day to the resort.

 

[JillyBean1899]

3.) If I gate check my wheelchair, can I take crutches on board the plane with me? If yes, where would they be stored?
I hope these don't seem like ridiculous questions, I'm so distraught that my vacation has been "altered" so much by my fall on the ice.
Thank you,
Chris

Most planes have a coat closet type storage area where they can keep medical equipment like crutches. Call the airline to see what they can offer. Just remember, airplane aisles are skinny, so practice walking sideways with the crutches, just in case.

 

[Shelly F - Ohio]

look

http://www.drycorp.com/


I see amazon carries them and they do two day shipping you could have it shipped to Disney

 

[ttintagel]

I started out with a manual wheelchair in EPCOT when I broke my foot on the first day of my trip. I was really surprised at how many hills and ramps there were in the park that I just never noticed when walking. Even taking turns between self-propelling and others in the group pushing, it was absolutely exhausting getting me around by the end of a short day. And doing anything at all by myself was out of the question. I called the rental place that night and asked them to exchange the manual chair for an ECV.

 

[CRI]

thank you everyone!
I will definitely call and rent an ecv tomorrow.
I never thought of having something delivered to our resort, great idea, but I guess I should check with doctor to be sure he will allow. I wish I knew someone who had successfully used a waterproof swimming cast cover. I really couldn't wait to float in a lazy river!
I also appreciate the first aid center suggestion, I would never have thought of that either. My leg/foot swells if I sit for too long, and I get cast claustrophobia at the end of the day.
My nephew is working at disney this semester (the college program), and we've been looking so forward to visiting him. Thanks again for all your advice.
Chris

 

[pbrim]

3.) If I gate check my wheelchair, can I take crutches on board the plane with me? If yes, where would they be stored?

The airline should have an special wheelchair narrow enough to fit in the aisle to help you get to your seat. Check with them, as they may not have anywhere to store crutches on board.