Adjusting

[sam08223]

Hi - I'm adjusting to the realization that I am limited in the walking I can do. I've been to 2 differnet Orthopedic Specialists and both advised knee replacement surgery. I plan on having that surgery Nov 17th. I'm "only" 49 yrs old and enjoy being active. We're heading to WDW for vacation Oct 22nd for 8 days.

My "problem" and I guess it's as much in my head as my knee, is allowing myself to use an ECV. I know I can't walk WDW - I'm good for short stretches - but something as big as say EPCOT would have me off my feet for 2 days afterward. So I'm ordering and ECV -------------

What I envision is using the ECV to cover distances and then proceed on foot thru the ride queues etc. Is that a reasonable plan logistcally? We'll have a Chevy Equinox as a rental while in WDW - I think I'll be able to break down the ECV and transport it to the parks. Use the drop off area at the parks to unload. Just trying to get how things work in my head.

I know many, many people with more difficult situations enjoy WDW - I'm sorry for my "angst" I'm hoping once I get to WDW and get into "Disney mode" things fall into place, I'll be fine.

Thanks Scott

 

[Michigan]

Since all your other stays have been on Disney properties I assume you are staying on site again. If so why don't you just use the Disney transportation to get to the parks and eliminate one of your problems.

You can either park it and walk through the lines or stay in it in the lines.

 

[disney crazy 10569]

Just wanted ti give some info about accesibilty in wdw. In the past I myself have not run in many problems. I have had 1 knee replacmnt & the other knee has gone through 6 knee surgries including 4 acl knee reconstruction. I can relate on able to walk long distances ,but I can assure once you get to WDW you will find that there are plenty of people ther to assit you if you have problems. The WDW tranportation is great. Just remeber you are there to relax . So don't stress out & everything will be fine.

 

[SueM in MN]

If you haven't already, check out the disABILITIES FAQs thread. There is some information about places to rent ECVs, bus info, info about taking apart an ECV to put it into a trunk and also some links to past threads about boarding rides that might be helpful to you.
One thing I'd suggest if you are planning to walk in lines is to check with the CM at the entrance to see how long the wait actually is (as opposed to the posted time) and how far you will have to walk. Some attractions have a deceptively long way to walk.

We have a friend who is actually younger than you (39), has had 2 knee surgeries and is preparing for a knee replacement soon. So, you are not alone.

 

[mrmagicmph]

Scott,

I can sympathize completely with what you're saying. I'm 37, going to WDW in under a week (5 days, 21 hrs, 26 min til our flight takes off, but who's counting?) for a 19 month belated honeymoon, and am going to be using an ECV for the whole trip. I've got ankle trouble that has been anywhere from "it's not good, but its stable/unchanged" to "it's LOUSY this morning" and I know full well that I could NOT manage the trip without an ECV's help. In my daily routine, I've been using a cane for far too long, but I do NOT have to like it!

The only thing that I can suggest as a guy who's been going to WDW since September 1971 (got in under soft opening) and has made MANY trips since then is, don't be as stubborn & stupid as I occasionally am. Simply put, remember, this is your VACATION, it is for you to ENJOY. Even if you're "able" to walk around a fair bit, keep in mind, you'll be there for 8 days. Better to "suffer" using the ECV a bit more but being able to DO everything you want, than to push yourself a bit too much and find that you're having to sit out part of your trip. Take it from someone with an INCREDIBLY STRONG stubborn streak, it's not worth being stubborn, enjoy yourself!

Just my $0.02 worth. FWIW, when I go down, I'm renting from Walker and found them to be EXCEPTIONAL to deal with on the phone.