Broken ankle - need advice.

[Melody L]

My husband broke his ankle in 11 places and has had 7 screws and a metal plate put in. This happened in March while skiing and he is still on crutches.

We leave for Disney in 3 weeks. We cannot reschedule, due to school, and my husband says that this is probably our last trip.

My question is: what can I expect at the parks?

My husband refuses to rent a wheelchair or scooter. He can only be on his foot for a limited amount of time. Will we be sent to the beginning of the line?

I hate to do this, but I would like to get onto a good number of rides and crutches are very slow going.

Thanks for any help!

 

[Piper]

Disney's response to mobility problems is to use a wheelchair or ECV. And unfortunately, even with a WC or ECV, you don't get sent to the front of the line (in fact, you sometimes wait longer than average.)

Read the FAQs at the beginning of this board for lots of info.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

Hi and to disABILITIES!

As Piper says, the official Disney policy for people with mobility and/or stamina problems is the suggestion that they rent a wheelchair or ECV.

The only time a Front Of The Line Pass is issued is to families with fragile or terminal children who are on a trip through Make-A-Wish or similar organizations.

The majority of attraction lines in WDW are "mainstreamed". This means that a wheelchair or ECV will use the regular entrance and line all the way to either a show seating or ride load area. If a line is not mainstreamed there will be signs and/or Cast Members to direct you where to go.

If a show, normally there will be spaces to park a chair or ECV and there will be seats next to the space for other members of the group.

If a ride, usually you will have to transfer to a ride vehicle, although some rides will allow a person in a wheelchair to remain in their chair. If you have to transfer to a ride, and unload is not at the same location as load, your ECV will magically appear at the unload area.

If you click on where it says "disABILTIES" at the top of this page it will take you to the Index. One of the top items is the "disABILTIES FAQ" which will gives lots of useful information. Note that Post #2 discusses mobility and equipment. Post #3 had a wide variety of information and links; it might be a good idea to look at the various park "Guidebook For Persons With Disabilities" for more detailed information.

Or, if you want an easier route, click on the link in my signature.

Please ask him the following questions. Here are the suggested answers to go with them.

1. Are you disabled (even temporarily)? Yes.

2. Do the people you are traveling with, such as your family, know you are disabled? Yes.

3. Do you expect to meet anyone you know during this trip who may not know you are disabled. Probably No!

4. Do you expect to meet a bunch of people who you will probably never meet again in your life? Probably yes!

5. Is there any reason at all that you should care what these people think about you? Absolutely No!!

6. Will using a wheelchair or ECV make for a better vacation for you and your family? Absolutely YES!

 

[Melody L]

Thanks so much for all the advice. I can't believe it, but yesterday I broke my toe! What luck! Now both my hubby and I have issues.

We are still going and will make the best of it. The kids do not want to wait till spring break. I'm sure we will still have a magical time.

 

[mickeymit]

Hi and to disABILITIES!

As Piper says, the official Disney policy for people with mobility and/or stamina problems is the suggestion that they rent a wheelchair or ECV.

The only time a Front Of The Line Pass is issued is to families with fragile or terminal children who are on a trip through Make-A-Wish or similar organizations.

The majority of attraction lines in WDW are "mainstreamed". This means that a wheelchair or ECV will use the regular entrance and line all the way to either a show seating or ride load area. If a line is not mainstreamed there will be signs and/or Cast Members to direct you where to go.

If a show, normally there will be spaces to park a chair or ECV and there will be seats next to the space for other members of the group.

If a ride, usually you will have to transfer to a ride vehicle, although some rides will allow a person in a wheelchair to remain in their chair. If you have to transfer to a ride, and unload is not at the same location as load, your ECV will magically appear at the unload area.

If you click on where it says "disABILTIES" at the top of this page it will take you to the Index. One of the top items is the "disABILTIES FAQ" which will gives lots of useful information. Note that Post #2 discusses mobility and equipment. Post #3 had a wide variety of information and links; it might be a good idea to look at the various park "Guidebook For Persons With Disabilities" for more detailed information.

Or, if you want an easier route, click on the link in my signature.

Please ask him the following questions. Here are the suggested answers to go with them.

1. Are you disabled (even temporarily)? Yes.

2. Do the people you are traveling with, such as your family, know you are disabled? Yes.

3. Do you expect to meet anyone you know during this trip who may not know you are disabled. Probably No!

4. Do you expect to meet a bunch of people who you will probably never meet again in your life? Probably yes!

5. Is there any reason at all that you should care what these people think about you? Absolutely No!!

6. Will using a wheelchair or ECV make for a better vacation for you and your family? Absolutely YES!

Great information - thanks!!!