Broken Foot

[Trina7020]

I broke my foot last night and we leave for Disney in 10 days!!! Do I need to cancel my trip! I am more upset about the trip than I am my darn foot. I have a 2 and 3 year old that are very much looking forward to it, but well they are going to need chase after and/or pushed in a stroller and I am in no place to do that. Of course our flights are non-refundable and whatever part Disney won't refund! ACK!!! What to do? I am really devasted over this!

 

[bopper]

First I would check with your DH on what he wants to do. If he is up for some major kid wrangling, Bring or rent a double stroller when you get there. Your husband pushes it. For you, you will need to rent an ECV. You will scoot yourself around.

If he seems hesitant, then look into deferring the flights (I think you could pay a change fee and book a new flight, call the airline) and call Disney to see what you can do.

The kids are little enough to get over it quickly. Tell them you can go when mommy's foot gets better.

You have to ask if you want your big trip to be when you are somewhat immobile or are your circumstances such that you have to go now.



However, here is a classic trip report of somebody who went to WDW while temporarily disabled:
http://disboards.com/showthread.php?t=465756

 

[Cheshire Figment]

Hi and to disABILITIES!

I definitely agree with Bopper's comments. Let your husband do the hard work and you can ride on an ECV. We would suggest rental from off-site and look in Pages 2 and 4 or 5 of the disABILITIES FAQ. If you do not have a walking cast, tell the people where you rent from and they will attach a crutch holder to the ECV.

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, including where people rent ECVs.

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

 

[merryweather20]

Just to third what the other two said-Rent an ECV off-site (see Cheshire Figment's link) so you will have it at the Hotel. This is a must since the hotels are HUGE!

Just a side note that getting a wheel-chair won't work since DH will be pushing the stroller. Since you aren't used to it, you would get very sore, and blistered from trying to do a whole WDW day pushing yourself in a rental chair, and likely be miserable.

 

[SueM in MN]

I agree with the others.

Also, even though your children have no physical problems, you may be able to get a GAC to allow a stroller to be used as a wheelchair. It would be very difficult for your DH to care for 2 children that small in line. You would normally be helping with one of the children. It is not safe to hold a child on the ECV with you, and your DH is going to not be able to care for both children.
That would allow your DH to bring the stroller into the line with you and use the same accessible entrances or boarding areas as you are using with the ECV.
(The majority of lines are wheelchair/ECV accessible).

 

[dclfun]

I'm not sure that they can get the GAC to use stroller as w/c if a child isn't disabled and thus needing the accommodation but it doesn't hurt to ask. There will be other parents handling more than one small child solo in the queue lines for various reasons which is why I'm thinking the GAC may not be given. If it's not possible the OP should still be okay. Ages ago I travelled with a 4,3,2 and 1 year old without any problems in the queue lines. While it would've been great to have a stroller and I promised myself that I'd never return again til everyone was "on the hoof" you'll see lots of folks dealing with a similar scenario. The lines usually keep moving vs. a young child having to stand in one place for a long time. Since they're that young you probably won't be doing the thrill rides and so the major lines will be in Fantasyland. For that I'd take advantage of EMH or getting to the park when it opens. Definitely rent the ECV if you decide to take the trip. While it may not be the trip you planned on, you can still have a great time. With little ones it's best to take it slow anyway. Did your physician say though that it's okay for you to travel? I'm thinking of a long plane ride or even spending a day w/o being able to elevate your foot.---Kathy

 

[HonnyDipp]

I also say you should rent an ECV from an offsite property. I have a muscle disease and I am learning how to walk again, but I know that going to Disney on foot would be a huge mistake. Thanks to this board, I rented one from an offsite company for the entire stay. It good money well spent IMO!! Dont cancel your trip!!!!!

 

[Belle1962]

Just wanted to say I saw your other post on the family board and glad to hear it's not broken. Sending tons of pixie dust your way to so that you feel better by your trip.

Referring back to the other post--it is a safety violation to have your child ride with you on an ecv. Neither Disney nor the offsites allow it. CM's will stop you and ask you to remove the child. Also--if you are concerned about the cost--check with your insurance--if the doctor writes a script for it, it will probably be covered.

 

[SueM in MN]

I'm not sure that they can get the GAC to use stroller as w/c if a child isn't disabled and thus needing the accommodation but it doesn't hurt to ask. There will be other parents handling more than one small child solo in the queue lines for various reasons which is why I'm thinking the GAC may not be given. If it's not possible the OP should still be okay. Ages ago I travelled with a 4,3,2 and 1 year old without any problems in the queue lines. While it would've been great to have a stroller and I promised myself that I'd never return again til everyone was "on the hoof" you'll see lots of folks dealing with a similar scenario. The lines usually keep moving vs. a young child having to stand in one place for a long time. Since they're that young you probably won't be doing the thrill rides and so the major lines will be in Fantasyland. For that I'd take advantage of EMH or getting to the park when it opens. Definitely rent the ECV if you decide to take the trip. While it may not be the trip you planned on, you can still have a great time. With little ones it's best to take it slow anyway. Did your physician say though that it's okay for you to travel? I'm thinking of a long plane ride or even spending a day w/o being able to elevate your foot.---Kathy

I should have italicized the word may in my suggestion.
If you were just an average parent with no additional challenges coming to Guest Relations and ask to use a stroller as a wheelchair, they would certainly tell you no.
It will all be in how you can explain your needs - i.e. you have 2 very small children (possibly neither able to walk) that your DH will have to handle by himself. Besides that, you are going to be driving an ECV, which will pose additional challenges compared to a single parent who is trying to keep their children away from strangers using ECVs in line. Your children are going to want to get to you and it will not be safe for them to be underfoot (or underwheel ) of the ECV. Having a stroller in line would assure the safety of your children and make it easier for you to drive the ECV safely.
(You still have to worry about other people's children, but at least they would be less likely to approach you than your own children.)

If you have a carrier of some kind that either fits child in, that would also be helpful to have. Your DH would be able to 'wear' one child, making his task easier.

 

[dclfun]

Sue- no need to italize the word "may". I did know what you meant and that's why I said it never hurts to ask as it all depends on the circumstances. I just wanted the OP to be prepared in case they were denied a GAC. Sometimes if you count on something being given as an accommodation and it isn't given then you might not have thought of alternatives. Using a backpack carrier is a great idea! I used one at Mardi Gras for a few years when my kids were little to keep the youngest safe while I watched the others to be sure they weren't running under a float!---Kathy

 

[KPeveler]

I should have italicized the word may in my suggestion.
If you were just an average parent with no additional challenges coming to Guest Relations and ask to use a stroller as a wheelchair, they would certainly tell you no.
It will all be in how you can explain your needs - i.e. you have 2 very small children (possibly neither able to walk) that your DH will have to handle by himself. Besides that, you are going to be driving an ECV, which will pose additional challenges compared to a single parent who is trying to keep their children away from strangers using ECVs in line. Your children are going to want to get to you and it will not be safe for them to be underfoot (or underwheel ) of the ECV. Having a stroller in line would assure the safety of your children and make it easier for you to drive the ECV safely.
(You still have to worry about other people's children, but at least they would be less likely to approach you than your own children.)

If you have a carrier of some kind that either fits child in, that would also be helpful to have. Your DH would be able to 'wear' one child, making his task easier.

I know of one person once (so this is hardly something to rely on!) who got a "stroller as wheelchair" card for her kids' stroller because she had a bad back or a heart attack, or something that meant she could not lift her 2 yr old in line. so there may be a chance of it happening...again that is only one case, so who knows, it's worth asking!

 

[mechurchlady]

For the 3-year-old you may want to look at a harness and leash. It makes life a lot easier when the curious kids wonder off. The grief of losing child let alone thinking you lost a child is worth the harness. It allows kids to run around and play but not get into trouble or lost.

Good luck on the trip.

 

[Eeyores Butterfly]

I will second the harness suggestion! When I worked attractions, I saw several stroller as wheelchair GACs when it was the parent who had the disability and could not hold the child in line. It happens, so the least you can do is ask at GR. Make sure you have an alternative plan of action though in case that doesn't work out for you. Best of luck!