Can I do all the attractions and rides with a cast or boot?

[fidoprincess]

I have a torn achilles tendon in my heel and have to wear a boot like this:
(http://www.braceshop.com/productcar...t-15p899.htm?gclid=CPS2h_7E66wCFQNchwod5D4yfQ)
*Sorry it won't let me just copy the picture.

It comes up to my knee and is in no way "discrete" and no long pants can really cover it because it is so thick. Will any CMs turn me away from riding the rides including Screaming and Matterhorn?

I can walk some without it but not a whole 4 days at DL. I could take it off for part of the time if I needed to get on a ride that won't allow it. Will it fit in a locker? It's about 20 inches tall and not flexible. What rides do you think won't let me on, if any?

Thanks in advance for all of your help!

Going in one month and can't get the old ticker off.

 

[jdb in AZ]

Disneyland is very handicapped-friendly and I've never heard of a guest being denied admittance to a ride because of a ankle/foot boot. As long as you can bend your knee to sit on the rides (which you're obviously able to do) there shouldn't be an issue.

When your ankle gets tired you might consider renting a wheelchair, assuming you have willing friends to push you around.

 

[skiingfast]

It will be awkward on some attractions but you should be able ride on all of them.

There are lockers in variable sizes, so if need be you can store it.

Also talk to guest services about getting a GAC, Guest Assistance Card. Tell them how you can't stand all day. They may be able to help you find ways to sit, such as at Fireworks of WoC, so you can limit standing for long periods.

 

[ArchOwl]

I am sorry you have to wear that brace, it doesn't look very fun! I had to wear a knee brace (for ACL tear) and visited Disneyland several times while wearing the brace. I wouldn't try to hide the brace from the CMs, but rather point it out as needed to get the help you need.

Space Mountain was hard for me personally to get in and out of with a ginormous brace, so I used the handicapped side. They give you plenty of time to get in and out because the car is on the side as is moved onto the track as needed. However, the handicapped line can get quite long. I would go in the morning and by the afternoon the line would get very long. Definitely go first thing if you can.

The Matterhorn was a lot easier to negotiate because there was a ton more space. But if you are going in a month, I believe the Matterhorn will be down for extended refurb. However, probably not until the 9th, so maybe you can squeeze in a ride.

On California Screamin' it was a lot easier than Space to get into, but still a bit of a squeeze. The CMs were very nice and helped me figure it out. I would definitely use them as a resource. They see all kinds of braces and mobility aids, so nothing really fazes them.

Big Thunder was fine for me. They also have a handicapped line to avoid stairs.

I know that your brace is supposed to be enough to use the handicapped spaces when needed (like on Indiana Jones to avoid stairs and BTMRR), but in my personal experience it was much easier to get a Guest Assistance Card from City Hall. They stamped it and I was able to show it and avoid stairs and use the handicapped spaces as needed. Without it, I had to talk to every CM and explain what I needed. It was a total godsend during World of Color when I got a bench to sit on!

Anyway, my point is that I wouldn't hide it at all. They have seen everything. I was never told at any point that I couldn't ride something because I had a brace on. Have fun!

 

[fidoprincess]

Thank you all so much for your replies! All of you make some really important points that I hadn't considered. At first, I was just worried that I wouldn't be able to do everything but now I see a bigger picture.

Getting in and out of rides IS going to take longer and I realize now that that will impact others waiting behind me so maybe I should try to get a Guest Assistance Card from City Hall. I thought you had to have a doctors note for that? (I'm sort of avoiding my dr because it's apparent that I will need surgery since it's not healing and am putting it off as long as I can and don't want to call him for a note. The boot actually stops the pain so I have just been making the best of it and pretty much wearing it full time and have another different one to wear for sleeping. It was supposed to be for just 6 weeks but has gone well beyond that now so it's really sad.)

ArchOwl, thanks especially for the run down on rides. We are going 1/2-1/6 so I will be able to do the matterhorn! I just never thought this through and realized reading your post that I really have trouble going down steps, up is fine and fast but down is slooow. Luckily for me I can bend my knee but the boot is really big and clunky. Sorry you had the ACL tear, bet you were brave and had the surgery or did wearing the brace help it heal?

I guess I need to research this some more. I never paid much attention to all the handicap lines, rules, etc.. I am guessing they let my dh and 12 year old girls come with me if I have to use those lines? I also can't think of any big steps to have to go down, can you? Is there a guide for handicapped on here?

How do you rent a wheelchair? By the strollers? Do they sell out in the morning? Ugh, the thought of a wheelchair in DL is really awful especially when it's going to be so crowded. I can barely manage the huge crowds without any issues so it will be a challenge for sure.

Thanks again!

 

[skiingfast]

Getting in and out of rides IS going to take longer and I realize now that that will impact others waiting behind me so maybe I should try to get a Guest Assistance Card from City Hall. I thought you had to have a doctors note for that?

No note needed at all, thats a common misconception. Just tell them what difficulties you have and they will fill out the card to suit your needs. Also instead of City Hall you can go to guest services in DCA, it's in a small building on your right as you enter, it has a shorter wait than guest services in DL.

I guess I need to research this some more. I never paid much attention to all the handicap lines, rules, etc.. I am guessing they let my dh and 12 year old girls come with me if I have to use those lines? I also can't think of any big steps to have to go down, can you? Is there a guide for handicapped on here?

The GAC will be filled out so your family can stay together. Basically take the card to a CM at the front of the attraction and they will direct you. You can also ask question on the DIS's dissability board, but I think you will be fine knowing what you can get here about DL. You can get a guide when you are in the parks, ask when you get your GAC.

How do you rent a wheelchair? By the strollers? Do they sell out in the morning? Ugh, the thought of a wheelchair in DL is really awful especially when it's going to be so crowded. I can barely manage the huge crowds without any issues so it will be a challenge for sure.

Yes they are near eachother. First come first serve and may sell out. Instead of being pushed around all day, consider renting an ECV. You can also rent either offsite. Scooter Village has a location just offsite at the Ramada Maingate. Some people when they have a choice prefer to try walking because crowds are hard to navigate in a WC or ECV.

 

[ArchOwl]

Yes, I visited DL post surgery a few times. Without the surgery, walking was nightmare, so my decision was pretty easy.

You do NOT need a doctor's note to get a GAC. You just need to explain what help you need (i.e. no stairs, extra time getting in and out, etc.). So don't worry about contacting your doctor. But it is probably time to get it fixed, lol.

There is a great sub-forum here on the Dis called disAbilities, which helped me plan a lot. They have a sticky with great information, although a lot of it is about WDW not DLR. Here is a link: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=595713 and go to post #14 for DLR specific links and information.

The GAC allows you and your party to use the the handicapped side of things as needed. They will ask how many in your party and stamp the card with that number. There are different stamps depending on your needs. Just explain what you need and they will put it on the card. Avoiding steps would probably work better for you, so you will go up an elevator for Indiana Jones and through the exit for BTMRR. This will also mean the handicapped side of Space Mountain since there are stairs on the exit. The stairs aren't necessarily big, the biggest "steps" are in and out of rides. For example, getting into Pirates and IASW are significant steps down into the ride.

If you need a wheelchair, the rental is outside the gates near the kennels. I didn't use a wheelchair, but if it would make your trip easier, it is good to know it is an option. Maybe you can use it as needed? I am not sure about them running out, hopefully someone else can chime in with that info.

I know it is kind weird to think about touring DL differently, but honestly it is one of the best places on the planet to go with a disability. They really try their best to help you have a great time. So I wouldn't worry too much. You will be surprised at how smoothly they handle things!

 

[fidoprincess]

Thanks again archowl and skiingfast. Hmmm, I really need to give this some more thought. In all honesty, I should rent that ECV thing but dread the thought of trying to do the crowds with that. Since I've had the boot, I really haven't walked that far so I don't know how I would be doing DL. I must be crazy!

DD, who is 12, has been asking and asking to go so I got the great idea to surprise her for Christmas when I read they were extending the holiday stuff through the 9th. I bought her the Disneyland Xbox game and am going to wrap it up and give her the tickets with it. Her friend is coming with us and I am just waiting for DS to decide if he is bringing his friend. If not, we'll stay at DLH because I want to see all the new changes but geez, I think I will not be able to walk that far.

Can you ride the monorail if you have an EVC? Would I need to ask for a handicapped room at DLH just to be able to fit the EVC in the door of the room? Yes, I have more research to do! Maybe I should forget this idea and maybe do it another time after surgery but I'm so excited to suprise her, I really didn't think it through.

Grrr, should have had the surgery and by now, I would be healed. After this trip, I am going to force myself so at least I'll be better by summer.

 

[ArchOwl]

If you are going to need the ECV to get back to the DLH, you will want to rent from an outside company. You can't take the ECV you rent from the parks back to your room.

I know lots of people rent from Deckert Surgical Supply in Santa Ana at (714) 542-5607. But maybe you could get some other recommendations as well.

I think you could still have a great time, but you will have to adjust expectations and give yourself more time to move around the park. Also, if you want to walk around you can park the ECV in a land and do some of the rides and then get on the ECV to go to another area of the park. You don't have to stay in the ECV 24-7.

You can request a handicapped room, but if I remember correctly, you don't need it just for the size of the doorway. But if I am wrong, someone here will know!

 

[skiingfast]

If not, we'll stay at DLH because I want to see all the new changes but geez, I think I will not be able to walk that far.

Can you ride the monorail if you have an ECV? Would I need to ask for a handicapped room at DLH just to be able to fit the EVC in the door of the room? Maybe I should forget this idea and maybe do it another time after surgery but I'm so excited to suprise her, I really didn't think it through.

Yes you can ride the monorail. You should ge a HCA room, at least for the sake of having more room, since the ECV will take up space. If you plan to take it back to the room, you will have to rent from someone besides Disney. the Disney ECVs and WC may not leave the Esplenade between the parks.

I would really go for the Holidays. It's a busy time so rentals may be limited. If you are unsure if you need one or not, since it's a multiday trip see how it goes the first day, and decide the next day if you need to take the weight off more. At least the Disney rentals are one day at a time.

 

[princesszelda]

I just did 3 days in the boot in October. I had a fractured ankle. I walked the whole time and went on all the rides. I had no problems getting in or out of the rides. I do suggest that if you are going on any wet rides that you take it off or leave at the hotel. I forgot about that and I soaked mine while on Splash. Like all the water ended up on the boot. That was pretty much the only part of me that got wet. So I ended up having to take it off and air dry and wrap and tape my ankle for the rest of the day. It also ended up smelling really bad as well. I through it away when we got home and got a new one.

So yes it is do able! Just do not get it wet!

 

[princesszelda]

Also I put a gel insole on the boot it really helped make it more comfortable for all the walking. My broken foot felt better then the good one at the end of the day. With walking slow up or down stairs or inline most people did not care or complain. A lot of people asked what was wrong.

 

[fidoprincess]

Thanks again Everyone! That gel insole idea is great even for at home, princesszelda, I'm going to try it asap. I do know not to get it wet, when I wash the lining, it takes a really long time to dry. I have spare linings since I have been wearing it for so long. Do you have any ideas for covering it if it rains? Trash bag I guess? You sound like you did great with your boot. I bet you are YOUNG-lol! I'm not and am not in that great shape to begin with before the injury. It is funny that I never even really thought about how I was going to do DL with the boot, just worried I might not get to ride something-lol.

I don't know what I am going to do yet! I like the idea of using it through DTD and then parking it at different lands. That would be a huge help and seems less overwhelming than driving it to each thing. I bet I could do that easily enough. Thanks for the phone number for the rental place. I just called them and they were so nice. It's only $40 a day but he said that is the busiest time so I should really decide ahead of time if I need it in case they sell out.

Skiingfast, thanks especially for your encouragement! I really love the holidays at Disney and want dd to see it so I'm going to just "suck it up" as the kids say and go for her sake. I really was thinking to just forget the whole thing especially since she doesn't even know about it but reading your post was really encouraging.

I told ds this is his last day to decide if he is going with his gf or another friend and if not, then I am booking DLH for the rest of us. I was having to book 2 rooms if the girlfriend was coming so I picked some places on Harbor but it's much more for 2 rooms than the DLH or even the GCH so secretly I'm hoping she can't go. I am just watching the clock waiting for the phone call from gf's mother....giving her until 5, no later-lol! Geez, I can't imagine doing the sidewalk on Harbor with an ECV.

 

[fidoprincess]

So I BOOKED! For DLH 1/2 to 1/6 since the girlfriend can't come so we will either be just 4 or 5 if ds comes. The best deal I could find was Costco that included the free character meals.

I also found this cool pdf about the rides.
http://adisneyland.disney.go.com/media/dlr_v0200/en_US/help/Mobility_201009.pdf

It has little pictures and directions that tell you how to go into the rides. I can't believe you can ride the ECV right into so many rides? How could I never notice that before when standing in line? Now I will take this into account along with our usual fastpass gathering schedule and what to ride first. If by the end of the day, it hurts badly, I'll just ride the ecv right in!

I think it's going to be great and I have a whole 27 days to build up a little more walking stamina in between the wrapping and getting ready for Christmas.

Thanks again for all of your help! I'm so excited.

 

[Eeee-va]

I like the idea of using it through DTD and then parking it at different lands. That would be a huge help and seems less overwhelming than driving it to each thing. I bet I could do that easily enough. Thanks for the phone number for the rental place. I just called them and they were so nice. It's only $40 a day but he said that is the busiest time so I should really decide ahead of time if I need it in case they sell out.

My mom rented an ECV from Deckert's (I think that's who you called) and it was a lifesaver. In many cases she did just as ArchOwl said--parked it and then went around the lands. It allowed her to do the parks and spend a lot more time than she had spent in the parks on earlier trips. She has fibromyalgia and hip/knee pain, so not quite the same as your situation, but it worked quite well.

Have a wonderful trip!

 

[ArchOwl]

So I BOOKED! For DLH 1/2 to 1/6 since the girlfriend can't come so we will either be just 4 or 5 if ds comes. The best deal I could find was Costco that included the free character meals.

I also found this cool pdf about the rides.
http://adisneyland.disney.go.com/media/dlr_v0200/en_US/help/Mobility_201009.pdf

It has little pictures and directions that tell you how to go into the rides. I can't believe you can ride the ECV right into so many rides? How could I never notice that before when standing in line? Now I will take this into account along with our usual fastpass gathering schedule and what to ride first. If by the end of the day, it hurts badly, I'll just ride the ecv right in!

I think it's going to be great and I have a whole 27 days to build up a little more walking stamina in between the wrapping and getting ready for Christmas.

Thanks again for all of your help! I'm so excited.

Yay! I am glad you booked! I think you will have a great time being at DLR during the holidays. The magic of Disneyland has a way of making everyone feel better.

I am going to overlap your trip by a few days, so maybe I will see you around. Have fun!

 

[fidoprincess]

Thanks again archowl. Aren't you so excited?! The smallest things make me so happy and in just 2 weeks, it will all start with the kids getting out of school (love them home with me) and then Christmas and New Years and now DISNEYLAND! I think those are BIG things so I'll be crazy happy for the next month.

I can't remember exactly when we saw the holiday decorations but I'm thinking it was at least 6 years ago and of course, dd wouldn't really remember much and she will be so thrilled! Say hi if you see me on the ecv with the boot! Hopefully, I won't be the one crashing into anything.

I think I will get it for the first day and see how it goes and if I don't like it, I can turn it in. That way I won't be stuck if they sell out and find I really need it for the next day. The nice Deckert rep said they have never had trouble with theft so I don't have to worry about parking it and doing as much walking as I can but it will be nice to have if I need it and that DTD walk at the end of the night is loooong. After the crazy prices for DLH, the ecv seems like "insurance" and not excessive at $40. Somehow my hand slipped when booking and I "accidentally" upgraded to the view room just in case I had to spend a lot of time in the room so I'm covered both ways now.

Eeee-va, thanks for posting. If your mom could do it, I'm hoping I can too! I hope I come back and say it was a lifesaver as well. Thanks too for wishing us a wonderful trip.

 

[ArchOwl]

Oh yes, I have already been to DL over 5 times this year and still excited to be planning another trip! I am really working to get my money's worth out of my AP! I know you will have a great time as well. There are so many more decorations than 6 years ago, you will definitely be in awe.

 

[jdb in AZ]

When DH and I stayed at the DLH we both rented ECV's. When we got back to the hotel at night we left the ECV's with bell services and they plugged them in to recharge the batteries overnight. You really shouldn't need a handicapped room.

Re: the monorail with a scooter -- the ride attendant is required to tie it down, and you sit on a regular seat. They only allow one ECV per monorail ride.

Some of the handicap lines are longer than the mainstream lines. Since you're ambulatory you might weigh the difference and choose whichever line is shorter. When you don't need the scooter in line you just park it with the strollers. You keep the key. If the ECV gets in the way, the cast members will use a manual override and move it.

If your battery gets low during the day (shouldn't happen but keep the charger in the scooter basket) take a break at a sit-down restaurant and plug it in. The wait staff can show you where the outlets are.

You can also get handicap access to Fantasmic and WOC. Again, the cast members will be happy to "tell you where to go."

A friend of ours recently went to Disneyland and wore a pedometer. They walked 15 miles a day. just sayin.

 

[fidoprincess]

Thanks for your hints and tips, jdb in AZ. It was so nice of you to reply.

I pretty much had my mind made up to rent the ecv but DH is so against it that I am just going to stick to wearing the boot and toughing it out. If it turns out that I am holding others up getting in and out of rides, I will just go to the HC entrance and apparently just having the boot on is enough to clue in the CMs without having to get any special pass from what I have been reading. Then only thing I'm really worried about is the big steps coming out of indy. I can remember the going up ones and do those fine but I think there are steps down too?

He totally freaked when I said I was going to get it and use it just for getting to and from the parks and park it in the different lands. He is so concerned that it will be too crowded to manuever and he is probably right since we are going 1/2-1/5 and the crowds look to be massive. If I can't walk, then he will have to push me in a wheelchair which we here all know will be worse but he already hates DL (gasp!) and is just going for dd so I don't want to make it worse for everyone else. I also added an extra day so if we have to go slow, we won't feel too much pressure.

(I do plan on taking Deckerts phone number with me and if after the first day I need it, then I will order it and Deckerts said if they sell out, there are other companies in town.)