DD broke ankle--need wheelchair advice

[Atotty]

Hi,

My oldest DD broke her ankle and got her cast yesterday. She will prob be in a cast when we go to Disney (or if we are really lucky a boot).....either way, she's going to need a wheelchair.

No one in our family has ever had to use one; we've been very blessed. So I really need any hints/tips on using a wheelchair in general as well as touring with one at Disney.

I need some real info from people who use/have used wheelchairs for advice. Is there a way to make it easier? Is there a way to make it more comfortable? Does size matter? When we rent, is there anything special I need to ask for?

I am clueless and appreciate any help.

 

[KPeveler]

how old is your DD? If she is over 18 (or occassionally some companies say over 16) she can rent an ECV.

otherwise you can either rent a chair in the parks, or you can rent from off-site. check out the FAQ at the top about wheelchair rentals. She will most likely not be able to push herself in the chair as rentals tend to be heavy, but family members will have to push her.

also, if you rent from off-site, you can ask for crutch holders so you dont have to carry them separately.

 

[OneLittleSpark]

OK, I'll answer what I can, and I'm sure others will come along and add their bit too. But first, a few questions:

How old is your daughter? This will determine whether she'd be more comfortable in an adult wheelchair, or one designed for younger people.
Where are you staying? On property or off?
Will there be more than one person able to push her, so that you can take turns? She'll probably be able to push herself around a bit (such as around the stores or in queues), but the parks are big.

Firstly, if you rent from off-site, you're likely to get a more adjustable and probably lighter chair, which should make life a little easier. It will also mean that you can use it around the hotel, at DTD and in getting to and from the parks.

Secondly, a cushion or folded towel might make the seat a little more comfy for her, as sitting on the normal sling seats, especially in the heat and humidity, can get fairly uncomfortable after a while.

In the parks, do be prepared for a number of people walking in front of you, stopping when you're on a downhill slope, and generally getting in the way. It's not that they're being intentionally difficult, it's just a lot of people in Disney are away with the fairies . That said, there are many many kind and helpful people who will hold doors, clear people out of the way, offer to carry trays, and generally show you some of the best bits of humanity.

I'd recommend the pusher wears comfortable shoes, you'll see why when you start pushing.

Be prepared for hills in Disney, they are there, most people just don't notice them.

There are plenty of provisions for those in wheelchairs, so do make use of them. Please don't feel that, just because your daughter's disability is temporary, you don't deserve assistance. If you need help, just ask for it.

Can't think of much else at the moment, but I'm sure I will soon. If you have any specific questions, do ask them, otherwise, I'm sure other people will have more suggestions.

Good luck and have a great time!

 

[kmjmom]

I visited Disney last month and am in a cam walker for an injured ankle. I rented a wheelchair at MK. It is a rather heavy chair so I agree with the OP who recommended someone to push. I still had a fun day! Have a great trip!

 

[SueM in MN]

Check out the disABILITIES FAQs thread near the top of the board. Besides the rental information in that thread, there are quite a few helpful hints and links. There are sections about travel around WDW by bus, boat and monorail.
There is a also a link to the Disney site where you can access the text of the Guidebook for Guests with Disabilities for each park. Those are pretty basic information, but are helpful.

If she is supposed to keep her foot elevated, you can rent wheelchairs with elevating footrests from off-site. Also, if she needs to lie down for a while, you can go to First Aid in any of the parks. They have cots to lie down and are cool and quiet.

My last hint (since it's getting kind of late) is to keep a good hold of the wheelchair going down hills. It can easily pick up speed on you as you go down the hill.