DD6 recovering from a broken leg

[NikNaknJack]

My DD6 is recovering from a fractured tibia...hint....don't buy a trampoline. She recently had her cast removed and is set to begin physical therapy. Our orthopedist was nice enough to write a note requesting handicapp access to the disney parks. I am not sure exactly what this provides us or what to do with it. Someone mentioned to bringing it to guest services. Can anyone help

 

[OneLittleSpark]

OK, first thing: don't panic! Disney is the most accessible place I've ever been, and is wonderfully easy to navigate with wheels. As your daughter is so young, I would suggest you go and talk to Guest Relations at the first park you go to, where you will be issued with a Guest Assistance Card (GAC). This is basically a card that tells Cast Members what your needs are, if they aren't obvious. For you, the only thing you'd really need is a "stroller as wheelchair" GAC, to allow you to take her stroller into lines and buildings where you couldn't normally. You don't need any medical notes etc for this, you just need to be able to briefly explain your daughter's needs (e.g. she can't walk or stand for long periods, so will need to take her stroller into queues etc). For more information on the GAC, see the FAQ thread.

Most of the rides now are mainstreamed, which means wheelchairs go most, or all, of the way through the regular line, and are pulled off near the end of the line to board elsewhere (often the exit). For those few attractions that have alternative entrances, the CM at the attraction door will show you where to go. Be warned that it does take longer to get through some ride lines with a wheelchair, than it would in the standard line / boarding area, but it is worth it if it helps your daughter! Whichever entrance you need to use, you don't need to separate your party, unless there are more than 6 of you travelling (including your DD). Some of the shows only have one seat next to the wheelchair space, so you might have to split up then, if she was staying in her stroller. However, she'll probably be more comfortable and have a better view if she sits in the theatre seats, as strollers are usually fairly low.

If she's having a good day and feels like walking, that is perfectly fine, just park the stroller in the stroller parking and go have fun! Be warned though, that some rides have a very long walk through the line (even if there aren't many people in the line), and that you may end up waiting longer than the predicted time if the ride breaks down or has problems. Rides such as Soarin' and Kilimanjaro Safaris have a long walk from the entrance of the line, to the boarding area, so take the stroller through for them.

Hope this helps! Wishing your daughter a speedy recovery!

 

[Cheshire Figment]

Hi and to disABILITIES!

OneLittleSpark covered most of the information that you need.

One very important thing is while she is still healing she should not overexert herself.

The normal Disney recommendation for a person who has a mobility oir stamina problem is the suggestion to rent a wheelchair. If she is in a wheelchair there is no need for any special card, however the rental wheelchairs at WDW are "standard" size and not the easiest to use.

There is no special "handicap access" as such, other than some attractions where a wheelchair cannot go through the line (such as stairs, etc.). I would definitely look through the disABILITIES FAQ, especially Post #6. If you have not found it yet, you can click on the link in my signature.

 

[RetroMom]

I would like to help answer some questions, but I need to know if you will be using a stroller or a wheelchair. We were there in June with my DS17 who had a bad sprain, from...a bad jump on a trampoline! This is a kid who skateboards hours and hours performing all kinds of tricks. I couldn't believe it when he told me it was on a trampoline.

 

[Eeyores Butterfly]

It's nice that he wrote you the note, but you don't need a note. Disney will not ask you about your disability. Explain your needs and they will let you know which accommodations you need and will arrange for it. As others have said, Disney is very easily accessible, so it shouldn't be a problem.