DM has Plantar Facsiitis, fast rundown on wheelchairs & scooters?

[annnewjerz]

Hi everyone!

This is my first post on this board and I just had a few questions regarding the use of wheelchairs and scooters in the park.

In December, we'll be going to WDW (Me, DH & DM). DM (53) just got diagnosed with Plantar Facsiitis in her right foot. She is very active and does a lot of hiking, walking and gym going---but had to stop recently because of the pain in her heel. She got a cortisone injection, is on antiimflammatories and is taking it easy, but she is already worried that she may have to use a wheelchair in the parks if she is still in pain in December due to the large amounts of walking.

So, to make sure we are prepared:

- How much is a wheelchair rental?
- How much is a scooter rental?
- What is the GAC and who should use it?
- What do you do with the wheelchair/scooter when you are going on a ride? I'm guessing they can't go through the normal line because well---how would you get them when you're done?
- If for some reason there is a very long line and DM is not able to stand for the length of the wait (which I'm not expecting during our trip), is there a special line she can use that will accomodate a wheelchair?

Any feedback would be greatly appreciated. We're hoping that resting, taking her pills and using her special boot when she sleeps and taking a bread mid-day while in the world will be good enough to skip the wheelchair, but I want to be prepared for all scenarios.

Thanks!!
Ann

 

[Cheshire Figment]

Hi and to disABILITIES!

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 has 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. Post #6 deals extensively with the GAC.

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

 

[annnewjerz]

Hi and to disABILITIES!

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 has 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. Post #6 deals extensively with the GAC.

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

Hello and thanks for all of the info!

I'm amazed that you can take the wheelchair all the way through the line on some of the rides, I honestly never paid any attention to how wide the lines were. There will be absolutely no issue with transfer into the ride from the wheelchair, as like I mentioned, DM only has pain in her foot when it's standing/walking for longer periods.

I'll definitely take a look at the Sticky for more info and keep my fingers crossed that if we plan in advance for having to use a wheelchair/ECV, we won't actually have to use one (although it would make lugging my camera gear much easier )

Thanks again!
Ann

 

[Leajess99]

Hi everyone!

This is my first post on this board and I just had a few questions regarding the use of wheelchairs and scooters in the park.

In December, we'll be going to WDW (Me, DH & DM). DM (53) just got diagnosed with Plantar Facsiitis in her right foot. She is very active and does a lot of hiking, walking and gym going---but had to stop recently because of the pain in her heel. She got a cortisone injection, is on antiimflammatories and is taking it easy, but she is already worried that she may have to use a wheelchair in the parks if she is still in pain in December due to the large amounts of walking.

So, to make sure we are prepared:

- How much is a wheelchair rental?
- How much is a scooter rental?
- What is the GAC and who should use it?
- What do you do with the wheelchair/scooter when you are going on a ride? I'm guessing they can't go through the normal line because well---how would you get them when you're done?
- If for some reason there is a very long line and DM is not able to stand for the length of the wait (which I'm not expecting during our trip), is there a special line she can use that will accomodate a wheelchair?

Any feedback would be greatly appreciated. We're hoping that resting, taking her pills and using her special boot when she sleeps and taking a bread mid-day while in the world will be good enough to skip the wheelchair, but I want to be prepared for all scenarios.

Thanks!!
Ann

I can so feel her pain. Have they given her some orthotics to try and help?? I know for mine certain shoes work better than others. I did not use a wheelchair last year with mine and i was in pain. I hobbled back to teh car at the end of the day and was miserable. Knock on wood, mine are not as bad this year so hopefully no problems plus I found some addidas sandals with the memory foam that I am taking as well.

Good luck to your DM and hope that the pain subsides for her.

 

[pampam]

I too have/had plantar facisiitis. While waiting for my appt. whith a chiropodist for orthotics, I hurt my back and went to the chiropractor. He also did adjustments on my feet and gave me exercises to do to help the pf. By the time I got to the chiropodist, my pf was 80% improved. She gave me additional foot exercises and now my heels rarely bother me. I teach dance and so 2 times a week I am on my feet steady, dancing and moving for 2 hours at a time. With the exercises and taping my feet I hardly have any problems. I never did need the orthotics.

If she finds a wc is necessary I'm sure she will have no problems with it. My DD has used a wc all her life and we keep going back to wdw because it is so accessable.

 

[djblu883]

PF can easily be treated with a good stretch and exercise program.I suggest she ask her physician for a perscription for physical therapy!!! They can help her with multiple treatments that should have her ready for the trip!!!!