Fantasmic entrance question and crutches?

[3DisneyBuggs]

First can you use crutches in the parks? DS had leg surgery last week and is using them now. I'm not sure where we would put them while we ride the rides. We also may rent him a wheelchair depending on how he is feeling.

I was worried about the Fantasmic line. I did book a dinner package but wonder if the handicapped line is the same as regular line? I think we waited a bit in line last year with the package so I wouldn't want him standing with crutches the whole time. We didn't realize removing hardware from both legs would be such a recovery. His surgeon said he should be fine for the vacation but rent a wheelchair if he's tired. Thanks for any input.

 

[lanejudy]

He certainly MAY use crutches in the parks, there is no rule against it if that is your question. The CMs will secure the crutches if need be while riding, or know where he should place them in the vehicle. However, that sounds incredibly tiring to me. Most people walk 6-12 miles per day at WDW, which is quite a journey to hitch yourself along with crutches. Would he use an ECV? If you rent from off-site, you can request a crutch holder so he can "walk" at times as well. The ECV would allow him more independence than a wheelchair, and also save the pusher from getting exhausted as there are more hills than one realizes.

I don't recall a "handicapped" line at Fantasmic. We always do the dinner package, but use a stroller-as-wheelchair and I don't recall that we were directed anywhere different to get to the theater. We've also never particularly waited because the line was already moving when we get there; no need to arrive in line too early since you have the reserved section of seats.

Enjoy your vacation!

 

[Schmeck]

He certainly MAY use crutches in the parks, there is no rule against it if that is your question. The CMs will secure the crutches if need be while riding, or know where he should place them in the vehicle. However, that sounds incredibly tiring to me. Most people walk 6-12 miles per day at WDW, which is quite a journey to hitch yourself along with crutches. Would he use an ECV? If you rent from off-site, you can request a crutch holder so he can "walk" at times as well. The ECV would allow him more independence than a wheelchair, and also save the pusher from getting exhausted as there are more hills than one realizes.

I don't recall a "handicapped" line at Fantasmic. We always do the dinner package, but use a stroller-as-wheelchair and I don't recall that we were directed anywhere different to get to the theater. We've also never particularly waited because the line was already moving when we get there; no need to arrive in line too early since you have the reserved section of seats.

Enjoy your vacation!

I believe there is a roped off area to one side where the people needing accessible seating are 'corralled' for lack of a better word. But there is no seating in that wait area, and the wait is just as long.

 

[SteveMouse]

I believe there is a roped off area to one side where the people needing accessible seating are 'corralled' for lack of a better word. But there is no seating in that wait area, and the wait is just as long.

One other thing on crutches- if the park Is crowded, be careful, as other guests may not pay attention and kick a crutch out from under the user.

 

[aubriee]

He certainly MAY use crutches in the parks, there is no rule against it if that is your question. The CMs will secure the crutches if need be while riding, or know where he should place them in the vehicle. However, that sounds incredibly tiring to me. Most people walk 6-12 miles per day at WDW, which is quite a journey to hitch yourself along with crutches. Would he use an ECV? If you rent from off-site, you can request a crutch holder so he can "walk" at times as well. The ECV would allow him more independence than a wheelchair, and also save the pusher from getting exhausted as there are more hills than one realizes.

The OP did not say how old her son is, but most ECV companies will not rent to anyone less than I think 18 y/o. Randy's is the exception. They will bring an ECV out, show the person how to operate it, and evaluate their ability to drive it. I agree though that trying to do WDW with crutches would be very, very tiring. If he is under 18 y/o a wheelchair may be their only option.

 

[lanejudy]

The OP did not say how old her son is, but most ECV companies will not rent to anyone less than I think 18 y/o. Randy's is the exception. They will bring an ECV out, show the person how to operate it, and evaluate their ability to drive it. I agree though that trying to do WDW with crutches would be very, very tiring. If he is under 18 y/o a wheelchair may be their only option.

Thanks, I completely mis-read and thought it was her DH. Correct, most rentals will not rent to someone under 18, or for use by someone under 18.

OP, I'd recommend the wheelchair rather than trying to maneuver around the parks all day on crutches. I did that on my college campus years ago, and it was no where near as big as WDW.

 

[KPeveler]

Definitely think about renting a wheelchair - you walk an average of 8-12 miles a day in Disney - he will be exhausted after just a couple hours. And there is no way for him to be able to sit in any lines without a WC. I think it will help your whole family if your son can sit - it will definitely cut down on his pain.

 

[3DisneyBuggs]

OP here - it is for my son who is 15. He is still using the crutches today. His legs are weak. I can't imagine him doing all the walking in WDW. We are going to to rent a wheelchair. Thanks for the input.

 

[SueM in MN]

I believe there is a roped off area to one side where the people needing accessible seating are 'corralled' for lack of a better word. But there is no seating in that wait area, and the wait is just as long.

That area is not used all the time, so in general, the 'handicapped line' for Fantadmic is the regular line.

And, as you mentioned, if it is being used, there are no seats and the wait is as long as the 'regular' line.