Has anyone done Disney on a knee scooter after foot surgery?

[Hanover]

I just had to have emergency foot surgery 2 weeks ago from abscessed celulitis after getting a huge splinter stuck in my foot from our deck (We are getting Trex now). The surgeon went in to drain/irrigate the infection and suprisingly found another over inch piece of wood stuck in my foot. I get the stitches out tomorrow and have another week or so no weight bearing before I get a walking boot. I cut my tendon to a couple toes so I can't bend them and they are still very tender. My foot tissue near the remaining wood had died and was cut out to the bone. My surgeon says I can't walk on the 2 inch incision for a while and will have to use the heal of the walking boot with my foot out at an angle. Friends I know that have used them said they wouldn't walk more than 20 minutes without being sore. We leave for a 3 day trip to Disney in 3 weeks. Right now I'm getting around with a knee scooter, crutches and walker. I am hoping to be off of them and able to walk but I don't think I'll be able to get around the parks all day without the aid of a wheelchair or knee scooter. I've never seen a knee scooter at Disney so I'm a bit worried about taking it and wearing out my good foot. Has anyone used one at WDW before? We are pretty much going for MNSSHP and may just do a few favorite rides at the 4 parks and relax at the resort. It all depends on my foot. Right now I can't imagine even walking because I'm constantly getting stinging/burning in my entire foot. Can anyone give me any advice based on their own experience with foot surgery?

 

[Debbie-TN]

I had to look up a knee scooter because I had never heard of such a thing. It looks very uncomfortable to me. My thigh would be cramping so badly with my leg back like that all day. I've never seen anything like that at WDW. I would think you would be more comfortable on an ECV. I guess Disney would have to allow it.

 

[I Love Pluto]

Yes, I used one a few years ago. It was hard.

Really - Disney is a BIG place. Do yourself a favor and rent a scooter!

 

[lovetoscrap]

I used a knee scooter for about 2 weeks after foot surgery. I did a lot of everyday things and a few not so everyday and even that was not very comfortable. I can not even imagine trying to do Disney with it.

Get yourself an ECV. If you are able to put a little weight on the foot then you can park near the ride and hobble on. If you are still completely non weight bearing then bring crutches to get on to the ride.

 

[Hanover]

Thanks for the advice everyone.

I got my surgical stitches out today and now have butterfly stitches and a smaller wrap. I have to be non weight bearing 10 more days and then can start putting a little weight on my heel in a walking boot, but still won't be able to put weight on the front of my foot. I will definitely have a walking boot at WDW 3 weeks from today. It has to be on a minimum of 4 weeks once I start wearing it. The surgeon said he'd suggest renting a scooter or wheelchair. Are the scooters easy to drive? I'm 37 and in good health other than my foot. I am hoping by our trip I won't need the crutches any more, but it depends on my balance and if I have more feeling in my foot. The doctor said I have a lot of nerve damage and that's why I'm getting a lot of shooting pain in my foot, numbness when the doctor touches certain areas and my leg is freezing, though the circulation is good. I really like the knee scooter versus the crutches but I just don't think I'll be wanting to use it after an hour! If we get a regular push wheelchair, are they readily available to rent at the parks? We could always rent one here from the medical supply company we got the knee scooter from that way I have it at the hotel and airport. Thanks again for your advice.

 

[retired and happy]

Scooters/ECV's are easy to drive. Handlebar steering, hand throttle, usually a speed range control (turtle-rabbit), no brakes, just release throttle. Feet on a floorboard platform. People will try to cut in front of you in a crowd. Just be aware of your surroundings. Available thru Disney at the parks...usually, or through an off site dealer. With Disney's, you can't take it with you, either to your quarters or to another park. With an off-site rental you take it with you, even into your room.

With a wheelchair, you or someone will have to push it. Also available at Disney parks or off-site. My wife tried one recently after a surgery and was exhausted very soon. And that was in WalMart, not WDW.

 

[pbrim]

Scooters (usually called ECVs here) are fairly easy to manuver. Most large grocerie stores and places like target and walmart will have ones available for shoppers to use. Try practicing on one of those, but keep in mind that the ones you rent will be faster and more manoverable. Your best bet is to rent from an off-site vendor as you will have it to help yhou around the resort, and it's cheaper.

 

[Hanover]

Will a scooter fit into a full size rental trunk okay if we park hop or will I need to take a Disney transportation bus? I can drive a lawn tractor pretty well so hopefully they are just as easy! I will take the advice and try one out at Walmart. I am just a bit worried about running into people because I know from dozens and dozens of WDW trips how crowded it can get and how people cut each other off constantly. With the push wheel chair, I was hoping my DH would push me around a lot so I wouldn't have to do it all the time myself. I have been using a walker, crutches and the knee scooter for a couple weeks now and have built up my arms but I can imagine it's exhausting to use the wheelchair all day.

 

[canopynut66]

I just had to have emergency foot surgery 2 weeks ago from abscessed celulitis after getting a huge splinter stuck in my foot from our deck (We are getting Trex now). The surgeon went in to drain/irrigate the infection and suprisingly found another over inch piece of wood stuck in my foot. I get the stitches out tomorrow and have another week or so no weight bearing before I get a walking boot. I cut my tendon to a couple toes so I can't bend them and they are still very tender. My foot tissue near the remaining wood had died and was cut out to the bone. My surgeon says I can't walk on the 2 inch incision for a while and will have to use the heal of the walking boot with my foot out at an angle. Friends I know that have used them said they wouldn't walk more than 20 minutes without being sore. We leave for a 3 day trip to Disney in 3 weeks. Right now I'm getting around with a knee scooter, crutches and walker. I am hoping to be off of them and able to walk but I don't think I'll be able to get around the parks all day without the aid of a wheelchair or knee scooter. I've never seen a knee scooter at Disney so I'm a bit worried about taking it and wearing out my good foot. Has anyone used one at WDW before? We are pretty much going for MNSSHP and may just do a few favorite rides at the 4 parks and relax at the resort. It all depends on my foot. Right now I can't imagine even walking because I'm constantly getting stinging/burning in my entire foot. Can anyone give me any advice based on their own experience with foot surgery?

When I had foot surgery I had to keep it elevated 3 months and then used a knee walker and it made my thigh ache after a while so would not try that route at WDW. Scooters can be rented from outside the parks and will be delivered to you resort and be there when you arrive until you depart and you will have from room to buses and buses to parks (that a long walk in itself) you have to load them on the buses but if you can parallel park a car you can do it with your scooter. you will have a place to park while waiting in line for the bus and be first on and last off. Now I have MS so have to use a scooter or stay home and that is not an option with me so I order my scooter from walkers and have never had a problem with them. WDW has scooters in the parks for use in the parks but if I could make it from the resort to bus to parks and back to buses I would like that but it is not to be for me. so scooter rental it is

 

[Hanover]

How long in advance do you have to rent from an off site ECV company? I am hoping that I make a miraculous recovery but in all reality I know I'll most likely need some help and want my trip to be fun and not painful. I recently called DVC and requested a room near elevators be marked on our ressies at Animal Kingdom Jambo House and Kidani Village where we will be for the 3 nights in hopes I won't have too far to walk in the resorts. Depending how I feel, we may stick to the resorts except for our ADRs and a few favorite park rides plus MNSSHP on the 24th. I haven't even thought of it before now, but I guess that I may not even be able to go on rides like RRC and Expedition Everest. I didn't even think to ask my surgeon but I'll be seeing him again in 10 days. Does a walking boot automatically make someone unable to ride roller coasters? I don't want it banging around obviously and in someone's trip report I once read who had one, they would take it off to ride.

 

[canopynut66]

Will a scooter fit into a full size rental trunk okay if we park hop or will I need to take a Disney transportation bus? I can drive a lawn tractor pretty well so hopefully they are just as easy! I will take the advice and try one out at Walmart. I am just a bit worried about running into people because I know from dozens and dozens of WDW trips how crowded it can get and how people cut each other off constantly. With the push wheel chair, I was hoping my DH would push me around a lot so I wouldn't have to do it all the time myself. I have been using a walker, crutches and the knee scooter for a couple weeks now and have built up my arms but I can imagine it's exhausting to use the wheelchair all day.

Best to try and practice in Wal- Mart and Target grocery store BUT when you rent scooter form an outside vendor it will be delivered to your resort and they would not fit in any trunk. When you rent a scooter they will ask you height and weight and it will be smaller than any from the stores mentioned and the basket will be way way smaller which makes them MUCH easier to drive and they have a speed dial either rabbit or turtle and I leave on turtle 98% of the time. You can just go slow and is like walking in a crowd have to watch for people in front of you. My Mother was 86 and we taught her many years ago as she wanted to go back to WDW one more time and trust me if she did it anyone can...

 

[peemagg]

Most of the scooters that can be rented can be taken apart and put in a trunk of a full size vehicle. I would suggest if you can to try and get one that is called a travel scooter. They are a bit smaller sized and fit better in a car.

You might also want to check with a medical supply company at home and see about getting a ECV to rent from them. You can fly with it for free and it doesn't count toward your luggage count. This way it may be covered by your health insurance and you will have it every where you need it.

 

[Debbie-TN]

My cousin always rents her ECV from Walker Mobility. We have used cars several times and it's not too bad to take the ECV's apart. They break down into several pieces. We usually use Disney transportation, because now we just fly down.

 

[Hanover]

Thanks for the information on ECV's that can fit in car trunks. I will see how I am progressing in 10 days when I can finally put some weight on my foot and then make our decision on what to rent. For those that have rented ECV's off site, how long in advance did you rent them? Do you think 12 days is enough notice? I will only need it for 3 days and will have a handicapped parking permit I can bring with us. I'm hoping if I rent right at each park that it won't be too long of a walk. Anyone know exactly how far handicapped parking is at each of the parks to the entrances? Just seeing if it's walkable in my boot to rent at the gates. Never did I think 3 weeks ago today when I first got this "splinter" would I be dealing with all of this!

 

[Hanover]

I am definitely NOT bringing my knee scooter to Disney. We did a walk today for a local 9 year old girl who organized the event for her terminally ill mother and after walking/scooting about 3 miles there is no way I could ever handle Disney on it. I'm going to wait and see how I do in the boot and then decide on the ECV or push wheelchair.

 

[lovetoscrap]

We have been able to get a scooter that day so you will be fine reserving a week or so in advance. Tell them when you call that you want to put it in the car trunk so that they will be sure to give you one that is easy to break down.

I think some of the companies have instructions on their websites on how to break them down so take a look at that. But if you want hands on instructions go with Randy's (number in the FAQ thread). He delivers to you personally and will show you how to work the scooter and take it apart and reassemble. This can be inconvenient because you will have to set up a time to meet with him for delivery and pick up but some people prefer that. The other companies will just drop off at Luggage Services and then pick up from there.

You sound like a fairly independent person so I am guessing you would hate being in a manual chair. You are completely dependent on the pusher to get you where you want to be and it can be tricky for bathrooms. I hated having DH pushing me-- I am just to independent for that. Also he had a hard time judging where my feet/footrests were so we would get me too close to things/people. He was looking straight ahead and not paying attention to the fact that the boot stuck out further. The ECV is so much easier. And as others have said, it is very tiring for the pusher.

The ECV will be no problem to take into the room with you so you can charge it each night. I usually stay values and we can fit them in there-- in fact once we were able to fit two in!

The Hc parking lots USUALLY have manual chairs available to get you to the gate, the operative word being usually, but not always. Studios parking is very close to the entrance and I don't think AK or Epcot are too far, but it is still a good walk. The biggest problem will be at MK where the lot at the TTC is not only a long walk but uphill. Very difficult in the boot and for pushing a manual chair. Also keep in mind that Disney has a limited number of ECV's and they sell out early. If you aren't there before they open you may not get one. And if you hop to another park later in the day they may not have any.

I have done Disney in a boot but didn't ride any of the coasters so I can't answer that question. But keep in mind for many of them you tend to brace yourself with your feet, even if you don't realize it. It can put too much stress on my feet when I push down to keep from being tossed around on the coaster/splash mountain type rides so I have been avoiding them.

 

[Hanover]

Thanks for the great advice. I am very independent and have a hard time not doing things myself/accepting help from others. I'm grateful, just always think someone else could use help more than me. If I hadn't already purchased MNSSHP tickets, I'd try and delay the trip until I am out of the boot, but they are bought and we are going.

If I buy the length of trip ticket for an ECV, am I able to get one in any park, even if we hop? What if I buy a day ECV and we hop? I hear they can run out and would hate to get to a park to find out they are out for the day. We are not getting into very late Friday the 22nd so I won't need it for that night. Saturday we plan on doing AK all day. Sunday we plan on doing Epcot a couple hours and then resting up for MNSSHP that night. We will do DHS on Monday half day before flying out that evening. I think with everyone telling me how tiring the manual chairs are, I'm more inclined to do the ECV. If I rent off site, do I need to pay via credit card in advance? What are the cancellation penalties if any if I find I can walk in the boot fine. I'm not banking on it being fine to walk in based on other's experiences, just wanted to know a just in case scenario. Do they have good lights on them for night driving and does everyone find the park lighting okay to see others in front of them at night? I know it may sound silly, but I'm terrified of running into people. I have good reaction time, just don't want to hurt anybody that may cut in front of me and stops quick. Also, do they come with rain covers and if not what do you put on them to keep them dry when you are on rides? Thanks again for all the wonderful answers.

We'll be in a studio for 2 night in AKV (Jambo House) and in a 1 bedroom for the last night in Kidani Village. I know for sure the 1 bedroom will be fine to fit in for charging and the studio we should be able to charge it near the kitchenette. If anyone has stayed at AKV before, how was the "fit" in the rooms for the ECV? I've seen some charging in halls before but that would worry me leaving it out all night and having someone mess with it. Do you get some sort of insurance added on in case of it breaking?

 

[lovetoscrap]

Thanks for the great advice. I am very independent and have a hard time not doing things myself/accepting help from others. I'm grateful, just always think someone else could use help more than me. If I hadn't already purchased MNSSHP tickets, I'd try and delay the trip until I am out of the boot, but they are bought and we are going.

If I buy the length of trip ticket for an ECV, am I able to get one in any park, even if we hop? What if I buy a day ECV and we hop? I hear they can run out and would hate to get to a park to find out they are out for the day. We are not getting into very late Friday the 22nd so I won't need it for that night. Saturday we plan on doing AK all day. Sunday we plan on doing Epcot a couple hours and then resting up for MNSSHP that night. We will do DHS on Monday half day before flying out that evening. I think with everyone telling me how tiring the manual chairs are, I'm more inclined to do the ECV. If I rent off site, do I need to pay via credit card in advance? What are the cancellation penalties if any if I find I can walk in the boot fine. I'm not banking on it being fine to walk in based on other's experiences, just wanted to know a just in case scenario. Do they have good lights on them for night driving and does everyone find the park lighting okay to see others in front of them at night? I know it may sound silly, but I'm terrified of running into people. I have good reaction time, just don't want to hurt anybody that may cut in front of me and stops quick. Also, do they come with rain covers and if not what do you put on them to keep them dry when you are on rides? Thanks again for all the wonderful answers.

We'll be in a studio for 2 night in AKV (Jambo House) and in a 1 bedroom for the last night in Kidani Village. I know for sure the 1 bedroom will be fine to fit in for charging and the studio we should be able to charge it near the kitchenette. If anyone has stayed at AKV before, how was the "fit" in the rooms for the ECV? I've seen some charging in halls before but that would worry me leaving it out all night and having someone mess with it. Do you get some sort of insurance added on in case of it breaking?

My husband would push me in directions I didn't want to go, push me on the left side of the aisle in the store when I wanted to be on the right, turn left when I wanted to go right etc... I really could not stand the manual chair! And then if he wanted to go look at something "really quick" he would just leave me ! This was all not at Disney but just at the mall or grocery store or Walmart or a local attraction. Hated it with a passion! I was so happy when I got my scooter!

I am not familiar with a length of stay option for an ECV at WDW? But no matter what, when they sell out they are gone. They don't reserve them. And if you hop to a park that is out then you don't get one. You are going at a slower time of year but really I wouldn't risk it. If you hop you just show your receipt to get another one at the 2nd park without having to pay again, but again that is dependent on if they have them.

The different ECV companies all have different policies about payment and such so just take a look at the various websites of the ones in the FAQ and see what their policies are. Some have lights but they are not like headlights on a car, they are more so that others can see you. There is plenty of light in the parks to get around fine. Just don't try to move around during the fireworks or evening parade when they turn all the lights off.

I am not going to lie-- being in an ECV sucks. You stare at butts all day, people step in front of you like you don't exist. They get mad at you when THEY step into you and end up getting bumped. You have to be as vigilant or more as when you drive a car. At least in a car traffic is fairly predictable. People are not and are coming in all directions. But as long as you avoid the crowds you will be fine. Wait until a theater has emptied out before you leave. At the end of the day either leave early or sit and wait until the crowd has thinned. It is really insane to put a wc or ECV in the middle of the post Fireworks crowd at MK.

I do end up "yelling" at people that step in front of me. Usually more of an "excuse me" or "please don't step in front of me" or "be careful, this doesn't have brakes" and the occasional "STOP!" . Most every time people are actually nice and apologetic and just didn't realize they had done it. I often have to put my arm out to stop kids that are coming straight at me so they don't get hurt. I worry about them the most obviously. I find the sideways walkers are the worst. I have no idea why but for some reason people tend to migrate to the side when they are walking which will often put them in front of me or actually tripping into my side. If I have a chance I will try to quickly educate them with a smile that "this doesn't have brakes so I can't stop quickly" and they are usually very surprised to hear that. They think that we can just stop on a dime.

If you can drive a car and drive a lawn tractor you will be just fine. Take it out to an open area with no people and practice for a bit first. The other reason that I advocate renting offsite is that the WDW ones STINK. You have to flip a switch to go between forward and reverse and it is a terrible pain. I think that is why people complain more about those, they are hard to drive, and they are also HUGE so less maneuverable.

I wouldn't leave it in the hallway overnight. I will leave mine outside if we are just going in for a short time like to change clothes or rest for a few minutes. You just take any valuables off of it and take the key with you. At the rides the CM will tell you if you need to take the key or leave it. Sometimes they need to drive it to the exit so they ask you to leave it.

As someone with chronic foot problems I beg you not to push yourself. Give your foot all the time that it needs to heal. If I had been better at that when my problems started I might not be in the position I am in today.

 

[evedein]

I rented from Randy's for my 74 yr old Mom. She had never used one before & was a little worried about people walking in front of her. So I made up big neon pink signs for the front & back of the scooter. They said:WARNING: ROOKIE DRIVER!!! HOW DO I STOP THIS THING? It got a lot of laughs, but people stayed out of her way.

 

[Hanover]

I rented from Randy's for my 74 yr old Mom. She had never used one before & was a little worried about people walking in front of her. So I made up big neon pink signs for the front & back of the scooter. They said:WARNING: ROOKIE DRIVER!!! HOW DO I STOP THIS THING? It got a lot of laughs, but people stayed out of her way.

That's a good one!

For anyone that stays for the fireworks in an ECV, do you just wait until the park clears to leave the park? I've seen people in the past try and get through on them while others are walking out after fireworks and felt so bad because they didn't ever seem to be able to get anywhere in the crowd. My DH said he'd walk in front of me to clear a path but I know the crowds and can see people jump in the space between us. The only fireworks we plan on seeing is for MNSSHP. Is there any spots for ECVs for viewing. We waited in a spot last year in front of the castle before Wishes for a half hour or more and had a lady come park in front of us minutes before Wishes last year in an ECV with a huge big sunshade and it blocked our view but she was older and with little kids and we wanted her to enjoy it (we've seen it a lot) so we just kept quiet. I just don't want to obstruct anyone else's view at MNSSHP and plan to get to a spot early so they will know I'm there if they choose to sit near me. I could always park it somewhere nearby and walk to spot but I don't want to risk somone stepping on my foot (walking boot) in the crowd or falling. I'll get to start the boot on Thursday so I'm hoping my balance is just fine by the trip.