HELP! Leaving in 2 days and dad has a big brace now! LIVE UPDATE: No brace

[DLR29]

My dad did something to his knee and now is wearing a fatty brace that is hindering his walking. On Saturday we are leaving for a 10 day trip at SSR/AKL. He says he doesn't want a wheelchair, but it would probably help him. Any advice on how to go through the parks with a big leg brace?? I haven't read up on the temporarily handicapped procedures but I'm assuming it won't get us to the front of the lines. Since this is so recent we don't know his stamina levels and if he will be able to stand in line for long periods of time.

Also, will the brace be too bulky to fit on some of the rides?

What about rides like HM and BLSRS where the loading is conveyor style? Will they pause the conveyor to allow him to board at his own pace?

Sorry for all of the questions, it has just happened so quickly!

 

[jmartinez1895]

He will want a wheelchair after about an hour or so of lugging that thing around in the heat. You should try and talk him into getting one now, but he might be one of those that has to learn on his own. I can think of a few rides taht may be to hard to get in and out of in a cast , Like POT and small world , he will also want to avoid the rides that could get the cast wet. You can buy cast covers inthe first aid section at walmart that may help in case of a sudden shower.

 

[DLR29]

I should have clarified that it's actually a big brace, not a cast. But thank you. We probably will end up renting a wheelchair eventually.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

You might want to print out some of the information in Post #2 of the disABILITIES FAQs which pertains to rental of wheelchairs and/or ECVs. Especially the phone numbers of the off-site vendors. You can get to the disABILITIES FAQs by clicking on the link in my signature.

Some of the corridors at AKL are very long.

And I would suggest asking him the following questions. Here are the suggested answers to go with them.

1. Are you disabled (even temporarily)? Yes.

2. Do the people you are traveling with, such as your family, know you are disabled? Yes.

3. Do you expect to meet anyone you know during this trip who may not know you are disabled. Probably No!

4. Do you expect to meet a bunch of people who you will probably never meet again in your life? Probably yes!

5. Is there any reason at all that you should care what these people think about you? Absolutely No!!

6. Will using a wheelchair or ECV make for a better vacation for you and your family? Absolutely YES!

 

[dclfun]

I'm more worried about the heat and the effects of the brace. Right now we've broken records here in Orlando for the hottest days ever- it's like being out in an oven. With the heat, perspiration, and the brace I'd be worried about skin breakdown and sores. Sorry this happened right before your trip, and I'll also chime in to rent a w/c.---Kathy

 

[KPeveler]

Even if there was a GAC to help him (sounds like at the very least he should avoid stairs), he will likely want a wheelchair by the end of the first day. He will have to stand for food lines, character lines, parade and show waits, in stores, etc.

Having worn a big brace in Disney, I can tell you that he will get hot and tired very quickly, and with the heat, his knee/leg is likely to swell up, making it even more painful.

With an ECV or wheelchair, he can prop his leg up (some off-site wheelchairs even have raising leg-rests), to keep the swelling down.

With a wheelchair or ECV, you and your party will wait in hte normal line almost every time. Almost every line is mainstreamed except for a few in Fantasyland and elsewhere in MK. So he will not have to worry about "taking advantage."

If he will not allow you to rent a wheelchair or ECV ahead of time, bring the phone numbers of the off-site rental ones in the FAQs with you.

The on-site rentals can run out, and the chairs are uncomfortable and non-adjustable - They can be worse than walking sometimes!

Good luck with your trip!

 

[DLR29]

Thank you all so much for the input! I think we kinda convinced him. He just said "Well..as long as you guys are willing to push me."

I know we'll have a great trip w/c or not!

 

[Bete]

commando style. I think you might have some issues getting in and out of rides. Even tamer rides can be hard with a brace.

If the wheelchair thing gets old fast then remember you can still rent a scooter. Both are treated as handicap vehicles. 10 days is a long trip.

 

[DLR29]

Update from WDW. My dad has been doing really really well. Instead of the knee brace, he's just been wrapping it and he's much more mobile than I thought. We have not had to rent a wheelchair and he has toughed through it. But thank you all for the help.

 

[SueM in MN]

Hope things continue to go well.