Hi. I am recovering from a full Achilles tendon tear in June. I'm visiting the Disneyworld parks in the first half of December for a week. My rehab is going pretty well lately, I'm pretty mobile, but I've not attempted anything more than a 2 mile hike. So I'm concerned that after 10-20k steps , my tendon might start screaming "Enough, stop!" or worse yet, that I could set it back by pushing it too hard.
I feel pretty capable right now (and I have another month of rehab/healing to go) but I don't want to start having problems during my magical week - and regret that I could have done something 'just in case' to prepare myself in case I start struggling in the park. I also don't want to "take advantage" in any way or take away space from someone who is much more in need.
Any tips?
Thanks!
First of all, work with your Rehab team/physical therapist *now* to help prevent injury during the trip - so you don't come home in more pain than when you left!
The accommodations at Disney World are for *anyone* who needs them - even if it is temporary in nature. You won't be "taking away space" for anyone - Disney has designed their accommodations to be flexible, and to serve as many people as need them.
I think it's really smart that you want to make sure you don't re-injure your foot, or delay your healing. Remember that the *average* Guest at Disney World will walk between 3 and 10 miles *per day*. Over the course of the week, that has the potential to be nearly 100 miles!
There are lots of options for you. The main thing to remember is that
DAS is not for mobility issues (which is what it sounds like you have). Let's list the hardware options here - and then you can think about what will work best for you. (I'm trying to be as thorough as possible, but forgive me if I forget something). Remember that any/all personal mobility equipment will fly for free on domestic US airlines; and most of it can be gate-checked easily.
Starting from the "low end"... (And all of these are nothing more than *tools* to help you have the best possible trip ever. Just like using glasses to see better, or hearing aids to hear better, you are augmenting your ability to move. That's all.)
- Cane(s) and/or crutches. Mainly for support. Pros: lightweight, easy to bring, easy to use. Cons: may not offer enough support. Crutches are tough at WDW, because of the daily mileage.
- Walker. Gives a supportive frame when walking and standing. Pros: lightweight, basic folding models are cheap. If properly adjusted, offers good support. Allows you to walk and remain mobile. Cons: unless it is equipped with 4 wheels, it can be tiring to move a walker that many miles every day.
- Rollator. All the support of a walker, with the added bonus of a seat, and (typically) a storage basket under the seat. Pros: You always have a place to sit (important because there are fewer benches and seat nowadays) and if properly adjusted, good support. You can still walk as much as you want, and with 4 wheels, it rolls easily. Most models have hand brakes for safety.
- Wheelchair (manual, folding wheelchair) First of all, don't try to wheel yourself around WDW without a *lot* of prior training and conditioning; after the first day, you will wake up the next morning with limp noodles for arms. A standard folding wheelchair can be lots of things: It can act like a walker (you can push it and use it for stability and support) Like a Rollator, it always has a seat when you need one. However, for any amount of distance, you will need someone to push you. Pros: Can be rented very cheaply from outside vendors. Folds to a small size and easy to manage for transportation. Cons: Need someone to push you for any significant length of time.
-
ECV (
scooter). There are lots of types of
ECVs in use at WDW; there are the Parks rentals (expensive compared to renting from a local outside vendor) that are large, cumbersome and slow compared to rentals. Rental units can be 3 wheel or 4 wheel (that's a whole 'nother discussion) and are more nimble and quick than the Parks rentals. Pros: You can drive all day, or utilize a "Park and Walk" strategy if you want to get some steps in. Park and Walk is where you park the ECV and then walk around an area as large as you want, until you are ready to move on to the next area. Accessible to (almost) all Disney internal transportation. Cons: You have to charge it overnight, every night to make sure it's ready for the next day. Some people are intimated by driving it onto/off of Disney transportation (we have tips for new ECV drivers, don't worry).
There are other options, of course. "Aircast" walking boots, KT tape, braces... this is where we need to stop until you can talk with your medical team.
If you have questions about using mobility devices at WDW, please don't hesitate to ask!
