Knee injury, leave in 4 weeks for Disney

[MrsBB]

I have held off posting this as I really thought wouldn't need to. However, I have am currently recovering with a ruptured patella tendon. I had no idea when I did this how long the recovery process would be. I have been immobilised for weeks to allow it to heal and then recently allowed to weight bear as tolerated with a brace, finding that I can do no more than 20-30 yards without extreme pain. I am told this is to be expected by my consultant, and that I will require intensive physio, which I start two weeks prior to our Disney holiday

I have spoke to my consultant about our trip and his suggestion is a wheelchair plus crutches, so wheelchair for most activity, crutches for short activity. My husband is more than happy to push me around, however I do have a lot of concerns and questions.


We will not have a car, will taxis, and specifically Uber put a folded wheelchair in the boot?

Can I take crutches on the aircraft or is it better to hire them?

I was looking at renting a chair from Apple Care as they are disney approved and we are staying on site? Do they charge your card now or later? It says on the site a credit card is not needed to reserve this reservation, but that is confusing me as to when they will take payment?

I am worrying about everything from transport to restaurants, to airports, to disney buses, to shopping. It just all feels overwhelming

 

[gap2368]

I only have time for a quick replay

But 1 do not worrie Disney is great you will be surprised at how well they will accommodate people with mobility needs

You can ride on the Disney busses at the buss stop there are spots for people in wheel chair you load first and get off last. And they tie your wheel chair in so you can stay in it.

 

[Gracie09]

Staying on site I would use the bus system. Look into renting an ecv. It a little more money you you have independence from you husband even if it's just to go to the bathroom. If you do use a wheelchair get some weightlifting gloves for your dh. It helps prevent blisters.
You can take crutches on the airplane. You can call ahead to the airline and ask for a wheelchair at the airport (be sure to tip the pushed!).

 

[maxiesmom]

Would you consider an ECV instead of a wheelchair? It will be much easier on your husband. I don't think many of us realized how hilly the parks really are until we had to push someone thru them.

 

[Paula Sedley-Burke]

Good advise re renting a scooter. I have a power chair but no way my wife could push me all day in a manual and it's hard work to self propel.

 

[gap2368]

I agree with others on the ECV if you do chose to use a wheel chair I would have some phone numbers handy with ECV rentle compinays just incase/ when you need to change. if you have a disability were you would have to use an wheel chair get one that fits you the ones at disney are really big and hard to push, this may help some and take lots of breaks

 

[MrsBB]

I only have time for a quick replay

But 1 do not worrie Disney is great you will be surprised at how well they will accommodate people with mobility needs

You can ride on the Disney busses at the buss stop there are spots for people in wheel chair you load first and get off last. And they tie your wheel chair in so you can stay in it.

Thank you this is reassuring. I think usually being able to walk and manoeuvre myself I've just gone into panic mode about needing equipment we are unfamiliar with. Good tip about buses.

Staying on site I would use the bus system. Look into renting an ecv. It a little more money you you have independence from you husband even if it's just to go to the bathroom. If you do use a wheelchair get some weightlifting gloves for your dh. It helps prevent blisters.
You can take crutches on the airplane. You can call ahead to the airline and ask for a wheelchair at the airport (be sure to tip the pushed!).

I am so glad you said about assistance, now have that booked for the airport. I would consider a scooter but I'm scared having never needed one that I'd be a menace on it. My husband suggested maybe crutches to the buses, from the resort then an ECV from the parks. I know this is a more expensive way of doing it but hoping (maybe in vain) after 4 more weeks my mobility with crutches will be better.

Would you consider an ECV instead of a wheelchair? It will be much easier on your husband. I don't think many of us realized how hilly the parks really are until we had to push someone thru them.

Good advise re renting a scooter. I have a power chair but no way my wife could push me all day in a manual and it's hard work to self propel.

I agree with others on the ECV if you do chose to use a wheel chair I would have some phone numbers handy with ECV rentle compinays just incase/ when you need to change. if you have a disability were you would have to use an wheel chair get one that fits you the ones at disney are really big and hard to push, this may help some and take lots of breaks

As previously said, I do have concerns about operating an ECV. Also if I hire one permanently I do worry about room space, charging etc. I understand renting from the parks is more expensive but perhaps if my overall walking with crutches is better I could manage a little more.

 

[maxiesmom]

Many stores have them. Find one near you and go practice. I think it would be hard to manage crutches from the bus stops to the front of the parks. It isn't that short of a walk. And you would have to get thru bag check somehow too trying to use your crutches and balance. I've been on crutches a few times, and no way would I try to navigate at WDW on them. And I'm pretty handy on crutches.

 

[MrsBB]

Many stores have them. Find one near you and go practice. I think it would be hard to manage crutches from the bus stops to the front of the parks. It isn't that short of a walk. And you would have to get thru bag check somehow too trying to use your crutches and balance. I've been on crutches a few times, and no way would I try to navigate at WDW on them. And I'm pretty handy on crutches.

Thank you, I hadn't considered testing one here - great advice! I am useless with the crutches so far, they just seem really cumbersome. I think with all the advice given so far ECV may be the way to go...do they fit most standard rooms? Can I use it inside the hotel? I am staying at the Poly.

 

[chaoslobster]

I bring my personal scooter to the Pop every year and it fits into the tiny room no problem. The Polynesian has much bigger rooms, and there's also a button outside the door to push and the door will open automatically so you can drive right in. Very easy.

If you try out a scooter at someplace like Target or Walmart, be aware that the scooters there are massive beasts that are huge, heavy and very difficult to steer. It can be a workout just to wrestle the steering column around to make a turn. The type of scooter you will rent at Disney is nothing like that. The same basic mechanics and shape, but smaller, much more maneuverable, and can be easily turned with one hand. Note that I do NOT recommend one-handed driving if you're inexperienced! I'm just saying that it'll be a lot easier to drive than the Hulk scooters at Walmart. If you can wrangle one of those, you'll be able to use a rental scooter no problem. And if you can't, well, I've had a personal scooter for years and I'm not strong enough for the ones at most stores, lol. You'll be fine.

Disney is extremely disability friendly. It's the only place in the world that I feel comfortable and safe traveling alone. I'm the next step up from bedridden -- I use a cane full time, and have trouble just walking down the hallway to use the bathroom. I can't bend to reach anything lower than knee level, or reach up higher than shoulder level. I can't even open a can of pop because my hands are deformed and very weak. I'm 35 years old and basically have the physical capability of a determined 5 year old. But I spend 10 days at the Pop Century every year, alone. I've never had any problems, and when I run into something I can't do for myself, the Disney CMs will always help out.

If I can do it, you can too! Feel free to ask me if you have any questions about managing specific things.

 

[MrsBB]

I bring my personal scooter to the Pop every year and it fits into the tiny room no problem. The Polynesian has much bigger rooms, and there's also a button outside the door to push and the door will open automatically so you can drive right in. Very easy.

If you try out a scooter at someplace like Target or Walmart, be aware that the scooters there are massive beasts that are huge, heavy and very difficult to steer. It can be a workout just to wrestle the steering column around to make a turn. The type of scooter you will rent at Disney is nothing like that. The same basic mechanics and shape, but smaller, much more maneuverable, and can be easily turned with one hand. Note that I do NOT recommend one-handed driving if you're inexperienced! I'm just saying that it'll be a lot easier to drive than the Hulk scooters at Walmart. If you can wrangle one of those, you'll be able to use a rental scooter no problem. And if you can't, well, I've had a personal scooter for years and I'm not strong enough for the ones at most stores, lol. You'll be fine.

Thank you so much for the reassurance, you definitely make it sound easier than I'm thinking! lol I might try one out here just to get a feel for stopping starting then rent on from one of the disney approved vendors.

 

[OurBigTrip]

Thank you so much for the reassurance, you definitely make it sound easier than I'm thinking! lol I might try one out here just to get a feel for stopping starting then rent on from one of the disney approved vendors.

We had to rent a scooter for our last trip and it was so easy. I'll look up the name of the company, they were great. They delivered the scooter to the resort, and picked it up after we left. We found that charging all night meant no problems whatsoever during the day, and even though the scooter was small and easy to handle, it was still possible to take the crutches along for getting to rides (didn't use it for waiting in line, though in most places, we could have).

We did have a problem the second day with the scooter - full battery power, but there was a loose connection somewhere, and it was cutting out. We called as we were leaving the park for lunch at the resort, and by the time we finished with lunch, a new scooter had been delivered.

Also, the scooter we had came apart very easily, and fit in the back of the small SUV that we rented. Very nice.

 

[gap2368]

you will be fine in your room if you find you need more room then you can ask for the table and chair to be taken out this will give you more space but if it just the two of you I do not see you needing this unless you have a lot of stuff with you. take the ECV around the resort first so you get a feel for it ( normally the hotels are easer then the parks with less people there)

 

[Eeyooore]

I just had ACL and meniscus surgery last week and am headed to the parks next week with a rental ecv and crutches. I'll let you know how it goes! Hope you heal quickly!!

 

[Selket]

I have severe arthritis in both knees and have started using an ECV on my trips in the past year. There are a few good threads about people with knee issues so you might look for those.

If you are staying onsite - I think an ECV would be best. You can then go and do whatever you want when you want and not be dependent on someone else to push you. Not that the other person isn't willing or able - but it's just nice to be able to go out and get coffee for yourself or go into a store if they want to go somewhere else, etc. An ECV is not that hard to learn how to use. Once you pick it up, practice with it around your resort. I'm able usually to get up from the scooter and walk through the que or in a store but this past trip I had to depend on it more and I'll say it was easier than I thought it would be to maneuver in the stores and any place with a que (like Starbucks in the MK).

I like the portable scooter from Buena Vista Scooters even though we usually aren't breaking it down to put in a car. If your leg is in an immobilizer brace - as in has to be kept straight out in front of you - you may want a larger scooter with more of a platform/base so that your foot isn't hanging out over the edge. I suggest talking to the scooter company when you call to rent. It seems like they charge your card about a week before or perhaps the day of? They will tell you their rental and cancellation policies.

You may want to read some of the reviews on Apple - they aren't as well reviewed here as Buena Vista or Walker, etc.

As for your transportation inside the airport and from airport to the hotel - I'm not sure what to tell you about that. I know you can specify that you need wheelchair assistance and pre boarding for the airplane. I hope you have a wonderful trip!

 

[Gracie09]

If you are nervous about driving an ecv, meet with the representative from the company when he or she drops it off. They will go over the basics with you and you can ask questions and practice a bit. It may be 15 minutes that are well worth your time

 

[MrsBB]

We had to rent a scooter for our last trip and it was so easy. I'll look up the name of the company, they were great. They delivered the scooter to the resort, and picked it up after we left. We found that charging all night meant no problems whatsoever during the day, and even though the scooter was small and easy to handle, it was still possible to take the crutches along for getting to rides (didn't use it for waiting in line, though in most places, we could have).

We did have a problem the second day with the scooter - full battery power, but there was a loose connection somewhere, and it was cutting out. We called as we were leaving the park for lunch at the resort, and by the time we finished with lunch, a new scooter had been delivered.

Also, the scooter we had came apart very easily, and fit in the back of the small SUV that we rented. Very nice.

This sounds like such a positive experience, if you could recall the company that would be awesome. We won't have access to a car on site but from what others have said Disney transport seems an acceptable alternative. Sounds like you had a great service and it made your trip a lot more enjoyable.

you will be fine in your room if you find you need more room then you can ask for the table and chair to be taken out this will give you more space but if it just the two of you I do not see you needing this unless you have a lot of stuff with you. take the ECV around the resort first so you get a feel for it ( normally the hotels are easer then the parks with less people there)

This is a great idea, I can then get used to manoeuvring it around the resort without hindering other people, I haven't stayed at the Poly before but I know there looks to be a lot of walkways which I'm sure I could practice with. Along with the markings near the bus stops.

I just had ACL and meniscus surgery last week and am headed to the parks next week with a rental ecv and crutches. I'll let you know how it goes! Hope you heal quickly!!

Wow that's great, I'd love to know how you found it. Sounds very similar to how I will be.

I have severe arthritis in both knees and have started using an ECV on my trips in the past year. There are a few good threads about people with knee issues so you might look for those.

If you are staying onsite - I think an ECV would be best. You can then go and do whatever you want when you want and not be dependent on someone else to push you. Not that the other person isn't willing or able - but it's just nice to be able to go out and get coffee for yourself or go into a store if they want to go somewhere else, etc. An ECV is not that hard to learn how to use. Once you pick it up, practice with it around your resort. I'm able usually to get up from the scooter and walk through the que or in a store but this past trip I had to depend on it more and I'll say it was easier than I thought it would be to maneuver in the stores and any place with a que (like Starbucks in the MK).

I like the portable scooter from Buena Vista Scooters even though we usually aren't breaking it down to put in a car. If your leg is in an immobilizer brace - as in has to be kept straight out in front of you - you may want a larger scooter with more of a platform/base so that your foot isn't hanging out over the edge. I suggest talking to the scooter company when you call to rent. It seems like they charge your card about a week before or perhaps the day of? They will tell you their rental and cancellation policies.

You may want to read some of the reviews on Apple - they aren't as well reviewed here as Buena Vista or Walker, etc.

As for your transportation inside the airport and from airport to the hotel - I'm not sure what to tell you about that. I know you can specify that you need wheelchair assistance and pre boarding for the airplane. I hope you have a wonderful trip!

Thank you! I will search out those knee threads for sure. My doctor is hopeful I'll be in a hinged brace by the time we leave which I think will make things slightly easier. I hadn't even thought of wanting to be by myself but usually I do on our Disney trips. I usually wake up first and love to go get coffee, enjoy the early morning feel before the resort gets going - I hadn't even considered how I'd do these things if I was dependent on someone else to help me - thank you for pointing that out.

I just caught up with the Apple reviews, I think I'll take a look at Buena Vista.

If you are nervous about driving an ecv, meet with the representative from the company when he or she drops it off. They will go over the basics with you and you can ask questions and practice a bit. It may be 15 minutes that are well worth your time

This is such a good tip, thanks! Didn't even think to do this. Definitely will arrange to meet with them at drop off.

 

[PlutoPony]

I am useless with the crutches so far, they just seem really cumbersome.

Have you considered a rollator/walker in place of crutches? I was non weight bearing on 1 leg for ~8 weeks and used one (had a mastectomy so crutches weren't an option) and it was quite easy to use. Didn't take nearly as much energy as crutches imho. I felt very very safe using it, never concerned about planting a crutch down wrong and falling or someone running into a crutch and knocking it/me over. I got quite good at maneuvering it in tight places and was able to stick it in the car and drive as well (fortunately it was my left leg). That said, it is not easy to carry it while in a wheelchair or on an ECV.

Best of luck to you and hope your recovery goes well

 

[Selket]

I hadn't even thought of wanting to be by myself but usually I do on our Disney trips. I usually wake up first and love to go get coffee, enjoy the early morning feel before the resort gets going - I hadn't even considered how I'd do these things if I was dependent on someone else to help me - thank you for pointing that out.

I'm the same way! I love getting up and going to get coffee. In the evenings when we were at CSR I liked getting out and going around the lake and my son walked with me. It's also nice when your family wants to go ride or do something and you want to spend a bit longer in the shops. Sometimes I split off and rode something on my own. I also liked that in the parks I could find a nice shady spot to park the ECV out of the way and sit and relax, watch the people go by and such. You will probably be amazed at how much you CAN do.

If you rent from a preferred Disney provider they will drop and pick off the ECV with the Bell services. I discovered that the Bell services people will show you how to operate the ECV - they are used to that and usually ask if I want them to help me with it before I take off. It's not unusual to stress about trying to get it on and off the Disney busses - and folks will feel self-conscious or what not. You hadn't brought that up but I thought I'd add that it's really not that bad at all. The bus drivers are excellent at helping you out...truly. And it's always possible for another family member to drive it up on the bus for you if you prefer. I suggest practice driving the ECV around the resort and get used to how to back up (like you were parallel parking) because that's exactly how it works on the bus (but easier than with a car - lol!).

 

[OurBigTrip]

We used Best Price mobility, and the model was an Elite Traveler four-wheel scooter.