Knee Walkers, EVC, how does it all work?

[Erin M]

Husband rolled his ankle two weeks ago, insisted it was not a big deal. Everything would be fine. Despite encouragement to see a doctor at the time he did not. Today he is having an xray done because it's not better and we leave for DLR in two weeks. Well it looks like it is a break and he needs to see an orthopedist. He has been given a boot to wear. I did search about this but only found a few older updates and most related to WDW, not DLR.

Has anyone successfully navigated DLR with a knee walker? What do we do about standing in line? The idea of a wheelchair and pushing that around along with our stroller seems unmanageable. But maybe you leave the stroller and kid just sits on dad when she's too tired to continue. But I hate the idea of an ECV (ECV?) even more. They take up so much room and we were even run over by one in November at fireworks. It was rough.

Rescheduling is not an option at this point. I am panicking a bit. Trying not to, but just a bit...

 

[Becca1007]

Husband rolled his ankle two weeks ago, insisted it was not a big deal. Everything would be fine. Despite encouragement to see a doctor at the time he did not. Today he is having an xray done because it's not better and we leave for DLR in two weeks. Well it looks like it is a break and he needs to see an orthopedist. He has been given a boot to wear. I did search about this but only found a few older updates and most related to WDW, not DLR.

Has anyone successfully navigated DLR with a knee walker? What do we do about standing in line? The idea of a wheelchair and pushing that around along with our stroller seems unmanageable. But maybe you leave the stroller and kid just sits on dad when she's too tired to continue. But I hate the idea of an ECV (ECV?) even more. They take up so much room and we were even run over by one in November at fireworks. It was rough.

Rescheduling is not an option at this point. I am panicking a bit.

On my last trip we were next to a grandpa and his grandson and the child was riding on his lap on the ECV and a cast member told them that the child could not ride like that. Not sure if that is policy across the park for all scooters or just for Disney rented ones.

 

[StormyCA]

I think I'd rather an ECV than a knee walker, myself. Especially on a crowded day. I'd worry about being toppled over!

As far as lines, an ECV or any mobility assisting device (such as a walker) serves in lieu of a disabled pass. For lines that your DH can't maneuver through (these are mostly in DL), he can get a 'return time' (wait time less 10 min). You return to the ride (like a Fast Pass) at the appointed time and usually either go in the exit or through the FP line.

DCA can be different as all their lines are handicapped accessible. Usually a person just takes their ECV/wheelchair/walker through the line then you end up splitting off to an area for handicapped loading.

And PP is right, no 'passengers' on an ECV.

 

[violina]

I can't really speak to a knee walker but I can offer what I know about ECV's. My husband needed one last year (issues with both hips) so we rented one out and overall it wasn't bad to use and overall kinda of nice. A wheelchair was not an option for us given how manual it was on him and I, so we found that it worked really well. He also had his collapsible cane with him so he was able to store that in the basket along with my backpack on the chair itself.

I'm sure others can talk more about the other options. But here was our loose experience with the ECV, it was brought to the hotel fully charged (the person handling them taught me how to use it), and I took it up to our room for him. He found it really useful as it lasted the whole day, the only time we ran into an issue was when it was raining, but luckily I had a rain poncho so we were able to cover it. It was slightly cumbersome storing it in the room, but not a problem overall (just annoying). Entering the parks when everyone else was there (high volume) was a pain to navigate but once we got past the crowd, it was fine. I will admit, at times people did seem sorta rude with him, mostly because he looks young and doesn't seem to have much wrong with him but it wasn't anything that sullen the mood. With a stroller in tote, checking out an ECV or the knee-walker might be the better route, but as I mentioned, someone else can probably talk about the knee-walkers.

 

[SteveH]

My wife had a similar situation, put off Dr. to long and told her was a sports injury and needed rehab. No way could she walk around Disneyland. She waited and waited, hoping but after a push (by me) she rented a ECV. Used and off site company and it worked well for her. Talk to Dr. specifically about Disney, with that much walking they can give good advice. I saw a few using the Knee Scooters, but personally I think a scooter would be a better way to go.

 

[LeiaOfAlderaan]

I had to use an ECV a couple of times when I had a foot injury and was in a walking boot. I was so worried it was going to be a hassle but it ended up being fine. When it’s crowded you just go slow and look out for people jumping in front of you. I would imagine using a knee scooter all day would be exhausting. And as others stated, it is against the rules you agree to when renting (on or offsite) to let a 2nd person ride on the ECV. I would use an offsite company so you can take it to downtown Disney and it will be smaller and easier to manage than the ones Disney rents.

 

[Lauren in NC]

I'd also recommend asking on the disAbilities forum - lots of folks familiar with using various types of mobility devices.

How old is your daughter? Honestly, the easiest for your husband is probably going to be an ECV (a three-wheeled one, if you can get it off-site, NOT the clunky ones DLR rents).

 

[nobska]

Thank you so much for this thread. I rolled my ankle 2 weeks ago and have been wearing a boot. We leave Wednesday am and I have been nervous about how my ankle is going to hold up. We are staying at GCH so knowing I can rent an ECV if I need one and they’re not too much of a hassle is good to know.

 

[hyperminimalism]

Honestly, just get the ECV. The knee walker might be okay for less physically demanding locations like a peruse through the mall or shopping at the grocery store, but I don't think they're well suited for Disneyland. Unless you're just going to be spending a couple of hours there, the ECV will save a lot of headaches. I can only imagine someone side-swiping his boot trying to pass behind him on crowded main street and other areas of the park. If it is crowded, and since he'd be upright, sometimes it's hard to tell if people are on those knee walker things if all you're doing is looking straight ahead. At least with an ECV, you'll know someone is injured or has a medical condition that requires them to be off their feet. It just seems a little safer to me.

 

[theluckyrabbit]

First of all, sorry for your DH's injury and pixie dust for a quick, complete recovery!
Second, one ECV rental company that gets very good reviews here is Deckert's. No website, but just call them. They deliver to/pick up from your hotel. Great customer service!
Third, if you and your DH decide to go with an ECV, please have him practice "driving" one of the motorized carts at Target or Walmart, especially maneuvering in crowds, turning, backing up, etc. ECVs aren't exactly intuitive and DLR isn't the ideal place for a first time driver to learn the ropes. A little practice can go a long way toward making your trip go more smoothly for everyone. (Plus, you can pick up some things for your trip!)

 

[SG131]

Knee walkers are a pain. They can be difficult to maneuver and uncomfortable to use. I strongly recommend an ECV.

 

[Erin M]

Thank you all for your responses and experiences. It is a blessing to know that some people had an ok experience when issues like this pop up. DH says he will be fine. Hee says we don't need to rent anything. The orthopaedist did say it was not as bad as the generalist thought it was, so there's that. Apparently the break had already healed up, and now it's just soft tissue that is being stubborn. I am going to keep the rental company information with me just in case. Absolute worst case we get one a day later and we'll be ok. I think those sit down meals I booked are going to be well received this time around.

Thank you again. You talked me down!

 

[theluckyrabbit]

Thank you all for your responses and experiences. It is a blessing to know that some people had an ok experience when issues like this pop up. DH says he will be fine. The says we don't need to rent anything. The Orthopedist did say it was not as bad as the generalist thought it was, so there's that. Apparently the break had already healed up, and now it's just soft tissue that is being stubborn. I am going to keep the rental company information with me just in case. Absolute worst case we get one a day later and we'll be ok. I think those sit down meals I booked are going to be well received this time around.

Thank you again. You talked me down!

Glad to hear the injury isn't as bad as first thought! For your trip: make sure that both of you know where First Aid is located in both parks so that he can head there right away as soon as any pain starts. Tell him not to try to soldier through -- get ice on that puppy as soon as possible to keep any inflammation down as much as possible! The CMs at First Aid are the best! Don't forget about the 24/7 CVS and Walgreens (right across Harbor from each other at Katella). And CVS has a Minute Clinic, too, if you need it.

 

[midnight star]

Third, if you and your DH decide to go with an ECV, please have him practice "driving" one of the motorized carts at Target or Walmart, especially maneuvering in crowds, turning, backing up, etc. ECVs aren't exactly intuitive and DLR isn't the ideal place for a first time driver to learn the ropes. A little practice can go a long way toward making your trip go more smoothly for everyone. (Plus, you can pick up some things for your trip!)

I second this. A few weeks ago my friend came with her family and her mom needed an ECV to get around the parks. She didn't practice driving and hit a few people, ran over my friend's foot, almost my foot, and backed into something. At one point during the day, my friend's boyfriend would have to park it, and back it out of places because it was just too crowded for her to try and do it. She obviously didn't mean to hit people, and cause traffic jams, but she said it would've been a good idea to practice before coming.

 

[Erin M]

Glad to hear the injury isn't as bad as first thought! For your trip: make sure that both of you know where First Aid is located in both parks so that he can head there right away as soon as any pain starts. Tell him not to try to soldier through -- get ice on that puppy as soon as possible to keep any inflammation down as much as possible! The CMs at First Aid are the best! Don't forget about the 24/7 CVS and Walgreens (right across Harbor from each other at Katella). And CVS has a Minute Clinic, too, if you need it.

Thank you! All good points. I know where first aid is at DL but not at DCA. I'm definitely going to pack a few of our gel ice packs for the evening. On this trip we'd already planned for some mid-day breaks because DD will need it, now he will too. Perhaps I'll do my shopping alone!

 

[Erin M]

I second this. A few weeks ago my friend came with her family and her mom needed an ECV to get around the parks. She didn't practice driving and hit a few people, ran over my friend's foot, almost my foot, and backed into something. At one point during the day, my friend's boyfriend would have to park it, and back it out of places because it was just too crowded for her to try and do it. She obviously didn't mean to hit people, and cause traffic jams, but she said it would've been a good idea to practice before coming.

I broke my ankle about 8 years ago and I tried to drive an ECV at Target. It was a disaster. There is definitely a learning curve.

 

[theluckyrabbit]

Thank you! All good points. I know where first aid is at DL but not at DCA. I'm definitely going to pack a few of our gel ice packs for the evening. On this trip we'd already planned for some mid-day breaks because DD will need it, now he will too. Perhaps I'll do my shopping alone!

In DCA, First Aid is right next to Chamber of Commerce (literally, the door to the right) on BVS.

 

[StormyCA]

I had a shattered ankle and as a result have residual weakness and 'issues' with it including pain and swelling. My DL routine is;

OTC pain & anti-inflammatory meds in the morning and every 4 hours during the day. It's easier to stop pain from starting than it is to 'chase' it. I use extra strength Motrin for my
'day meds'. Then I take a dose of 'heavy duty' Rx pain meds at bed time. This guarantees a painless night's sleep and waking up with no pain.

As frequently as possible (and if it's OK with his Drs) 'flex and circle' the ankle throughout the day. I also try to elevate it as frequently as I can. Both help with swelling.

At night, elevate the ankle and apply ice. Technically it's supposed to be 20 mins per hour, but I do 7-10 min on, 10 min off for an hour. Then in the morning gentle 'roll and flex' when I wake up before I stand on it.

And as someone said, tell him NOT to try to 'power through it' if the pain gets too bad. Pain is the body's way of saying "Hey!! Stop that!!!".

 

[Pinocchio #1 Fan]

A few years ago I permanently damaged my left foot. While I can shop at a place like Trader Joe's just fine with a cane, shopping at a place like Costco is impossible without an electric cart. A Disney park? Forget about it. I have found that using an ECV in a theme park requires not only practice, but a positive attitude, patience, and a sense of humor as well. People ARE gonna cut you off. They WILL be rude. You WILL hear them say you are "faking it" as you roll by. The key is to ignore, and keep smiling. Say "Excuse me" when it's not your fault. Continuing to smile when being treated poorly goes a long way to diffusing most of the comments, which likely come from someone else's poor attitude. I just tell myself, "I am at Disneyland with ,my beautiful wife, and someone else's insecurities will not prevent me from experiencing The Happiest Place on Earth." All this being said, I always go on a weekday just because going on slower days just makes sense.