last minute question - crutches in the parks?

[HeyMickey]

(cross posted from theme parks board)

Ok, I'm leaving tonight so I really need an answer to this question fast....

My mom had an ankle operation this summer. She can walk now, but her leg is still weak and hurts from time to time. She is thinking of taking her crutches into the parks just to keep some weight off of that leg.

So my question is... what do you do with crutches in the parks? Is there somewhere you can leave them when you go on the rides, or can you take them on with you? Or would she just be better off with forgetting the crutches and renting a wheelchair or ECV?

Thanks for your help! I'm so excited!

 

[ducklite]

I am the queen of crutches--I tend to sprain/break an ankle/foot every few years

I find them VERY uncomfortable to walk with. Not to mention I'm a total clutz on them. They are also kind of awkward to have to haul around when you won't need them.

What I would do--and this is nothing more than my opinion...

I'd bring a cane, and go as long as I could walking with the cane. Or a single crutch--I find I hve better balance with one. If I felt that I was beginning to be uncomfortable--not pain--don't wait that long!--I'd get a wheelchair.

Anne

 

[Sue & Co.]

IMO get a wheelchair. I use a cane on good days and an ECV on bad days. To try and manage on crutches would be a nightmare.

Hire a wheelchair or ECV you won't regret it.

Have a great trip.

Sue

 

[Cheshire Figment]

You may be better off renting an ECV, as pushing a wheelchair can get very tiresome, especially if you are not used to it. Also it depends on the weight of the passenger and the condition of the pusher(s). Some information for off-site rentals are:

Here are the urls and phone numbers:

Walker Mobility:
1-888-726-6837
www.walkermobility.com

Care Medical:
http://www.caremedicalequipment.com/
Phone (407) 856-2273, Toll Free U.S and Canada (800) 741-2282

RANDY'S Mobility is in Kissimmee
407-892-4777
http://randysmobility.com/

Colonial Medical
http://www.colonialmed.com/about_cms.html
(800)747-0246!

I have used Walker a few times. They will ask for a credit card and charge it the day before arrival. They will deliver the ECV to your hotel bell services before your arrival and pick it up there after your departure. Their rates, especially for longer than a week, are much better than Disney's. Also, their scooters are much better.

You don't say if you are renting a car or what. If you are using a car for getting around, the ECVs break down into five pieces, the heaviest about 39 pounds. They take about a minute or so to take apart and about two minutes (once you are used to it) to put it together.

You can use a bungee cord to help keep crutches or a folded up walker on the EVC or wheelchair. Usually it would be a short walk with the crutches from the wheelchair or EVC.

Good luck and let us know what finally happens.

 

[SueM in MN]

I answered your post on the Theme Parks Board (because I saw it there first).
I agree with the others that a wheelchair or ecv might be a much better option.
When someone is in pain in one leg, it tends to change the way you walk and she might end up putting strain (and causing pain) in her hips, knees and even her back. There is a lot of walking involved in a WDW trip - just to go around WS is over a mile.