Oh No! Crutches. Please advise!!!

[Missymouse18]

I am in a huge dilemma. My DH and I are die-hard Dis-ers, pretty much commando. We agreed to let our niece go with us this year. MagicBands have already arrived and we are just 22 days out. DN14 has broken her foot and will be in a cast and on crutches while we are there. I am no dummy, and know that there is no way to do Disney the way we like to do it with her on crutches. This would be her very first trip. I told my sister that in reality this is not a good idea for a first timer to go on crutches, especially since we are not the type to lollygag through the parks. My sister seems to think we should leave it up to my niece; since this is the only vacation DH and I will take this year, and since we pay a pretty penny every year for our WDW trip, I feel like this is ultimately our decision as to say she can go or that she should wait till next year.
All opinions welcome - I really feel caught between yay and nay on this one.

 

[Momoftwins+1]

DH broke his foot in an airborne jump a month prior to our Disney trip in 2012...we rented a wheel chair and did things that way. It wasn't optimal while dragging 3 kids around who were small but we weren't giving up our planned vacation.
Is it optimal to have to push a chair around and find all the disabled persons entrances to the rides etc (you see a different view point, one where everything has stairs that you never thought of before) but its Disney!

 

[ZoZo]

If it were me (with my niece) I would rent a wheelchair. I'd hate to disappoint her by telling her she couldn't go.

You and your hubby can take turns pushing her - I bet you could make some pretty good time! (And luckily, Florida is flat!)

 

[emilyyvic]

I was on crutches for the past two weeks due to a knee injury and I feared that I would have them still while at WDW. We are 2 weeks out and I would not have made it past the front gates on those things. Crutches in general are not meant to be used for long distance "walking". The palm of your hand is so sore and your arms hurt from hopping from place to place. I even had bruises on my sides from the rubber tops rubbing against my body.

Why doesn't your sister rent her an ECV? I thought I was going to have to get one for our trip coming up (and who knows, I may have to after walking a day or two and reevaluating my situation). I would definitely not recommend anyone try to tour Disney while on crutches. Ever.

 

[barb969]

There is a scooter-like device for use instead of crutches. I've seen a couple of people using them and they scoot right along. It consists of a wheel and a platform for her to rest her bad leg on. Try a medical supply for info. Hope you have a good trip.

 

[glassslippergirl]

Why doesn't your sister rent her an ECV? .

This was my first thought. It is, of course, your trip, and you have the ultimate decision, but I would not want to disappoint her. If your sister is putting this on you, then insist that she pay for an ECV to make the trip more enjoyable for everyone. Rent from an offsite vendor (they will deliver to the hotel) so that DN will always have it. Beyond that, she is 14 and able to handle any little disappointments that may come with having a cast at WDW.

 

[Missymouse18]

Thanks for the advice so far... but here is the other dilemma: If ECV or wheelchair is rented sis has said it will have to be at my expense. So in essence, if she goes it's either let her be miserable on crutches or pay for her to be accommodated. I love her very much, but don't feel the rentals should be my responsibility and also, as PP said, know that crutches are not meant for long distance walking.

 

[JeremyGNJ]

Wow

 

[MyPrinceWillCome]

Your sister sounds very, um... nervy.

 

[minnie mum]

First of all, I'm sorry that you have this to worry about so close to your trip.

An ECV is out of the question, unfortunlately. She is too young. No one will rent as an ECV for a 14 yr old. But you can rent a wheelchair from an offsite vendor to be delivered to and picked up from your resort. The disAbilities board has a list of vendors, with links if you want to check prices.

However I do agree that it is out of line for the girl's mother to expect you to foot the bill for this. Perhaps you could show her the cost of wheelchair rentals. If she still refuses to pay for it, then I think its only fair to postpone your niece's visit for another year.

 

[Gracie09]

This was my first thought. It is, of course, your trip, and you have the ultimate decision, but I would not want to disappoint her. If your sister is putting this on you, then insist that she pay for an ECV to make the trip more enjoyable for everyone. Rent from an offsite vendor (they will deliver to the hotel) so that DN will always have it. Beyond that, she is 14 and able to handle any little disappointments that may come with having a cast at WDW.

Ecv cannot be rented to people under 18. (Well there is one off site company that MAY rent one to an older teen (16/17) but only after meeting them and determining if they could safely use the ecv in crowds). Rent a wheelchair from an off site company. Much less expensive than from Disney and she will have it for returning to the hotel.

 

[Luv Bunnies]

A few years ago, I was on crutches for 6 weeks. I could barely make it a block without feeling miserable. No way would I attempt to take anyone on crutches to WDW. It would be awful for everyone involved. Not only will your niece end up sore and exhausted, but you will feel the stress wondering if she's in pain, if you're moving too fast for her, etc. Finally, crutches can be a safety issue in a crowd. It's hard enough to maneuver through crowds on two feet. She could be easily tripped with so many people around.

Here's what I would tell your sister. "DN is welcome to come with us only if she uses a wheelchair and only if you pay for it. We will not take her only with her crutches. If you refuse to pay for a wheelchair, then she will have to wait until next year to come with us." Period. No negotiation. It's for your niece's comfort and safety.

 

[shocker]

I am currently in a walking foot for broken foot but should be in own shoes in time for our June trip. If it were me, I'd be over on the disABILITIES boards in a heartbeat, begging for assistance.

 

[BubMunkeyBles]

What about a knee scooter? I have had lots of ankle surgeries but it's been 10 years since my last one. I'm currently using a knee scooter. My insurance is paying for it and I am getting around super easily. 100x better than crutches. No ECV worries and will be really nice for her in the airport too. Just a suggestion that has made life much easier for me this go around.

 

[DVCkidsMOM]

I couldn't let DN down, but I also hate moving slowly. Typical WDW pace of others makes me want a fast walking lane... We moved just as fast with a stroller as on foot. Sometimes we had to slow down to avoid hitting someone who cut us off, but we made up time elsewhere. Maintain your pace and put DN on wheels - preferably narrower-than-adult youth size wheels. FWIW - I wasn't as fast on knee scooter with my broken ankle as I would have been in a wheel chair, but that's me YMMV.

 

[seashoreCM]

I would say that the best choice is to not take DN this time.

Do not take her on her promise that she will get by with just crutches and no wheels.

The ultimate no-no is expecting her to keep up with you.

 

[SA mom]

You gave your word. She's at an age where she will not trust you for a long time if you go back on your word. We are Disney commandos, too. We only go every other year, I empathize with your situation, but you can't go back on your word to take her.

If I were her mother, I would discourage her from going. It is going to be hot and she is going to be hot and itchy.

Another point of view, maybe you will tour in a different way and you will like it.like Tom Bell always says, "Disney is always better when it is shared."

 

[wendybeth75]

You gave your word. She's at an age where she will not trust you for a long time if you go back on your word. We are Disney commandos, too. We only go every other year, I empathize with your situation, but you can't go back on your word to take her.

If I were her mother, I would discourage her from going. It is going to be hot and she is going to be hot and itchy.

Another point of view, maybe you will tour in a different way and you will like it.like Tom Bell always says, "Disney is always better when it is shared."

I agree. You could always offer the option (if you go yearly) to either go this year or wait and go when she is healed next year. That would give her the chance to make a choice too. Maybe you could borrow a wheelchair from someone or somewhere? Renting one and taking it with you may be cheaper than trying to rent one in Orlando. Best of Luck to you and especially your niece!


Oh, I just thought of this but check your local goodwill or salvation army, as crazy as it sounds I have noticed wheelchairs for sale in there before!

 

[denneg]

Thanks for the advice so far... but here is the other dilemma: If ECV or wheelchair is rented sis has said it will have to be at my expense. So in essence, if she goes it's either let her be miserable on crutches or pay for her to be accommodated. I love her very much, but don't feel the rentals should be my responsibility and also, as PP said, know that crutches are not meant for long distance walking.

She should be able to get a knee scooter through insurance, all your sister needs to do is get the prescription and contact the medical supply store. I have about 100 names I would call her if she can't do that for her daughter. As someone who spent many teenage years on crutches, I can almost guarantee that she would prefer the knee scooter, and that there is no way she can do Wdw on crutches. My question with the scooter though - is she weight bearing on the foot? Can the doctor put her in a walking cast before the trip? Otherwise someone would potentially need to carry crutches for her transfers, which is awkward.

Most of the lines now are accessible by wheelchair, so you shouldn't be too impacted by the new disability process, but I'm sure the boards here could explain a lot.

Also, I have to say, kudos to you for still attempting to make it work despite your sisters unwillingness to help. I would be thrown my hands up, told my nephews the deal, and promised a future trip. And then spent the week feeling awful. So unless DN says she would rather wait, I'd try my hardest to make it work for her sake. Just talk to her in advance, and maybe you and DH adjust your plans a little - if DN normally sleeps in, you guys go for the morning, go back at midday and get her, etc. or do the full day together, then after dinner you and DH go back for a few hours while DN watches TV and texts her friends!

 

[Gracefulskinny]

A few years ago, I was on crutches for 6 weeks. I could barely make it a block without feeling miserable. No way would I attempt to take anyone on crutches to WDW. It would be awful for everyone involved. Not only will your niece end up sore and exhausted, but you will feel the stress wondering if she's in pain, if you're moving too fast for her, etc. Finally, crutches can be a safety issue in a crowd. It's hard enough to maneuver through crowds on two feet. She could be easily tripped with so many people around.

Here's what I would tell your sister. "DN is welcome to come with us only if she uses a wheelchair and only if you pay for it. We will not take her only with her crutches. If you refuse to pay for a wheelchair, then she will have to wait until next year to come with us." Period. No negotiation. It's for your niece's comfort and safety.

This exactly. And its even more than just comfort and safety. Its her health that will be effected as well. I would remind your sister that the average person walks about 10 miles a DAY in WDW. Thats hard on strong healthy people let alone someone with an injury on crutches.