OMG I forgot about STAIRS!!

[disneyfool_1202]

I rented from Apple today for my October vaca so I was feeling like our trip to the world won't be ruined by my significantly bad knees (we are trying every non-surgical option before opting for replacememt, trying too avoid surgery until after the holidays when I can actually take time off of work).
I was talking to my mom about it later in the day and she said "great, now if you could only walk up and down stairs!". OMG I forgot about stairs!!!! My kids are SO excited to go on rides like splash mountain, tower of terror, etc... but i forgot about the stairs!! They can't ride without me - they are only 7 and 9 and I don't want my husband to have to stand in lines twice (once for each kid). Plus I WANT to go on the rides!!!
Do they have alternate entrances for some of the rides that have a lot of stairs, and will I be able to use them? Will I need a GAC for that? I can do some stairs but I have a really hard time and after a few trips up/down I won't be able to bend my right knee at all.
If anyone has experience with stairs being an issue but still went to WDW please put my mind at ease (or at least let me know what I might be able to expect!).
Thanks fellow DISers!!!!

 

[SteveMouse]

Not to worry. All rides have accessible entrances that you don't have to go up/down stairs to use. Those that have stairs in the queue have alternate paths- a CM will direct you appropriately. You (and your accompanying party, up to 6) may end up boarding in a slightly different area (TSM comes to mind).

If you are using the ECV, you don't need a GAC- GACs are most useful for invisible conditions.

Relax and have fun!

-steve

 

[sharadoc]

Hi. I'm like you. My regular ortho wants me to have two TKRs immediately, and I'm trying to do everything I can to put it off. I figure the technology is getting so much better, than it will be a piece of cake with no real downtime in a couple of years. The minimally invasive surgery should be the standard soon, I'm hoping.

I have used a scooter on a couple of trips, the real hassle is getting to and from the parks. Once you're in there, you're fine. If you can get out of the scooter and into a ride, you'll be able to ride whatever you'd like. Keep an eye out for the handicap symbol at ride entrances, or check with the greeter CM. There's always someone there who can direct you to the correct entrance.

My regimen before a trip is:
1. Cortisone shots
2. Celebrex
3. Prednisone
4. Vicodin (only when necessary)
5. Tylenol

I just started a round of therapy for strength and it's going well. I never did it, the "2nd opinion" ortho I went to suggested it and I'm really thrilled about it.

Good luck and have a wonderful trip. Disney really goes out of it's way to make it comfortable for folks of ALL abilities.

 

[Debbie Jean]

Not to worry. All rides have accessible entrances that you don't have to go up/down stairs to use. Those that have stairs in the queue have alternate paths- a CM will direct you appropriately. You (and your accompanying party, up to 6) may end up boarding in a slightly different area (TSM comes to mind).

If you are using the ECV, you don't need a GAC- GACs are most useful for invisible conditions.

Relax and have fun!

-steve

This Just drive your ECV where the CM directs your party.

I am currently recovering from bi-lateral knee replacement, so I definitely understand... the ECV will make all the difference in your trip. Unfortunately getting in and out of the ride vehicle itself can still be quite a challenge... anything requiring a step down like Splash or Small World. Don't know whether my "new knees" will make that any better, but I'm hoping to test them out in October!

Have a wonderful trip!

 

[disneyfool_1202]

Once you're in there, you're fine. If you can get out of the scooter and into a ride, you'll be able to ride whatever you'd like. Keep an eye out for the handicap symbol at ride entrances, or check with the greeter CM. There's always someone there who can direct you to the correct entrance.

I can definitely get out of the scooter and into a ride- it's the walking around and standing in long lines that I can't do. Transferring into a wheelchair or directly into a ride vehicle is not generally a problem and I have DH with me for rides that I need a hand with a higher step up or down than the "norm" in which my knee will bend (or these days WONT bend)....

My regimen before a trip is:
1. Cortisone shots
2. Celebrex
3. Prednisone
4. Vicodin (only when necessary)
5. Tylenol

Have done cortisone which did nothing but cause an increase in pain for 48 hrs. Have asked about the new "gel" that can be injected but have been told that it usually works well - but not in knee's that are as bad as mine. The MD is willing to try it on my next visit in 3 wks though....
Haven't tried Celebrex or Prednisone. Can't take any type of NSAIDS due to history of gastric bypass 6 yrs ago (weight is what destroyed my knees to begin with - now I'm 160lbs lighter but knees are shot from long term weight). Tylenol does nothing. Don't have a Vicodin Rx but lord knows some days I wish I did!!!!

Thanks for your inpur everyone!!