Parks with a "New" Knee

[JoyMouse]

Happy New Year to everyone! My family (extended...), all 9 of us, will be at WDW on the 14th. We are really excited. Among the group is my DD who has cerebral palsy and will be using her wheelchair and me...I have a new knee, it is just 8 weeks old. I have used a GAC for DD before, do I need to get a separate one for myself? The ages of our group are from 2 to 76, so we will be taking it slow. I plan to use an ECV in the parks, but just a cane to and from the buses. Any suggestions?
Joy

 

[krisnme]

My family usually travels as a group of 9. DS has CP and is in a manual w/c and Mom is in a scooter, we get 2 GAC's. each allows a group of 6 to stay together. That way our group does not have to seperate and we get to enjoy the rides together, Isn't that the point anyway? Also since your group could end up seperating due to different interests each eligible person should get their own pass .

 

[toocherie]

I have two replaced knees. Just a suggestion--rent an ECV from off-site. It's less expensive, the walks from the busses/entrances to the rental places can be long and generally the off-site ECVs are smaller and more compact and easier to handle.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

Anyone using a wheelchair or ECV does not need to get a GAC unless there is a secondary problem other than mobility/stamina. This could include poor vision or hearing, having to stay out of the Sun, etc.

 

[dclfun]

My SIL just had a knee replacement. I think she'll be better off than she was before the surgery where she definitely needed an ECV. As you know there's lots of walking so I would recommend getting one since you are so soon after surgery- you should be fine walking short distances if you've parked the ECV or getting to/from the park entrances if you are renting on-site. If you do have the ECV and riding it into the queue lines you won't need a GAC. If you're using your cane only then perhaps you might need one to avoid stairs for the few attractions that have them.---Kathy

 

[JoyMouse]

Thanks for the suggestions. I have thought about renting a ECV from another source, which rental place is best?
We typically get a GAC for my DD since she is not able to wait in long lines (such as those for the characters). We don't always need the GAC, but find it is better to be prepared.
I am not sure that I need one, but will check with the cast member at guest services when we arrive.

Any other ideas are greatly appreciated!
Joy

 

[Cheshire Figment]

If you click on where it says "disABILTIES" at the top of this page it will take you to the Index. One of the top items is the "disABILTIES FAQ" which will gives lots of useful information. Post #2 discusses mobility/stamina and we have a list of recommended off-site rental sources for medical equipment. And Post #6 discusses the GAC.

Or, if you want an easier route to the FAQs, click on the link in my signature.

 

[powellrj]

I went a few months after my new knee and one thing that surprise me was I was nervous in crowds when I was walking. It was just DH and I and he didn't want me to rent the ECV, just walk. He said he would take it slow. He did, but I still got nervous when I was in a crowd. Another thing I noticed was it started to rain and I almost had a panic attack because I was so afraid I would fall.

I had never really had a problem at home with these issues, so I was surprised I felt like this at the parks. The ECV is a great idea and now even several years later I still rent one because it keeps me from panicking in large groups.