Planning my first trip to Disney with a disABILITY

[JoeyAnyc]

Hey DISers.

As of 2 days ago, my trip to Disney next week has some obsticles.

Monday during my personal training at the gym, I completely tore my left achilles tendon which the MRI shows . Monday I'm getting casted as I choose to let things heal naturally.

I've read through a lot of the topics here, which were very helpful. I just set up a portable scooter rental from Buena Vista Scooters. I got the crutches holder attachment.

I will not be able to walk or put pressure on my left leg. Here are a few questions I have.

Scooter Charging stations: are their any maps that indicate where charging stations can be found? Or are they all over? I guess I never paid any attention not having to need them before. I'm doing to do MK until 2am, so I want to make sure my battery holds up

Ride Restrictions: Are their any rides that CMs will restrict me from getting on? I do everything except Mission Space Rockin' Roller Coaster and Everst are my must do coasters. I hope this won't prevent me from getting on them.

DAS Card: From experience, is it appropriate for me to request one? I read the sticky regarding DAS cards and I'm not sure from what I've read.

Proper Scooter Etiquette: What should I keep in mind while navigating through the parks? Any advise? I want to avoid as many nasty looks and comments as possible! HAHA.

Thanks for any and all of your help and suggestions. I want to be sure Disney is just as magical as the past 9 years have been. As long as I can ride my rides, see the Osborne lights, and have Beaches n' Cream before bed...I'm great! No complaints.

 

[OurBigTrip]

If you have an ECV, and mobility is your only issue, you won't need a DAS.

 

[disney david]

Hey DISers. As of 2 days ago, my trip to Disney next week has some obsticles. Monday during my personal training at the gym, I completely tore my left achilles tendon which the MRI shows . Monday I'm getting casted as I choose to let things heal naturally. I've read through a lot of the topics here, which were very helpful. I just set up a portable scooter rental from Buena Vista Scooters. I got the crutches holder attachment. I will not be able to walk or put pressure on my left leg. Here are a few questions I have. Scooter Charging stations: are their any maps that indicate where charging stations can be found? Or are they all over? I guess I never paid any attention not having to need them before. I'm doing to do MK until 2am, so I want to make sure my battery holds up Ride Restrictions: Are their any rides that CMs will restrict me from getting on? I do everything except Mission Space Rockin' Roller Coaster and Everst are my must do coasters. I hope this won't prevent me from getting on them. DAS Card: From experience, is it appropriate for me to request one? I read the sticky regarding DAS cards and I'm not sure from what I've read. Proper Scooter Etiquette: What should I keep in mind while navigating through the parks? Any advise? I want to avoid as many nasty looks and comments as possible! HAHA. Thanks for any and all of your help and suggestions. I want to be sure Disney is just as magical as the past 9 years have been. As long as I can ride my rides, see the Osborne lights, and have Beaches n' Cream before bed...I'm great! No complaints.

If you go to beaches n' cream get the new mini kitchen sink it comes in a souvenir mickey sink. But he warned it a lot of ice cream and toppings it can feed at least four or more or two over as long as you take your time. They also have the mickey sink in mk ice cream shop on Main Street. They do it in the to go for beaches n' cream it still big for the mini version.

 

[JoeyAnyc]

If you have an ECV, and mobility is your only issue, you won't need a DAS.

Okay. Thank you.

If you go to beaches n' cream get the new mini kitchen sink it comes in a souvenir mickey sink. But he warned it a lot of ice cream and toppings it can feed at least four or more or two over as long as you take your time. They also have the mickey sink in mk ice cream shop on Main Street. They do it in the to go for beaches n' cream it still big for the mini version.

Oh boy! I've always avoided the kitchen sink all together. But a mini...I will have to break down and do it already I usually get my Frozen Sunshine with those candied orange slices. MMMMMMM. Thanks for the good news. I ADRed 2 nights for the 10:30pm seating.

 

[disney david]

Okay. Thank you. Oh boy! I've always avoided the kitchen sink all together. But a mini...I will have to break down and do it already I usually get my Frozen Sunshine with those candied orange slices. MMMMMMM. Thanks for the good news. I ADRed 2 nights for the 10:30pm seating.

I always want to eat their but never do I just eat at the take out and alway get the milk shakes. But when they came out with them recently I had to have the sink if you can finish it you deserve a tee shirt it hard even with two people. Have fun

 

[JennyDrake]

Hey there! January 3 2013 I ruptured my Achilles!

I have a question/clarification about your post--are you ZERO weight bearing on the affected leg? If you are ZERO weight bearing, you are going to have a VERY hard/impossible time getting in/out of cars that you stop don into such as BTMRR, Splash, Space, POTC.

 

[JoeyAnyc]

I always want to eat their but never do I just eat at the take out and alway get the milk shakes. But when they came out with them recently I had to have the sink if you can finish it you deserve a tee shirt it hard even with two people. Have fun

Well I can guarantee that we will not finish it all. I don't eat sugar. I tell everyone I'm on a Disney diet. Then at Disney I have anything I want does the mini still have "a whole can" of whipped cream?

Hey there! January 3 2013 I ruptured my Achilles!

I have a question/clarification about your post--are you ZERO weight bearing on the affected leg? If you are ZERO weight bearing, you are going to have a VERY hard/impossible time getting in/out of cars that you stop don into such as BTMRR, Splash, Space, POTC.

When I get casted on Monday I'll confirm, but what I was told on my initial visit. As long as CMs don't stop me from riding, I will get in! Haha. Luckily I can lift my own weight, so as long as no one is pushing me away, I will do whatever it takes

 

[disney david]

Well I can guarantee that we will not finish it all. I don't eat sugar. I tell everyone I'm on a Disney diet. Then at Disney I have anything I want does the mini still have "a whole can" of whipped cream? When I get casted on Monday I'll confirm, but what I was told on my initial visit. As long as CMs don't stop me from riding, I will get in! Haha. Luckily I can lift my own weight, so as long as no one is pushing me away, I will do whatever it takes

Yes it has one scoop on strawberry one chocolate and one vanilla cherries brownies and Oreos and chocolate sauce. It hard to carry it heavy and if made right it messy it is to much sugar. But it worth it to have the little sink to take home as a reward.

 

[kaytieeldr]

There are no scooter charging stations, and you shouldn't need to charge a properly-operating device during the day. Just turn it off and remove the key when you're not going to be moving for a couple/few minutes - preshow holding areas, cycle loading atractions, parades... Just make sure you charge it all night while you sleep.

 

[bafleyanne]

I hear your concern about charging with being in the parks until very late! If you get concerned about your battery, a lot of the restaurants have outlets nearby, especially when they have outdoor seating areas. My favorite emergency charge place in MK is Pinocchio Village Haus...you can drive right into the outdoor seating and park and plug in over in a corner.

 

[JoeyAnyc]

I hear your concern about charging with being in the parks until very late! If you get concerned about your battery, a lot of the restaurants have outlets nearby, especially when they have outdoor seating areas. My favorite emergency charge place in MK is Pinocchio Village Haus...you can drive right into the outdoor seating and park and plug in over in a corner.

Thank you. This is a concern for Sat. I start in the parks around 10am. So that's 16 + hours. I want to keep the battery topped off. But hey, if I get stranded in the MK overnight, I won't complain

 

[Toffeewoffy]

I did about 10am - gone midnight back in Feb when it was REALLY cold and the battery held out at full charge right through to the end. Just turn the key to 'off' whenever you're stationary or in one of those queues which isn't constantly moving. There's no need to remove the key, though - only do this when you're getting off and moving away from the ECV. There's less chance of you losing or dropping the key if you leave it in situ.

You'll be able to take the ECV into most queues at Disney now; they'll just ask you when you get to the front whether you can transfer or not. If you can manage with your crutches, then the answer is 'yes'. You'll park where indicated and just hobble to the ride.

As long as you've hired the correct ECV for your weight (your own weight plus 50lbs leeway) then you shouldn't need to worry about the battery dying on you in a short period of time. Don't forget to account for anything you might want to store in the basket, such as purse, drink, etc - and the weight of your crutches, of course.

I hope you have a great time.

 

[kaytieeldr]

Thank you. This is a concern for Sat. I start in the parks around 10am. So that's 16 + hours. I want to keep the battery topped off. But hey, if I get stranded in the MK overnight, I won't complain

Topping off the battery is bad for the battery.

 

[JoeyAnyc]

I did about 10am - gone midnight back in Feb when it was REALLY cold and the battery held out at full charge right through to the end. Just turn the key to 'off' whenever you're stationary or in one of those queues which isn't constantly moving. There's no need to remove the key, though - only do this when you're getting off and moving away from the ECV. There's less chance of you losing or dropping the key if you leave it in situ.

You'll be able to take the ECV into most queues at Disney now; they'll just ask you when you get to the front whether you can transfer or not. If you can manage with your crutches, then the answer is 'yes'. You'll park where indicated and just hobble to the ride.

As long as you've hired the correct ECV for your weight (your own weight plus 50lbs leeway) then you shouldn't need to worry about the battery dying on you in a short period of time. Don't forget to account for anything you might want to store in the basket, such as purse, drink, etc - and the weight of your crutches, of course.

I hope you have a great time.

Topping off the battery is bad for the battery.

Thanks for the helpful information. Today (day 3) I am doing much better with this situation. The overwhelmed feelling subsided. I got a Knee Scooter last night which made everything SO much better, and airlines will check it with strollers. I'm confident I'll be able to do the parks as I normally would. I think Rock n Roller Coaster might be the most challenging to get in and out. I'll make it happen if allowed

 

[Elevationist]

I'm going to have to disagree with the PPs, regarding no need to charge your scooter. I have used ECVs, both from on and off property, for every trip since 2002. I've often had battery issues by the end of the night, particularly if I was going full-on theme park commando, and both opening a park and shutting it down, including EMHs.

You can go to any of the parks ECV rental locations, and they will let you pull in and charge-up for a while. Also, just keep your eyes peeled for electrical outlets. The PPs tip about Piinnochio Village Haus is a great one. Also, at Epcot, as soon as you go through the double-doors into the Land pavilion, look to your left, there's an outlet on the wall. This is an area where a lot of people leave their ECVs, so nobody even notices if you park you ECV there to charge, then use your crutches to get around the pavilion. (Note.... continue to follow the walkway all the way to the left, and you'll find an elevator down to the 1st level.)

Side Note: I'm glad you went with Buena Vista Scooters. They're who I use personally, as well as recommend to my clients (I'm a travel agent). Nothing but good experiences across the board with them.

 

[JoeyAnyc]

I'm going to have to disagree with the PPs, regarding no need to charge your scooter. I have used ECVs, both from on and off property, for every trip since 2002. I've often had battery issues by the end of the night, particularly if I was going full-on theme park commando, and both opening a park and shutting it down, including EMHs.

You can go to any of the parks ECV rental locations, and they will let you pull in and charge-up for a while. Also, just keep your eyes peeled for electrical outlets. The PPs tip about Piinnochio Village Haus is a great one. Also, at Epcot, as soon as you go through the double-doors into the Land pavilion, look to your left, there's an outlet on the wall. This is an area where a lot of people leave their ECVs, so nobody even notices if you park you ECV there to charge, then use your crutches to get around the pavilion. (Note.... continue to follow the walkway all the way to the left, and you'll find an elevator down to the 1st level.)

Side Note: I'm glad you went with Buena Vista Scooters. They're who I use personally, as well as recommend to my clients (I'm a travel agent). Nothing but good experiences across the board with them.

Thank you for sharing your experience. The people at Buena Vista did tell me to top of the battery when I do timely activities. I expressed my needs of running for 16+ hours on Sat. My phone reservation with them was very pleasant and helpful. They were able to answer my questions. I got 2 drink holder attachments" one for my diet coke and one for me Dole Whip

 

[olwyngdh]

The Tangled bathroom area has a nice place to charge--well shaded, seats for the rest of your party, and the outlets are hidden in the tree stumps. You will often find people charging their phones there.

If you park just inside the bathroom in Germany, plug in there, and then sit outside on the bench, you can have a nice view of Illuminations. (found that one out the hard way)

I can't think of anywhere in AK or HS right now.

You shouldn't have problems if you charge all night in your room though.

 

[JoeyAnyc]

The Tangled bathroom area has a nice place to charge--well shaded, seats for the rest of your party, and the outlets are hidden in the tree stumps. You will often find people charging their phones there.

If you park just inside the bathroom in Germany, plug in there, and then sit outside on the bench, you can have a nice view of Illuminations. (found that one out the hard way)

I can't think of anywhere in AK or HS right now.

You shouldn't have problems if you charge all night in your room though.

Thank you. I'm making a list mainly for Saturday. I'll take advantage of any charging opportunity. Appreciate your help

 

[Elevationist]

I got 2 drink holder attachments" one for my diet coke and one for me Dole Whip

Now THAT is smart thinking!!!

On my last trip, I had some trouble with my scooter from Buena Vista. Two nights in a row, two different outlets, and the next morning my scooter wasn't fully charged. I didn't want to start my second day late, so I called them to report the issue on the bus on my way to Animal Kingdom. They immediately sent out a rep with a new scooter for me, who called me once he was INSIDE the park, and asked me where to find me. I thought I'd have to go back out to the front of the park to meet him, but nope! He was actually able to bring it directly to me outside of the queue for Expedition Everest. Now THAT is customer service!!

 

[JoeyAnyc]

I wanted to say a quick Thank You to everyone that contributed to my post. Tomorrow is the big day, that my ticker has been couting down for all year

I'm stolling around the house on my knee scooter, getting things packed. I'm hoping United will put my scooter in with the wheel chairs and strollers so it's available when we land.

<---- VERY excited.

I'll do my best with getting on rides. I think I'll have to skip Space Mountain & Dinosaurs. They knock you around too much. Would rather save my leg for Everest.

I'll report back on my experience with the scooters, mobility, etc. Weather is looking good. High 70s. Maybe some showers, but I can deal with that over 30 degree weather.

Thanks again. Wish me luck