Removable cast or wheelchair?

[taylor3297]

I am having major issues with my achilles tendon. In order to avoid surgery, my podiatrist has put me in a removable cast. He does know I am going to Disney and he suggested I either try the removable cast for the trip or to rent a wheel chair when needed.

So which would be the easiest? I would not need a GAC due to I will stand in line either way and will be able to get on and off each attraction. I would use the wheel chair only when my foot is in extreme pain and when having to walk long distances at one time. I am thinking EPCOT on the long walking part.

Opinions please.

 

[Piper]

Even with a GAC you would go in the same line as everyone else. The lines are mainstreamed.

You may want to rent an ECV from an outside vendor. The distances between attractions are long in every park. Pushing a WC isn't easy and you won't have any freedom that way. You would just take the ECV in the regular line and then transfer to the ride. Some of the distances in the line are very long (Soarin is 1/4 mile in and the same distance out!)

 

[Bete]

with the cast.

I agree with the previous poster and you are a perfect candidate for a scooter. You can do a non-Disney scooter and it really helps on the price of the rental that way. They deliver to your resort. You could pick it up, too in most instances.

If you are not on Disney property make sure you get a scooter that comes apart. They're called portable, travel scooters.

I know it costs more than a wheelchair rental, but you will make up for it by going faster on the scooter and you won't be dependent on someone pushing you or pushing yourself.

 

[taylor3297]

Even with a GAC you would go in the same line as everyone else. The lines are mainstreamed.

You may want to rent an ECV from an outside vendor. The distances between attractions are long in every park. Pushing a WC isn't easy and you won't have any freedom that way. You would just take the ECV in the regular line and then transfer to the ride. Some of the distances in the line are very long (Soarin is 1/4 mile in and the same distance out!)

Thanks for the information. Since I have never driven an ECV, I ruled that out because I know those things aren't as easy to drive. Is there somewhere to park a wheel chair like the stroller areas? I am hoping that I will not need the wheelchair at all, but wanted to be prepared just in case.

 

[KPeveler]

Yes, you can park a wheelchair in stroller parking. Just so you know, you will really not be able to push your own manual wheelchair any distance at all. The rental chairs are not made to be pushed by the user, so you will need someone to push it for you. This can be very tiring for the pushers.

If you have ever used a bicycle, you can use a scooter! There is a tiller with handle bars, just like a bike, and then you push a button with your thumb to move forward or back. There are also speed controls, so you do not have to go any faster than you are comfortable with.

Power wheelchairs are controlled with a joy stick which controls direction, speed, and everything else. These ARE hard to drive, but scooters are very easy!

I suggest looking into scooter rentals. You can actually try out a scooter at your local grocery store or Target. Remember that these would be a lot larger than the rentals in Florida, so those would actually be easier to drive.

Hope this helps!

 

[Bete]

and I'm currently a pusher of a wheelchair for my mom. Believe me, I rather use a scooter. A manual wheelchair is no picnic especially at Disney.

You can always try it whatever way when you first get there, but keep in mind chances are good you can do an outside rental company for a scooter once you are there, as well. Take some phone numbers of scooter companies with you, just in case. Disney scooter rentals are very expensive; so, this is why we all say to rent from an outside source. You can do daily rentals of scooters at Disney, too; it will just cost more.

If you want you can practice at home with a scooter usually by going to a local zoo. Many zoos rent out scooters very reasonably and you can see how it will be for you there.

Scooters give you basically the same access to everything Disney as a wheelchair. You are allowed, for example, to be in handicap viewing areas for parades and such. The biggest difference is that a few rides can accept a wheelchair and a scooter is never allowed on a ride.

You can park a scooter, too and walk some if this is what you choose to do.

You don't want to suffer any reinjury to yourself. It's easy to overdo at Disney and be sorry later when it's too late.

I'm still pro scooter renting. You will get so much more park time using a scooter that it would more than pay for itself.

 

[taylor3297]

Thanks for the information and opinions. Other than not knowing how to drive a scooter, I was not considering a scooter due to I may not need assistance of the wheel chair. Was only going to rent the chair if I needed. i could take the cast with me, but didn't want to lug it around.

So, y'all have given me a lot to consider. Luckily, I have a little time to make my final decision.

A plus I will have is that my sister is PT will be with me.

 

[SueM in MN]

Keep in mind that you may be walking 9-12 miles in a day at WDW. Most people report walking at least 6 miles a day, but 9-12 is not unusual.

Post 2 of the disABILITIES FAQs thread has information about renting in the parks and from off-site companies ( including website links and phone numbers).