Seeking advice

[Stigsmom]

so this is me right now in the urgent care waiting room:


We are leaving Friday for my family's long awaited bucket list fort wilderness Christmas trip. I'm supposed to be driving my 3 kids and my parents down and being the tour guide of sorts. I paid for and arranged everything including character meals, fast passes and the candlelight service.

I fell down my garage steps this morning and my 7yo had to lift me from behind to get up and get on the way- miracle I could get them driven to school and get here to dr.

Anyway I am just seeking btdt advice from anyone who has been injured before a trip. I just read the thread about the daughter with broken foot but I am more nervous about where to start. I am supposed to be the responsible party for the 3 kids and 2 seniors, and not sure how I am going to manage things with an injured foot. Please please tell me where to start. I have been bawling all morning thinking I've ruined my family's trip. Thank you in advance for any comfort or advice you could send my way.

 

[SueM in MN]

OK - not much time, but a few questions..
1) How old are the kids?

2) Do any of the seniors have mobility problems?

3) Were you planning on using WDW transportation? If not, do you have someone to share driving with? If you get an ECV, can someone help you lift it in and out of your vehicle.

Also, check out post 2 of the disABILITES FAQs thread, Aldo posts 18-21

You will get through it and sure you will have a good time; it may just not be exactly the trip you were expecting.

 

[Stigsmom]

Thanks so much for reading.
1) How old are the kids?
2, 6 and 7. I was planning on pushing the double stroller for 2 & 6yo.

2) Do any of the seniors have mobility problems?
Fortunately, no, except my mom can't lift any of the kids. But... They aren't in that great of shape to push the double stroller. I am going to have to figure out what to do about that.

3) Were you planning on using WDW transportation? If not, do you have someone to share driving with? If you get an ECV, can someone help you lift it in and out of your vehicle.

I don't think I would get an ecv. I would be too worried about getting in someone's way or hitting someone/something. Not worth risking that. I would have to get a regular wheelchair. I'm in one right now waiting for my X-ray.
My dad was the one who drove me here from work to dr. He can drive us to Florida but he's saying he doesn't want me to have to go. I feel terrible because I got this trip for him above everyone.

 

[Trixie15]

Honestly, you should wait to see what is actually wrong before making huge decisions. A broken ankle is a LOT different than a sprained ankle. A broken ankle could easily require surgery and you just may not be up to going on a vacation so soon after that.

If you are able to go (fingers crossed for you!) I would skip the stroller for 6 year old, get a lightweight umbrella type stroller for the youngest which would be easier for someone else to push. Get something motorized for yourself - you won't be able to wheel yourself around for long, and it can be taxing for another adult to push an adult around in a wheelchair if they aren't already used to doing it. Take breaks, go easy - it won't be a commando trip after this either way, I'm guessing.

Is it just you, your parents, and the kids or is there another adult going?

Good luck to you!

 

[Stigsmom]

My husband isn't going because he has maxed out vacation time for the year... And he really didn't want to do WDW with his inlaws anyway ha.

Just got out of X-ray and I don't think it's broken. X-ray tech wouldn't tell me anything definitive but I think she would have reacted differently if it was.

I am already replanning mentally. Wanted to do the mini golf and Disney quest from our package. It was going to be firsts for all of us. Thinking I will have to send my parents with the 2 older kids and I will be getting a lot of cabin time. Or I may split the group with 6&7 going with dad and baby going with mom. Just gotta figure out how to get the boys to once upon a toy. They have talked all year about building sister a light saber there. She was asleep last time we went and didn't get to make one. They have been planning it for her Christmas present. I'll have to get one of my parents to take them. And, 6 yo is going to have to walk I guess. Double stroller is out now.

 

[nikkislaght]

I agree, with getting an ECV.. you will be so tired from getting half way through the park you will be not only in pain from your ankle but from trying to get yourself around.. as for other people.. yes you may run into someone or they may run into you.. but it is still worth renting one.. if you have never used a manual wheelchair before for more than just getting from one room to another , you will soon find out how hard they are... and if your parents cant even lift a 2 yr old.. then they wont be able to push you.

as for the double stroller.. nix that . get a smaller one for the little one and the 6yr old walks... unless there is something physically wrong with the 6 yr old. they should be able to do the parks by themselves.. have plenty of rests.. go to the first aid area for some ice and rest ..

and lastly calm down .. let the others take on the responsibilities.. even the 2 yr old can do some work on this trip...

Hope your ankle is ok and you all have a great trip..

 

[Stigsmom]

Thanks. I just wanted it to be a responsibility free time for the others... Oh well.

Just got this and crutches for the week, out of work 2 days and dr also said get ecv for WDW. I will be so nervous to try and use one but I guess this is life's message to tell me to take it slow.

 

[gap2368]

oh no I am so sorry this happened to you I would get an ECV and practice a little before at your hotel ( or maybe go to your local walmart and use theres.

as fair as the stroller can both of your parents take turns pushing it if so then you might want to keep a double one if you feel both kids would need it or you can do the small single one ( now if the person pushing is very tell then this might be a problem with them bent over) and use it mostly for your little one but let the 6 year old in it some maybe.

disney is very good with assecibility most lines you can go in just fine I would just check with the CM at the front of the line to see what you need to do I would rent an ECV from off site cheeper and you will have it all the time I do not think you want to be walking or in a manual wheel chair at the end of a long day with 3 tired kids and the maul ones are not ease almost imposable to push) and take the disney bus

look up at the top for the pined post about disability it has mobile and places to rent a scooter from and I know this is easer said then done but you are going to disney and Disney dose a great job of taking care of there guest just remember that you may have to do thing different or slower but you your kids and your parent will have a great time

 

[gap2368]

here is the link to the disability page http://www.disboards.com/threads/di...disabled-1st-trip-next-trip-wish-trip.595713/

 

[Bete]

Consider bringing another friend, family member or whoever you know that is a responsible party to help.

You can hire help at Disney World. There are outside agencies for hire. The catch is you have to pay them a decent wage, pay for park admission, and most expect a tip. Most expect a minimum time slot per day.

Concentrate on seeing shows mostly with a little bit of rides thrown in. This will help your parents get a rest here and there if you are going to use them as your helpers. Take a rest mid day; so, your parents can recharge.

 

[Stigsmom]

I just wanted to thank everyone for the advice. I rented a scooter from Apple which was there for me at the resort. I couldn't have done without it and a boot I got from a coworker.

Here is a picture for you I took just now.
This is all I ever wanted. My dad and my sons to go to magic kingdom. I started crying when I looked up and saw them together there. Happy holidays and thank you again.