Solo traveler with a cane - rides?

[dawnhaze]

Hey folks. I've traveled to WDW solo several times, used a GAC for my back and hip problems, it's all been good. But, it's looking like for my trip in October, I'll be walking with a cane.

What exactly am I going to do with this thing on rides?

I mean, I can take it with me on the tame stuff. It's not going anyplace on IASW, etc. But what about the roller coasters? ToT? I wouldn't want it flying around and hitting people, that would be be terrible.

Will a CM be willing to take my cane when I board and then have it for me at the exit? Will I need to board at the exits the way wheelchair passengers sometimes do? Is there an easier solution I'm overlooking?

 

[bidnow5]

The CMs will hold it for you on some rides they will have it waiting at the exit . Be carful I only used mine a little and it was kicked 4 or 5 times people don't seem to notice canes

 

[Piper]

At WDW, the HC entrance is rarely at the exit. It is usually through the regular line. I use 1 forearm crutch and need it to get onto the rides. I usually put it behind my legs on the floor. Of course, I cannot ride the coasters. It has been so many years since I was able to do that, so I really don't know about those.

 

[Gracie09]

You can also try a folding cane. Dh used that and he just put it next to him or in the pouch in front of him. Just remember the cm cannot assist you getting in and out of rides so make sure you can get out on your own. I'm thinking things like space mountain.

 

[ttintagel]

Most of the time, it will go with you. I've had some very lovely families help me arrange them on the floor when I was using crutches and had to share a row in a boat or train. I also have a couple of funny stories:

In the Haunted Mansion, my sister got in first, and I was struggling to get in the Doombuggy, get my backpack off, and get my crutches tucked into the seat beside me, all before the lap bar came down. I kept asking her for help, but apparently she didn't hear me through her telling me to hurry, and of course the crutches kept the bar from coming down and everything ground to a halt. So, when everything got quiet, everyone could hear her saying, "Nice work! You BROKE the Haunted Mansion!"

When I boarded Space Mountain by myself, I asked the CM, "Can I leave my crutches somewhere and pick them up at the end?" He winked and said, "Nah, just put them in the car with you. They'll fall out and be waiting for you at the bottom."

 

[dawnhaze]

You can also try a folding cane. Dh used that and he just put it next to him or in the pouch in front of him. Just remember the cm cannot assist you getting in and out of rides so make sure you can get out on your own. I'm thinking things like space mountain.

A folding cane is actually a pretty darn good idea! I'd be a little concerned about it collapsing on me, I'm rather heavy, but I'll look into that for sure.

I might end up skipping Space this trip for exactly that reason. I already don't do Astro Orbiter because it's hard to get in and out of. RnRC takes me a minute, but I enjoy it enough to exert the effort.

The CMs will hold it for you on some rides they will have it waiting at the exit . Be carful I only used mine a little and it was kicked 4 or 5 times people don't seem to notice canes

Yeah, I've had canes kicked out from under me at concerts and Six Flags in the past. It's a shame when people can't/don't/won't watch where they're going.

When I boarded Space Mountain by myself, I asked the CM, "Can I leave my crutches somewhere and pick them up at the end?" He winked and said, "Nah, just put them in the car with you. They'll fall out and be waiting for you at the bottom."

Hahaha! That's great.

Thanks to everyone for all the info!

 

[Tiggerish]

I frequently use a folding cane and I am very much "pooh" sized.

 

[serenitynow]

I use a quad cane and take it on all the rides with no problems. ToT, space & splash mtn, EE, Kali - you name it and the cane has gone along for the ride. You 'll be fine!

 

[GrammyJudy]

I have a folding cane I bought a few years ago at WalMart for $20 and it works great and I am definitely Pooh sized and lean on it pretty heavily. I use a scooter in the parks and it fits nicely in the basket.

 

[Simba's Mom]

You can also try a folding cane. Dh used that and he just put it next to him or in the pouch in front of him. Just remember the cm cannot assist you getting in and out of rides so make sure you can get out on your own. I'm thinking things like space mountain.

That's the kind of cane I have, and I travel solo with it to WDW often. And I find the CMs are extra nice when they see me with it.

 

[asta]

As far as being able to get off and on rides, I was worried about this after having knee replacement surgery and I found it was easier than expected. I rode all of the coasters, even space mountain without trouble. The body of the ride vehicle is close enough to hold onto as you get in and out. By far the worst ride for loading was test track. I didn't expect the step down to be so steep and I really hurt my new joint stepping into the car. Other than that everything else was fine.

 

[Bete]

I did a google search and it seems many of these foldable canes are maxed out at 250 pounds for support. There may be better ones that support higher weight, but I would be careful about selecting one; unless, you are less than 250 pounds.