Son-in-law just tore his ACL and we leave for WDW on 10/29, help!!!

[tc]

We are headed to WDW for a trip over Halloween to celebrate our son-in-law's (not the one that's injured) safe return from Iraq. The other son-in-law played basketball last night, and tore his ACL. Surgery is looming, but not till we get back. He can put no weight on it, and it looks like it will be sticking straight out, with no bend in his knee. My daughter is pretty freaked out about traveling from KC to Orlando with a 3 and a 1 year old, and her husband in a wheelchair. On top of that, there's touring for 5 days at WDW, and he'll be in a wheelchair.
Any tips on the airport/magical express portion that will make their trip easier?
Once at WDW, what should we do? Rent the wheelchair at WDW? Get an ECV? Rent a wheelchair somewhere else? We're looking for the most cost effecient, yet convenient way to go.
We're staying for the first few days at BCV and last 2 days at OKW, should I contact DVC about getting a room with no stairs? Too much for my brain.

Thanks in advance for all your help!

 

[christymarie]

I'm going to assume that they will give your SIL crutches since he is not able to put weight on his leg. My suggestion would be for him to use crutches on the plane and the bus. With two young children his wife will need to have her hands free to handle the kids (make sure she has a double stroller, I would recommend a Maclaren side by side as they are narrow and fold easily) and will not be able to push him around in a chair and those rental chairs are not always easy to propel on your own. He will also probably do well to use crutches to get around the resorts. You may have to take more breaks but it should make things easier.

At the parks I would recommend a wheelchair or ECV. The ECV will allow him a bit more independence unless one of you guys want to push him around. His wife may need some additional help since he will not be able to corral the kids. The other thing you can try is him using the crutches in the park. Depending on his fitness level that may be the best option and then just make sure he gets enough rest/down time to now irritate the injury. He will probably have a brace that is stiff so there will be many rides he will not be able to go on but at the same time there will be plenty to do.

I hope you guys have a good time.

 

[KirstenB]

I'd definitely call DVC asap, regarding OKW. We own there, and I think a few buildings have elevators, but you would do better with a first floor unit there. BCV should be fine.

My dh tore his ACL 10 yrs ago. He said he'd go ahead and get the brace he'll be using after the surgery. It would give support, and possibly allow him to flex his knee enough to board some rides. He could still use a wheelchair, but the brace would help protect the knee too.

 

[peemagg]

I would also rent an ECV or a whhelchair form an off-site place. It will be cheaper than renting from Disney. I would personally use a ECV. He can still have his leg outright but resting on the deck of the scooter. Less apt to have someone trip over his leg in the parks. I would also see if he can use the brace that he will be using after surgery instead of the stiff one. He will be more comfortable that way too.


If you get him an ECV, then his wife won't have to worry about how to get him around plus the kids. It will give him more freedom too.


Just as an FYI, my sister tore hers too and walked on it for 6 months before having the surgery. Not by her choice, but that is another story.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

Hi and to disABILITIES!

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 deals extensively with mobility and lists various off-site vendors where people have had good results.

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

I would very strongly suggest renting of an ECV for him. If from off-site it will also be available at the Resort. Also, if renting from off-site they will install a crutch holder (usually $10 for the entire stay) if he will need the crutches to get to and from actual ride vehicles.

Unless a person is used to as wheelchair, and they get one that is lightweight, they will need a pusher for a regular chair. Since his wife will have to worry about the kids and strroller, he needs an ECV and not a chair.

 

[SueM in MN]

As was already noted, BCV won't be a problem since there are elevators.
For OKW, there are only elevators in 3 buildings, but most buildings are only 2 stories, so there is a 50:50 chance you will be on first floor without doing anything at all. If you are DVC members, call member services and request 1st floor. If not, call the reservation number. They may tell you to call the resort since it is so close, but start with those numbers.

For DME, there is some information in the disABILITIES FAQs thread. You should contact your airline to get wheelchair assistance at the gate and to the DME check in area. You will be able to use the airline wheelchair all the way to the bus. Getting on the bus may be a challenge, since there is a steep set of steps to board. You should be able to be boarded using the airline wheelchair, although those have a high extension on them to keep people from driving away with them. Once on the bus, he can transfer to a seat. Call DME to explain your situation, that you won't have a wheelchair of your own and to arrange for a bus with a lift.

Besides the information in the disABILITIES FAQs thread that you were already pointed to, there is information about WDW transportation to/from resorts, parks. The boats in the Boardwalk/EPCOT/Studio area are accessible, as are the monorails and buses.
Without being able to bend his knee, he will be able to see all the shows, but some rides will not be doable because getting in and getting seated involves bending at the knee. Some attractions do have wheelchair accessible ride cars, but he would need to transfer to a wheelchair at the attraction. The space allowed on the wheelchair ride car is usually just big enough for the wheelchair and he may not fit with leg extended.
If you have any questions, talk to the CM at the queue entrance.