Temporary injury--Big Worrier

[princessesrule]

Ok, so a month ago I "sprained" my ankle pretty bad and have had to wear a boot. Went back to the doctor today and found out I actually fractured my ankle and have to wear the boot 2 more weeks. I get the boot off the DAY BEFORE we leave for Disney. The Doc said I will be in an ankle brace for another 2-4 weeks.

I am worried about all the walking I will have to do! I don't know what to do. I was thinking of renting an electric scooter at the parks, but what if they run out?? Should I rent one from an outside company? How would I get on the bus? Should I rent one at all???

I know my ankle will hurt after 1 day. I know it is a minor temporary disability, but it really has me worried!

Any advise would be appreciated.

Thanks!

 

[clkelley]

Rent the scooter and rent it from an off property company. The busses are all accessible, and that way you know you have it when you need it.

 

[OneLittleSpark]

Don't Panic! It's OK, Disney is great for people with disabilities - temporary or permanent. I really think renting an ECV (electric scooter) sounds like the best route for you. It will allow you to enjoy your holiday with your family, without worrying about your pain, or how you'll keep up everyone.

As Carol said, renting from an offsite company removes a lot of the stress, as you don't have to worry about whether or not the park will have any when you get there. Also, you will be able to use it around the resort; they usually work out cheaper; and they're generally much easier to drive. If you are using a cane or crutches when walking, you can get a holder put on the back of your rental for a small nominal charge.

You can get an ECV onto and off the buses, with a bit of practice (you might want to have a few 'trial runs' at your hotel before you tackle them for real, just to get your confidence up). To get on the buses, you will either drive forwards up a ramp or reverse onto the lift. At the top, you will have to parallel park into one of the spaces on the far side of the bus. You can then transfer out onto a seat (this is safer than staying in an ECV, as they are more liable to tip than wheelchairs), and the lovely driver will strap it down safely for you. If you don't feel happy doing it, someone else in your party can do it for you.

For most of the rides, you and your party will go through the main line with everyone else, then get pulled off to board at the exit at the last minute. This gives you more time and space to get on, and means that the ECV is waiting for you when you get off. For those that don't follow this pattern, the CM at the entrance should be able to tell you what to do.

Basically, don't worry about it. Disney is the most accessible place I've ever been; they'll take good care of you. Just relax, enjoy your holiday, and let Disney do their magic!

 

[Cheshire Figment]

Please ask the following questions. Here are the suggested answers to go with them.

1. Are you disabled (even temporarily)? Yes.

2. Do the people you are traveling with, such as your family, know you are disabled? Yes.

3. Do you expect to meet anyone you know during this trip who may not know you are disabled. Probably No!

4. Do you expect to meet a bunch of people who you will probably never meet again in your life? Probably yes!

5. Is there any reason at all that you should care what these people think about you? Absolutely No!!

6. Will using a wheelchair or ECV make for a better vacation for you and your family? Absolutely YES!

 

[LMC]

Take your boot with you! If you wear it, you will probably fend off the pain longer.

 

[djblu883]

I rented a chair for a GF but she refused to use it luckily for me. My back locked up the morning we were headed to the parks! I had to use her chair and also had a doctor come to my room and had the hotel send a runner for my meds. With all tha help I was able to enjoy my vacation and by the last day I was able to Walk all of MK drug and chair free!! Just be careful those chairs don't have a good breaking system. Turn you key off every time you stop for any length of time!!!

 

[Luv Bunnies]

I messed up my ankle pretty badly about 3 years ago and had to wear a boot for several months. I agree that you might want to wear it through your trip and start wearing a brace after you get back. Even if you decide to rent an ECV, the boot will help keep your ankle stable for the small amount of walking that you'll still end up doing. I couldn't believe how much better my ankle felt when I was wearing the boot.

 

[BarbO1999]

Definitely take the boot with you will give you more stability for that much walking. And get the scooter!!!!

 

[DisneyFairytale]

Ok, so a month ago I "sprained" my ankle pretty bad and have had to wear a boot. Went back to the doctor today and found out I actually fractured my ankle and have to wear the boot 2 more weeks. I get the boot off the DAY BEFORE we leave for Disney. The Doc said I will be in an ankle brace for another 2-4 weeks.

I am worried about all the walking I will have to do! I don't know what to do. I was thinking of renting an electric scooter at the parks, but what if they run out?? Should I rent one from an outside company? How would I get on the bus? Should I rent one at all???

I know my ankle will hurt after 1 day. I know it is a minor temporary disability, but it really has me worried!

Any advise would be appreciated.

Thanks!

I would probably keep the boot on regardless of whether or not you rent a chair. Between the crowds accidently pushing you or tripping while getting on or off a ride, if it were me, I would probably wear it.

As far as renting the chairs, they rarely "run out" and if they do, the closest attendant near you will call for a new chair for you and make sure you have on that is running well for you.

I have had major hip reconstruction work done 3 summers in a row and know the drill for chairs down there. Nothing to worry about, they are really easy to work with

 

[Pats Dragon]

I'm in the same boat as I injured my knee and can only hobble. I've never rented a scooter before but just reserved one on line. I'm hoping for you and me that everything goes ok. People on the Dis have been very helpful and optimistic.

 

[princessesrule]

I ended up renting a scooter from Buena Vista scooters. I hope everything works out. I arrive on Sunday, but I am not getting the scooter until Monday. Hope I can make it through Magic Kingdom till 3am Sunday night!