To Walker or not to Walker that is the question?

[Porsche4]

Since a torn meniscus ligament and displaced knee cap I now suffer quite a lot of knee pain and find standing too long can be quite painful. I don't feel I will need a wheelchair for my next trip as my mobility is still quite good but I was thinking of getting a walker with a seat on it so that I can sit anytime anywhere and particularly in long lines or waiting for a bus. I don't want to abuse the DAS pass system but would love people's feedback on whether or not I would qualify or should get one of these. My doctor would be more than willing to give me a letter regarding my condition. I just feel standing in long lines AND walking might tip me over the edge so far as my comfort level is concerned. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.

 

[lanejudy]

I suggest either a rollator (walker with a seat) or a wheelchair that you can use as a walker (push when you want, sit when you want).

No doctor's note would be accepted regardless of the need, but DAS is unlikely to be granted for what is considered a mobility or stamina issue. The standard accommodation is a mobility aid (wheelchair, ECV, walker, rollator, etc.).

 

[gap2368]

I would look in to a wheelchair rather than a roller I would push the chair when you felt like waling and then use it as a wheelchair

the DAS is not for moblity problems and the CM will not loo at dr notes

 

[coolbrook]

Gold Mobility in Orlando rents a nice rollator. I rented one a couple years ago from them and liked it so much I bought my own when I got back home. It is very handy for sitting in long lines, when waiting for quick service food, and to take a break if pain hits. It is also nice to be hanging on to something when my knee gives out or gets a shooting pain. You can bring it all the way to ride entrances, some rides have an alternate entrance like Small World and Jungle cruise. My rollator brand is Vive. I like that it folds sideways so I can make it a little narrower if I'm in a tight spot in a shop or something and it stands on its own when folded which I do on busses and in most restaurants.

 

[Selket]

Since a torn meniscus ligament and displaced knee cap I now suffer quite a lot of knee pain and find standing too long can be quite painful. I don't feel I will need a wheelchair for my next trip as my mobility is still quite good but I was thinking of getting a walker with a seat on it so that I can sit anytime anywhere and particularly in long lines or waiting for a bus. I don't want to abuse the DAS pass system but would love people's feedback on whether or not I would qualify or should get one of these. My doctor would be more than willing to give me a letter regarding my condition. I just feel standing in long lines AND walking might tip me over the edge so far as my comfort level is concerned. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.

I have two badly arthritic knees and I rent an ECV when at WDW. I suggest going that route as you can always park it and walk as much as you like and switch over to staying in the ECV when your pain level is creeping up. I am usually able to park it and walk through some of the shorter lines when I have a fast pass or the line is short. I almost always park it when I want to shop and when I go in restaurants to eat. I've had a few trips when my knee was very bad and I stayed in it more. Also some of the lines are long - even if you're in the FP line it would be a lot of walking up and down the hill (Flight of Passage comes to mind). Walking down an incline/ramp is almost impossible with my knees.

I'm also wondering if you can get something on an ECV to hold a folded up walker? That would give you both options. I've never tried to get a DAS but I can't see why I'd need it as the ECV handles my mobility issues.

There are many who don't use an ECV at home but who need it at WDW because of all the walking and standing.

 

[Bjkandma]

I personally have had two complete knee re placements - one is actually a hinged knee. Because knee cap was attached to femur, also have rod in that leg.

Seriously consider renting a scooter from a third party vendor. The average guest can walk 10-12 miles per day. The more you walk on a damaged knee, the more swelling and pain.

A DA S is normally not provided for a mobility issue.

 

[Simba's Mom]

I agree with the recommendation to rent an ECV Like you, I have a torn meniscus I tried going with a walker and a cortisone shot But it's incredible the amount of walking you do So now I use an ECV and am much more comfortable

 

[Porsche4]

Gold Mobility in Orlando rents a nice rollator. I rented one a couple years ago from them and liked it so much I bought my own when I got back home. It is very handy for sitting in long lines, when waiting for quick service food, and to take a break if pain hits. It is also nice to be hanging on to something when my knee gives out or gets a shooting pain. You can bring it all the way to ride entrances, some rides have an alternate entrance like Small World and Jungle cruise. My rollator brand is Vive. I like that it folds sideways so I can make it a little narrower if I'm in a tight spot in a shop or something and it stands on its own when folded which I do on busses and in most restaurants.

Thanks for that, everything you point out is exactly what I was thinking. When you take it through the lines all the way to the ride what happens when you get to the loading area?

 

[Betty Rohrer]

Thanks for that, everything you point out is exactly what I was thinking. When you take it through the lines all the way to the ride what happens when you get to the loading area?

like a wheelchair or ECV, it is taken to the unload area by a CM so it is ready for you at end of ride. CMs are used to moving them it will not be unusual for them as they se lots of times a day. when in doubt just ask the CM at the loading area but more likely they will tell you what to expect

 

[coolbrook]

like a wheelchair or ECV, it is taken to the unload area by a CM so it is ready for you at end of ride. CMs are used to moving them it will not be unusual for them as they se lots of times a day. when in doubt just ask the CM at the loading area but more likely they will tell you what to expect

Just a note to add to this: I carried a little spray sanitizer bottle with me to sanitize the handles of my walker after a cm had to touch it during my two Covid trips. I would wait until I had exited the ride area then pull off to the side and spray the walker and sanitize my hands. One thing I didn't know until I started using a walker at Disney was that there is an elevator exit at some rides like Pirates, Dinosaur, Flight of Passage and others. CM always direct you to where you need to go when they see your mobility device, so you don't have to worry about learning procedures for each ride before you go.

 

[Betty Rohrer]

Just a note to add to this: I carried a little spray sanitizer bottle with me to sanitize the handles of my walker after a cm had to touch it during my two Covid trips. I would wait until I had exited the ride area then pull off to the side and spray the walker and sanitize my hands. One thing I didn't know until I started using a walker at Disney was that there is an elevator exit at some rides like Pirates, Dinosaur, Flight of Passage and others. CM always direct you to where you need to go when they see your mobility device, so you don't have to worry about learning procedures for each ride before you go.

unless your sanitizer is unscented please watch spraying as some are allergic to the spray. if you spray and I would walk thru shorty after you I could end up at the ER or worse. yes I am that bad in that I can not breath

 

[eeyoreandtink]

I would definitely consider renting an ECV, unless you think you can comfortably walk 7-10 miles a day every day of your trip. if you have a lot of knee pain I think you will find yourself in a lot more pain than you expect after a couple of days of that kind of walking.

 

[coolbrook]

unless your sanitizer is unscented please watch spraying as some are allergic to the spray. if you spray and I would walk thru shorty after you I could end up at the ER or worse. yes I am that bad in that I can not breath

It is homemade with just alcohol and aloe gel. It is not aerosol, just a pump. I have asthma and allergies and am very careful about where I spray, believe me.

 

[Betty Rohrer]

It is homemade with just alcohol and aloe gel. It is not aerosol, just a pump. I have asthma and allergies and am very careful about where I spray, believe me.

I had someone who was using a homemade one at small park I work at almost send me to hospital because of an oil in hers. till I started having breathing problems she was told it was better for allergies.

 

[Linda Goudailler]

Please don't underestimate the distances you'll be walking. Even walking from your room to the bus can be a trek! You might do further serious damage to that knee by the end of your stay. I learned first hand that ignoring it, toughing it out and refusing to avail myself of an ECV will cost you in the long run. Give your knee a rest and time to heal. Rent an ECV! (PS. Not a wheelchair! Your back will feel every bump and hole!!!)

 

[Groot]

I’d say use a scooter. Just like everyone else is saying you’ll walk ~10ish miles a day, you also gotta take into account waiting in a 2 hour+ long line!

 

[DianeMccornack]

I know sometimes it’s a difficult decision to make but there are times when the scooter is the best answer

 

[Simba's Mom]

I know sometimes it’s a difficult decision to make but there are times when the scooter is the best answer

Yes! If you cry the first time you need a scooter, trust me, you won't be the first But by the end of the first day, I was thinking, "Why did I wait so long?"

 

[LoveToDisney]

I have gone to WDW using a rollator for a few years before I finally needed to use a scooter. During my rollator days, I had good mobility but would need to sit now and then just as you describe. It was great to have when waiting for fireworks. The rollator was easy to get on the bus. I had one that folded vertically and could roll/lock and not take up much room. I enjoyed those years because you are far more flexible in the crowd with a rollator versus a scooter. You can just walk like everyone else and have an easier time moving when it is busy and adjusting to the idiots who just do a dead stop in front of you all of a sudden.
HOWEVER, once you have trouble WALKING, then it is time to use a scooter to thoroughly enjoy your trip. Yes, it's harder to manage in a crowd so you have to be patient. People will step out in front of you so you always have to be alert. But the trade off is less pain and more endurance.
When I first transitioned to a scooter, it was "mid trip" one year when my hip was getting really sore. I used my rollator to get to the park and then got a scooter at the park (they can hold your rollator for you while you use the scooter.) After that experience, I rented a smaller 3-wheel model from a vendor and later I purchased my own that I bring with me.
Good luck on whatever you decide and have a great trip!

 

[Porsche4]

I have gone to WDW using a rollator for a few years before I finally needed to use a scooter. During my rollator days, I had good mobility but would need to sit now and then just as you describe. It was great to have when waiting for fireworks. The rollator was easy to get on the bus. I had one that folded vertically and could roll/lock and not take up much room. I enjoyed those years because you are far more flexible in the crowd with a rollator versus a scooter. You can just walk like everyone else and have an easier time moving when it is busy and adjusting to the idiots who just do a dead stop in front of you all of a sudden.
HOWEVER, once you have trouble WALKING, then it is time to use a scooter to thoroughly enjoy your trip. Yes, it's harder to manage in a crowd so you have to be patient. People will step out in front of you so you always have to be alert. But the trade off is less pain and more endurance.
When I first transitioned to a scooter, it was "mid trip" one year when my hip was getting really sore. I used my rollator to get to the park and then got a scooter at the park (they can hold your rollator for you while you use the scooter.) After that experience, I rented a smaller 3-wheel model from a vendor and later I purchased my own that I bring with me.
Good luck on whatever you decide and have a great trip!

Thank you so much for the input, your advice is exactly what I needed to hear. I feel I will be okay with a rollator as my knee is recovering and I am already walking several kilometres a day, it is just all the extra standing around that you do at the parks and waiting for buses where I feel it would be good to be able to perch on a seat for a few minutes respite here and there particularly if stuck in a long queue.