Traveling to WDW with new injury

[YodasMom]

I fractured my foot last weekend, have my foot in a boot, and am currently using crutches to get around for short distances (around the house and from the car into work, etc). I am not allowed to bear weight. I had pre-planned a WDW trip which is supposed to start on Dec. 11 for 8 days and I will be traveling alone, staying at Kidani Village (DVC member).

Of course, I have non-refundable airline tickets and have pre-paid for several things such as Candlelight and a Holiday tour, etc. I'm trying to decide if I can handle traveling alone, considering I really can't carry a suitcase, etc. Plus, I don't know if I can get on a bus with crutches or not (ME Express and shuttle to airport). I'm otherwise very mobile, or at least I was until this week...LOL! Most people who travel to WDW in this situation probably have someone along to assist them, but that's not possible this trip. I do have friends who live near WDW, but I think my main concern is just getting their alone.

In order to get around WDW, I would need to rent an ECV which I am not looking forward to, but I don't think I would have any other choice.

Has anyone every had a similar experience or any suggestions for just "getting there" alone with an acute injury? I will have to make a decision by next week.

Thanks for any insight or suggestions anyone might have!

 

[MulanMom]

A friend of mine had done it years ago. At the airport, the airline can help you with getting around with your luggage and getting you to and from the gate. With ME express, with special tags, do you even have to handle your luggage at Orlando? I used it so long ago I can't remember.

You should be able to climb onto the bus much as you would stairs with crutches. Your trip isn't starting for another month. You might be able to put a little more weight on your foot by then.

With ECV, rent from off-site WDW approved so it will be at the resort waiting for you. It'll be interesting going through the parks with an ECV and an eye-opening experience, but the beauty of WDW is that it is so handicap accessible. My DH uses an ECV all the time, but I was actually the first when I broke my ankle on a WDW trip. (DH was more mobile at that time and would push kids in the double stroller and me in a manual wheelchair until we could get to the park to rent an ECV)

It's all definitely workable if you choose to go!

 

[Bete]

I see it as a challenge, but possibly doable. You will have to be creative in your thinking and think outside the box. I'm still leaning towards not going.

First, travel light and take a couple of outfits only (like 3 sets of clothes) and wash them, as necessary. Use a bigger backpack and distribute the weight between a piece of smaller luggage and the backpack. You might be able to handle a lightweight piece of luggage with the backpack. You would have to practice with this part before the trip. A month's time may provide you with enough healing time to do it.

Next, I agree with the previous poster about the special, Disney, luggage tags. I would think as a DVC member you get this privilege, too. You put these luggage tags on your handle of your luggage coming and going. This flags the airports that you get Disney inside the room delivery of your luggage going there. Now, you do have to get the bags to the airport going to departures (use curb side service) and you do have to get them to the lobby of your resort for coming back home. Coming back home you would need to do resort airline check-in. There are approved airlines for this; so, you need to find out if your airlines is part of it. I think there are a half dozen airlines that are part of this program. I think you may have to be creative and ask someone to help you at the airport/resort with this part, if needed. Maybe, a kind guest will help if asked or go to the lobby check-in and see if a CM can assist somehow. I'm not sure if a CM is allowed to leave their post. I would tip whoever very well. Worse scenario, I would use cheap luggage and cheap clothes for the trip and leave them at Disney for coming home. You would still have your backpack for getting home. It just depends how bad you want to go.

You may be able to hire a caregiver for the last Disney day to help you. There are agencies in Orlando. This won't be cheap. They probably get $20/hour and expect a three hour minimum or more. Also, you will have to pay a car mileage expense for the caregiver; I believe. I don't think you'll be able to do this too early; so, it depends on your flight times. If they don't show up or are too late getting to you it could be big trouble.

The bottom line is you would have to be very careful not to reinjure your foot. With an outside scooter rental by an approved vendor like Apple Scooters you will have access to your scooter at all times, not just the park. You get on a lift with the scooter for the bus to get back and forth from the parks. This is not the easiest, but you get use to it eventually. You wouldn't be able to go on many rides. You are responsible for charging your scooter battery every night with an outside vendor. You have to get the scooter in your room, too with an outside vendor rental. You would probably have to walk the scooter some to get it in and out of your room. You need to manipulate the door open and then the scooter. This is hard to explain.

I'm not sure how well you enjoy the rides. Getting in and out of rides may not be the best for your leg. If you can enjoy just seeing the shows then you're okay.

It just all depends how bad you want to go. I feel I could be in the same position as you someday; so, I do understand.

On the other side, you pay a hefty penalty, but you can cancel your airline tickets and get a future credit towards flying. Some airlines charge as much as a $100 for this cancellation privilege. You get usually a year to use your airline credit with the same airline. I believe you can reschedule your resort time to a future date, but you may have to pay a fee for this privilege, too.

Personally, I would not go on the trip. I would not jeopardized my leg. It will probably be depressing at times, too. You could find yourself in some stressful predictaments if you go.

I hope you can work it out.

 

[goofieslonglostsis]

No biggie at all! Let me put it this way; before my last trip (trips always drag my level down anyway and recouping from a stroke while down there, so no clue yet of my current level) my standard level was >20 hours a day bedridden and those other hours fully wheelchair dependant.

I've done all kinds of trips, incl. WDW -which for me is a transatlantic trip- as a solo and do perfectly fine. Heck, no clue yet about my new level but a next trip is booked again as solo and will happen. You should see me at the airport, you would have a difficult time not lauging. One little lady, a manual wheelchair, powerchair, 4 checked full sized bags, 3 regular sized carry ons, 2 check in sized carry ons, and a bag or 2 with wheelchair parts. Oh and can't lift anything over 4 pounds. Yet I get where ever I need and want to with all of that junk. For those curious minds; no I do not need that much clothes or make up.

It's mostly a mindset thing and taking use of services there are. Focus on how you CAN do thing or CAN get them done instead of focus on what might not be or how something can not be done.

Getting to the airport; either get a friend or loved on to get you there would eliminate dragging luggage yourself to car. From car on; airport assistance if you need ir for the distance (prebook it through airline!!) and porter for your bag. Tip accordingly and you will soon find your bag checked and you on the plane.

Check out the TSA-website if you want more info about doing the security check with footie-ouch. It's pretty self-explaining, esp. with something so normal and common as breaking a limb.

For the flight; do make sure you have the right cast (not all are safe at all times after a break for flying) with your doc. Make sure you can actually sit as needed. Shouldn't be a problem with a break in a foot and being able to bend your knee, but if you find you do sit differently; make sure!

Getting of the flight; you can let DME take care of the luggage. Need carry on? Travel as light as possible -and that can be done very light- but if need be; don't make it an accident waiting to happen and get assistance if need be. If need be, let them push you in a chair while you take care of the bag, or you use your crutches while they take care of the carry on. For whatever reason absolutely need to get the checked in bagage yourself? Again, there are porters just for that. No need to even risk breaking a nail, so to say. Been there done that, always pick them up nowadays since DME no longer sents the tags to our side of the ocean.


If you can navigate stairs, DME is no biggie for you. Stairs a biggie? Contact DME beforehand about needing a lift. The busses now all apparently have lifts, which makes it A LOT easier, but still. Reconfirm at check in with DME. Use the lift with wheelchair to get onboard, then proceed to seat. Reverse at resort.

How far can you navigate on crutches on a busy long day? Is that still enough to reach the furthest out room at your resort easily? If not; make sure you have a reservation for an ECV and one where you can have the ECV waiting for you at the resort. Go to bell services first for that, then check in while using ECV and no more risk of falling because you overdid it.

Parks -> ECV. Pretty self explaining. Read up on the stickies on here and you know much more than you ever reckoned you would. Do yourself a huge pleasure and take along a bit of rope, tape or alike to be able to secure your crutches safely (for both you and others!!!) to the ECV but at the same time being able to remove them and use them for instance for transfers onto rides.

If you can navigate those lines needing you to transfer to a manual chair by using either crutches or navigating the chair yourself (pretty hard work!!), there is pretty much nothing you can't do. Those might be challenging, read undoable otherwise. Some rides will find you needing some time to work out how to do your transfer being new to it all, but so be it. If need be; practice a bit at home getting yourself transfered to and from. You've done enough rides as a member to know a bit of what to expect getting into and out of seats, so that will help a lot knowing which moves to expect more or less.

Bags; get them put in room by bell services. They are more then happy to put them where ever you want them to make unpacking possible without risking a fall or something.

It's new and that can be scary. But, with a bit of a positive and can-do-attitude, you will find this is a different trip but doesn't nearly have to be a mwah, let alone bad one.


Flight shouldn't be so long that you'ld need to get up, but if so; factor in risk of unexpected turbulence. Best way of protecting is to use what is there already; support yourself not just with crutches, but secure even more by knowing where the seats are, walls are etc. Bathroom is very small, but that's a good thing. No space to fall far. Seriously though, those walls so close is great to literally brace and secure yourself between the right and left wall with both arms and have a perfectly staying put all around set of crutches. Can be used to get on and off the toiletseat. Don't close or open door unless seated, is lots safer. If you need your bag; poor planning most of the times. Have on your body what you need in flight. If too much for easily getting around airport; get it from your bag before having it stored in the bin after boarding the plane. Storing can be done both by assitance, flight crew and many times passengers around tend to offer when seeing someone is incapable because of physical limitations. I find having my stuff ON me, thus requiring nobody's need in flight works best for me. No need for asking, no possible wait etc. The attendants don't mind if you ask not that many times and bag isn't breaking their back, but I like being prepared with that little I do need while in flight.

 

[ttintagel]

On my last trip, I broke my foot an hour after reaching my resort! After losing the rest of the day to a trip to Celebrations Hosiptal, I ended up with a boot and ECV for the rest of the trip.

The only thing I can think of to add to the great info from PP's is to stay ahead of your pain medication. Take it at regular intervals and don't wait until you start feeling pain. Ice packs back at the hotel helped a lot.

 

[Friendofpluto]

I would go. You can get limo service to help you with bags to airport. Hopefully curbside check in, ME to and from. Really enough support to help with luggage. You will definitely have a great time.

 

[Piper]

Many of my previous trips were made solo. I usually have my own ECV so I just use that in the airport. (You may want to contact some ECV companies in your area to see if renting one from home would help you--your doctor may even be willing to prescribe one so your insurance could pay for it.)

There are porters at the airport who are very willing to help you. I always take a bunch of 2 dollar bills to use as tips. They seem to appreciate them. I just go to the DME desk and let them know I am there--I always let them know ahead of time that I will need a bus with a lift. No problem. I also tip the driver for helping me with my carry on luggage.

There are bell people who will help with luggage at the resorts--no problem.

If you need to wait to rent until you arrive--do get a company that is able to leave at bell services (unless you have time to meet them at arrival and when you leave.) Going to the parks might take a little extra time, but I find that when I go early, I don't have a problem. Since I can only spend a few hours at a time at the parks, I leave at unconventional times, too. Then I go back early afternoons and stay a few more hours.

I have done tours with my ECV and not had any problems. I was solo for the tour and I really enjoyed it.

Do read the FAQs--they will really help. I have read all of them several times, even those I think will not help me. It is surprising how many times I have needed the information!

 

[SueM in MN]

If you can navigate stairs, DME is no biggie for you. Stairs a biggie? Contact DME beforehand about needing a lift. The busses now all apparently have lifts, which makes it A LOT easier, but still. Reconfirm at check in with DME. Use the lift with wheelchair to get onboard, then proceed to seat. Reverse at resort.

Not all DME buses have lifts, so you will need to request one for your trip to and from the resort if you can't do the steps. I would suggest using a lift bus if you can't bear weight.

All the lift buses we have been on have one or more wheelchairs stored underneath the bus (we are first on, so they are not left over from other guests). If you don't think you can use the steps, the driver can load and unload you using one of those wheelchairs.

You will be able to get boarding passes at your resort for the return trip, but whether or not you can check your luggage at the resort for the return trip will depend on whether or not you are using one of the participating airlines. The bell services people will help you to get your luggage onto the bus for your return trip, but our experience at Orlando airport drop off is that you will probably not have anyone available to help you. Not sure if you can arrange to be met because we have never done that.

 

[goofieslonglostsis]

Not all DME buses have lifts, so you will need to request one for your trip to and from the resort if you can't do the steps. I would suggest using a lift bus if you can't bear weight.

Actually, this trip I was "in the middle" of some DME employees, managers and airport assistance as the subject came up. The message piped was that finally having a lift on the DME busses were the nor and it was long past due and made a world of difference after having too many bad situations during peak demand.

Now obviously we all know how rampant half-knowledge is, incl. amongst employees and thus wont take it as The Absolute Truth. Having said that; each and every DME bus I've seen over that 25 days were indeed fitted with a lift. I kept checking because of the remark and personal interest, can clearly remember being so positively surprised by seeing that "back door" constantly instead of being the odd one out as I was used to.

Seen quite a few, including 2 DME busses they scheduled me on for our trip back to MCO, yet somehow lost the powerchair in between on the paperwork. Long story short; changed pick up time but they forgot to delete old one, both busses arrived about same time. Both of the busdrivers had a and puzzle, since the chair does take up more room and busses were pretty booked solid. Did work out with some puzzling, but sure enough also those 2 busses were equipped with lifts.

Whatever the real facts are, I am confident enough to boldy state there is a huge increase of DME busses with lifts compared to previous years.

You will be able to get boarding passes at your resort for the return trip, but whether or not you can check your luggage at the resort for the return trip will depend on whether or not you are using one of the participating airlines. The bell services people will help you to get your luggage onto the bus for your return trip, but our experience at Orlando airport drop off is that you will probably not have anyone available to help you. Not sure if you can arrange to be met because we have never done that.

Dang, totally forgot about the resort check in option. Oh well, let's just blame be flying international on that. As far as the porter goes at MCO; biggest thing is to get a message across there is a need for one when the bus has just pulled up. It takes time to unload when needing to use the lift and by then those that did come out hoping for business will either be busy or have gotten back in. When not travelling solo, bus drivers tend to let us fend for ourselves, even when overly clear help is needed. When I am travelling solo, I've only had busdrivers that would pro-actively already flag down a porter right after arrival or go hunting one down (or have someone else hunt down) for me after unloading me. Obviously not a 100% fool-proof situation, but nothing having a "big mouth" couldn't solve if all else fails.

 

[Nevada Jen]

ALso, your trip is not for a full month yet. You might be partial weight bearing by then or just in an awesome boot! You might find that it is easier to use one of those knee scooter things than crutches. That really helps with the armpit strain if you are going long distances. I suspect a month out that a knee scooter might be easier than a ECV. You will be absolutely fine at the airport. THere is plenty of help there. Like someone said, I think the only tricky part might be when you are getting dropped off at the Orlando airport for your trip home. I'm not sure where you live but the timing might be right on both ends to hire a college kid to fly with you who is going to the right destination.

 

[YodasMom]

Thanks for all the comments and suggestions!!! I will probably call DVC tomorrow or Tuesday, not sure if tomorrow would be considered a vacation day for their guest services.

I'm used to checking my luggage through to DME so that wasn't one of my concerns. It's more getting to the airport and handling it till curbside check-in, even though it may only be a few feet. I usually take an airport shuttle to get to the airport and the steps are similar to those on DME, narrow and steep and not likely to be safe with crutches, plus I'm hesitant to handle them with other passengers wanting to get on and off quicker! I know I could take a limo both ways and also to and from WDW and MCO. Truth is, it will be costly to cancel my trip and costly to go, so that's a decision I will need to weigh. It is a full $150 penalty now to cancel on United (which I'm flying), and a lot of other airlines.

Being able to ride rides is not crucial to my enjoying my trip, especially since it's during the holidays and there are a lot of other things to do. Getting on even some of the easier rides such as HM (my favorite ride) wouldn't be safe since the Doombuggy wiggles when you get on and off, plus you always have to watch out for other peoples kids!

If I go I would rent an ECV from an approved company and pick it up from Bell Services. I will ask DVC if the Kidani studios would be difficult to get the ECV in and out of the room alone. I really hate to get on and off WDW buses with an ECV and slow boarding, but I will if I have to. I have a rental car on reserve as usual, but would cancel that if I go since I can't lift the ECV in and out of that.

I fractured my foot last weekend when I was in Denver with friends! The trip home was not easy for me or for them! There is no way I could have retrieved my bag from the baggage pick-up conveyer without them, so that part worries me. I did have wheelchair assistance but they didn't help with the bags. I will have to check to see if they still have red caps who do that anymore at O'hare.

Thanks for all the things you've given to think about. I will check into the airport issues a little more and also with DVC.

 

[YodasMom]

ALso, your trip is not for a full month yet. You might be partial weight bearing by then or just in an awesome boot! You might find that it is easier to use one of those knee scooter things than crutches. That really helps with the armpit strain if you are going long distances. I suspect a month out that a knee scooter might be easier than a ECV. You will be absolutely fine at the airport. THere is plenty of help there. Like someone said, I think the only tricky part might be when you are getting dropped off at the Orlando airport for your trip home. I'm not sure where you live but the timing might be right on both ends to hire a college kid to fly with you who is going to the right destination.

I do have a knee scooter, a Roll-a-bout. Got a used one yesterday. However, I am waiting to be able to use it!!! When I fell, I hit both my knees and they are very bruised....LOL!!! I don't know if WDW even allows the knee scooters in the parks. I'm there 3 times a year and have never seen anyone use one.

 

[SueM in MN]

I do have a knee scooter, a Roll-a-bout. Got a used one yesterday. However, I am waiting to be able to use it!!! When I fell, I hit both my knees and they are very bruised....LOL!!! I don't know if WDW even allows the knee scooters in the parks. I'm there 3 times a year and have never seen anyone use one.

I have seen lots of people using them at WDW.

Actually, this trip I was "in the middle" of some DME employees, managers and airport assistance as the subject came up. The message piped was that finally having a lift on the DME busses were the nor and it was long past due and made a world of difference after having too many bad situations during peak demand.

Now obviously we all know how rampant half-knowledge is, incl. amongst employees and thus wont take it as The Absolute Truth. Having said that; each and every DME bus I've seen over that 25 days were indeed fitted with a lift. I kept checking because of the remark and personal interest, can clearly remember being so positively surprised by seeing that "back door" constantly instead of being the odd one out as I was used to.

Seen quite a few, including 2 DME busses they scheduled me on for our trip back to MCO, yet somehow lost the powerchair in between on the paperwork. Long story short; changed pick up time but they forgot to delete old one, both busses arrived about same time. Both of the busdrivers had a and puzzle, since the chair does take up more room and busses were pretty booked solid. Did work out with some puzzling, but sure enough also those 2 busses were equipped with lifts.

Whatever the real facts are, I am confident enough to boldy state there is a huge increase of DME busses with lifts compared to previous years.



Dang, totally forgot about the resort check in option. Oh well, let's just blame be flying international on that. As far as the porter goes at MCO; biggest thing is to get a message across there is a need for one when the bus has just pulled up. It takes time to unload when needing to use the lift and by then those that did come out hoping for business will either be busy or have gotten back in. When not travelling solo, bus drivers tend to let us fend for ourselves, even when overly clear help is needed. When I am travelling solo, I've only had busdrivers that would pro-actively already flag down a porter right after arrival or go hunting one down (or have someone else hunt down) for me after unloading me. Obviously not a 100% fool-proof situation, but nothing having a "big mouth" couldn't solve if all else fails.

I believe all the NEW buses may have lifts, but not all buses do. They did get quite a few new buses in the last 6-9 months, but did not replace all buses.

We just got back from WDW and they had to call a lift bus for us when we arrived at the airport. Even though we had our DME documents, we could not go right to the line like other guests, but had to detour to the desk so they could order a lift bus for us.

At the time we arrived at the DME desk, they arranged for the lift bus for our departure. We also were told to call ahead of our departure to make sure they actually did schedule a lift bus for us.
While waiting to leave the airport, we did see some buses without lifts.

 

[minkydog]

I have been non-weight-bearing a couple of times. Six years ago I tore up the ligaments in my knee 2 days before I had to fly home from my brother's house. I was on crutches at the time, no w/c available. And I had my very mentally handicapped son, Christian, with me! Yike! My sister dropped me off in front of the airport and i immediately flagged a sky cap. He brought me a wheelchair and helped me get Christian out of the car and into my lap. Then he got my luggage out and towed it behind him--poor guy! He got a workout. The airline let me board first and helped me get Christian situated. Upon arrival at my destination, the airline radioed for a wheelchair. The employee once again loaded us both up, took us to baggage claim, retrieved our luggage, and took us outside to wait for our transportation.

We live in a house with 2 flights of stairs. All the bathrooms are upstairs, so I learned pretty quickly how to navigate steps. I think you will be able to get into the bus. There is usually a railing on the stairs that you can use to support yourself. I would be nervous to ride a lift up into the bus while standing on one foot, plus a crutch.

GEt an off-site company to bring your ECV. They will bring it right to your room,if necessary. Don't be shy about asking. Crutches will tire you out in a New York minute. They always make my wrists hurt. If for some reason they cannot bring the ECV to your door, you can always call the front desk and request them to bring you in a wheelchair.

Your foot may swell with all the extra activity. You can get ice at First Aid. My ice pack has a screw-on top and a wrap to keep it on my ankle without holding it.They don't leak and they keep cool a long time. Also, it may benefit you to lie down with your feet up periodically, to reduce swelling some. First Aid will allow you to do that too.

See if you can get a handicapped accessible room. THey usually have a walk in shower. You might be able to get the front desk to provide you a shower chair so you won't have to balance on one foot in the shower. If not, see if your ECV provider can bring one and set it up for you.

My advice is don't hesitate to ask for help and bring plenty of $1s for tips. HOpe you have a great time.

 

[Nevada Jen]

Of course you also got your knees! I think it will still be a fun trip and you will be very suprised how much better you are in a month! Have fun!

 

[goofieslonglostsis]

Minkydog; good addition about the shower! Totally forgot that one. Just to add on; if looking for a shower, no tub, with showerseat? This is called roll in shower. If just asking for an accessible room, you might end up with the other option of accessible; normal set up but with grab bars instead. So one really wants to specify "roll in shower" or "just grab bars with tub" depending on what's needed.

Showerseats are a normal thing you can request in a regular room, so no need to worry about that if it were to work for you that way. Just request it from housekeeping after getting to the room. Only thing to be aware of; the fixed showerhead. Showerhead can be used as handheld in a roll in shower room. I know sometimes a handheld can be done by maintanence, but if I remember correctly it might depend on resort and a limited amount.

One thing to consider also when considering what type of room; what do you need toilet-wise? Those in a room with roll in shower are higher. But, unlike you are used to in a regular set up, the bathroom is one big area with toilet in same space as shower. Probably no biggie as solo traveller, but you might want to be aware. Also, the accessible set up of the bathroom takes up more space, leaving less room for the sleeping/living area. This could impact your routine and where to store the ECV out of your way to load during the evening. Haven't done the Villa part, so no experience with the studio. Did do CL rooms before at AKL and have to say; no room in a roll in shower room to get in and out of the bed on the right side safely when having a need. The bed is too close to the wall for that. I could see charging being possible when parking the ECV in front of the doors to the balcony, most space being made by parrallel parking it to that balcony. You can have housekeeping remove certain pieces of furniture like table and chairs if you'ld like to make more space for you. So room really depends on what you need and are more comfortable with.



Minky; with regards to that tipping when getting/asking for help. Obviously one would tip those in normal tipping positions like bell service, porters etc. Beyond that I have to say that on my earlier trips when I would try (not totally known yet with what is normal tipping position and what not, being not from the US, and not wanting to offend) each and everyone at WDW not in a tipping position would flat out refuse, period. Reason would be stated as "part of the job description". After some trips and learning more, I stopped trying all together. One exception still was and kinda is bell services when delivering my things. There are some extra instructions that go along because of medical stuff, needs etc. It does take them more time and carefullness. Yet, tips for that part almost always also get turned down. I've had bell service CM's proactively refurbish rooms, knowing it would need to be done anyway (some know me by now, whether it's a good thing or not??). Again refusing any and all acknowledgement for that other than expressing it verbally.

I am one that likes to be prepared and rather have taken into account more tips needed than the other way around, but don't be totally surprised when those in nontipping positions turn down a tip for extra help.

 

[minkydog]

Minky; with regards to that tipping when getting/asking for help. Obviously one would tip those in normal tipping positions like bell service, porters etc. Beyond that I have to say that on my earlier trips when I would try (not totally known yet with what is normal tipping position and what not, being not from the US, and not wanting to offend) each and everyone at WDW not in a tipping position would flat out refuse, period. Reason would be stated as "part of the job description". After some trips and learning more, I stopped trying all together. One exception still was and kinda is bell services when delivering my things. There are some extra instructions that go along because of medical stuff, needs etc. It does take them more time and carefullness. Yet, tips for that part almost always also get turned down. I've had bell service CM's proactively refurbish rooms, knowing it would need to be done anyway (some know me by now, whether it's a good thing or not??). Again refusing any and all acknowledgement for that other than expressing it verbally.

I am one that likes to be prepared and rather have taken into account more tips needed than the other way around, but don't be totally surprised when those in nontipping positions turn down a tip for extra help.

Totally agree. And tipping is never mandatory, but rather a nice reward to someone who has given good service. I always offer, even if I think they'll turn me down. Sometimes it's just nice to know someone appreciates your hard work, even if you're not financially compensated with a tip. Another way I tip is to make up pretty business cards that say "Thank you for helping me. You really made my day". You can give this with or without money and I've never had anyone turn it down.