Trip dilemma--ECV or not?

[minkydog]

Ack! I broke my leg Thanksgiving day and am in a short leg cast. I go back Dec13 for evaluation and possibly they will let me walk on that foot again. I hope We are due to leave for WDW Jan 2 for a 6 days trip, staying at the Poly. Here's the rest of the story: DH has limited stamina due to severe lung disease and DS11 has mobility issues which will require him to use a w/c at least part of the time(the two main reasons we chose to stay at the Poly, really, so we could have fairly quick access and a monorail). I know I can't push myself all day in a w/c, and I'd hate for my kids to have to do it(i weigh 200lbs),but if i'm in a walking cast I could probably walk part of the time. DH will need some breaks, but doesn't need a w/c all the time. I'm trying to figure out whether to take our two w/c's(Christian's and mine) or just Christian's and rent a w/c or ECV. Or just borrow a w/c at the resort and rent an ECV at the parks, assuming I can walk that far.For those who have broken a leg or ankle, realistically, do you think I'll be able to manage at the parks? I"m sure I'll still be in some kind of a cast.

How big is the resort? I'm thinking maybe we should get an ECV and switch off between me & DH. Then one of the other kids or adults could push Christian(100lbs). What about getting into HDDR? Can you get up in there with an ECV? How about transportation? We'll have our car,but I don't know how we'd transport the ECV from one place to another.

ARgh! my head hurts!

 

[mamaprincess]

Go to the disAbility forum on the Dis boards and look under the Disability FAQ sticky thread. There is a ton on info on them and there usefulness as well as how to rent them and use them in WDW.

Don't let anyone make you and your family feel ashamed about using them. Just because people can't look at you and see why you would need them doesn't mean you don't. Don't allow yourself or your family to be unnecessarily misereable and limited because of mobility issues. From the disabilities board I have learned that they are extremely useful and that you are not treated or looked upon any differently at WDW. Everyone seems to have had very good experiences using them. Most tend to rent them for the week so that they can get to the buses and other resorts without so much pain and hardship. The ECV's usually breakdown easily in maneagable parts and are easily reassembled. The Bus may be a little easier since all WDW transportation are equipped with ramps. Again read the disAbilities FAQ sticky thread. You'll find all the answers to you questions there.

Have a wonderful trip!

 

[minkydog]

Thanks! I should have thought of that!

 

[shovan]

Definitely check out the disABILITIES board for more info on WDW with ECV's.

If you can bring both ECV's I would surely do that. Ditto to the unreliable rentals at WDW. The Polynesian will be a real blessing for y'all to have. It is so convenient located. I really think it is the best place in the World to stay if you have any disabilty issues! Good Luck and have fun!

 

[noodleknitter]

Besides, it is cheaper to rent for the week outside the park.

 

[rascalmom]

Been there done that - twice!!!

Yes - I would go with the ECV. I broke my leg (the 1st time) in October '05 (ankle) & ended up using a rental ECV for our March trip. I was wearing a heavy boot. Between that & the fact that you are NOT as active during the healing process, your stamina will be down & you will still be mending.

I rented from Walker Mobility. Had a great experience - would highly recommend. Feel free to PM if you have any questions.

 

[monami7]

I rented one for next week from Randy's it was $175 for the week. So much cheaper than Disney. I had surgery 2 weeks ago. I think it will be so much easier on you and your family to at least rent 1.

 

[minkydog]

Thanks, ya'll. I think one ECV is all we can handle, unless you know of a way to hook Christian's w/c to it. One of us needs to push him around; he isn't mentally capable of managing anything motorized. If I use an ECV do I need to park it and walk up to the attractions? or can I ride it right up to boarding?

 

[Figment22]

I rented from Walker Mobility. Had a great experience - would highly recommend. Feel free to PM if you have any questions.

We rented from Walker a few years ago after my husband had foot surgery. I'd highly recommend them too. And, they're much cheaper than getting an ECV from the parks..

 

[noodleknitter]

We've rented from both, and they were both great. Walker's was a bit more convenient, becasue they would just drop it at the otel, but Randy's was much cheaper.

 

[SueM in MN]

If I use an ECV do I need to park it and walk up to the attractions? or can I ride it right up to boarding?

Most of the lines are accessible to wheelchairs and ECVs, so you won't need to park it and walk in the lines unless you choose to.
If you want, you can park an ECV in the area where strollers are parked. Take the key along and no one will be able to drive it away. Do check with the CM about how long a walk you will have before getting to boarding. The last time we were on Soarin', the woman ahead of us had parked her ECV outside and walked in. About halfway to the boarding area, she was REALLY tired and wished she had brought the ECV in the line with her.

If you haven't used an ECV before, it's rather nice to rent from Randy's. Because you have to be there when it it is dropped off, you get a chance for some instruction/demonstration and to get all your questions answered.