URGENT HELP for a 1st Trip Family Please!

[Angry Eyes]

Hi, I have been assisting a grandmother (very active and fit) prepare a first Disney trip for her daughter and grandchildren in honor of her husband who just passed away suddenly last fall.

They fly out this Friday 6/7 and she is now at the ER now with a broken foot! She is overwhelmed and not sure where to begin. I am trying to convince her that it will all be managable and that we can work together to keep things on track.

Here are her details. Any help would be SO APPRECIATED!!
she is traveling with her DD 43, DSIL 43, and grandkids who are 16,16, 12, 10.
They are flying into MCO and renting a minivan. They are staying at Bonnet Creek. We have been to Disney many times but fortunately, never with mobility issues which means now their travel guide (me) is in uncharted waters. I am not accompanying the family. Just trying to help them make this trip everything their grandfather would have wanted it to be. This board was my first stop! Thank you!

 

[JennyDrake]

_I_ don't know that _I_ would undertake the trip in her circumstances. A broken foot can be VERY painful, especially if not kept iced and elevated. In any event, if the trip continues, there will be drastic changes. She needs an ECV--strongly recommend renting from off site. "My" senior has had good experiences with Apple Scooter.

There is excellent info in the stickies!!! If she is ZERO weight bearing her ability to transfer onto rides will be highly affected.

Again, not trying to be Gloom and Doom, but trying to convince them that "it's all going to be OK on the trip" is misleading.

 

[Tiggerish]

The trip is doable; it will be different but if they can "go with the flow" a bit, it can be good.

I wonder if a wheelchair might be better than an ECV. Particularly if she rents one from off-site and gets the leg extension so she can elevate the foot. Then she would have it at the resort and to get from the parking to inside the parks.

A wheelchair is easy to transport in a car and her group seems to have several people who could push so the extra effort is not on just one person. If she is not weight bearing, transferring will be difficult but look at the sticky. There are rides where she can remain in the chair. Also there are lots of shows that she could enjoy.

If she wants to make it work, it will.

 

[ibcrazie4dizney]

Disney is very do-able with a broken foot, I had broken my foot before two of our trips. just rented an ecv from outside company, had it delivered to our resort, put it in the back of the car rental and off I went. she'll be fine. she has plenty of help. just hope she is smart enough to stay off of it as much as she can so that she can heal properly. whether she chooses a wheel chair or ecv, I recommend renting for the whole stay and not just at each park each day. getting into the park/rental area can be tricky and if not almost impossible if you are having trouble walking. definitely talk to dr and get temp handicap hanger tag so that she can park in handicap section since she cant take ecv on tram.

 

[SueM in MN]

I would personally vote for a wheelchair in your situation for a couple of reasons.

1) As others mentioned, with a wheelchair rented from off site, she can get one with an elevating footrest so she can elevate her leg. I have seen people try to do it in a ECV, but it requires quite a bit of gymnastics.

2) Pain medications, and just pain in general, can affect the ability to be alert for driving an ECV. Even if she is not in pain or needing pain medicatio, the constant alertness needed to drive an ECV where people step out in front of uou repeatedly can be very tiring.
That would not be a problem with a wheelchair since someone else is driving.

3) All shows are both wheelchair and ECV accessible. All rides are wheelchair accessible to the point of boarding, but some lines are not ECV accessible. With an ECV she would have to park it outside for those attractions they do have wheelchairs at those attractions, but that means an extra 2 transfers for each of those attractions (to get from ECV to wheelchair and back from wheelchair to ECV).
That may not sound like much, but can take a toll at the end of the day.

4) Orher posters already mentioned that some attractions have wheelchair accessible ride cars. Most of these are not ECV accessible.
Posts 18-22 on page 2 of the disABILITIES FAQs thread has information about wheelchair ride cars and also the type of transfer required for different rides.

Other things to think about -
During the trip to Florida and while sitting immobile, she is at risk for DVTs ( deep vein thrombosis - blood clots). She will want to talk to her doctor about prevention (some of the exercises normally recommended may not be possible for her because of her injury, so it would be best to find out from the doctor).

 

[Angry Eyes]

Hi All,

I just got back from church and am reading thru your responses. Thank you all for the time, energy and expertise that it takes to compose these responses. It brings tears to my eyes that you would all come together to assist my friend who is a stranger to you. This post to me, is an example of the true, kind spirit of the Disboards! Thank you!

Not going at this point is just not an option for her. She has already called the airlines and they were so supportive and kind that it made her feel like she can do this. For those that are highly recommending wheelchair, is there a company that you have worked with that you would recommend? If she would choose an ECV, would it fit in the back of a mini-van? I love the tip for temporary handicap placard, I would not have thought of that!

TIA

Lynda

 

[SueM in MN]

Hi All,

I just got back from church and am reading thru your responses. Thank you all for the time, energy and expertise that it takes to compose these responses. It brings tears to my eyes that you would all come together to assist my friend who is a stranger to you. This post to me, is an example of the true, kind spirit of the Disboards! Thank you!

Not going at this point is just not an option for her. She has already called the airlines and they were so supportive and kind that it made her feel like she can do this. For those that are highly recommending wheelchair, is there a company that you have worked with that you would recommend? If she would choose an ECV, would it fit in the back of a mini-van? I love the tip for temporary handicap placard, I would not have thought of that!

TIA

Lynda

Check post 2 of the disABILITIES FAQs thread.
That has a list of companies that are recommended by DIS posters, along with phone numbers and web site links.
Any of them would be fine.

If you rent an ECV, let them know you want one that can be taken apart for transport.
If you are not able to get a temporary handicapped permit in time, you don't have to worry. Just tell each CM that you come to in the parking lot that you have a wheelchair or ECV. They will direct you to an appropriate place where you can park. If you DON'T have a handicapped parking permit, just don't park in the spots marked with blue lines. Those are designated handicapped parking and you could get a ticket parking there without a permit.

Some states take longer than others to process handicapped parking permits. Many states have the application on line - this can save you some time because you won't have to wait to get one in the mail. Many doctors offices also have the forms and could start the process.

 

[ibcrazie4dizney]

we checked with the car rental company to make sure the ecv would fit. we have used both a mid size car and an suv. I am sure a mini van would be fine. my dad puts her personal ecv in his mini van. they come apart to load, very easy and ony takes a minute or two. we stayed off property and used walker mobility, but not sure if they deliver to your resort. at the airport, they can get a wheel chair. just have to make small adjustments on trip, but really, it wont be bad, definitely not worth even thinking about canceling. the park is so handicap friendly.

 

[travelitis]

For many years we've used ECV's and wheelchairs in the parks. My son owns both. I am in the wheelchair camp on this for the reasons Sue mentioned plus:

1. No matter how many pieces a scooter breaks down into, a wheelchair is always easier and faster to load into the back of a van.

2. If grandma doesn't normally drive a scooter, then at Disney during peak season and on pain meds is the worst time and place to start.

3. A wheelchair costs quite a bit less, and it can be rented from off site like a scooter.

4. These were mentioned but are, I think, the most important points. A wheelchair allows the leg to be elevated which she might need for swelling and plain control, and it allows her to take any pain meds. Driving a scooter on pain meds is dangerous. If you elevate that leg on an ECV, it won't be protected from people running into it. The wheelchair protects that leg.

Just getting up to get on rides all day could make her foot really hurt, so I would err on the side of caution and get the wheelchair.

 

[JennyDrake]

I was there last month and rented a wheelchair. I had a terrific experience w/ Walker Mobility. My foot (post surgery) needed to be elevated from time to time. I found that we could not navigate crowds with the leg elevated. WAY too many people bumped into it. BUT it was very nice to park in a quiet place and elevate. No problems getting ice for my Ziploc bag at any CS.

 

[KPeveler]

I would definitely say wheelchair instead of scooter. Depending on her size and where you rent from, not all scooters will fit in the back of a minivan without folding seats down - which is sounds like you cannot do.

Minivans without folding seats down actually often have little room in the back - fine if she can get a scooter that can

Make sure she has a wheelchair waiting from both airports - they will bring her from ticketing to the gate, all the way to the airplane seat if need be.

Will she be using crutches?

If you rent a wheelchair, she can even be pushed onto a lot of ride cars with no need to transfer. This cannot be done with an ECV.

I also agree that pain meds may make drivingI k an ECV more difficult, if not dangerous. Driving an ECV in Disney is very hard work - you must constantly watch where you are going and have very fast reflexes. I know driving my powerchair in the park is exhausting and I have had a wheelchair for years. If she is pushed in a wheelchair, she can look around, have conversations, and relax.

Also, as others have said, you can have an elevating leg rest - keeping the leg up will cut down on pain and swelling.

There is a First Aid Station in every park, where she can go to get an ice pack and even lay down and put the foot up to take a break.

If you tell the CMs in the parking lots that you have a wheelchair but no tag, they may direct you to "overflow medical" parking. This is where people are put when the "official" disabled parking spots are full. Just as long as you do not park in a blue space with a sign, you can park in this area. If this overflow area is full, tell them you need to drop off a wheelchair before parking, and then you can drop off Grandma in her wheelchair, and then the driver will go park normally.

 

[Bete]

I vote wheelchair. There are enough in your group to share the pushing of a wheelchair. Even the 16 year olds can help. I would make a big, good fuss about who gets to push her next. Don't make pushing the wheelchair a chore, but a make it a joy. In regards to elevating her foot and traveling through the parks the group is large enough to walk in front of the wheelchair and to the side of the wheelchair if her foot is elevated. This should protect her wheelchair from anyone bumping it there.

ECVs at Disney can be challenging. Adults, as well as, kids dart out right in front of you. It really takes a quick stop at times not to run into someone. Ride queues have twists and turns that take some skill to maneuver a scooter; it's not a straight shot onto rides. Even at shows you have to be able to park it properly; you can't be just anywhere. As stated already pain meds don't mix well with a scooter and the driver. Everyone is different with pain tolerance, but if she needs more pain meds then most then this could make her sleepy and drowsy. Renting a scooter from an outside source requires you to charge the scooter each night. Portable, travel scooters weigh around 90 pounds and they can be awkward getting in and out of a van or car. They do come apart, but the heaviest piece can go 35 pounds or so. Taking the scooter in and out of the resort takes some skill, too especially going in and out of the room. You may have to deal with an elevator, too. Next, you need to be careful not to run your battery down with a scooter. You need to remember for the whole trip to shut the scooter off when your in a show, or a parade, or fireworks and so forth. There's always a risk of running out of juice. If you are having long days at the parks this becomes even more critical. As everyone has stated a wheelchair can go on some rides and they can get closer to the rides then a scooter if you transfer. Most important you can take a wheelchair into a bathroom stall; you can't do that with a scooter. if she has a weak bladder this can be more challenging. Finally, if she gets sleepy you may need to take a mid day break and that means getting the scooter in and out of the van a few more times and so forth. Her handling the scooter can get her more tired, too. With a wheelchair, she could actually take a nap here and there in the parks.

I would consult with her doctor and make sure her doctor agrees a scooter would be okay. If it's okay I would practice at home when she can do it before the trip. There are free scooters in a lot of stores. You can even go to a local zoo for a day and see how she may do with a scooter. I still don't recommend a scooter. One Disney trip is not worth injuring the foot even more. A wheelchair should be safer. Of course, that is dependent on the pusher.

With the wheelchair option I would help the pushers by alternating activities with some rides, then some shows, then more rides and then maybe a parade, then even more rides and then followed by a meal for rest.

If she doesn't go on a ride it would be nice if someone stayed behind to keep her company and not make her feel like a burden. Again, making a big, good fuss about who gets to stay with her will make her feel better.

I would think about getting a handicap room if this is possible. You may be able to get this change. You can get a roll in shower accommodation and there will be rails in the bathroom to help support her. You can use the wheelchair in this type of room, too. You need to consult with the doctor as to what she should use to help her like crutches or a walker or whatever, as well.

Much of the success of this trip will be how well everyone is willing to help. If everyone is me, me, and me this could be a hard trip. There are considerations in her room to think about, too. She will more than likely need assistance with hygiene and putting on and taking clothes off and going to the bathroom. I'm in my sixties and I can't go the whole night of sleeping without getting up for the bathroom.

 

[Angry Eyes]

Thanks so much for the time and expertise you all offered to my friend. I printed off your responses and sent them with the family. Right now they are parked in the handicap parking and starting their first day ever at MK! Praying they have a magical experience, thanks for doing everything in your power to make that happen! You are heaven-sent!