Walking with a cane

[all4disney]

I have a hip joint that is out of joint and I use a cane to walk to keep me steady. I will be going to Disney World for the first time in a few days and I am a little nervous. I have trouble walking in the mall at times when it is busy because people don't watch where they are going and bump into me or catch their foot on my cane. I am scared to death I am going to end up falling on my face in one of the parks if it is too crowded. Actually I am more worried about standing in the lines. If people serge forward quickly will I be able to move or will people crowd me. I have heard that there are special places to wait if I tell one of the CM's but I actually was hoping to be able to mingle and meet new people and thought standing in line might be a good way. Should I be so worried? Is there anything I should know?

 

[Cheshire Figment]

I think that in your situation walking would be a poor and potentially dangerous choice. You are going at a fairly crowded time. People don't pay attention to others around them; they are gawking at the sights. Some people (referred to as "stroller terrorists") will push strollers without regard to anyone else; if they run into you it will be your fault. Children will be running around.

You may be better off renting an ECV Some information for off-site rentals are:

Walker Mobility:
1-888-726-6837
www.walkermobility.com

Care Medical:
http://www.caremedicalequipment.com/

RANDY'S Mobility is in Kissimmee 407-892-4777
http://randysmobility.com/

Colonial Medical
http://www.colonialmed.com/about_cms.html

I have used Walker a few times. They will ask for a credit card and charge it the day before arrival. They will deliver the ECV to your hotel bell services before your arrival and pick it up there after your departure. Their rates, especially for longer than a week, are much better than Disney's. Also, their scooters are much better. Normally the ECVs will have a clip on the back of the seat to hold a cane when driving it.

You don't say if you are renting a car or what. If you are using a car for getting around, the ECVs break down into five pieces, the heaviest about 39 pounds. They take about a minute or so to take apart and about two minutes (once you are used to it) to put it together. The Disney transportation tends to be very good about ECVs, as the transportation staff is generally well trained on dealing with people in ECVs or wheelchairs.

You can get a "Guest Assistance Card" (referred to on the board as a "GAC") at Guest Services in the first park you go into; it will be good at all four parks for the length of your stay, for you and up to five people with you. This is designed to let the staff at the attractions know about any special needs. However, it still will not keep you away from the general crowds.

In addition to the crowds, there is a LOT of walking. For example, it is over a mile around the Epcot World Showcase Lagoon.

 

[CdnDisneyNut]

I would second on obtaining an ECV for your trip.