Walking wounded

[Minnesota]

Hey there!
Well my best friend and I just booked a last minute trip... we leave in just over 2 weeks! The thing is I have minor foot problems and she just got her PT from a torn achillies extended to past our trip (our trip was supposed to be the end of it all). We already are planning to take the parks much slower than our usual commando pace (we dropped park hoppers on purpose to force us to slow down) but what other helpful information do you all have? What of her pain becomes severe, is there a possibility of renting a wheelchair for her without issues? What can first aid offer and what would we have to find an actual clinic for? We are really figuring we won't need any of the above but more information than necessary isn't always a bad thing
Thanks!
Minnesota

 

[peemagg]

Yes, you can rent a wheelchair easily either at the parks or from an outside company.

 

[Minnesota]

Thanks! anyone have any experience with First Aid? What can they offer?
Minnesota

 

[afwdwfan]

I honestly don't know about the first aid situation as I didn't use it, but my last trip to WDW was about 6 months after I had surgery for a ruptured achilles and a few weeks after I was cleared to resume full physical activity.
If it is at all possible to get a scooter or something for your firend, do it! Even if that isn't something you want to do see about the possibility of getting the medical pass to avoid having to stand in long standby lines. After I spent a week walking around on hard surfaces everyday, doing a lot of standing in lines, I was in some pretty serious pain. I had to ice my achilles every evening to make the swelling go down. Most importantly, just take it easy and rest when you can.

 

[canadianjovigirl]

We made a long trip to Florida last Oct/Nov and never even thought about all the walking for my oldest daughter (15) and after one day in the parks we ended up renting a wheelchair for her as she had a sliced achilles a year prior and had surgery and was casted and physio etc. etc. but it still bothers her due to nerve damage and we got a little more than half way thru the first day and she was just cranky and in alot of pain so we left. She did not want to even return to the parks due to the pain she experienced so we got a wheelchair so she could at least see and enjoy with us............she is still not able to do phys ed etc and the doctors are saying there is not much they can do regarding the nerve damage and shooting pains/pins and needles, muscle spasms etc.......

So do take use a wheelchair if you think it would at all be helpful, it worked well for us and actually saved our trip...........

 

[OneLittleSpark]

Hey there!
Well my best friend and I just booked a last minute trip... we leave in just over 2 weeks! The thing is I have minor foot problems and she just got her PT from a torn achillies extended to past our trip (our trip was supposed to be the end of it all). We already are planning to take the parks much slower than our usual commando pace (we dropped park hoppers on purpose to force us to slow down) but what other helpful information do you all have? What of her pain becomes severe, is there a possibility of renting a wheelchair for her without issues? What can first aid offer and what would we have to find an actual clinic for? We are really figuring we won't need any of the above but more information than necessary isn't always a bad thing
Thanks!
Minnesota

Hi there! Firstly - don't panic! Disney is a wonderfully accessible place, and they're great at helping those of us with extra challanges (whether temporary or permenant). I strongly suggest your friend rents an ECV (power scooter) for your trip; you might want to consider doing this too. There is A LOT of walking to do at Disney, even if you're taking things at a gentle pace. I've heard estimates ranging from 5 - 10 miles, for an average tripper. Even the smallest problem can turn into a major issue with all the walking at Disney.

Don't worry about whether you 'deserve' it or not (I know a lot of people fret about this), because if it will help you to keep your pain to a mimimum, you need it! It's just silly to go on vacation, and then spend the whole time miserable because you're in pain (yup, I've learnt this lesson the hard way). Also, if you want to do some walking, don't feel you have to stay in the ECV the whole time. You can park up in the stroller parking, take the key, and wander around the area. Just make sure you cover the handle bars and seat with a poncho in case it rains!

I suggest renting from an off-site rental company (see the FAQ thread for more details). If you rent from off-site, the ECV is delivered to and collected from your hotel; you have it for the whole trip, including at the resort; you don't need to worry about the parks running out (this does happen, especially at busy times); they're usually easier to drive than the monsters at the parks; and it usually works out cheaper too!

If both of you go for ECVs it will be a bit of a squeeze fitting them into one room, but I know others on here have managed it. If you're using Disney transport, you'll probably have to split up on at least some of your journeys, as there is only space for 2 wheelchairs / ECVs on each bus (OK, a few new ones have 3 spaces). I know some people with issues that don't require an ECV the whole time, will share one between them, but this may cause issues if you're both in pain at the end of the day.

As for First Aid, I've not used them myself, but I've heard many good reports. You'll be able to get her ankle iced if you need it, and there are also beds she can lie down on, if she needs to have it elevated for a while. You might also want to get a refillable ice pack, so you can ice on the go. You can get a cup of ice from any counter service restaurant for free.

If it is at all possible to get a scooter or something for your firend, do it! Even if that isn't something you want to do see about the possibility of getting the medical pass to avoid having to stand in long standby lines.

Sorry, just wanted to give a bit of a correction on this one; there is actually no such thing as a disability pass. There is a Guest Assistance Card (GAC) but this is basically just a tool to communicate your needs to the CMs quickly and easily. The GAC has a number of different functions, depending on the stamps put on it, but it will not shorten wait times (in fact, it can make them even longer!). The only people who can skip lines are people on Make a Wish trips. I'm not having a go at the PP - I know this is a common misconception - I just don't want the OP to be disappointed when she gets told this at Guest Services.

 

[afwdwfan]

Sorry, just wanted to give a bit of a correction on this one; there is actually no such thing as a disability pass. There is a Guest Assistance Card (GAC) but this is basically just a tool to communicate your needs to the CMs quickly and easily. The GAC has a number of different functions, depending on the stamps put on it, but it will not shorten wait times (in fact, it can make them even longer!). The only people who can skip lines are people on Make a Wish trips. I'm not having a go at the PP - I know this is a common misconception - I just don't want the OP to be disappointed when she gets told this at Guest Services.

Yeah, sorry, to clarify my point and possibly you might know more about this than I... I realize that card isn't a fastpass or a free cut to the front, but I thought that they made arrangements to help someone who maybe cant stand in a standby line for an hour? Like another waiting area where you can maybe sit down.... I know they have arrangements for people who can't be around crowds due to anxiety and other disorders, so surely there is something similar they can do for someone with a physical ailment???

 

[SueM in MN]

Yeah, sorry, to clarify my point and possibly you might know more about this than I... I realize that card isn't a fastpass or a free cut to the front, but I thought that they made arrangements to help someone who maybe cant stand in a standby line for an hour? Like another waiting area where you can maybe sit down.... I know they have arrangements for people who can't be around crowds due to anxiety and other disorders, so surely there is something similar they can do for someone with a physical ailment???

There is more information about Guest Assistance Cards in post #6 of the disABILITIES FAQs thread.
It will really not help with a place to sit and people using a GAC will not walk a shorter distance. For example, it is 1/4 mile from the queue entrance at Soarin to the boarding area. When you are done, it is the same distance out. This is a link to a thread where people estimated the distance they walked at WDW.

Using a GAC doesn't change that and there are many places where you will still stand. Some attractions have a wheelchair that guests can borrow to use in the queue, but not all do.
This is a link to a thread about attractions where guests stand (GAC or not) for periods of time with no place to sit.

This is an example of the 'quieter' waiting space, which is helpful for someone with anxiety who needs a little extra space.They are mostly in the waiting areas for shows (this is Laugh Floor):

But, it would not be helpful for someone who needs to sit. And, WDW's recommendation for someone who is concerned about distance, standing or walking in line is to use a wheelchair or ECV.