WDW after knee replacement?

[Simba's Mom]

How long after knee replacement surgery can you go to WDW? Being there really isn't the big problem-since we've been so many times before, I don't mind a restful trip with few rides and I've been renting an ECV for the last few years. But I'm mostly concerned about GETTING there-the flight or if I can't fly, 2 full days of driving. I would expect getting wheelchair assistance at the airport is a good idea, stand and stretch on the plane periodically. Any tips either in transit or while at WDW? I already have reservations in September at WDW, so I'm wondering when I can have surgery. The "S" word (surgery)just came up at the surgeon's today, so any tips would help.

 

[a742246]

My wife (60's) had surgery June 10, Sept 1 she was able to walk a bit on a beach (soft sand) at cape cod. November 10 we did Disney and she walked very good. My guess after 4 months she was at 80-90% from her old self from 4 years earlier. At 5 months it was 90-95%.
Just do your rehab religiously and you should be fine.

 

[Tallis]

I had first total knee replacement February 2019. We went within the following month or two (for 3 days) and I rode an ECV. Second total knee replacement was in July 2019 and we did a week in December 2019, camping at Fort Wilderness. I no longer needed the ECV.

We live 2.5 hours drive and I do the driving. My right knee was not thrilled at the December drive, but was better the following morning.

 

[KPeterso]

My Mom had a knee replacement in December 2017. She did not go back to WDW until September 2018. But, she would have probably been ok to go around May or so. We get her a scooter anyway, so no worries about walking. It is the 5 hour flight that she would not have been ready for. She did start going for short day trips to Disneyland less than 2 months post op. We would get her a wheelchair and the first couple of times stuck to "easy" rides where she did not have to step up or down into a ride vehicle. Rides like Soaring and Toy Story Midway Mania come to mind. I think I also rode a couple rides alone while she sat and rested a bit in the wheelchair. We took those days super slow and were happy to accomplish anything.

 

[Selket]

How long after knee replacement surgery can you go to WDW?

No actual experience - I'm probably in the same boat as both my knees are terrible but the doctors want me to wait on knee replacements. I'm sure some people could go after a couple of months and others struggle more even 6 months later - I bet it really is individual since sometimes there are problems after surgery, etc.

My thought would be to fly - and this is the time to upgrade to those seats with more legroom! As much legroom as you can afford - lol! Perhaps work with an agent that sells travel insurance that covers pre-exisiting conditions in case you have to cancel the trip. I know you're a WDW vet and, probably like me, are just happy to be there and don't need to see or do everything. I'd rent the ECV and best case scenario you park it and can walk a lot. Sounds like a great thing to have to look forward to after your surgery.

 

[R&RsMom]

I can’t speak to knees, but had both hips done. My ortho did not want me to fly till 3 months post surgery. My daughter is ortho nurse and she discouraged me from long car drives aLao for a couple of months after. I think it had more to do with clot potential.

 

[North of Mouse]

Your surgeon would be the best person to ask as he's completely aware of your own particular situation. We've been with more than one person with knee replacements and they all handled things differently.

The best to you!

 

[Simba's Mom]

My Mom had a knee replacement in December 2017. She did not go back to WDW until September 2018. But, she would have probably been ok to go around May or so. We get her a scooter anyway, so no worries about walking. It is the 5 hour flight that she would not have been ready for. She did start going for short day trips to Disneyland less than 2 months post op. We would get her a wheelchair and the first couple of times stuck to "easy" rides where she did not have to step up or down into a ride vehicle. Rides like Soaring and Toy Story Midway Mania come to mind. I think I also rode a couple rides alone while she sat and rested a bit in the wheelchair. We took those days super slow and were happy to accomplish anything.

I was a little confused-are Soarin and Toy Story Midway Mania "easy" rides, that is OK for me to do? I hope so since those are two of my favorite rides!
I love the comment from the poster who said "as much legroom as you can afford".
Yeah, I figure that I probably should ask my surgeon, but he may be a little more cautious-he doesn't understand the desires of the true Disney fanatic!

 

[KPeterso]

I was a little confused-are Soarin and Toy Story Midway Mania "easy" rides, that is OK for me to do? I hope so since those are two of my favorite rides!
I love the comment from the poster who said "as much legroom as you can afford".
Yeah, I figure that I probably should ask my surgeon, but he may be a little more cautious-he doesn't understand the desires of the true Disney fanatic!

Yes for both as easy rides. Soaring - she could walk in and sit right down. Toy story - she could walk right onto, no step up or down!

 

[mamabunny]

Yes for both as easy rides. Soaring - she could walk in and sit right down. Toy story - she could walk right onto, no step up or down!

As long as she can bend her knee enough - and she can let it hang.

On rides like Soarin', the leg will be hanging, and an unsupported knee may hurt.

On rides like Toy Story (my personal all-time favorite ever ever ever!) you have to be able to bend your knee completely to where your feet are flat on the floor (at least I have to and I am average height)

So maybe thinking ahead about "can she *bend* her knee" and "can her knee swing unsupported" is a better way to look at ride possibilities?