WDW with a cane?

[Simba's Mom]

Has anyone here ever used a cane at WDW-I'm thinking especially one of the folding kind? My issues at WDW revolve primarily around stability when walking. So I was thinking of tucking one of those folding canes in my backpack, that I could use for extra stability when I'm walking around. I have a terrible habit of tripping and have difficulty walking down stairs. Is it as easy to bring a cane as I might think? What are some of the potential problems if I do? Any?

 

[suz_cute]

My dad used his cane during our last visit, as he had just recovered from hip replacement surgery and couldn't do stairs and a great deal of walking without that support. He too brought the collapsible kind. On certain rides where he couldn't take it on with him, he would use the cane to get to the ride vehicle, and a cast member would take it from him. When he exited the ride, they had it waiting for him. He had no probs whatsoever bringing his cane. Also, if you are unable to do stairs, let the castmember know at the beginning of the ride, and they will show you the appropriate alternate way to board the ride. Most line queues are HC accessible, so you can proceed in the same line as everyone else. I hope this helps you out!! Have a great trip!!

 

[jmartinez1895]

Because you have a problem with stairs I think it would help if you stop by the guest service station at the first park you go to and tell them about your problem. They should be able to give you a GAC that will alert the CMs at the attractions that have stairs so they can get you where you need to go. I do not use a cane, but I have seen many people at he parks using them and they seem to be getting around fine so I don't think you'll have any trouble there.

 

[SueM in MN]

There is more information about Guest Assistance Cards in post #6 of the disABILITIES FAQs thread. You can get directly to that thread by clicking the link in my signature.

Also, when you are entering the park, look for kiosk with park maps. THere is one map for Guests with Disabilities that includes things like the current correct entrance to use for disabilities. In most cases, it will tell you to enter thru the standard queue. Only a few atttractions have different entrances and there are only a few attractions with stairs. According to the map for guests with disabilities and written information from WDW, guests with wheelchairs, ECV, canes or other obvious mobility needs do not need a GAC to use the accessible entrance/boarding area.

So, if you do go to GUest Services to request a GAC, don't be surprised if they will not give you one.

 

[Earstou]

Due to a brain malformation, I have balance issues. I sometimes use a cane, but at WDW I use an ECV because I also have fatigue issues.
Something that often concerns me is being shoved and bumped when in a crowd. I worry about falling, and as I've gotten worse now, this is another reason I don't use a cane at WDW. I have been bumped when in crowded areas, the areas I remember most are Main Street after a parade and at closing, boarding the buses at high-crowd times and some queues, It's Tough to be a Bug being the worst. Don't know if that is a problem for you, but thought I would mention it!

 

[I Love Pluto]

Canes are fine at WDW. Just be careful at high crowd times as the previous poster mentioned. We prefer to sit out the crowds after parades, etc. People are tired, and they're not looking for a cane. They don't know your problems, so it's hard for anyone to realize not to bump into you - especially if they don't notice the cane.

Have a great trip!

 

[dollyd]

I had a stroke and use a cane. I see no prblem with using a cane in Disney. When you go on ride the cast members will store it for you. Then give it back to you after the ride.

 

[peemagg]

Another thing to be aware of when using it at night, especially if your cane is dark colored. People don't see the cane and can acciently kick it out from under you. You might need to find a way to light it up so that is is seen more easily. There are flashlights out there that you can clip on the cane and shine either down or forward. I have heard of some people attaching the battery operated christmas lights to their cane.

 

[lovetoscrap]

Both myself and a friend have collapsible canes that we have used at WDW. I can't remember any time that they took it from me-- since it folds up I just quickly stuck it in my purse as soon as I was seated, or in the netted area for secure belongings. I don't go on any of the big rides but I seem to recall that you can still take a bag on those as long as it can be secured. I can see that they would probably have to hold on to a non collapsible cane on some of the rides since the area to secure your things is not that long. But my cane fit just fine.

I echo what the others said about the crowds. Even when a ride unloads and everyone is heading towards the exit you can have "pushers" next to you or behind you Just take your time and let everyone else go ahead of you and hang back after the parades and shows. In fact when we have gone to Fantasmic (even before I had my mobility problems) we would just sit there when it was over and people watch. When just about everyone else has funneled out then we get up and go. We have had some lovely chats with CM's during that time also. No need to get up and join the mass of humanity all trying to get out at the same time. And it was really easy to find the stroller when it was one of the only ones left!

 

[Chip_Dale]

No problem with a cane.
You can fold it up and keep it with you in the ride vehicle or hand it to the CM and it will be waiting for you at the exit.

 

[OneLittleSpark]

Another option, instead of the elasticated folding type, would be a telescopic cane. They will go down fairly small, and there isn't the risk of them 'reassembling' themselves on a sharp bend. They will fit on the floor of most ride cars, though for some of the more sedate ones, I will lean it on the seat between myself and my partner (some rides, like HM, don't have much to enclose the foot area, so I worry about it slipping out. It probably won't, but I'm a worrier!)

I use a wheelchair most of the time now, but I always keep my telescopic cane tucked in beside me, so I can use it of I need to get up or transfer. Just make sure that you screw it tight before you lean on it, as otherwise it is rather surprising when it suddenly 'shrinks'!

I would suggest you take the phone numbers of a few external ECV / wheelchair rental companies, just in case you find you need one (see the FAQ thread). Or the people on the concierge desk will be able to give you their numbers when you're there. Stability issues can be very tiring, especially when you're doing a lot of moving about, standing and sitting, and are out in the heat. If you find that you're not enjoying yourself, because of constantly battling with your condition, don't be afraid to use the help of an ECV or wheelchair, to make your trip more fun

Have a great trip!