Wheelchair pointers...

[Photobee]

My best friend and her family will be taking their first family vacation to Disney next month. The trip had been planned for about a year. The end of Dec., she fell and broke her leg. She is in a cast, but is still planning on going through with the trip.

I wanted to know if you all have any pointers for her, or what to expect at WDW in a wheelchair. What rides can she totally not ride (she can hobble, but can't put any weight on her leg).

Also, she wanted to know if any of you knew of any good, inexpensive places for her to rent a motorized wheelchair? She will be flying, so she'll need one at the airport and the hotel, as well as the parks. She'll need one when she goes for her Character Dinners (many outside of the parks). She can use crutches, but I don't know that she wants to lug them around all over the place.

HELP! Please! Thank you so much! I've asked for help for her before, and you were all so helpful (she has a daughter with an allergy to the sun). Any help you can give would be greatly appreciated!

 

[SueM in MN]

I don't have time for a long reply - just wanted to point you toward the disABILTIESS FAQs thread. Post 2 of the thread has rental information.
You would not be able to rent a motorized wheelchair for her (the ones with a joystick to drive). You will be able to rent an ECV (power mobility scooter). Depending on just how her cast is and whether age needs her leg raised, that might not be the best choice since there us only a platform to rest the leg on.

 

[Photobee]

Thanks for your help. AFter I posted it, I found that thread and pointed it out to her too! Sorry, I didn't see it until after I posted my original question!

 

[mechurchlady]

If the family is up to pushing your friend around then get a wheelchair so she can elevate her leg. You can buy one cheaply locally then when done with it either resell it, gift it to someone in need, or donate it as a tax write off. You would be able to then gate check the wheelchair and they would possibly even have it on the plane in the closet. You can get a crutch holder for a small fee when you rent wheelchairs or scooters/ECVs.

The parents of the child would go to guest relations inside or outside a park and explain the child's limitation. No doctor's note is needed. Just say things like "She cannot do xxx" or "She cannot xxx because of yyy." and the CMs will make a GAC for her limitations. Go early in the morning to avoid the sun. Early Magical Hours lets you in an hour early on certain days if you are a WDW hotel/resort guest. Nights are another option as well as single rider and fastpasses.

She should get the crutch holder and bring them to steady her when getting onto rides or if she wants to walk around a bit as setting all day can get to a person.

 

[SueM in MN]

The parents of the child would go to guest relations inside or outside a park and explain the child's limitation. No doctor's note is needed. Just say things like "She cannot do xxx" or "She cannot xxx because of yyy." and the CMs will make a GAC for her limitations. Go early in the morning to avoid the sun. Early Magical Hours lets you in an hour early on certain days if you are a WDW hotel/resort guest. Nights are another option as well as single rider and fastpasses.

There is more information about GACs in post #6 of the disABILITIES FAQs thread.