Worried about mobility 6-weeks post-op

[jkmmah]

I will be 6-weeks post-op for my IT bands at the time of my trip. I’m a frequent WDW visitor so I know my way around well and don’t have the need to see or do it all. However, I’m taking my daughter for her 21st birthday along with her boyfriend. I want them to have the freedom to go as they please without keeping me company all day every day, which means I will be on my own a fair amount. My surgeon has said structurally I should be ok to walk, but endurance-wise, renting an ecv might be useful. I’ve never driven an ecv before, and also worry how I’ll manage it when I’m solo much of the day. I’m very independent and active, so giving in to the idea of needing an ecv is foreign to me and is causing me a massive amount of stress. I’d like to think I’ll be fine without an ecv if I just take sitting breaks periodically, but I also know I might get there with the best of intentions and then find I need the help but be unable to get a last-minute rental. Your words of advice, encouragement, etc are welcome, especially as it pertains to managing this solo. (I’m staying at Shades of Green for reference.)

 

[Narcoossee11]

Most store have ecv for customers to use. Start taking them for spin, get practice in before your trip.

 

[MICKIMINI]

Give it a try on day #1. Just own it. I was very reluctant to use an ECV. WDW parks are huge and walking 5-10 miles a day is the norm. It is a game changer since my TKR. Just getting from the HA parking area can be a challenge these days.

Warning that if you don't get one early you may not get one at all, though I got one mid-day at the International Gate last week. That was the day after I had a documented discussion with Guest Services (again) and lack of ECV's especially at EPCOT IG. New ECV's arrived last week.

Good luck and enjoy your trip!

 

[Debbie Jean]

I’ve used a scooter at WDW for years… bilateral knee replacements… and go several times a year, most often solo. Leaving on my holiday trip in 2 days!

Honestly, I’ve never really given it a thought… I meet the nicest people when I’m on my own and if I do need assistance I am always amazed at the kindness of strangers. I suppose it helps that at 70 I am fairly self sufficient… my motto is that you will never be lonely if you enjoy your own company lol

BTW I would never tell someone to go to the store to try their scooters… those things are huge and difficult to handle. I think people see them and get discouraged! If you rent a scooter from a company off property you will get a scooter that is easier to maneuver.

 

[lanejudy]

I’d like to think I’ll be fine without an ecv if I just take sitting breaks periodically

Be aware there are not many places to sit, and may already be taken when you need it. I would rent an off-site ECV. You don’t have to ride it all day. If you feel up to walking, maybe park it in a “land” and walk that area. Then drive it to the next “land” and repeat. It won’t be far if you decide you need it more.

 

[SueM in MN]

BTW I would never tell someone to go to the store to try their scooters… those things are huge and difficult to handle. I think people see them and get discouraged! If you rent a scooter from a company off property you will get a scooter that is easier to maneuver.

If people give that advice, they usually add that the store ones are huge and difficult to handle, so if you can drive those at all, anything that can be rented at WDW will no challenge

 

[ttintagel]

I bet you will pick it up more quickly than you think. As others have said, the models the outside vendors rent are much easier to handle than the ones you see at the grocery store. And if you do happen to find that you don’t need it as much as you thought you might, you can leave it in stroller parking, walk around, and then come back and get it when you need it.

 

[jkmmah]

Oh, you just gave me a brilliant idea! I’m going to use the grocery store ones a bit before my trip to get the hang of it. Then if I feel reasonably able with that, I’ll have so much more confidence in my ability to handle the one I’ll use at WDW! Thank you so much!

 

[Chickenlady]

Oh, you just gave me a brilliant idea! I’m going to use the grocery store ones a bit before my trip to get the hang of it. Then if I feel reasonably able with that, I’ll have so much more confidence in my ability to handle the one I’ll use at WDW! Thank you so much!

If you can drive the grocery store ones....you'll be used to driving a TANK compared with the ones you rent....those are like sleek 10 speeds!

 

[Debbie Jean]

If you can drive the grocery store ones....you'll be used to driving a TANK compared with the ones you rent....those are like sleek 10 speeds!

Tank…. or an aircraft carrier!

It does provide an opportunity to practice with people around. Honestly, the scooters you rent are maneuverable.. it’s the crowds that are the biggest challenge.

 

[mamabunny]

I will be 6-weeks post-op for my IT bands at the time of my trip. I’m a frequent WDW visitor so I know my way around well and don’t have the need to see or do it all. However, I’m taking my daughter for her 21st birthday along with her boyfriend. I want them to have the freedom to go as they please without keeping me company all day every day, which means I will be on my own a fair amount. My surgeon has said structurally I should be ok to walk, but endurance-wise, renting an ecv might be useful. I’ve never driven an ecv before, and also worry how I’ll manage it when I’m solo much of the day. I’m very independent and active, so giving in to the idea of needing an ecv is foreign to me and is causing me a massive amount of stress. I’d like to think I’ll be fine without an ecv if I just take sitting breaks periodically, but I also know I might get there with the best of intentions and then find I need the help but be unable to get a last-minute rental. Your words of advice, encouragement, etc are welcome, especially as it pertains to managing this solo. (I’m staying at Shades of Green for reference.)

Also, just to alleviate some fears…

Folks at WDW tend to be happy to hold a door open for you, or to help you reach things off of shelves. This applies roughly equally to CMs and Guests alike.

You never have to explain to *anyone* why you need an ECV at WDW; no one should ever challenge you as to why you need one.

Look for “companion” bathrooms as you go around the Theme Parks (and at Disney Springs as well) as those may be easier for you.

Never leave the key in the ECV when you park it. ALWAYS take the key.

Use a reputable mobility vendor in Orlando; make your reservations now - no matter when your trip is, many vendors sell out for dates (especially at the holidays) so don’t wait to reserve an ECV!

Don’t plan on using the rentals at the Theme Parks; those rent out early, and you will find yourself potentially spending hours waiting for one to come back.

Remember the “Park and walk” strategy that our friend @ttintagel talked about - you don’t have to use the ECV full time to reap the benefits. If you feel the need to walk around for a bit, that’s fine! Ask any CM where to Park in the area you want to walk around in, knowing that when you need it, your ride will be there waiting for you! Just take along a length of brightly colored grosgrain ribbon, or a brightly colored bandana (Some way to “mark” the ECV) so that it is easier to spot in a sea of strollers and scooters!

And last, but surely not least: Remember that the ECV is no different than any other “tool” you may use as you go through life. Prescription eyeglasses to see better are a common tool; using them allows you to see better, squint less, and enjoy life activities more. Hearing Aids are another tool; if you need them to hear better, then they can make a huge difference in the quality of life you enjoy. Use the ECV as tool to help you move around Disney World easier and with less stress post-surgery, and enjoy your trip!

 

[Simba's Mom]

If it's any consolation, ECVs aren't too hard to drive. Also, I've met some very helpful people who've offered to get my ECV through difficult places. My first ECV experience I was completely unprepared for and it was a solo trip. My first problem was when I realized I needed the restroom, and I had no idea what to do with this ECV I had. Finally, I just drove up to someone on an ECV and asked them, and they were so helpful. Practicing with a store rental/loaner helps, but I've never had one that has different speeds, just on/off. Different speeds is sometimes hard to get used to-just remember this mantra-"Turtle is my friend. I'm NOT a rabbit!!!"

 

[jkmmah]

A huge thank you to everyone who has given me words of encouragement and advice. It will be unbelievably helpful as I attempt to tackle this new experience. You have relieved some of my worries! Scooter has been reserved!

 

[Betty Rohrer]

A huge thank you to everyone who has given me words of encouragement and advice. It will be unbelievably helpful as I attempt to tackle this new experience. You have relieved some of my worries! Scooter has been reserved!

remember to take it easy on rest of your party during your trip and have a great trip