Disability Discussion

[heychadwick]

Hi All,

I've got a bad ankle from falling off a ladder. I've had 4 surgeries and it's now fused. Normally, it doesn't give me too much of a problem. I do have problems when I stand for a long time or I walk for a long time. I'm going to be staying for 5 days and I just don't know how I'm going to feel after a few days.

I also know that there are changes to their various policies.

I know that you can rent wheelchairs or scooters from Disney, but they are expensive. You can rent from 3rd party ones that will drop off at your hotel. These scooters go faster, too. Wheel chars cost a lot less than scooters. Maybe I can go as far as I can until I give in for a Disney wheelchair, and then rent 3rd party the next day? I'll have to take the various #'s with me.

I've also thought about getting one of those canes that is also a chair. That would really help on the lines, but I'm not sure how bulky they are to carry around. I'm 44 and I'll be with a 15 yr old and a 9 yr old. I don't want to slow people down. Then again, without the cane I might slow them down worse! It might even help me walk a bit.

I also don't know what to ask for in a hotel. Before, I was on crutches and I asked for a first floor room. I was given a full handicap room, which was actually two full rooms. We were told that those without disabilities didn't like a handicap shower, so they gave out two rooms for the price of one. It was awesome! I asked our travel agent about a handicap room now and they said there was an extra charge. I was told I could request a first floor room, but I wasn't guaranteed to get one. Do the handicap rooms always come with 2 rooms? Maybe it's worth the extra cost just to get 2 rooms? Is there anything else I should ask for? Or request? Or tricks?

Anything else overall someone would recommend? I really don't know what to expect and how bad my ankle might get. *sigh*

Thanks!

 

[jakeman]

Hi All,

I've got a bad ankle from falling off a ladder. I've had 4 surgeries and it's now fused. Normally, it doesn't give me too much of a problem. I do have problems when I stand for a long time or I walk for a long time. I'm going to be staying for 5 days and I just don't know how I'm going to feel after a few days.

I also know that there are changes to their various policies.

I know that you can rent wheelchairs or scooters from Disney, but they are expensive. You can rent from 3rd party ones that will drop off at your hotel. These scooters go faster, too. Wheel chars cost a lot less than scooters. Maybe I can go as far as I can until I give in for a Disney wheelchair, and then rent 3rd party the next day? I'll have to take the various #'s with me.

I've also thought about getting one of those canes that is also a chair. That would really help on the lines, but I'm not sure how bulky they are to carry around. I'm 44 and I'll be with a 15 yr old and a 9 yr old. I don't want to slow people down. Then again, without the cane I might slow them down worse! It might even help me walk a bit.

I also don't know what to ask for in a hotel. Before, I was on crutches and I asked for a first floor room. I was given a full handicap room, which was actually two full rooms. We were told that those without disabilities didn't like a handicap shower, so they gave out two rooms for the price of one. It was awesome! I asked our travel agent about a handicap room now and they said there was an extra charge. I was told I could request a first floor room, but I wasn't guaranteed to get one. Do the handicap rooms always come with 2 rooms? Maybe it's worth the extra cost just to get 2 rooms? Is there anything else I should ask for? Or request? Or tricks?

Anything else overall someone would recommend? I really don't know what to expect and how bad my ankle might get. *sigh*

Thanks!

So on average you can expect to walk anywhere from 5-15 miles a day at WDW depending on how active you are.

I'm unfamiliar with the third party scooters, but I would imagine they may require advance reservations.

Regarding your hotel room, all buildings as far as I know have an elevator big enough to accommodate a wheelchair, so unless you had a need for the handicap shower or amenities in the room, I'm not sure that you would need a handicap accessible room.

I hope this helps.

 

[LAKid53]

Beware, not all resorts have elevators, which we discovered the first time we stayed at Caribbean Beach. And Alligator Bayou at POR doesn't have elevators.

I would definitely let Disney travel know that you need a first floor room and why. And seriously consider renting a scooter - don't think you want to have your 15 or 9 year old pushing you around the MK. I wear my most comfortable shoes but after a few hours walking around the parks, those dogs are screaming. I cannot imagine what it would be like for you with your fused ankle.

And if you don't get that requested first floor room upon check in, ask for one. I've found staff at the front desk to be very reasonable, if you are polite and reasonable. Our room was next to the elevator at POP and the staff at the front desk were happy to change for me when I requested. You can call the resort directly a couple of days before you check in to make sure you will get said first floor room.

Good luck and enjoy your trip.

 

[heychadwick]

We are staying at Caribbean Beach. Do they not have elevators in any of them? Or just some? Hmmm....


One thing my wife didn't like when we stayed at Pop Century on the first floor was all the people walking by the door/window making noise. I'm thinking if we are doing Caribbean, that it shouldn't be as bad. It's our first time going up a step in hotel level, though.

Really good advice. I'm seeing a specialist soon for my ankle to ask him/her about it. Any suggestions, advice, etc. I found the most comfortable shoes in the world are my Chacos. They are great, but nothing really helps if I am on my feet too much. Oh, and I'm not a sandals person, but I LOVE these.

I'll have to talk to those 3rd party people to see if I need advance notice or not.

 

[LAKid53]

We are staying at Caribbean Beach. Do they not have elevators in any of them? Or just some? Hmmm....


One thing my wife didn't like when we stayed at Pop Century on the first floor was all the people walking by the door/window making noise. I'm thinking if we are doing Caribbean, that it shouldn't be as bad. It's our first time going up a step in hotel level, though.

Really good advice. I'm seeing a specialist soon for my ankle to ask him/her about it. Any suggestions, advice, etc. I found the most comfortable shoes in the world are my Chacos. They are great, but nothing really helps if I am on my feet too much. Oh, and I'm not a sandals person, but I LOVE these.

I'll have to talk to those 3rd party people to see if I need advance notice or not.

The noise of folks walking by if staying on the first floor is going to be an issue with any of the moderates - all the rooms open to the outside. I usually go for the 2nd floor.

We've stayed at CBR three times and none of the buildings had an elevator. If I remember, they are only 2 floors but dragging your suitcases up those stairs will probably be an issue for you. Is it possible to switch to Port Orleans Riverside? Other than Alligator Bayou, the buildings have elevators. That way you don't have to climb up and down stairs and your wife won't be bothered by the noise.

 

[heychadwick]

Can't change the rooms, I'm afraid. We did some juggling to get this right.

If there are only 2 floors, then it's practically 50-50% we would get a first floor anyways. I'll just try to see what I can do. I don't think it would be a problem getting my suitcase up and down the stairs as I will only be doing it at the beginning or end. I'm normal most times, but just think my ankle will swell up like a grapefruit after a few days.

I'm sure the noise will be less than Pop Century. We have done Econo twice and I'm sure Moderate will be better. It has to be, right?

Thanks again!

 

[Tom 55]

Hi All,

I've got a bad ankle from falling off a ladder. I've had 4 surgeries and it's now fused. Normally, it doesn't give me too much of a problem. I do have problems when I stand for a long time or I walk for a long time. I'm going to be staying for 5 days and I just don't know how I'm going to feel after a few days.

I also know that there are changes to their various policies.

I know that you can rent wheelchairs or scooters from Disney, but they are expensive. You can rent from 3rd party ones that will drop off at your hotel. These scooters go faster, too. Wheel chars cost a lot less than scooters. Maybe I can go as far as I can until I give in for a Disney wheelchair, and then rent 3rd party the next day? I'll have to take the various #'s with me.

I've also thought about getting one of those canes that is also a chair. That would really help on the lines, but I'm not sure how bulky they are to carry around. I'm 44 and I'll be with a 15 yr old and a 9 yr old. I don't want to slow people down. Then again, without the cane I might slow them down worse! It might even help me walk a bit.

I also don't know what to ask for in a hotel. Before, I was on crutches and I asked for a first floor room. I was given a full handicap room, which was actually two full rooms. We were told that those without disabilities didn't like a handicap shower, so they gave out two rooms for the price of one. It was awesome! I asked our travel agent about a handicap room now and they said there was an extra charge. I was told I could request a first floor room, but I wasn't guaranteed to get one. Do the handicap rooms always come with 2 rooms? Maybe it's worth the extra cost just to get 2 rooms? Is there anything else I should ask for? Or request? Or tricks?

Anything else overall someone would recommend? I really don't know what to expect and how bad my ankle might get. *sigh*

Thanks!

In 2010 my wife had a problem with her hip. She could not walk long distance with out the pain being to much. So I rented a wheel chair and pushed here around the parks. We parked the wheel chair with the strollers and walk into the rides. Later I was told the hotel will provide complimentary wheel chairs. The worst part of this was having to walk from buses to the park entrance to pick up wheel chair and leaving them at the park and have to walk to the buses. We go in September so the wait times are not that much. She had her hip replaced so now we do not have that problem anymore.

 

[LAKid53]

Can't change the rooms, I'm afraid. We did some juggling to get this right.

If there are only 2 floors, then it's practically 50-50% we would get a first floor anyways. I'll just try to see what I can do. I don't think it would be a problem getting my suitcase up and down the stairs as I will only be doing it at the beginning or end. I'm normal most times, but just think my ankle will swell up like a grapefruit after a few days.

I'm sure the noise will be less than Pop Century. We have done Econo twice and I'm sure Moderate will be better. It has to be, right?

Thanks again!

Yes, it won't be as noisy as a Value resort. And ask for a corner room - you get two windows which makes the room seem bigger. Since your ankle swells up so bad after standing or walking, ask the front desk staff to make sure your room is near the bus stop and the group of buildings is near the food court. Otherwise you will be walking some distance with that bad ankle to eat.

Enjoy your trip. CBR is a really nice resort - each group of buildings has its own pool and beach (and laundry, always important with kids), with a hammock, and marshmallow roasts for the kids in the evenings. Hopefully you will get one of the new renovated rooms to stay in.

 

[ratherbeinwdw]

We have always gotten our special room requests. If you call and tell them to put a note that you need a first floor room for medical reasons, you will almost certainly get one. I've even requested they change the air conditioner filter--health reasons--, and they did. Actually, I simply requested a special cleaning, and the cm said that was one of the things that comes with a special health cleaning, if I needed them to do that, and I said that I did.
We use to love staying at the CBR until it got so rundown and dirty, but it's been refurbished, recently, so it should be fine now. I don't think they refurbed the pirate rooms. Make sure and ask for a refurbished room. Also, ask for a room close to the bus stop. We did and got one very close to a stop.
All the times we stayed there, we never had a problem with noise outside the room even when we were on the first floor. I find it much noisier in resorts with inside halls.

 

[heychadwick]

OK...this helps a lot. Ask for refurbished rooms. Ask for room close to the bus stop. Awesome.

I'm curious about the 3rd Party rentals. If get them and keep them for the duration, I guess I get on the bus with them? Do all buses have access for those things? I wonder if it's a bother?

Just scheduled my Doc visit for next Thursday. Let's see what he says.

 

[LAKid53]

OK...this helps a lot. Ask for refurbished rooms. Ask for room close to the bus stop. Awesome.

I'm curious about the 3rd Party rentals. If get them and keep them for the duration, I guess I get on the bus with them? Do all buses have access for those things? I wonder if it's a bother?

Just scheduled my Doc visit for next Thursday. Let's see what he says.

Yes, the Disney buses have ramps to allow for people in scooters and wheel chairs to get on. And you and your family will get on and off before any of the others waiting. The driver will strap your scooter into a special spot on the bus for you too.

Hope you get good news from your doctor!

 

[Rob562]

We are staying at Caribbean Beach. Do they not have elevators in any of them? Or just some? Hmmm....

None of the buildings at CBR have elevators. They are two-floor buildings.

I would suggest you call and add the request for a ground-floor room.

-Rob

 

[Minthorne]

And you and your family will get on and off before any of the others waiting.

You get on first but off last.

 

[LAKid53]

You get on first but off last.

I think it depends on the driver. We've waited while someone on a scooter got off first several times.

 

[DManRightHere]

It seems you really don't want a wheelchair or scooter and don't want to rent one.

I would go the cane/chair route if i had to.

I would also buy a wheelchair to bring along if someone didn't mind pushing. You can buy them cheap at a restore, salvation army, or goodwill.

The dang scooters are just a pain on busses.

 

[heychadwick]

It seems you really don't want a wheelchair or scooter and don't want to rent one.

I would go the cane/chair route if i had to.

Well, I'd rather be normal. I don't normally walk with a cane or anything, but if it's cold/raining, I'll probably have a limp. Part of me really doesn't it, but the lazy/pain averse person thinks it might not be a bad idea.

Depending on what the Doc says, I could also take my crutches down with me on the plane. I mean just carry them. Then, if I need them while there, I use them. If that happens, though, I will want someone to take my chair cane with me, too. So, I crutch up in line, and then sit. That might be a bit much, though, as I'll probably have to have the cane/chair on the plane, too.

I would also buy a wheelchair to bring along if someone didn't mind pushing. You can buy them cheap at a restore, salvation army, or goodwill.

The dang scooters are just a pain on busses.

Yeah.....maybe just get the scooters at the parks? That might be the best thing. Well, the chair costs $12/day at Disney, so probably a lot less through the 3rd party. They say they drop them off at the gates or at your hotel. So, maybe that's the easiest route? We'll see. Maybe a wheelchair that I can collapse and carry on? I can walk normal most of the time.

 

[DManRightHere]

Well, I'd rather be normal. I don't normally walk with a cane or anything, but if it's cold/raining, I'll probably have a limp. Part of me really doesn't it, but the lazy/pain averse person thinks it might not be a bad idea.

Depending on what the Doc says, I could also take my crutches down with me on the plane. I mean just carry them. Then, if I need them while there, I use them. If that happens, though, I will want someone to take my chair cane with me, too. So, I crutch up in line, and then sit. That might be a bit much, though, as I'll probably have to have the cane/chair on the plane, too.



Yeah.....maybe just get the scooters at the parks? That might be the best thing. Well, the chair costs $12/day at Disney, so probably a lot less through the 3rd party. They say they drop them off at the gates or at your hotel. So, maybe that's the easiest route? We'll see. Maybe a wheelchair that I can collapse and carry on? I can walk normal most of the time.

There are plenty of scooters in Disney, so I wouldn't worry much about sticking out. There are jerks all over that will judge over something. The worst part is the bus. The in laws mother can't get her scooter on the bus and I always have to do it.

If you want to be the most comfortable and convenient (minus bus), do the electric scooter. If you want cheap and someone doesn't mind pushing, go wheelchair.

If you bring crutches, might as well go wheelchair/scooter. You can't bring crutches on rides and I would imagine crutching miles all day would be extremely tiring and bad for your good foot...

 

[heychadwick]

Can't you wheel your self in a wheelchair? That might be an option. I know my family loves me, but I know people will get sick of pushing me.....or get a bit crazy running me into things!

I've taken crutches on rides before when I crutched Disney. It actually doesn't bother my foot. It does tend to rub my under-arms raw, though. That's even with nifty cushions. It is pretty tiring, but I bet I would burn a lot of calories. I will want to sit when I'm stopped, though. That means someone has to carry my cane/chair around, too. Or do you think I could take one of those little chairs on a plane?

 

[heychadwick]

I went to the doc and was told that if my ankle hurts after an hour of standing up (or less), then I really should get the scooter. So....I'm getting the scooter.

On Site Disney Rentals
$50 / day

• pick up at the park at the entrance.
• can't leave park with it. Has to stay at that park. If you park hop, you have to get a new one w/ receipt.

There is a list of 3rd party companies at this site:

https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/guest-services/ecv-rentals/


I called my insurance to see if they cover anything. I was told that they should, but I had to go through some sub company and needed a prescription from my doc. I did call that sub company and talked to them. They normally sell or rent equipment long term and the lowest amount of time they had on record was a full month. I was told that it mattered what my prescription said and the details of my insurance company, but it was about $300 / month to rent. This company should have no problem delivering and picking up at Disney. I was also told that this was something new that they were getting a lot of requests for. They were looking into getting more information for it. I wouldn't be able to get a full quote until my prescription gets faxed in from my doc.

I also found out from my insurance that there is a $250 deductible and then they cover 90% of the order. So, while it's the same price, I do have the advantage of it going towards my annual deductible, which is a benefit. There is also the fact that I will have to take this back to the hotel with me each night. It will be easier if I want to park hop and such, too. Also, it might be cheaper than the $300 as they didn't have a policy in place for short term rentals for Disney.

I'm listing the gory details of this for anyone who comes behind me and is thinking of the same thing. So, overall, there is help from the insurance company on it, which is good.

I also asked Disney about the buses and such. I think that when it's time to load up, I go to a special designated area for handicap (capable?) people. I think it means I'll get on the first bus, as long as there isn't another scooter in front of me. So, that's cool. I might always get on the first bus to show?

With that being said, I'm steeling myself to getting looks and comments from people who will be wondering why I'm on a scooter, especially when I zip up somewhere and just walk off. Well, maybe I'll be limping by then. I'm also thinking that I might be able to have my 9 yr old sit on my lap as we scooter around. That would be pretty fun. Maybe if we split up, him and I can get somewhere faster on my scooter? I'm told the non-Disney ones are faster. This is, of course, not wanting to run anyone's foot over. I'm going when the crowds are listed as green.

 

[SteveW]

My dad used Apple scooter twice and we had no problems the company. We took the scooter onto Disney buses, boats, monorails, and even the elevators ( Pop Century ) with no problems. I just checked their rate for a 5 day rental and the top scooter came out to $150. Good luck and have a fun trip.