WDW in a wheelchair

[KathyG/poohbear]

Hi, I am just starting to realize that I am going to have to spend part of my time at Disney in a wheelchair.

I broke my ankle in October and my orthapedic surgeon says it's the worse break he has ever seen. I already had a trip to Disney planned. If I change anything I will lose about $1000 due to airfare changes and the fact that the rooms go up after 2/12.

I hope to be able to walk alot of the time, well at this point I should say more realistically part of the time. We will be staying at the Poly and understand they do have wheelchairs onsite first come, first served.

I know I can rent wheelchairs in the parks. Does anyone know if DTD has a wheelchair to rent? Also, does anyone have any tips or has anyone ever been in this situation? I know it could be alot worse and it could be permanent (so I am not feeling sorry for myself) but I want to get as much out of the vacation as I can. I will need a wheelchair because the pain gets too bad after I walk a while.

Thanks for any tips or information, anyone has.

 

[Yellow Shoes]

Here is some information .


And some more .

Don't be brave--you need to do what you need to do to enjoy yourself. You are lucky in that (I think I'm understanding correctly) you will be able to get onto every ride--it's just the walking that will be difficult for you.

There are medical supply companies in Orlando that will deliver a scooter to your hotel--it will be waiting for you in the lobby, and you leave it in the lobby when you check out.

 

[KathyG/poohbear]

Thanks so much for that link...it was very helpful.

I am hoping I will be able to get on & off all the rides. I am worried most about the Rock & Roller coaster.....in that putting all of my weight on my bad foot hurts alot. I am also worried because I won't be as fast getting off and on as usual and I don't want to hold anyone up.

You are right...I know I am lucky....I am lucky just to be going. Plus my wheelchair use will be temporary while my foot continues to strengthen.

Thanks for being so kind.

 

[Grumpy56]

I wouldn't worry too much about holding others up. We took my FIL to WDW back in 96 when the arthritis in his hips was so bad he could only walk a very short distance. We rented a wheelchair at each of the parks and everyone was so nice to us, CM's and fellow park goers alike. All we had to do was be willing to take our time and it all worked out fine. I think you'll find that the vast majority of people are sympathetic and helpful and Disney CM's are known for their ability to adjust experiences for the differently abled!


Hope you have a great trip!

 

[Kingdom Konsultant]

You're doing the right thing by getting a wheelchair. Your ankle needs to heal and if your in pain from walking, that will really put a damper on your vacation. Good luck and I hope everything works out for you with your trip. If you need any help, you know where to reach me.

Pam

 

[KathyG/poohbear]

Thank you all for being so kind. I know I will be "paranoid" if I am not careful. I am already "worrying" about if I will be able to get on moving things like The Haunted Mansion.

I will be back at work for 1/2 days for 4 days and then 2 whole days before I go so that shows how early I am in my recovery. Like I said though this will be my 4th trip to Disney in 12 months....getting the max out of an AP....so staying at the hotel should be good enough and relaxing even if I miss out on some things.

I am glad I always run into such nice people on these boards.

 

[Melora]

Hi

When we went to WDW about 18 months ago, my 12 year old had hurt her ankle and although she could walk some, it was faster and easier to use a wheelchair. It turned out to be helpful in more ways than one... It was August and the lines were horrible and more than once (almost every time!) we got to go to the front of the line. Or at least cut the line and save a ton of time.. since we were traveling with an infant it made the wait for the adult who had him shorter and more pleasant! Everyone was very accomadating and we never felt pressured to move fast or hurry up or like we were inconveniencing anyone.