Disney on Crutches? About This Page:

[zacksmom_1993]

Apparently, in my family, decorating for Christmas is hazardous! Last winter, my aunt broke her back by falling down the stairs with a box of decorations. This year, I fell coming out of my shed with Christmas lights. I have a possible ankle fracture, but regardless of the extent of the injury, I'm in a partial cast with crutches for the near future. The problem is that I have my Mousefest trip scheduled in just 10 days. What should I do? What would you do?

Unfortunately, I'm travelling by myself from San Francisco. How would I get on and off the plane? Into a Magical Express bus? Once at Disney, is there a wheelchair to take me to my room? We're spending the first night at Saratoga Springs and then transferring to Beach Club. Should I call with room requests? We are staying club level so maybe I should rely on the IPO staff. Should I just rent a wheelchair from an offsite provider or get one each day at the parks? I'm counting on having a Mousefest buddy push me and I don't want to drink and drive in the motorized version. Or should I just say, "It isn't in the cards this year," and cancel the trip. I've had other things going on at home, and this just maybe someone's way of telling me to stay put. Mods, if this is in the wrong forum, could you move it?

[karyntay07]

Oh goodness! Pixies for you to feel better

As far as advice goes, I'm fairly limited. I can safely say you will get assistance at the airport....when I went to Disney in August there were several Logan employees pushing hurt and elderly individuals onto and off of the planes - and around the airport. Disney will also be very accommodating I'm sure. I would worry most about the parks, but if you are traveling with a friend who will make sure not to push you off a cliff you'll be all set! When I went with my grandmother a few years back she rented the motorized vehicle thing, which was fantastic because she couldn't have walked around the parks all day. The issue with those vehicles is the absence of a brake! Which, with an 80 something year old, turned to be troublesome. I got ran over a couple times because I went in front of her to make sure she didn't run over a couple kids (did I mention how heavy those are when they run over your foot?!)....but in general I don't think you would have any issues renting one of those and having a drink or two.

I have only canceled one trip in my life (there was a death in the family) and I tend to brave all circumstances! I even broke my foot the day before going to Hampton Beach but went anyway.....crutches and sand are not a good combination ! So if I were you I wouldn't cancel, but only you know what the best decision is. I think Disney/airports have these type of situations on a daily basis...they are well equipped with handling these issues.....I really wouldn't worry about them. Good luck with everything!

[theJordans]

I`ll try and answer some of your questions.
First off sorry about the fall next thing are you cleared for flying by your Doc?
We always get a wheelchair for DH so if you contact your airline they assist you onto the flight and have a wheelchair waiting for you at the other end. Someone will then help you get your luggage and then get you to DME.
At the resort ask them if you can borrow a wheelchair. We`ve always got one but they are not guarenteed. Saying that they didn`t have one for us at SSR but hired one for us from an outside source for no charge.
I don`t mind pushing DH around - it keeps me fit and the control you get is fabulous There are no arguments about where to go next!
Good luck - it is definately doable as long as you can manage just a few steps.

[Colexis Mom]

I too would contact the airline regarding your injury. You should be able to pre-board and such, and hopefully get some assistance along the way!

I'd also rent a wheelchair for the duration from an outside source, so you are guaranteed a wheelchair. Unless concierge can guarantee you one, I wouldn't take any chances!! Call them first!!

Tons of pixies for you Karen!!

[Caldercup]

Aaaaaaaagh! (Now you know why I'm in a bad mood, Marnie!)

I think you should definitely come -- can you imagine the hilarity as Sharon and Jill and I see how far we can send the wheelchair down sloping hills?! And, if you go the Steel FastPass route, we'd get into sooooo much trouble!

As for the airplane -- which will not be fun -- I'd call your airline and see what they suggest.

Then, call IPO and see what wonderful perks you can wring out of the injury. (I totally think a broken ankle trumps my MS! I can hear it now... "I have a broken booooooone!")

If it starts to hurt, we'll numb it with FABs!
Eileen

PS - Karen, I don't have a problem renting a car just to come pick you up at the airport... or we could rent a car for the trip and we could drive you and the wheelchair everywhere...

Anything, ANYTHING to get you to come have fun with us. (Bob gave me birthday money and I'll gladly spend it on you, m'dear!)

[Jillybean]

OH NOOOOOOO!!!!!!

Okay, first of all, you're still coming! I've been buffing up my upper body strength all year just for an occasion such as this! As far as those hills that Eileen mentioned above, Sharon would be more than happy to push you up Mt. Land or Mt. Soarin' or whatever she calls it!

We will find a way to make this work - - and you can finally sit back, relax and let us do the pushing.



Jill

[disneydani]

Personally, I would rent an ECV from an outsid evendor versus a wheelchair....unless you are very used to pushing a WC, it can be totally exhausting (even though I know your buddies would happily push you along!)...plus it might give your a little more independence. In terms of the airport, you can request a WC curbside and then have an airport attendant bring you to the gate. (you also may be able to have a persoanl attendant (family/friend) bring you through....I have done this before, check with your airline and make sure the person who is coming along has proper ID.

My opinion, life is too short, you should definitely go and enjoy being in your happy place with good friends, even if you have to slow down a bit. (And since you run about seven speeds above everyone else, you should make out just fine!)

Good luck!

danielle

[disney_duke]

Definitely GO!!! Don't let a bum ankle ruin your fun!!
Just like the others said, call your airline and have it noted in your reservation that you'll need wheelchair assistance. They will wheel you from the ticket counter to the gate, and when you land, they'll take you from the gate to your luggage/DME line.
And if Eileen rents a car, talk to your doctor about getting a temporary handicap sign (you should do that anyway!!). Think of the great parking spots you can get!!!!
Definitely go on this trip!!

[Sandra Bostwick]

All I have to add is GO and have a magical trip!

[KathyL]

Go and have a great trip.

[Sue M.]

So sorry about your ankle Karen. As everyone said, contact the airport & airlines about needing assistance. If you trust Eileen not to push you into a lake or pool , rent a wheelchair, this way you have it with you at the resort, as well as the parks, or the motorized thingy if you feel comfortable with that. You could practice at the resort parking lot first! Maybe you could have both, rent the motorized one, & borrow the push kind from the resort when you don't want to drink & drive--wait, I saw those room pics of your "bar" in the room. Maybe just the push one

[Nalagh]

I would seriously consider renting an ECV! Good luck with whatever you choose!

[MMMD]

Well, your travel mates are up to the challenge so I think you have no choice but to go.

Good luck and feel better soon.

[Fortissimo]

Karen, has my clumsiness rubbed off on you?

First, call DME and ask what they suggest. I know when I am on crutches I try to avoid stairs at all costs. If I must do stairs, I scoot on my bottom up the stairs (hey, it's better than the alternative which would be falling if you are me).

Second, call your airline and ask for a bulkhead seat. Bulkheads have more leg room and you can stretch your leg out more comfortably. If they cannot give you the bulkhead, ask for an aisle seat for ease in getting in and out of the seat.

When you call the airline, also request assistance for getting to your gate and from the gate when you land at MCO.

When you check-in at SSR, ask if they can take you to your room in a golf cart. I would rent a chair from an off-site agency so your chair is ready for you when you check in. This will also cause less stress on getting to the parks without a chair. Off-site agencies will also be cheaper.

Finally, if I didn't have concerts next week, I would fly in and be your personal chair-pusher. And, since alcohol makes me break out in hives, I could even be your designated chair-pusher/driver.

Oh, one more thing, I would take a few bags of frozen peas in a cooler. Last time I flew with a break I did have swelling for some reason. Also, I know it is difficult, but when you are on the plane, make sure you get up and walk a few times. Ask your doctor of a cast boot or shoe to put over the cast so you can walk a little bit on the foot (if that is possible and allowed by the doctor).

Good luck and

[scottjs]

I went to WDW after fracturing my foot!!! I was somewhat recovered but had one really bad day. The clinics are WDW are wonderful in providing any help you may need. I would say go any way you can. Its better to hurt and be at WDW then to feel great and be at work!!! (My own theory)