Suddenly, a walking cast, with 8 days to go

[LLevy]

to our first trip/hollymoon, So-- now that I've managed to tear several important things in my ankle.. what do i do? cancel the trip?

I have a walking cast, and the doctor says i should be able to use SAP at he park.. (I did ask him if I should cancel and he didn't think I needed to) but he did say "no wheel chair unless you can elevate the foot."

so- we are in a wing at the contemporary- should we try and move to the tower? (we are on a *very* tight budget) which location would involve less walking? (yeah right- less walking at WDW- HAH!)

so- anyone had the same problem?

Thanks

L

[teri]

Go to the link on my signature line below. You can rent wheelchairs that will elevate your leg from the medical supply companies - look for the "Rental Wheelchairs" link.

As far as the Guest Assistance Card, your doctor is incorrect. They will tell you to use a wheelchair or ECV. Most queues at WDW are mainstream wheelchair accessible. The GAC is now reserved for truly exceptional conditions that make waiting in the line impossible. It is possible with a wheelchair in your case, so they would not give the GAC to you. That doesn't mean they won't be accommodating to you and your party.

Many people use a wheelchair or ECV to go distances or wait in queues, but then walk around when they have a chance. You don't have to be sitting in a wheelchair and using it the entire time you are there.

[DizMagic]

I know how you feel. Yesterday I had to rush to the Dr. and was advised that I have vertigo. We are still coming down on Saturday (after some great pills from good ole Doc.) I will definately skip the teacups and may have to skip some other rides as well. Thankfully, I have been to WDW many times and have gotton to experience most of the rides. I was so upset when I first found out - I thought for certain that I would have to cancel. Best of luck to you and get well soon. My advice - if you have to be sick or injured, why not be sick or injured at Disney!

[disnut8]

I have to agree with renting the wheelchair and having your foot elevated. We were in a similar situation about two years ago. We were leaving on Friday and my husband found out on Wednesday that his swollen knee and foot were a heck of a lot more serious than what he thought. We called Care Medical and they were great. We were staying offsite and the manual wheelchair was waiting for us when we checked in. We just returned it to the front desk when we checked out. Rates are very reasonable.

Now, realize I said manual wheelchair. I'm 5 foot nothing and weigh 100 pounds soaking wet. I had no problem pushing the chair around. My husband could walk short distances but he was in the chair most of the time.

And it's true about most of the queues being wheelchair friendly. Don't count on special service all the time. In fact, even if you do get to go around the queue, some times you end up waiting longer for your ride since they have to wait to accommodate the wheelchair at the waiting area. For example - we got to go past the short line at Star Tours but had to wait for one vehicle so the wheelchair could be pushed through to the other side for when we got off. We didn't have a choice of seats, either. Front row, all the way to the right. Not exactly the best. Same thing with wheelchair rows at Muppets. All the way in the back.

Just realize that people will NOT see you very well. You're not at their height level. I can't tell you how many people ran into my husband. He said he never saw that many fannies up close and personal in his whole life. And watch out for smokers who have their cigarettes down by their side. Perfect eye level for you.

The wheelchair did not distract us for our trip in any way. In fact, I think it enhanced it and gave us a whole new appreciation for people in the same situation. Heck, it even taught us how tough it is to push around a stroller!

Have a great trip!

[teri]

Wheelchair and ECV tip for the winter season - wear something with lights. The glow necklaces or a flashing pin around your ankles will give just enough ambient light that your feet won't be in complete darkness and others can see you. Take flashlights as headlights. A glow necklace or pendant helps. It gets dark early, and the exits can be difficult.