Fractured ankle wheelchair or scooter?? Advice please.

[edk35]

We arrive for a week at Disney on May 20th. Staying at the Poly. When we go I will be 7 weeks from when I fractured it. Currently in a boot for at least 2-3 more weeks. I am 60 but I am used to getting 20k+ steps a day at Disney. Obviously that will not be the case this trip. TO be honest I really am nervous about the scooter on a bus scenario. Also can you take a scooter on the monorail? I am thinking a wheelchair at MK and HS might work but not at EP or AK. Is it really hard to get one first thing in the morning? I think the other problem will be park hopping and there not being one at the park we hop to. I am also nervous about running someone over in a park. YIKES!!!! Thanks!!!

 

[MinnieMSue]

You can take an ecv in the monorail. They will place a ramp for you to go up to get on and off.

 

[bobbiwoz]

You can take an ECV on a monorail.

I have found most bus drivers are great help in the buses, especially if you ask. Asking for help will definitely get it for you.

I would not risk not getting an ECV in the park. I would rent off site.

Whatever you do, I hope you have a great vacation. I am sorry to learn about your fracture.

 

[ttintagel]

TO be honest I really am nervous about the scooter on a bus scenario.

Understandable, but it really is a lot easier than most people might think. And the bus drivers are total pros at loading ECVs, and I've never encountered one who wasn't happy to help however they could. Occasionally you might have to wait for the next bus if there are already ECV users aboard, but that's usually only a problem during super busy times or at park closing.

Also can you take a scooter on the monorail?

Absolutely! And the Monorail CMs are also very helpful. You just need to tell them where you plan on getting off so they can radio ahead and have someone ready to put a ramp down when you get there.

I am thinking a wheelchair at MK and HS might work but not at EP or AK.

EP and AK definitely have more hills, steep ramps, and uneven terrain. But even MK and HS can be difficult unless you have strong companions to push. I tried to use a manual wheelchair on one trip and we were all exhausted by the end of the first day. I called the rental place and they had an ECV at my resort that night.

Is it really hard to get one first thing in the morning? I think the other problem will be park hopping and there not being one at the park we hop to.

Those can definitely be issues. Also, renting from a third party instead of in-park increases your chances of getting equipment in better working order, and going between the bus stops and your room and the park entrances can involve a lot of steps you probably would rather not take.

I am also nervous about running someone over in a park.

Some people will step out in front of you as if you weren't there or as if it's just as easy to stop in a WC/ECV as it is on foot (which it isn't). But that's another thing you get used to quickly if you stay on the lowest speed. If you're in a group with people on foot, sometimes they can help create a buffer around you.

Another bit of advice for WDW with broken/healing bones: If you're taking anything for pain or inflammation, whether prescription or OTC, I find it's better to take it on a schedule rather than waiting for the pain to start. It's really easy to get distracted and miss the warning signs.

 

[SuperJ]

I was in your situation a few years ago. Broke ankle August 2019. Was non weight-bearing for 8 weeks. About 2 weeks after I could start bearing weight (in a boot) again, we went on our pre-scheduled Disney trip. I was in my mid-30s at the time and I really didn't want to, but I caved and got a scooter and I have no regrets (I kinda wish I could have a scooter every time now). Get the scooter. And get a rental rather than a park one. Here are my thoughts on why:

1. At the time I went, I still very much needed to elevate as much as possible. I'm tall so this may not work for everyone, but I rented a model with a Captain's Chair and, when needed, I could park it and put my leg up on the scooter's handle bars to elevate when I needed to.

2. recovering from an injury sucks energy out of you so you're not going to want anything that requires extra manual effort. a wheelchair, if not electric, requires you to push or a family member to push you while doing theme park walking. if you don't have a family member with that kind of physical stamina, you're setting you and your relatives up for problems.

3. it is FAR less likely that people who aren't paying attention (walkers, strollers, etc) will accidentally crash into your leg because it's more protected on a scooter than in a wheelchair. You're also higher off the ground so you have better sight lines for driving. stick to the side of a path, even if it takes longer, so you just have to worry about what is in front of you and one side, rather than both sides.

4. if you're nervous about driving it, keep it on the lowest setting (it's good practice in the parks anyway and for the lines you can take it in, they actually require that you set it to the lowest speed before entering the line) and make sure you drive it around your resort after delivery to get used to it - practice tight corners and reversing. rentals are far more maneuverable than the park scooters.

5. my rental came with "bonus" things that worked great for us - cupholder, front basket for storage, port for charging phones.

6. some downsides to a scooter are: you will have to transfer to a wheelchair to get in the line for a few rides and then, depending on the ride, transfer again from chair to ride vehicle. wheelchair would allow you to go right in the line; you can't take it into bathrooms - you have to park and walk (if you need it, i think you can get something for a rental scooter than will allow you to bring/store crutches or a walker for these situations. i just got as close to the door as possible and leaned on my sister, who would also go in to check if there was a line and available handicap stall before having me get up and walk in); restaurants - you likely cannot take the scooter in. If you have an ADR, call ahead and request that you have a table near a door. Walks to the bathroom may be long. Avoid buffets or make sure a family member is willing to make you a plate (my mom facetimed me from the buffet line while I sat at the table and I just told her what I wanted as she went through). If you're at a quick service, they may be able to direct you to a table near a door or outside where you can drive the scooter to. if it's near a ride requiring transfer to a wheelchair for the line, you may be able to borrow a wheelchair from the ride to be wheeled into the restaurant. for example, they were not allowing scooters in the land pavillion when we were there but they had wheelchairs available for transfer to go inside. however, there's only one very small elevator.

Separate tip - if you're planning on rides, know exactly how many steps you can comfortably walk and then drop the count by about 5. Every CM asks how many steps. Also know if you can do a moving sidewalk if they slow it vs needing it totally stopped. they will do either of course, but they will ask if you can handle slower or if you need it fully stopped.

Finally, make sure you're hydrating really well and that you have your pain meds on hand. also an ice pack. it will swell. a lot. so you'll need to manage that at the end of each day.

We had a car and I had a handicap placard so I can't comment on transportation, but I don't know that there's much difference between scooter and wheelchair in terms of waits and boarding difficulties. i've seen people, if they are able, get off the scooter and the bus driver parks it in the bus for you and then the person just boards like anyone else and takes a seat. however, i am not sure if drivers are required to do this or if it's just been someone trying to be helpful.

 

[edk35]

We arrive for a week at Disney on May 20th. Staying at the Poly. When we go I will be 7 weeks from when I fractured it. Currently in a boot for at least 2-3 more weeks. I am 60 but I am used to getting 20k+ steps a day at Disney. Obviously that will not be the case this trip. TO be honest I really am nervous about the scooter on a bus scenario. Also can you take a scooter on the monorail? I am thinking a wheelchair at MK and HS might work but not at EP or AK. Is it really hard to get one first thing in the morning? I think the other problem will be park hopping and there not being one at the park we hop to. I am also nervous about running someone over in a park. YIKES!!!! Thanks!!!

Thank you!!

 

[edk35]

You can take an ECV on a monorail.

I have found most bus drivers are great help in the buses, especially if you ask. Asking for help will definitely get it for you.

I would not risk not getting an ECV in the park. I would rent off site.

Whatever you do, I hope you have a great vacation. I am sorry to learn about your fracture.

Thank you!!!

 

[edk35]

TO be honest I really am nervous about the scooter on a bus scenario.

Understandable, but it really is a lot easier than most people might think. And the bus drivers are total pros at loading ECVs, and I've never encountered one who wasn't happy to help however they could. Occasionally you might have to wait for the next bus if there are already ECV users aboard, but that's usually only a problem during super busy times or at park closing.

Also can you take a scooter on the monorail?

Absolutely! And the Monorail CMs are also very helpful. You just need to tell them where you plan on getting off so they can radio ahead and have someone ready to put a ramp down when you get there.

I am thinking a wheelchair at MK and HS might work but not at EP or AK.

EP and AK definitely have more hills, steep ramps, and uneven terrain. But even MK and HS can be difficult unless you have strong companions to push. I tried to use a manual wheelchair on one trip and we were all exhausted by the end of the first day. I called the rental place and they had an ECV at my resort that night.

Is it really hard to get one first thing in the morning? I think the other problem will be park hopping and there not being one at the park we hop to.

Those can definitely be issues. Also, renting from a third party instead of in-park increases your chances of getting equipment in better working order, and going between the bus stops and your room and the park entrances can involve a lot of steps you probably would rather not take.

I am also nervous about running someone over in a park.

Some people will step out in front of you as if you weren't there or as if it's just as easy to stop in a WC/ECV as it is on foot (which it isn't). But that's another thing you get used to quickly if you stay on the lowest speed. If you're in a group with people on foot, sometimes they can help create a buffer around you.

Another bit of advice for WDW with broken/healing bones: If you're taking anything for pain or inflammation, whether prescription or OTC, I find it's better to take it on a schedule rather than waiting for the pain to start. It's really easy to get distracted and miss the warning signs.

Thank you so very much!!!!! Great tips.

 

[edk35]

I was in your situation a few years ago. Broke ankle August 2019. Was non weight-bearing for 8 weeks. About 2 weeks after I could start bearing weight (in a boot) again, we went on our pre-scheduled Disney trip. I was in my mid-30s at the time and I really didn't want to, but I caved and got a scooter and I have no regrets (I kinda wish I could have a scooter every time now). Get the scooter. And get a rental rather than a park one. Here are my thoughts on why:

1. At the time I went, I still very much needed to elevate as much as possible. I'm tall so this may not work for everyone, but I rented a model with a Captain's Chair and, when needed, I could park it and put my leg up on the scooter's handle bars to elevate when I needed to.

2. recovering from an injury sucks energy out of you so you're not going to want anything that requires extra manual effort. a wheelchair, if not electric, requires you to push or a family member to push you while doing theme park walking. if you don't have a family member with that kind of physical stamina, you're setting you and your relatives up for problems.

3. it is FAR less likely that people who aren't paying attention (walkers, strollers, etc) will accidentally crash into your leg because it's more protected on a scooter than in a wheelchair. You're also higher off the ground so you have better sight lines for driving. stick to the side of a path, even if it takes longer, so you just have to worry about what is in front of you and one side, rather than both sides.

4. if you're nervous about driving it, keep it on the lowest setting (it's good practice in the parks anyway and for the lines you can take it in, they actually require that you set it to the lowest speed before entering the line) and make sure you drive it around your resort after delivery to get used to it - practice tight corners and reversing. rentals are far more maneuverable than the park scooters.

5. my rental came with "bonus" things that worked great for us - cupholder, front basket for storage, port for charging phones.

6. some downsides to a scooter are: you will have to transfer to a wheelchair to get in the line for a few rides and then, depending on the ride, transfer again from chair to ride vehicle. wheelchair would allow you to go right in the line; you can't take it into bathrooms - you have to park and walk (if you need it, i think you can get something for a rental scooter than will allow you to bring/store crutches or a walker for these situations. i just got as close to the door as possible and leaned on my sister, who would also go in to check if there was a line and available handicap stall before having me get up and walk in); restaurants - you likely cannot take the scooter in. If you have an ADR, call ahead and request that you have a table near a door. Walks to the bathroom may be long. Avoid buffets or make sure a family member is willing to make you a plate (my mom facetimed me from the buffet line while I sat at the table and I just told her what I wanted as she went through). If you're at a quick service, they may be able to direct you to a table near a door or outside where you can drive the scooter to. if it's near a ride requiring transfer to a wheelchair for the line, you may be able to borrow a wheelchair from the ride to be wheeled into the restaurant. for example, they were not allowing scooters in the land pavillion when we were there but they had wheelchairs available for transfer to go inside. however, there's only one very small elevator.

Separate tip - if you're planning on rides, know exactly how many steps you can comfortably walk and then drop the count by about 5. Every CM asks how many steps. Also know if you can do a moving sidewalk if they slow it vs needing it totally stopped. they will do either of course, but they will ask if you can handle slower or if you need it fully stopped.

Finally, make sure you're hydrating really well and that you have your pain meds on hand. also an ice pack. it will swell. a lot. so you'll need to manage that at the end of each day.

We had a car and I had a handicap placard so I can't comment on transportation, but I don't know that there's much difference between scooter and wheelchair in terms of waits and boarding difficulties. i've seen people, if they are able, get off the scooter and the bus driver parks it in the bus for you and then the person just boards like anyone else and takes a seat. however, i am not sure if drivers are required to do this or if it's just been someone trying to be helpful.

WOW thanks for the wonderful insight and tips!!!!