So we've been planning our Disney/Universal vacation for months now. Everything's paid for - we've cashed in our points on our Disney card and we are getting excited. Then - last week my husband ruptured his achilles tendon playing softball (super painful) and this week he had surgery. He's in a hard cast for the next two weeks and just before we leave he'll be put in a soft cast that can be removed to take a shower or go in the pool. But his ankle is not to be weight bearing for another 4-6 weeks after that.
SO - we are renting a scooter so he can travel the parks with us. (I did not anticipate being in Florida with my husband in a scooter for at least another 20 years - hahahaha.) We'll be there the first week of August which is part of the busiest season - so we have all kinds of concerns!
In light of the mis-use of the handicapped "privileges" in Disney we are concerned that people will think we're faking it - especially since he'll be in a removable cast. We're also wondering about how tough it will be to navigate the crowds using a scooter. We are also wondering if they still do extend priviledges to people in wheel chair / scooters? the websites all say that there's no automatic "front of the line" privilege. While we don't want to take advantage - we also realize it's going to be much tougher to navigate the parks with the scooter.
I realize this is a "first world" problem - and not a big issue - but I'm a planner and I want to get all my ducks in a row before we get there.
Thanks in advance mamas.
I would never think someone was cheating the system to line hop because they had a soft cast or scooter. To me it would be a complete hassle to be in a scooter and overall it will probably slow you down.
To those who cheat the system... I would think they were mental anyway and I wouldn't mind if they were standing in a different line than me😊 Have a great trip!
He is going to have to be very careful. Extremely crowded at that time. Give him time in an unoccupied area to learn how to use it. If you do not want to take advantage of the situation, wait on line. Have him wait up ahead, meet and go on together. He has a legitimate excuse Last time we were there we were shocked by the increase in the number of scooters. Makes me wonder. Even some Disney folks commented. I would get a note from your doc. Have fun. Just make the best of it.
I thought they gave privilege to people in wheelchairs, but maybe not. Anyway, he's not faking it, so don't worry about what people think.
He will be one of many, many people in a scooter. And don't worry about using the handicapped privileges. That's what they are there for. I wouldn't think twice about a guy in a scooter with a cast - removable or not.
I don't think it will be that much more difficult. In fact, people might step out of your way if he is in a scooter. And if you don't want to, don't use the handicap privilege. Just get in line.
Have fun! Jealous!!
I don't really have an answer for you regarding line privilages but I just wanted to let you know that regardless off his injury...you will have so much fun! Don't stress! People are usually very friendly at Disneyworld and will have compassion for your husband (and you!). Sounds like you've planned this for a while so don't let this dampen your excitement! Just wanted to send some words of encouragement...YAY you're going to Disneyworld!!! It really is the happiest place on earth!
Oh wait! I do have some advice...one word...panchos. Its the rainy season and you really dont want to deal with a damp smelly cast all week! :)
You really can't get around the crowd issues in the park, it is what it is. However the guest assistance card will provide a wheel chair access line. It's not a cut to the front, just a different enterance. We get a guest assistance card for my son every 3 months, we have season passes and go a lot. Honestly we have never been asked to show any kind of dr note for my son, we always brought documents from his psychiatrist, but never had to show. So unless he can stand for up to an hour and a half I would get him the pass.
If you are staying on Disney property, you can have a scooter delivered from an outside company. People just leave them in the hallway and plug them in. Then you can take the monorail to and from the park. It has super wide doors and there are attendants that will help you on/off.
If you are staying off Disney property, you should call the hotel and talk to them about getting a scooter or wheelchair delivered.
As for going around the parks, it will be crowded, but if he is in a soft cast it should be okay. I know that the 'It's a small world' ride has a special entrance and special boats where they can wheel the wheelchair or scooter right on to the boat.
We were at Disney in December, also a high volume time, and our group also had a person using a scooter. I just wanted to add that all of the busses within the Disney resorts were great about letting those with scooters on first. If I remember correctly each bus could accommodate 2 or 3 scooters/wheelchairs. And they let all family members on first, too.
If you'd like info on the company we used for the scooter just let me know. I have all the info in a file.
Have a great time!
One thing I noticed last time we were at the park was that a lot of people had rented a scooter from an outside company so they could use it outside of the park and from the car to the park. You might want to check into this. On the Disney maps of each park, there is a little symbol that says what is accessible. On some rides/attractions, you can take a scooter or a wheel chair and others require that your transfer. There is a parking place for scooters outside the attractions which is marked. That might make things a little different in your planning. There are more and more scooters in use at Disney so between the crowds, strollers and scooters, sometimes it is difficult to get around. I agree with the post about trying it out in a deserted area of the park. It is hot and muggy in August in Florida. If you are staying at one of the Disney hotels, the busses have the ability to load the scooters and secure them for the ride. Have a fun trip!
My MIL used a scooter when we were at Disney (a few years ago). If anyone gave us a dirty look, I didn't even notice. I also had an 18 month old to keep track of, but she let him ride a couple of times (he, he).
Don't worry about what other people think. Do what you need to do.
I don't remember there being a problem with crowds, but this was a week or two before Thanksgiving. Still, people are generally considerate of scooters and strollers, and we had 3 strollers with us.
I thought I remembered most of the attractions having a type of handicap entrance, as there will always be guests who need accommodations. Hopefully you get some good answers here, but I would take the extra time to go to guest services and talk to someone there. They will be able to show you things on the map and talk to you about how to best handle everything.
Take care of your hubby, but try to relax and have fun!!!
We've been to Disneyland and Disneyworld with my father in law using a scooter. A lot of the attractions have lines that he can drive his scooter through the line and then park it when ready to get on the ride. So basically this is not special consideration he just gets to sit while in line. A few of the rides may have a separate entrance.
Don't stress about it. Have fun!
M
