new scooter user. Broken foot. Do I not qualify for a DAS?

[Miss Park Avenue]

I broke two bones in my foot less than two weeks before my trip. I am wearing a boot and have rented a scooter for this trip. I am doing my best to rest my foot as much as possible without cancelling the trip. . I thought I would qualify for a DAS assistance but when I called the 800 line on the app they said scooters can fit in the lines fine I can just wait it out. I don't even know how long I will be able to last in the parks with being in a lot of pain.

Has anyone ever been able to get DAS for someone in a scooter? I have never had to ask for help getting around before so please forgive me if I am coming off entitled. I just want to enjoy my anniversary trip without damaging my foot any more than it already is.

 

[HopperFan]

I broke two bones in my foot less than two weeks before my trip. I am wearing a boot and have rented a scooter for this trip. I am doing my best to rest my foot as much as possible without cancelling the trip. . I thought I would qualify for a DAS assistance but when I called the 800 line on the app they said scooters can fit in the lines fine I can just wait it out. I don't even know how long I will be able to last in the parks with being in a lot of pain.

Has anyone ever been able to get DAS for someone in a scooter? I have never had to ask for help getting around before so please forgive me if I am coming off entitled. I just want to enjoy my anniversary trip without damaging my foot any more than it already is.

They are correct, Disney has done a great job of making just about everywhere accessible. There are a few attractions that you will get a return time because they will bring you in a different way but otherwise your ECV will be able to stay with you until loading.

 

[OurBigTrip]

They were correct to deny your request. The scooter addresses your issue because you don’t have to walk or stand.

 

[Grim Grinning Ghostie]

As far as I am aware from having thoroughly researched everything DAS over the past few days, it appears to not be provided to anyone whose issues are able to be addressed via mobility aides such as scooters, wheelchairs, etc.

The DAS pass doesn't get you onto rides any faster (you just wait outside the line), so I imagine they presume your pain would be the same outside the line as it would be inside the line considering you'll have your scooter and will be spending the same amount of time waiting.

It's awful to have suffered an injury so close to your departure date. I hope you still enjoy your time in the parks and that you're able to stock up on plenty of paracetamol and ibuprofen!

 

[Genie+]

You can still have a great trip!

Make sure to get a copy of the disability park map at each park. There’s alot of helpful info!

You can pick it up at the map stand located just beyond the gate entrance.

Also check out this link:
https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/guest-services/mobility-disabilities/

This section explains what to expect at specific attractions:


Generally DAS doesn’t accommodate mobility issues since most rides and attractions are already accessible with mobility device, or they offer an alternative (eg - Spaceship Earth has you enter a special door on other side of building). Most shows have special spots reserved for guests in wheelchairs/scooters. That will make the trip easier as well. Be sure to look on the map for night show viewing areas. Arrive a bit early as they can fill up.

 

[Betty Rohrer]

I broke two bones in my foot less than two weeks before my trip. I am wearing a boot and have rented a scooter for this trip. I am doing my best to rest my foot as much as possible without cancelling the trip. . I thought I would qualify for a DAS assistance but when I called the 800 line on the app they said scooters can fit in the lines fine I can just wait it out. I don't even know how long I will be able to last in the parks with being in a lot of pain.

Has anyone ever been able to get DAS for someone in a scooter? I have never had to ask for help getting around before so please forgive me if I am coming off entitled. I just want to enjoy my anniversary trip without damaging my foot any more than it already is.

Not that you asked but a couple of rides you will have to transfer to a wheelchair which is at the ride, pirates comes to mind. And to answer your question I know of no one who got DAS just because of scooter. One thing to remember is you can sit and rest your foot as you go thru the line. Even if you could get DAS you would be waiting for your time and then as you go thru the LL line. DAS does not get you to the front of the line. It would not save you time. Look on the bright side you have seat for all the lines where most people have to stand.

 

[lanejudy]

Has anyone ever been able to get DAS for someone in a scooter?

The first post of THIS THREAD explains DAS. No need to read the whole thread, the first post has all updated information.

DAS is not generally issued for a mobility reason. That doesn't mean a person using an ECV/scooter/wheelchair cannot qualify, but that individual would have other needs besides the mobility accommodation. Almost all attractions at WDW are wheelchair accessible, and most are also ECV accessible. There will be a few where you'll need to park your scooter and transfer to a wheelchair; will you have someone with you to push? There are very few attractions that the main queue is not accessible and you'll be directed accordingly for those.

Will you be able to transfer from your scooter to the ride vehicle? Most rides will require a transfer; only a few have a wheelchair accessible ride vehicle. You mention pain so it's something to consider. If you are non-weight-bearing you may also want to have a cane or crutch to help with some transfers. Some are a big step up/out, and some you'll be exiting onto a moving walkway.

 

[Chirple]

I broke two bones in my foot less than two weeks before my trip. I am wearing a boot and have rented a scooter for this trip. I am doing my best to rest my foot as much as possible without cancelling the trip. . I thought I would qualify for a DAS assistance but when I called the 800 line on the app they said scooters can fit in the lines fine I can just wait it out. I don't even know how long I will be able to last in the parks with being in a lot of pain.

Has anyone ever been able to get DAS for someone in a scooter? I have never had to ask for help getting around before so please forgive me if I am coming off entitled. I just want to enjoy my anniversary trip without damaging my foot any more than it already is.

My husband was in this exact scenario last year. Broke his foot less than two weeks before our trip. Had a boot and was weight bearing, but we rented an ECV so he would be comfortable. We went for Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party with no other park time. He said having the ECV was the best thing. We didn't do any rides that required stepping down, we used alternate entrances for Haunted Mansion and Buzz Lightyear (they stopped the moving walkways), and he transferred to a wheelchair for Pooh that I had to push through the line. DAS didn't even cross our minds since his issue was strictly mobility related.

 

[Miss Park Avenue]

Thank you all for your responses. I will plan my day accordingly. It will be me and my husband. And we are only going to EPCOT one day. I will take my cane in addition to the scooter. We will get Genie plus and take lots of breaks. I just can't believe how painful this has been.

 

[mamabunny]

Thank you all for your responses. I will plan my day accordingly. It will be me and my husband. And we are only going to EPCOT one day. I will take my cane in addition to the scooter. We will get Genie plus and take lots of breaks. I just can't believe how painful this has been.

It *is* painful - I have been there. Try to get ahead of your pain for the day, and remember that FIrst Aid in every Park is your friend! You can take a short break there, and (if they have a space available) you can prop up your foot, maybe take an OTC pain reliever like Tylenol or whatever is appropriate for you. They may also have ice packs to help with swelling.

Look for “Companion Restrooms” on the map of the Park you are in; those are one large single bathroom, and your husband can accompany you if you need/want. Those are not just for handicapped individuals, but also are often used by families.

If y’all are flying in, remember that during the flight, if there are air bladders in your boot, you will need to loosen the boot and deflate the bladders; the change in cabin pressure can be even more uncomfortable if the bladders in your boot swell and press on your bones. Additionally, you may want to arrange for wheelchair escort at your home airport as well as at MCO.

When bathing at the hotel, a damp towel on the floor (and one in the bottom of the tub/shower) will help prevent slipping. Sounds weird, but unless it’s sitting in a puddle, it’s the equivalent of putting a damp tea towel under your cutting board to prevent it from slipping.

Last but not least, take along extra socks in a ziploc bag; slipping on a clean, dry sock on a warm day will feel great!

Wishing you swift and complete healing.

 

[Chirple]

@mamabunny reminded me that every evening back in our room my husband iced and elevated. He was advised to take a mild dose of aspirin before each flight; if you are not on blood thinners you might want to see if your doctor recommends a mild aspirin as a precaution if flying.

 

[Tehanna]

This is unrelated to a DAS, but I want to suggest something that I wish I'd l done a long time ago.

Find out from the scooter company which model of scooter you're using, and look for an instruction video on common video sites. I have been renting scooters for years, and didn't do this until recently, because my mobility needs have increased.

I learned about features of the scooter that weren't ever explained to me. Things as simple as seat adjustment, and column movement, to how to protect it in the rain.

I really wish I'd done this a long time ago.

 

[HopperFan]

It *is* painful - I have been there. Try to get ahead of your pain for the day, and remember that FIrst Aid in every Park is your friend! You can take a short break there, and (if they have a space available) you can prop up your foot, maybe take an OTC pain reliever like Tylenol or whatever is appropriate for you. They may also have ice packs to help with swelling.

I think you said this perfectly. As someone who has been in chronic pain most my life it is a way of life BUT for that person with new/temporary pain it isn't.

DH broke his foot last year (when he learned he is too old for ladders) he was in lots of pain. Between my nagging and set backs he learned he had to be pro-active, take the offense and stay ahead of the pain. Once you fall behind it is hard to get back to the plus side. Misery for days. Wear the boot, splints, supports religiously and for as long or longer than they say. Take those daily meds even when you feel good. Once the prescriptions are gone continue to take the OTC to address swelling and pain. Elevate that foot any time you sit, beat it in to your head to get it up if you sit down. Follow all those icing instructions, little extra can't hurt. Stay off your feet unless necessary, even if you feel good ~ swelling can come quickly, and with that pain. You don't heal overnight from these things so pack the patience and be diligent about self care ~ even if it means resting with an ice cream rather than going on an attraction that might agitate it.

All these things are way of life for me ~ but it was hard for DH to adhere to the healing plan. It took a long time and he wasn't happy with that but the end result is much better if you get ahead of the pain, which aids in the healing.

 

[ttintagel]

I once broke my foot on the first day of the trip, and I have a bit of advice in addition to using the ECV and cane. Take whatever medication you're taking for pain and inflammation on a schedule. Don't wait to feel the pain to take it. Elevate your foot when you can. I would also bring a couple of those chemical ice packs that don't require actual ice.

 

[Selket]

I would also bring a couple of those chemical ice packs that don't require actual ice.

Agreed and another option is to bring an old fashioned ice bag and ask for ice - or even a ziplock to put ice in. You might also want a lightweight cloth for between your skin and any ice or cold pack.

Sorry to hear about your foot! The ECV will help. I just had my knee replaced in January and my leg still has swelling. I'm hoping to go down to see my son who is a CM in a couple of weeks and I'm thinking I also need to find a way to stop and elevate my leg awhile. Riding with it down while on the ECV is probably going to make it swell a bit more. In the ECV you can roll up to an outside concrete barrier or something similar and rest your foot up there. It's not above your heart but it might help. There is also a first aid station if you really need to lie down and put your leg up.

Also there's a WC/ECV entrance into that pyramid in Mexico but it's tucked on a little path off to the side - just FYI.

Are you flying? I've had decent luck in airports getting wheelchair assistance or having my family push me. The plane ride is less fun.

I hope you have a wonderful trip and congratulations on your anniversary!

 

[Miss Park Avenue]

Am I going to be miserable on the flight? I leave in 4 hours??

 

[mamabunny]

Am I going to be miserable on the flight? I leave in 4 hours??

I hope your flight went well - and that you are having a great time!

 

[bobbiwoz]

My husband was in this exact scenario last year. Broke his foot less than two weeks before our trip. Had a boot and was weight bearing, but we rented an ECV so he would be comfortable. We went for Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party with no other park time. He said having the ECV was the best thing. We didn't do any rides that required stepping down, we used alternate entrances for Haunted Mansion and Buzz Lightyear (they stopped the moving walkways), and he transferred to a wheelchair for Pooh that I had to push through the line. DAS didn't even cross our minds since his issue was strictly mobility related.

I didn’t know they could stop the moving walkway for Buzz Lightyear! How do I find out about this?

 

[Chirple]

I didn’t know they could stop the moving walkway for Buzz Lightyear! How do I find out about this?

When you approach the CMs at the entrance, ask if they can take you to the alternative entrance where they can stop the walkway. It's actually through a locked door on the side of the building. He parked his ECV by the door and walked in. When the ride was over, it was a short walk from the exit.

 

[bobbiwoz]

When you approach the CMs at the entrance, ask if they can take you to the alternative entrance where they can stop the walkway. It's actually through a locked door on the side of the building. He parked his ECV by the door and walked in. When the ride was over, it was a short walk from the exit.

Thank you very much. I didn’t think I would ever be able to do this again! Of course, DH always has beaten me by a whole lot. But maybe I can do a little bit better.