Hubby %26amp; I had plans for first trip to NYC March 5 - 12. Airline tickets bought, hotel reserved. Unfortunately, I fell last week and broke my ankle (cast up to knee). I%26#39;m just sick about it and we%26#39;re about to cancel (and waste tickets to 3 B%26#39;way shows I already purchased). Can anyone convince me it is still possible to go? How will I get/sit in theatre, restaurants? Foot has to stay elevated. Possible to manoever busy sidewalks in a wheelchair? I have Big Apple Greeters reserved - should I get back to them and see if they can accommodate my handicap or just cancel?
Should I try to go anyway or forget about it (boo hoo)? Anyone else go through this as a tourist? Please help me decide.
NYC on crutches or wheelchair possible?
I don%26#39;t know what to say. I think I%26#39;d still go for it. You%26#39;d need to call ahead to each restaurant and tell them you need an extra chair for your foot. And go early to your shows and ask to speak to the house manager. They can make arrangements for you. They would either seat you in a wheelchair section, or some theaters have special disabled seats where the side slides out. You might telephone the ticket agency to see if there%26#39;s a number you can call in advance. If that%26#39;s not possible, just get to the theater extra early.
It%26#39;s great that you%26#39;ve got a Big Apple Greeter reserved. Your Greeter can be a big help with helping you get around. Do you know that all of our buses are wheelchair accessible? That%26#39;s how you%26#39;ll be getting around.
O.k., as I%26#39;m thinking about it, I say Go For It!!! There are lots of permanently disabled tourists who find New York a pretty accessible place, and you should too. Obviously it%26#39;s much better when you%26#39;re able to more easily get around, but this way you can take notes of what you want to do on your next trip.
NYC on crutches or wheelchair possible?
Thanks so much, Bettina! My ankle is feeling better already with your encouraging words. My first thought, as I layed in the snowbank after the break, was not my pain, the surgury nor the cast...it was ...MY TRIP TO NYC! Any other useful tips like yours are certainly welcome.
Rent a motorized scooter???
Don%26#39;t let your ankle problem spoil your trip. I had double foot surgery a few years ago and traveled without problems, it just takes extra time and planning. Be sure to check with your airline on their policy regarding checking your wheelchair, getting you from the curb to gate, etc.
If your hotel has concierge services, talk to them before the trip. They should be able to help you in many ways, especially in planning transportation by bus or taxi. You will need to take extra care with restaurant plans, many NYC restaurants have the restroom in the basement for example. Do use the phone to determine whether your chosen restaurants will be able to accommodate you comfortably.
Try to avoid busy sidewalks during rush hours, you don%26#39;t want people bumping into your elevated footrest. Take extra care with entering the street from sidewalks, I tumbled out of my wheelchair once when I mis-judged a curb. Sometimes it%26#39;s better to back into the street (if someone is pushing the chair), rather than risk tumbling forward.
Do get to theatres extra early, check NOW with each theatre you will attend to see whether you need to change your seating from your original tickets. Do let your greeters know about your accident, they will adjust their activities with you or you might be matched with a greeter who specializes in helping people in a wheelchair.
You might not be able to see quite as much as you originally planned, but you should be able to have a great trip. Go for it!
One other thought on theaters -- they all have accessible bathrooms, but you have to get a key from an usher. Not all restaurants are accessible. What shows are you going to see? I%26#39;ll try and suggest nearby restaurants that%26#39;ll accommodate a wheelchair, and that have accessible bathrooms.
Glad you%26#39;re feeling better!
We have tickets to Rent, The Producers and Movin%26#39;Out. My spirits are gradually lifting. I phoned my travel agent this am and made arrangements for the flight as well as a wheelchair access room at our hotel. You sure take these things for granted when you don%26#39;t need them. One thing at a time...I%26#39;m trying to find phone numbers for each theatre to check into special seating, as per your suggestion. Are they available? (Richard Rodgers, St James and Nederlander)
Do the Gray Line tour buses (double deckers) have wheelchair access? How about touring ESB?
Thanks again!
The Nederlander Theater, where Rent is playing, is, I believe, across the street from the back entrance to the new Times Square Hilton. Their restaurant, ';Above,'; is on the same high floor as the hotel lobby. It%26#39;s a new hotel, so it must all be wheelchair accessible. My recollection of the restaurant, which I%26#39;ve been to once, was that it was roomy and airy. We were two at a table for four. This is a restaurant you should definitely look into for before or after Rent.
Go to www.nederlander.org -- The Nederlander Organization operates the Richard Rodgers and Nederlander Theaters. You can click on the ';contact us'; link on their web site, so you can ask for info on wheelchair seating at those theaters. For the St. James Theater, contact Telecharge, 1-800-432-7250.
I love this forum! Thanks Bettina, Dianne %26amp; NYCamb. Called all 3 theatres. Was accommodated nicely at St James, the guy at Richard Rogers was really helpful and sympathetic, and I was told to go early to Nederlander and they%26#39;d see what they could do (least helpful, but still hopeful).
Yahoo! ';Start spreading the news...'; NYC here I come - cast, crutches, wheelchair and all!
Don%26#39;t forget your garbage bags, for encasing your casted leg while bathing or showering. Also in case of rain while wheeling around town! That brings up are you reserving a handicapped room, might be much easier to use the bathroom, room to store your wheelchair, wider doors, etc. Good to hear you%26#39;re feeling more optimistic about your trip.
I would think there has to be a forum on the web for wheelchair travelers! Have you tried googling for this? You might find lots more info. that would help you with this journey.
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