Wow, are my eyes opened! first time using wheelchair..............

[disneyseniors]

I've been fighting plantar fasciitis for 4 months, and it was getting better slowly. Had a cortisone shot and medication before our trip to WDW Nov. 11 thru the 20th.
I tolerated all the walking that comes with a WDW vacation, limping along, until our last 2 days. Just couldn't do it anymore.
So, we rented a wheelchair at the Hollywood studios. I must say it was wonderful to not have to try to painfully walk all over! My husband liked pushing the w/c,too, so that was a bonus. I was worried he would hurt his back but all was good.
Second day with the w/c. We got to the MK at rope drop, and were moving slowly down main street to the side of the road by the curb, so we didn't slow other people down. Well, a huge man pushing one of those 2 person strollers Ran. Over. My. w/c!!!! Yes, he just plowed into it and broke the left front wheel (bent it), running over the left foot rest. Thankfully, I raised my leg up. My right foot is the worst one, so got lucky there or he would have broken the foot!!! He didn't even slow down and kept bullying over others! My husband was furious but we couldn't catch up with him to give him a piece of our minds!!! Good thing, because we were really mad, upset that someone would be so rude just so he could get in front of us. We saw him later at 7 DMT and he was loading on about 50 people in front of us.
We tried to keep using the w/c, but the wheel was too bent. So, my husband had to go back to GR and get another one and bring it all the way back to me. We were obviously upset and disappointed. I had read that other people had those megastrollers run over them or hit them too, but never expected to be a victim.
I also noticed that people just don't pay attention to us in w/c's; they don't see us or acknowledge us. I was amazed at this attitude. I've never had to use one before and now I know what others who must use w/c's or ECV's must go through. Like the title, it opened my eyes to what w/c users go through on a daily basis.
We did not let this spoil our day at the MK too much. But I can't lie, because we were very upset for a while. We did eventually enjoy our day at the park. Next time I may rent an ECV, as I have severe fibromyalgia and arthritis pain, so another new experience for me???

 

[DVCjj]

I am very sorry that happened to you. My DH and I remark on each and every trip (many) those double wide strollers are 100% a hazard. We have seen people run down and people hurt by them in the parks and on the busses and monorail (aside from taking up mega space).

We've gone to Disney World for 40 years and several times a year was with children. It's amazing that we did so many trips with umbrella strollers and had a fantastic time. We don't understand why parents wants to drag those monstrosities around and honestly, why they are allowed on Disney transportation. I know others will be upset on my viewpoint but that's exactly how I feel.

Regarding your being almost injured, I very badly broke an ankle last year and for months used walkers, wheelchairs, knee rollers etc. due to non-weight bearing.
I have always felt I was a compassionate person but my eyes were really opened up for those that use equipment to get around. Believe me......my heart goes out to all of you.

 

[smidgy]

I recently pushed my hubby in a wheelchair at WDW (debating on major back surgery, which he had 2 wks. ago) . NOTE TO ANYONE: a person pushing someone in a wheelchair DOWNHILL will do everything in their power to hold the wheel chair back.. but it takes great muscle... believe me, to hold that chair back from just rolling on out!!! you cut in front of me and I can't help it if you are clipped.. it is all I can do to keep hubby from careening down the hill pell mell as it is!
and uphill? it might not seem like much of a hill unless you are pushing a wheelchair. if I am going to make it to the top (and I am pushing 60) I need to get some momentum going. once I get that going, do NOt cut in front of me.. sorry.. if you did.. oops.

 

[Toffeewoffy]

I'm surprised they let those giant 'strollers' onto the Disney buses, as well. They are super-wide and don't fold up particularly small taking up the space of at least two people. Every time we've been they seem to get bigger and bigger. Going over one of the bridges in MK last week I saw one woman with a double-wide either side of her (with only one child actually sitting inside) and she was taking up most of the width of the bridge. Some people are so blinkered to anyone but themselves.

I think using the term 'stroller' for one of these monstrosities is a misnomer. For us in the UK, a 'stroller' would be one of those small folding 'umbrella' buggies. These giant things are pushchairs.

And don't get me started on the number of 7 and 8 year olds cramming theselves into the Disney strollers just because they're too lazy to walk. Their legs were folded up so much inside they couldn't possibly be comfortable. I'm sorry but if your child of 7 or 8 can't manage all that walking in one day, don't do so much! Or get them more active in advance so they have more stamina. I'm serious when I say that over here, if you saw a clearly able-bodied child in a pushchair just because they didn't want to walk, the parents would be made to feel very uncomfortable at their child's laziness and their 'pandering' to the child! Don't hate. I'm just saying it the way I see it. It might just be a cultural difference in parenting.

Rant over!

 

[dancemonkey]

Sorry to hear of your painful mishap. That stinks. But I'm trying to figure out how they could have been running at rope Drop as it's such a slow walk with the cm's controlling the movement of the crowd. Hope you get some relief from your pain soon.

 

[Toffeewoffy]

Sorry to hear of your painful mishap. That stinks. But I'm trying to figure out how they could have been running at rope Drop as it's such a slow walk with the cm's controlling the movement of the crowd. Hope you get some relief from your pain soon.

You misread the post. She said the guy ran over her wheel. It's just that she put a full stop after each word so it looks as if she was saying he ran.

 

[DisneyOma]

I remember the first time I was in a wheelchair, after leg surgery. All of a sudden, even at the hospital, I didn't exist! Everyone just talked to my husband - um, it's my leg that's bad, not my brain! I can remember what meds to take, what to do if the stitches split, etc. I can certainly answer if I need crutches when I get home!!!

I work with students who are wheelchair bound from time to time. I guess that I've been lucky to do that, as it makes me much more aware of the person in the chair, and I acknowledge that person wherever/whenever I can.

I do wish Disney would decrease the allowed size for strollers, or at least check more carefully. And an exterior baggage shelf on the rear of the bus would be great too! I love how coach-size buses put all that crap underneath

 

[Bearshouse]

We call it the cloak of invisibility. We have always made a joke of it. But I will say that many cast members at Disney have a see invisibility charm. We love Disney for that reason!!

Bearshouse

 

[ErinTwinmom]

So my double wide stroller is the same width as an xl wheelchair, the problem is the driver not the stroller but if they worry you get an ecv. They are bigger and because there are many dangerous ecv drivers you are less likely to get cut off.

 

[disneyseniors]

Thanks for your replies everyone! I just had to vent a little. The guy (who was as wide as the doublewide), did start pushing through at a very fast walk and continued pushing everyone out of the way or running over them. I hope no one got hurt. He actually got to ride 4 cars ahead of us, whoopee!!!, I hope he enjoyed looking like an idiot and bully in front of his kids. We watched his back for a while as he pushed through. You are right about the CM's: They went out of their way to talk to ME, not just my husband, and I felt like a person again! I really do hope Disney does something about the size of these things as they are a hazard to everyone!

 

[shh]

What a moron that guy was...so sorry you had to experience that.

 

[dancemonkey]

Sounds like the man was jerk!

 

[jstbcuz]

I've been fighting plantar fasciitis for 4 months, and it was getting better slowly. Had a cortisone shot and medication before our trip to WDW Nov. 11 thru the 20th.
I tolerated all the walking that comes with a WDW vacation, limping along, until our last 2 days. Just couldn't do it anymore.
So, we rented a wheelchair at the Hollywood studios. I must say it was wonderful to not have to try to painfully walk all over! My husband liked pushing the w/c,too, so that was a bonus. I was worried he would hurt his back but all was good.
Second day with the w/c. We got to the MK at rope drop, and were moving slowly down main street to the side of the road by the curb, so we didn't slow other people down. Well, a huge man pushing one of those 2 person strollers Ran. Over. My. w/c!!!! Yes, he just plowed into it and broke the left front wheel (bent it), running over the left foot rest. Thankfully, I raised my leg up. My right foot is the worst one, so got lucky there or he would have broken the foot!!! He didn't even slow down and kept bullying over others! My husband was furious but we couldn't catch up with him to give him a piece of our minds!!! Good thing, because we were really mad, upset that someone would be so rude just so he could get in front of us. We saw him later at 7 DMT and he was loading on about 50 people in front of us.
We tried to keep using the w/c, but the wheel was too bent. So, my husband had to go back to GR and get another one and bring it all the way back to me. We were obviously upset and disappointed. I had read that other people had those megastrollers run over them or hit them too, but never expected to be a victim.
I also noticed that people just don't pay attention to us in w/c's; they don't see us or acknowledge us. I was amazed at this attitude. I've never had to use one before and now I know what others who must use w/c's or ECV's must go through. Like the title, it opened my eyes to what w/c users go through on a daily basis.
We did not let this spoil our day at the MK too much. But I can't lie, because we were very upset for a while. We did eventually enjoy our day at the park. Next time I may rent an ECV, as I have severe fibromyalgia and arthritis pain, so another new experience for me???

I am facing the same thing (PF) so they tell me. Our trip is planned for Dec 2-6 and I must admit that I am a tad worried. We have been numerous times before, and it has me in a bit of a funk...........knowing that my feet are miserable but also that I probably need to suck it up and just do the wheelchair. I just dont want it to be a burden for the DH or DD. Im the one that always says "Oh you go ahead and do that, because I dont ride this or that so you go and I will meet you there". I know if I rented an ecv that would probably make it easier, but Im just not comfortable with it.

 

[Gracie09]

I'm surprised they let those giant 'strollers' onto the Disney buses, as well. They are super-wide and don't fold up particularly small taking up the space of at least two people. Every time we've been they seem to get bigger and bigger. Going over one of the bridges in MK last week I saw one woman with a double-wide either side of her (with only one child actually sitting inside) and she was taking up most of the width of the bridge. Some people are so blinkered to anyone but themselves.

I think using the term 'stroller' for one of these monstrosities is a misnomer. For us in the UK, a 'stroller' would be one of those small folding 'umbrella' buggies. These giant things are pushchairs.

And don't get me started on the number of 7 and 8 year olds cramming theselves into the Disney strollers just because they're too lazy to walk. Their legs were folded up so much inside they couldn't possibly be comfortable. I'm sorry but if your child of 7 or 8 can't manage all that walking in one day, don't do so much! Or get them more active in advance so they have more stamina. I'm serious when I say that over here, if you saw a clearly able-bodied child in a pushchair just because they didn't want to walk, the parents would be made to feel very uncomfortable at their child's laziness and their 'pandering' to the child! Don't hate. I'm just saying it the way I see it. It might just be a cultural difference in parenting.

Rant over!

judgmental much? You have no idea why a seemingly 7 or 8 year old would be in a stroller. My nephew has a lung issue similar to cf and he at times needs a stroller, particularly if its humid out. They pace and don't go commando, but sometimes he just needs the break. Would he and they love to ditch the stroller, sure, but its not always possible. Unless you are the person pushing the stroller, you have no say in who goes in it.

 

[Toffeewoffy]

judgmental much? You have no idea why a seemingly 7 or 8 year old would be in a stroller. My nephew has a lung issue similar to cf and he at times needs a stroller, particularly if its humid out. They pace and don't go commando, but sometimes he just needs the break. Would he and they love to ditch the stroller, sure, but its not always possible. Unless you are the person pushing the stroller, you have no say in who goes in it.

Oh come on! You can tell by looking at a child whether they are sick or not - at least, I can! I'm talking about the child I saw who was so folded up inside the stroller she would have been in severe trouble had she had any sort of health problems! My daughter has asbergers, so does my niece and nephew, so I know all about invisible 'illnesses'.

 

[Gracie09]

Oh come on! You can tell by looking at a child whether they are sick or not - at least, I can! I'm talking about the child I saw who was so folded up inside the stroller she would have been in severe trouble had she had any sort of health problems! My daughter has asbergers, so does my niece and nephew, so I know all about invisible 'illnesses'.

wow the medical profession should know about your amazing ability! I mean to be able to see inside my nephews lungs and know they are filling with fluid and making it more difficult for him to breathe is amazing!

 

[SirDuff]

Oh come on! You can tell by looking at a child whether they are sick or not - at least, I can! I'm talking about the child I saw who was so folded up inside the stroller she would have been in severe trouble had she had any sort of health problems! My daughter has asbergers, so does my niece and nephew, so I know all about invisible 'illnesses'.

But are, perhaps, confused about the meaning of the word invisible. Given that you can, apparently, deduce everyone's medical status by simply looking at them.

 

[lanejudy]

Both children and adults can have invisible needs that require them some time "riding" -- be that an ECV, wheelchair or stroller. Families of older elementary-school age kids do have the added challenge of "what" mobility device to use; most such children cannot drive an ECV, most are too small for a standard wheelchair, most are not aware they might be able to rent a pediatric-sized rental wheelchair, typical baby-strollers are often too small but rentals of larger special needs strollers are not cheap and might be considered cumbersome. Each family weighs their options and makes the decision that best suits their needs -- and that may be squeezing a tall child into a standard stroller for the times he/she needs a break from walking. It may be that the family is bringing the stroller for a younger sibling and has opted to just have the kids share, or possibly the family was not aware of options such as a special needs stroller or pediatric wheelchair. As with adults, not all children need to be off their feet the entire time; they may alternate walking and riding. If it was the only option, my child would surely curl up into a too-small stroller when she is too tired to walk.

I would hope those who use an adult-sized mobility device could understand that it is not possible to "see" all disabilities regardless of a person's age. Let's keep this discussion civil and respectful of all disabilities and all ages.

 

[maxiesmom]

I am very sorry that happened to you. My DH and I remark on each and every trip (many) those double wide strollers are 100% a hazard. We have seen people run down and people hurt by them in the parks and on the busses and monorail (aside from taking up mega space).

We've gone to Disney World for 40 years and several times a year was with children. It's amazing that we did so many trips with umbrella strollers and had a fantastic time. We don't understand why parents wants to drag those monstrosities around and honestly, why they are allowed on Disney transportation. I know others will be upset on my viewpoint but that's exactly how I feel.

Regarding your being almost injured, I very badly broke an ankle last year and for months used walkers, wheelchairs, knee rollers etc. due to non-weight bearing.
I have always felt I was a compassionate person but my eyes were really opened up for those that use equipment to get around. Believe me......my heart goes out to all of you.

Disney does have a size limit on strollers. And try to keep in mind that as many people see wheelchairs as hazards as do strollers. So while asking for people to be considerate of those who have to use wheelchairs or scooters have some understanding for those who use strollers to enjoy the parks with their kiddos.

As to why some people prefer larger strollers over umbrella strollers, I can tell you, most of those larger strollers are a whole lot easier and more comfortable to push than those umbrella strollers. I would never recommend someone use an umbrella stroller--if you are at all tall you spend your day hunched over the handles, trying to push, and end up with a sore back. Back when we used strollers in the park, we rented or brought a nice one from home. Never an umbrella stroller. No thank you!

 

[gap2368]

I think every one need to watch out for people around them my last visit some older lady in an ECV ran right into a little baby about 5 month old in a stroller. the CM convinced the older lady that it was better to use a wheel chair.