I can only stand for about 15 minutes before I get pains in my back and feet (overweight). I can however walk for a while without problem. I usually bring a wheel chair but my son is against it for our upcoming trip. This is where I want opinions. Do you think it is wrong to bring the wheelchair and walk with it from attraction to attraction and then sit down when we get in line. My son says no. I don't see why this would cause a problem since most of the rides you have to go through the regular lines anyway. Thanks in advance.
thoughts on wheelchair
- Thread starter buzz2400
- Start date
fabfemmeboy
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Jun 17, 2014
I would second the idea of using a rollator. If you don't need the WC to propel yourself or have someone wheel you from attraction to attraction but rather need somewhere to sit instead of standing in line, that sounds like it would suit your needs and can also fold up smaller/easier. I think the question really is what your son's concerns or objections are. Is it a logistical concern - i.e. not wanting to have to worry about someone pushing you, not wanting to deal with getting it on a bus, etc? Or does he just think you don't need one?
mamabunny
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Oct 11, 2012
I personally use and own an ECV (also known as a scooter).
Tell your son to think of it like this - the wheelchair is a TOOL, and nothing more. There are plenty of folks (not just at WDW, but everywhere) who use them. No, it's not fun to have to use one - but not using it could make the trip worse for your family, as it will limit your ability to stay in the parks and enjoy yourself.
A wheelchair - whether you rent one, or own your own personal one - is a tool. No different than glasses, a hearing aid, or a prosthetic. Period.
Would your son deny you the use of a hearing aid, if you could not hear? Would he deny you the use of a pair of prescription glasses if you required them to see?
You aren't using the wheelchair for any reason at all that is inappropriate. Rather, you are actually proposing to use it in the best possible way - not to avoid exercise, but merely to extend your ability to enjoy time with your family in the parks.
I have a family member who was extremely sensitive to how others would view our party when we would go out and about after I started using an ECV. He was - no kidding - absolutely CERTAIN that everyone was going to stare at us, and that we would become the center of a great deal of unwanted attention.
Because he was so uncomfortable, the first few times he went out with me (and the ECV) I told him to hang back, or stay off to the side. I encouraged him to do some serious people-watching, to see how others reacted, if he noticed anyone making fun of me, or pointing and laughing, etc. All of the things he was worried about.
So, reluctantly, he did.
And to his surprise, he discovered that me on my scooter was basically a non-event. The few people who do say anything, typically say it to me. And they are typically stopping me to ask where I got my scooter, and ask questions about the scooter.
At WDW, I'm even *LESS* of an event - there are SO many folks there using assistive devices of one kind or another - I'm really not a big deal. A bonus extra to using an ECV at WDW (or similar places) is that the chances that you will ever again see anyone from there anywhere else? Probably so tiny that you are better off betting on the lottery. Seriously. So who cares what anyone at WDW thinks about you - besides your loved ones - anyway? You'll never see them again.
Regardless of how you use the wheelchair - how much, or little - just use the tools at your disposal to have the best possible time on your trip!
Wishing you all the Magic you can find for your next trip
Tell your son to think of it like this - the wheelchair is a TOOL, and nothing more. There are plenty of folks (not just at WDW, but everywhere) who use them. No, it's not fun to have to use one - but not using it could make the trip worse for your family, as it will limit your ability to stay in the parks and enjoy yourself.
A wheelchair - whether you rent one, or own your own personal one - is a tool. No different than glasses, a hearing aid, or a prosthetic. Period.
Would your son deny you the use of a hearing aid, if you could not hear? Would he deny you the use of a pair of prescription glasses if you required them to see?
You aren't using the wheelchair for any reason at all that is inappropriate. Rather, you are actually proposing to use it in the best possible way - not to avoid exercise, but merely to extend your ability to enjoy time with your family in the parks.
I have a family member who was extremely sensitive to how others would view our party when we would go out and about after I started using an ECV. He was - no kidding - absolutely CERTAIN that everyone was going to stare at us, and that we would become the center of a great deal of unwanted attention.
Because he was so uncomfortable, the first few times he went out with me (and the ECV) I told him to hang back, or stay off to the side. I encouraged him to do some serious people-watching, to see how others reacted, if he noticed anyone making fun of me, or pointing and laughing, etc. All of the things he was worried about.
So, reluctantly, he did.
And to his surprise, he discovered that me on my scooter was basically a non-event. The few people who do say anything, typically say it to me. And they are typically stopping me to ask where I got my scooter, and ask questions about the scooter.
At WDW, I'm even *LESS* of an event - there are SO many folks there using assistive devices of one kind or another - I'm really not a big deal. A bonus extra to using an ECV at WDW (or similar places) is that the chances that you will ever again see anyone from there anywhere else? Probably so tiny that you are better off betting on the lottery. Seriously. So who cares what anyone at WDW thinks about you - besides your loved ones - anyway? You'll never see them again.
Regardless of how you use the wheelchair - how much, or little - just use the tools at your disposal to have the best possible time on your trip!
Wishing you all the Magic you can find for your next trip
thanks for your replies. My son just doesn't like pushing me around because he is tired as well. Last trip when I got up to start walking, he got mad saying that people would think I was faking and to sit back down. I will look into the rollater.
nikkislaght
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Feb 19, 2012
If your son is against you using a wheelchair solely due to people staring.. then ditch your son and take the chair.... seriously.. he has no idea what its like to walk around Disney with a disability, and so therefor has no right to make ANY comment..
if its because of logistics then he should be tasked with working them out. not poo pooing them.. honestly, this is your body and if you cant move it or stand on it without pain , then using whatever means that you have it your right. !!!
take care and have a great trip..
if its because of logistics then he should be tasked with working them out. not poo pooing them.. honestly, this is your body and if you cant move it or stand on it without pain , then using whatever means that you have it your right. !!!
take care and have a great trip..
50surgeries2012
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- Nov 24, 2012
I bring my own wheelchair, and while I can walk for some distances. Sometimes I use it as a walker when I don't have my family around. I did that on my last trip in January 2014 over the MLK weekend. I was meeting up with my friends, my mom, my guy, and my godfsther back at the resort where we were staying which was Old Key West. It was near the end of closing time, and I was heading to the exit pushing my manual wheelchair slowly because my back can't tolerate me doing any fast walking. I got to where the bus stop for Old Key West was, and sat down in my wheelchair. I was glad for it because my legs were really hurting me.
Don't feel afraid to stand up to your son, and say, "Hey, look. I'll need to use a wheelchair at Disney, and I would really like it if you could push me in it some of the time."
Your son sounds like my dad. My dad hates being around wheelchairs. Let alone even riding in one, and he's going to be ending up in one soon because he has difficulty with his balance sometimes. He uses a walker. But, no one can talk him into using a wheelchair.
Don't feel afraid to stand up to your son, and say, "Hey, look. I'll need to use a wheelchair at Disney, and I would really like it if you could push me in it some of the time."
Your son sounds like my dad. My dad hates being around wheelchairs. Let alone even riding in one, and he's going to be ending up in one soon because he has difficulty with his balance sometimes. He uses a walker. But, no one can talk him into using a wheelchair.
Mrsjvb
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Sep 5, 2007
wah. your issues, YOUR call. period. if he is so ungrateful and selfish as to not want to push you then leave him at home so he doesn't have to.
EVERYBODY gets tired walking around all day. and EVERY teenager gets embarrassed by their parents. it's a requirement for adolescence.
tinka-belle
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Oct 31, 2008
Pushing a wheelchair can be a workout too, esp. on some of the inclines on the walkways you wouldn't notice otherwise. If your son tires easily too and doesn't have the stamina to push a wheelchair please don't force him into it. In your situation where some walking is doable, a rollator would be lighter and easier to handle and seems like the best option.
Ladygoldenhair
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Mar 3, 2013
Maybe it is the thought of you pushing the empty wheelchair or that he will have to push you. We had the similar argument during a trip years ago and bought this item. A dual wheelchair rollator conversion. This worked for several trips until it was really time to move to a scooter.
The reason to move to the scooter was keeping up with the family, not slowing them down, and no one had to push in that heat on hills. the scooter was less the $800 on spinlife dot com.
Since then dh is using a scooter happily, but it was a battle to convince. i got him his own and it travels to malls, parks and outings.
https://www.healthykin.com/p-2612-drive-medical-duet-transport-wheelchair-rollator-walker.aspx
The reason to move to the scooter was keeping up with the family, not slowing them down, and no one had to push in that heat on hills. the scooter was less the $800 on spinlife dot com.
Since then dh is using a scooter happily, but it was a battle to convince. i got him his own and it travels to malls, parks and outings.
https://www.healthykin.com/p-2612-drive-medical-duet-transport-wheelchair-rollator-walker.aspx
clanmcculloch
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Feb 20, 2009
If he has stamina issues, you might want to consider sharing a wheelchair. Since you can walk no problem you can push him part time between attractions to help maintain his energy and then he can push you in slow moving queues. Just one more option to consider.
Please try to reassure him that a bunch of other people who have use wheelchairs at WDW including getting in and out of the chair have done so without ever receiving any "looks". My 14yo has to use one part time in the parks due to pain and has to walk part time as well to best manage the pain. I've honestly never noticed any looks even with her getting in and out of the chair.
Please try to reassure him that a bunch of other people who have use wheelchairs at WDW including getting in and out of the chair have done so without ever receiving any "looks". My 14yo has to use one part time in the parks due to pain and has to walk part time as well to best manage the pain. I've honestly never noticed any looks even with her getting in and out of the chair.
seashoreCM
All around nice guy.
- Joined
- Aug 25, 2001
You may be yet another candidate for a T-shirt or wheelchair placard reading, "I can walk ... only to first base."
Hopefully you are understanding when your son, pushing you, wants to pause and catch his breath.
Unfortunate sign of the times: Long ago, persons in wheelchairs were such a minority At Disney that they got noticed and stared at. Now there are lots of folks in wheelchairs at Disney but unfavorable reactions still happen.
Last edited:
I agree, if you can walk...
- rollator
- transport wheelchair... lighter than regular chair and great when you can't keep up with the young ones. Also great when you can put some carry-on's between your legs and a backpack across the handle bars
- there's now rollator/wheelchair combo. If I had to do it again, this is what I would get for a loved one...
http://www.amazon.ca/Airgo-Comfort-Plus-Transport-Wheelchair-wheels/dp/B00RDFPQC2/ref=sr_1_8 - if you just need a place to sit... a folding stool is another option...
http://www.amazon.ca/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_2?url=search-alias=sporting&field-keywords=folding+stool
- Joined
- Oct 27, 2011
Technically, a folding stool is not allowed; it's considered a folding chair. I have read reports from people who managed to bring one into the parks, but I wouldn't want to rely on that and end up having it confiscated or denied entry with it.
A "cane seat" is allowed. That is considered a mobility device (cane) first with the fold-out into a seat as secondary. It could be an option.
Enjoy your vacation!
tinka-belle
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Oct 31, 2008
If it were me, I'd let him know that if I'm uncomfortable or in pain I will surely: 1.) Make moving around the parks a lot slower for the entire group, and 2.) Once I hurt I might get pretty cranky and I won't be any fun to be around.
Just saying..............
Just saying..............
Bete
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Sep 14, 1999
Renting a scooter is the best bet. You will get your money back by enjoying the park longer and in less pain. It will give you independence, too.
Baklava
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Jun 7, 2015
Whether he likes it or not, it seems like the best compromise. You get the mobility you want and he's not required to push.
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