Renting a Wheelchair for the first time.

barbaraann · Jul 24, 2016

My foot has been sore for about a month now, and a few days ago, I was diagnosed with tendonitis, and a bone spur in my left foot. I have a 10 night vacation coming up in Orlando. 7 nights at Pop Century followed by 3 nights at Cabana Bay at Universal. In two days, I have an appointment with a podiatrist, who will look at my X-rays, and determine my treatment. My trip is 36 days away.

I am convinced at this point in time that I am going to most likely have to rent a wheelchair, in order to make the best of my time in the parks. I don't know right now what sort of treatment the podiatrist is going to suggest. It might just be rest, and ice, and anti inflammatory meds. My regular doctor suggested a cortisone shot for the bone spur, but I really doubt that I am going that route.

Most folks are telling me to rent a scooter. However, I cannot afford that much money. besides, those scooters scare/intimidate me.

I am traveling with 5 other people, but that is really unusual for me. I am used to solo traveling, or at the most, just meeting up with a few friends for part of the day. I have always loved the independence of being able to do what I want, when I want. So this trip is going to be different in so many ways.

We have made our ADR's, and our fastpass choices. The family that I am traveling with will be using the DAS system at WDW for the first time, but have used it in the past at Disneyland in California.

I am a frequent WDW/Disneyland visitor, so I have toured with someone else in the wheelchair, but I have never been in one myself.

The purpose of the thread, is to get some friendly tips that might help me better tour the parks. I won't need a chair 24/7. Just to lesson the time spent on my foot which gives me the pain. I should know more after my podiatrist appointment, and maybe my foot will be somewhat better feeling in36 days.

Thanks for any and all responses.

minnie mum · Jul 24, 2016

You say you're travelling with 5 other people. How many of them have told you that they are willing to push you in your chair? Because you can't self propel through the parks all day. No one could, in a rental chair. Who ever will be pushing you, get some padded, fingerless gloves ( cycling or weightlifting type) for them so they don't get blisters from the chair handles.

You can walk part of the time and push the chair. You can take it into most queues, or you can park it in stroller parking and walk. If you take it into the queues, the CM will move it from the loading to the unloading zone so it's waiting for you. ( Some rides will load wheelchair guests in the unloading zone - the CM at the ride entrance will tell you where to go)

You can park your chair outside restaurants in stroller parking or sit in it inside. Or you can transfer to a regular chair at the table and have the CM move it for you.

Read thru the FAQ sticky at top of the disABILITIES page for a lot more detail on using mobility devices in WDW. Included is info on outside rental agencies and their contact information.

Shanti · Jul 24, 2016

barbaraann said:
My foot has been sore for about a month now, and a few days ago, I was diagnosed with tendonitis, and a bone spur in my left foot. I have a 10 night vacation coming up in Orlando. 7 nights at Pop Century followed by 3 nights at Cabana Bay at Universal. In two days, I have an appointment with a podiatrist, who will look at my X-rays, and determine my treatment. My trip is 36 days away.

I am convinced at this point in time that I am going to most likely have to rent a wheelchair, in order to make the best of my time in the parks. I don't know right now what sort of treatment the podiatrist is going to suggest. It might just be rest, and ice, and anti inflammatory meds. My regular doctor suggested a cortisone shot for the bone spur, but I really doubt that I am going that route.

Most folks are telling me to rent a scooter. However, I cannot afford that much money. besides, those scooters scare/intimidate me.

I am traveling with 5 other people, but that is really unusual for me. I am used to solo traveling, or at the most, just meeting up with a few friends for part of the day. I have always loved the independence of being able to do what I want, when I want. So this trip is going to be different in so many ways.

We have made our ADR's, and our fastpass choices. The family that I am traveling with will be using the DAS system at WDW for the first time, but have used it in the past at Disneyland in California.

I am a frequent WDW/Disneyland visitor, so I have toured with someone else in the wheelchair, but I have never been in one myself.

The purpose of the thread, is to get some friendly tips that might help me better tour the parks. I won't need a chair 24/7. Just to lesson the time spent on my foot which gives me the pain. I should know more after my podiatrist appointment, and maybe my foot will be somewhat better feeling in36 days.

Thanks for any and all responses.

I recommend renting an ECV (electric scooter) instead of a wheelchair for your length of stay, not only while you're at the parks. It will be much easier to use than a wheelchair. I rented an ECV for my mother this January from Care Scooter Rentals and had an excellent experience from start to finish. They drop the ECV off at Bell Services, so it'll be there when you arrive at Pop Century, and you just leave it at Bell Services when you depart- they'll collect it later that day. Seamless. Here's a link:

https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/guest-services/ecv-rentals/

barbaraann · Jul 24, 2016

This condition has caught me off guard, but the other day, as I hobbled around the house, I told my husband that I better get to a doctor, and find out exactly what I have. It then dawned on me how difficult it would be to spend a week walking around Disney World, followed by a few days walking around Universal. My pain starts out bad in the morning, but it actually decreases a bit as the day goes on. I have bought better shoes, and I have cut way back on the hours that I spend on my feet.

This past February, I visited WDW with a friend who had multiple ankle injuries/surgery in her past. She found walking around the parks very difficult, so I pushed her for our last two days. I have pushed friends before, and have never had any difficulty doing that. Of course, I am a slow walker, so I never go anywhere like gangbusters.

I am sure by the time my/our trip arrives, we will have our plan figured out. I am semi familiar with wheelchair procedures. However, I have never been the person in the chair. I have seen solo people in chairs before, and they seem to do just fine. I'm not trying to break any records here. I like to take lots of photos, do character meet and greets, and still manage a good number of my favorite rides during the daytime hours. I love the parades, and the nighttime entertainment.

I can't see myself spending the entire day with the rest of my party, and they know that. They are definitely going to be going at a faster pace than me, with three teenaged kids, who are already super hyped up about their first trip to Disney World together as a family.

So I guess I come off as a weirdo wanting to go solo part time by myself with a manual wheelchair. However, I have spent countless hours in the parks by myself, and I have always gone at my own speed. I hate having to "Chase" other people through the place. I hate having to do what the others want to do, when I want to do something entirely different. I guess when It comes to my vacation, I am selfish.

We will have lots of time together, at the hotel, and for our fast passes, and our ADR's, but I need my alone time too.

mamabunny · Jul 24, 2016

@barbaraann: I think that most of us are concerned far more about your ability to use your arms at the end of a WDW day than we are concerned that you might want to go solo for a while.

Personally, I dream of the day when I get to go out on my own at WDW for just a few hours - to do things at my pace, and in the order I want to... Not likely to happen LOL, but I'm OK with that.

It's just that there is a HUGE difference between practicing pushing yourself around in a wheelchair at home, vs. a full "Disney day" where you may cover 5 or more miles. You might make it through the first day - maybe even the second on sheer willpower - but unless you have been self-propelled for a long time prior to a Disney trip, experience here tells us that you most likely won't make it through on your own in a wheelchair. At some point, you will be either [A] begging a member of your group to push you while you pray for your arms and hands and wrists to stop hurting and/or [2] renting an ECV.

Don't ruin your trip - and your memories of your trip - by adding more pain and discomfort than you already have. People routinely underestimate the amount of walking that they do at WDW, and it's very easy to forget how many hills, ramps and curb cuts there are to go up at WDW. When I think of MK, for example, I have a tendency to forget that the entire park is basically sloped UP towards the back. Epcot is basically flat, but everywhere else, even Disney Springs, you are going to be constantly going up or down a little bit. It makes self-propelling even more difficult and tiring, even for life-long wheelchair users.

Have you priced an off-site rental for an ECV? The parks rent Disney-owned scooters at $50/day, but outside rentals are often significantly cheaper per day. If your trip plans allow it, you may not need to have the ECV delivered until the morning after you arrive, and it could be picked up the evening before you depart, thereby saving you 2 days rental.

Regardless of your decision, if you are flying, remember that airport concourses can be long, tedious hikes, and TSA lines at MCO are notoriously long and slow. Be sure to let your airline know you will need assistance at the airport coming and going.

minnie mum · Jul 24, 2016

I agree 100% with Mamabunny. Most especially about self propelling. I would wager that the vast majority of the guests you've seen self propelling in the parks are in fully customized chairs. The are designed for the user. And the user has usually had years of practice to build their upper body strength. I've needed a chair in the parks for almost 20 years now, even though I manage without one at home. Standard rental chairs, with their heavier construction and high arm rests are not designed for all day self propelling. I can certainly wheel myself short distances, but a lot of the curb cuts, hills, and attraction ramps would be enough to wear me out in no time. ( try to imagine wheeling yourself up to the ramp at Space Mountain, Soarin, or Test Track.)

I really think you need to compromise between your preference for solo touring and your need for a mobility device. Either accept help in pushing your chair, or rent an ecv.

barbaraann · Jul 24, 2016

I started this thread, because I know that the people here at the Disboards, are very caring people, and they are going to think of stuff that I myself will not consider. I have 10 past WDW vacations behind me, so I know the lay of the land pretty good. I am traveling, on this vacation with a mom, 3 disabled kids, and their aunt. We will start out our days together, and split up later in the day, after our fast passes are finished. I have traveled in August before, so I know about the precautions in the heat. I also have traveled with the mom before, and her daughter, so I know that I can't keep up with them walking on two good feet. So splitting up is going to happen for sure.

Exactly how much actual time will I try to propel myself around in a day's time? Not so sure about that. Also not sure about how my foot is going to feel in a month's time. Maybe it will be a whole lot better, but it could be feeling the same as it does now. It's all just speculation at this time, but I guess I find comfort in knowing that I can rent a chair for just $12 a day, and use it to rest up my foot when I need to.

I don't do the parks commando. I'm sure if I was being watched by some people, some of my habits would be weird to them. Have I mentioned that I am 68 years old now, and I will be celebrating my 69th birthday on my trip.

I appreciate everyone pointing out the problems in my plan. Right now, it's just in the planning stage, and I may very well decide to do something totally different.

mamabunny · Jul 25, 2016

barbaraann said:
I started this thread, because I know that the people here at the Disboards, are very caring people, and they are going to think of stuff that I myself will not consider. I have 10 past WDW vacations behind me, so I know the lay of the land pretty good. I am traveling, on this vacation with a mom, 3 disabled kids, and their aunt. We will start out our days together, and split up later in the day, after our fast passes are finished. I have traveled in August before, so I know about the precautions in the heat. I also have traveled with the mom before, and her daughter, so I know that I can't keep up with them walking on two good feet. So splitting up is going to happen for sure.

Exactly how much actual time will I try to propel myself around in a day's time? Not so sure about that. Also not sure about how my foot is going to feel in a month's time. Maybe it will be a whole lot better, but it could be feeling the same as it does now. It's all just speculation at this time, but I guess I find comfort in knowing that I can rent a chair for just $12 a day, and use it to rest up my foot when I need to.

I don't do the parks commando. I'm sure if I was being watched by some people, some of my habits would be weird to them. Have I mentioned that I am 68 years old now, and I will be celebrating my 69th birthday on my trip.

I appreciate everyone pointing out the problems in my plan. Right now, it's just in the planning stage, and I may very well decide to do something totally different.

We are all just concerned that you have the best possible Disney experience!

One thing that may help - and you have probably seen a lot of folks doing this - is that you can use the wheelchair as a "rollator" type device, where you walk behind, but use the handlebars for support. That gives you a built-in seat for times when you just need to stop and rest. Alternatively, you could look into renting a Rollator, which would also offer support while you walked, but give you a seat when needed.

Some churches and other charitable organizations (such as Eastern Star, the Masonic Lodge, the Elks, etc.) will sometimes have a lending closet with wheelchairs, crutches, Rollators, etc. You could inquire locally in your hometown, and potentially skip the rental altogether by bringing along the equipment under the right circumstances.

My main concern for you was, and remains that you might be out touring on your own, and find that you just can't self-propel anymore, and your feet won't make it back to the Resort (or your designated meeting spot)

Obviously, you can do whatever you want to - we are simply offering the advice that many of us have learned over long years of requiring personal mobility assistance, either for ourselves or loved ones.

If you are determined to rent a wheelchair and go it on your own, I hope you will at least consider taking along a pair of cheap bicycle gloves, so that you don't have to deal with blistered hands on top of any other issues.

I know that in an ideal world, by the time you arrive at Disney next month, you will be able to skip the wheelchair altogether. I will hold a happy thought for you, and I hope you keep us posted on your progress.

Paula Sedley-Burke · Jul 25, 2016

I agree with PP I am wheelchair user and no way can you self propel around the parks. Have you looked into buying a scooter for home use as well? Because you can take it on the plane free of charge and it would be almost the cost of rental and think of all the use you would get of it. A lightweight one like the travel models gogo elite etc you can take to the mall. Easy to drive, dismantle etc fits in the boot ( trunk? ) . Bring it to WDW!

BabyFu18 · Jul 25, 2016

I hope your foot is feeling better before your trip, I just wanted to say if your doctor suggest cortisone injections might help, you might want to try it. I'm in a wheelchair now (new user, less than a year) but 3 years ago I had really bad plantar fasciitis and I got cortisone injections in both my feet less than a month before I did WDW, we went hard that year and the cortisone injections really helped me be able to walk around in the parks for ten days.

Now, another apart about what people are saying about self propelling in a manual wheelchair, I'm new to a wheelchair but I do have a fully customized manual wheelchair and even though I can self propel myself in my daily life, with being in the wheelchair for less than a year I know I probably will not be able to self propel my wheelchair durning a Disney vacation. This year my parents are going to be taking turns pushing me when I give out at WDW, hopefully in the future I'll be able to do it alone but I can see it being difficult to self propel through the terrain at Disney even for someone who has been in a wheelchair for a long time. And If you rent a wheelchair in the parks, those are seriously hard to self propel and push in general, we pushed a family member in one before and it's not the easiest thing to do, my custom wheelchair rolls/pushes ten times easier than the park wheelchairs, I couldn't imagine trying to self propel in one of the parks manual chairs for every long before I'd give up and ask someone else to do it.

Good luck to you, hopefully your foot will be so much better before your trip and you won't even need assistance, but if you end up needing a wheelchair or EVC I hope it works out well for you and the group your traveling with!

powellrj · Jul 25, 2016

Have you thought about using a rollator? You would always have a seat when you need one and you would have a walker that you can lean on when you need to get the weight off your feet.

I am now in a wheelchair full-time, but when I am out and about, I prefer to use my scooter. I just use a standard wheelchair, so I need someone to push it. Its not easy. My DS was pushing me through a local farmers market which was in a parking lot. It was hard to find smooth pavement, cut-outs that were level and avoiding pot holes and this was in a parking lot with a healthy athletic 25 year old pushing me.

It sounds like you may also have plantar fasciitis and if thats the case, please reconsider the shots in your foot. It will make a huge difference. If they recommend orthotics and wraps and splinting, those all help too.

geek+nerd · Jul 26, 2016

As someone with a customized wheelchair who usually self propels, I really think you are under estimating the upper body strength that is needed to self propel. It is not as easy as it may look, and Disney is a whole different story. There are slight inclines all over the place that you probably don't even notice when walking; you will notice in a crappy standard chair. Please, please, please consider renting an ECV from off site or reconsider going solo.

barbaraann · Jul 28, 2016

I have a related question for people who have rented a wheelchair for the day. If you rent a chair in the morning, and want to return back to your hotel midday for a nap/rest/meal/swim, what happens to your chair after you return it? Is it held for you until you return to the park, or is it put back into the inventory of rentable wheelchairs?

minnie mum · Jul 28, 2016

barbaraann said:
I have a related question for people who have rented a wheelchair for the day. If you rent a chair in the morning, and want to return back to your hotel midday for a nap/rest/meal/swim, what happens to your chair after you return it? Is it held for you until you return to the park, or is it put back into the inventory of rentable wheelchairs?

I've never gotten the same chair when we've returned. Mind you, it's been a few years since I've rented Disney chairs. Off site is so much cheaper.

barbaraann · Aug 18, 2016

My trip is now 11 days away, and I was at the doctor a few days ago. He now thinks that perhaps I have a stress fracture that did not show up on the X-ray. The foot is about as sore as when I first started this thread. I return to the doctor next Thursday, and he is going to give/prescribe me some oral cortisone to take during my trip. I have been resting/icing my foot as much as I can, and it's only the walking that brings on the pain. The OTC orthotics allow me to spend more hours each day on my feet. However, the pain has been returning each day at some point. Ibuprofen does help, but I'm sure if I take cortisone, I won't be taking the ibuprofen too.

So I am going to need to pace myself, in order to be able to fully enjoy my vacation. Definitely built in rest periods throughout the day. A wheelchair is still an option, but I will just wait and see before making that decision.

MaryLovesPoohBear · Aug 18, 2016

barbaraann said:
My trip is now 11 days away, and I was at the doctor a few days ago. He now thinks that perhaps I have a stress fracture that did not show up on the X-ray. The foot is about as sore as when I first started this thread. I return to the doctor next Thursday, and he is going to give/prescribe me some oral cortisone to take during my trip. I have been resting/icing my foot as much as I can, and it's only the walking that brings on the pain. The OTC orthotics allow me to spend more hours each day on my feet. However, the pain has been returning each day at some point. Ibuprofen does help, but I'm sure if I take cortisone, I won't be taking the ibuprofen too.

So I am going to need to pace myself, in order to be able to fully enjoy my vacation. Definitely built in rest periods throughout the day. A wheelchair is still an option, but I will just wait and see before making that decision.

Of course, your mileage may vary, but when I have received a shot in the past, I could still take ibuprofen.

barbaraann · Aug 18, 2016

My doctor is not talking about a cortisone shot. He is talking about an oral cortisone. I will make that decision when I see him on Thursday next week.

MaryLovesPoohBear · Aug 18, 2016

barbaraann said:
My doctor is not talking about a cortisone shot. He is talking about an oral cortisone. I will make that decision when I see him on Thursday next week.

Again, your mileage may vary, but I took high dose steroids for over a year and at the same time took ibuprofen. If you can't take both, I would see if I could get the shot so I could take both. You will want to get ahead of the pain, especially at Disney.

I would also mention Disney and talk about using the wheelchair.

barbaraann · Aug 27, 2016

My vacation starts in just two days, and my foot is a whole lot better than when I first started this thread. The doctor has given me some oral cortisone pills, in case my foot pain gets worse during my trip. Right now it is manageable. Only time will tell how many hours a day I will be able to be on my feet. I am prepared to find out. I have planned my days, so that I get rest, and get off my feet throughout the day. I may be able to skip the cortisone altogether, and just use ibuprofen.

Thanks for reading and contributing to my thread/questions/concerns everyone.

lanejudy · Aug 28, 2016

@barbaraann so glad your foot is feeling better and you have your plans all set. Enjoy your vacation!

Renting a Wheelchair for the first time.

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