2nd walker question

[3NJDisneyDivas]

I am using a rolling walker on our next trip. This is our first trip since my disability. I need to use it up until I get on the ride.
Should I get a GAC card to have them treat it like a wheelchair? If so, does that mean the walker will be at the exit for me when I get off the rides? I read a few threads on the wheelchair loading & I am assuming you load at the exit, so you leave the walker & it will be there when I get off the ride?
I have no one to push me in a wheelchair & my rolling walker has a flip down seat in case I need to sit while waiting in line.
Also, is there a special area for handicapped on a parade route?
Thanks in advance.
Lisa

 

[Cheshire Figment]

You will not need a GAC. A walker is an obvious mobility device and would be treated as such.

HOWEVER are you aware of how much walking is required? Once around the World Showcase Lagoon Promenade is about 1.25 miles. Most people tend to do about seven or eight miles a day. You might really was to give serious consideration wo a wheelchair or ECV.. If you have to use the walker, you should be able to rent a wc or ECV from offsite that would have some sort of hooks on the back to hand the walker (folded) until you need it.

 

[OneLittleSpark]

I would definitely second Cheshire, if you have trouble walking distances, a chair or ECV might be the best way forward (no pun intended).
And in answer to the last question, yes there are handicapped viewing areas on all the parade routes (and also for Illuminations). They are marked on the map by a little red rectangle with a wheelchair and the letter "P" in it. These areas are roped off a while before the parade is due and managed by a CM. Just see them and they'll get you in and settled. They are very useful because it stops (or at least cuts down on) people standing in front of you and blocking your view.

Have a wonderful holiday!

 

[3NJDisneyDivas]

Thank you both very much.
I've never used an ECV & have visions of hitting people & not being able to back out or turn around (like in Austin Powers where he is stuck in the hallway on a zamboni). Maybe I should give it some serious consideration.
Thanks again.
Lisa

 

[OneLittleSpark]

One suggestion that someone else came up with a while back on this forum, is that you could go to a nearby store that has courtesy ECVs for cutomers, just so you can have a practice and get the feel for it. Try going at a quiet time so you don't have to worry about crowds to begin with.

Good luck

 

[arminnie]

Thank you both very much.
I've never used an ECV & have visions of hitting people & not being able to back out or turn around (like in Austin Powers where he is stuck in the hallway on a zamboni). Maybe I should give it some serious consideration.
Thanks again.
Lisa

I felt exactly the same way about ECVs until I rented one this past September. It was wonderful, and I never hit anyone!

I rented from Randy's as I wanted someone to show me how to use it and how to take it apart to put it in a car. The Randy's service was terrific. They were punctual to the minute about pickup and delivery.

I cannot tell you what a difference the ECV made in my trip. I stayed at BCV. The first morning I took it on a "test ride" going all around the lagoon. It was a wonderful morning "walk" - something I've always wanted to do but never had the energy for.

I was up every morning raring to go - no days stuck in bed trying to recuperate. I even got a refillable mug as it was so much easier going to get a refill with the ECV. I also found I could take the mug to the parks in my basket (no refills in the park, but I started the day with ice and a drink).

Every one was so wonderful to me. I can honestly say that I did not have a single "look" or "comment" made. I also did not have problems with people jumping out in front of me.

I am a "car" person. I was born in Southern California - I think it's a genetic thing. So using the buses at all was new to me. The drivers were great and told me exactly what to do to get on and parked. It was much easier than I had expected.

I did take the ECV to the Florida Mall in a car one day. It was just wonderful to see everything (very poor shopping in AR where I live and New Orleans is not totally back up either).

At the parks I went in nooks and crannies that I would have never explored before because of the walking involved. Same thing with the resort areas. One day I went to the transportation center and then rode over to the Poly by ECV. I checked out all of the grounds and then went over to the Grand Floridian for tea. The weather was perfect, and it was a grand outing by ECV.