Advice please

[bankgirl05]

Manual Wheelchair or ECV?

Dh has booked a last minute trip to WDW over Thanksgiving and I am totally freaking out. I am still recovering from hip surgery and have some challenges and quite a bit of pain still. I am currently still using one crutch, but plan on graduating to a cane by then. I know I will need a chair for "the long distances" but should I rent the ECV or just rely on my fold up?

Also, how do you board/exit a ride that has the moving walk way? I had trouble with these on a regular footing, can't imagine with a cane/ limited weight bearing situation! The thought terrifies me!!!

I am glad to be going, but just fretting so much that I am just not "up for this trip" yet. I love my DH. He booked it because he knows I've been going stir crazy for 4 months, but I think I might like to kill him too!!!

I am so worried that this trip is just going to be one giant frustration after another, and that I am going to be an absolute epic FAIL!!!

 

[SueM in MN]

There are some advantages and disadvantages to both ECVs and wheelchairs.

Wheelchair Advantage:
- You can stay in the wheelchair all the way to the boarding area for all attractions. You can park the wheelchair as close as you want to the ride car; whatever will make it easier to board.
- Someone else will push you, so you can concentrate on looking at what is around you.
- Some attractions have wheelchair accessible ride cars, so you could chose to stay in the wheelchair for those.
- If you have a folding wheelchair, you have the option of staying in it for bus rides or folding it up and having someone hold it on the bus.
- Since it is non-powered, you don’t have to charge a battery.
- If you want to walk for a while, some people find that pushing the wheelchair provides support while walking.

Wheelchair Disadvantage:
- You need to rely on someone else to push you.
- You will be dependent on someone else (some people don’t like being dependent, others don’t mind).
- The seat on a fold up wheelchair may not be comfortable (some people bring a pillow to sit on or purchase an inexpensive seat cushion).

ECV Advantage:
- independence to go where you want to go.
- No one has to push you.
- Easy to drive after a bit of practice.
- Seats are like padded office chairs and probably more comfortable than a standard folding wheelchair.

ECV Disadvantage:
- Need to charge the battery each night.
- Need to be alert while driving so you can avoid hitting people who pop out in your path.
- Some people are not comfortable driving one and become nervous.
- Some of the lines are wheelchair accessible, but not ECV accessible. For those attractions, there will be a wheelchair at the attraction, but you will need to transfer. There is a list of those attractions in post 11 of the disABILITIES FAQs thread.
You can find that thread near the top of this board or follow the link in my signature.

On page 2 of the disABILITIES FAQs thread, there is a list of attractions with moving walkways and stairs.
Using an ECV or wheelchair, you will be directed to a path that avoids stairs and will board at a place where the moving walkway can be slowed or stopped (exceptions are Peter Pan and Tomorrowland Transit Authority, which can’t be stopped or slowed.)
CMs usually slow the walkway for guests using mobility devices. They don’t like to stop them, but can if they see you are needing extra time.
The moving walkways move at the same speed as the ride car, so once you are on the walkway, it seems like you are standing still.

 

[jmartinez1895]

Most of your situation is going to come down to personal choice. I was jsut talking to a guy at church who took his sister to WDW. They got her an ECV for day one. While they liked that no one had to push her they did not like the slower pace and they ran down the battery ( they are EMH park open till close type). The second day they got her a chair and while my friend said he did get a little tired from pushing it was such a better fit for them. They would just go to a show or something so he could rest. As for the walkways, most of them can be slowed or stopped upon request. Peter Pan is one that can not and I'm sure others will be able to tell you more.

 

[Bete]

you may have to adjust your expectations. You don't have to go on every ride at Disney to enjoy Disney. Skip some rides that you don't feel confident about and do some people watching or whatever while others do certain rides. You may find yourself getting more tired under the circumstances and you should probably not overdo anyway.

Maybe, on this trip try to see Disney in a different light. Enjoy all the live entertainment there more. Take in some street acts at each park. Do more character meet and greets. Take in exhibits; this is especially awesome in Epcot. Enjoy dining out more. Do all the shows, parades, and fireworks and you will still have a good time.

I think you could go either way with a scooter or a wheelchair. A scooter would probably be easier and give you more independence.

 

[GranJan]

I agree with others...you may not be able to ride every ride but there's still plenty to do. Going to WDW even with limited mobility is certainly better than staying home. Your husband is sweet to think of your need for a change of scenery after recovering from surgery.
I prefer the ECV since I like more independence. But if you're able to walk some, you might prefer a wheelchair. I know what you mean about the moving platforms. Even when I could walk with help, I hated those things. If you have balance problems, it does not feel like you're standing still. Enjoy your trip!

 

[Deesknee]

I have never used an ECV. We use a manual WC. I will say this though. The first year we used a chair, we used what is called a transport chair. I would not suggest using this. You are unable to wheel yourself, due to it doesn'thave large wheels. It is primarily used to transport a person from one type of transportation to another. I thought it would be fine, but found a regular Manual Wheelchair gives me SO much more independence. Also, be whoever is pushing you should be careful of the rail tracks in the streets (especially when crossing the Main Street) our tires got caught and I almost flew out of the chair. Funny to think of now, but not at the time.