Airport, Disney and Resort...do I need to bring a wheelchair?

[macjodi]

My wife has a situation that causes us to us an ECV for the first time. She will be able to walk around the hotel room with a walker, but she is not yet cleared for outside walks of any distance. She will be able to move into and out of most attractions that require it.
My question is: Do restaurants on Disney Property (we currently have reservations at Le Cellier, Sci-Fi, and California Grill) have a wheelchair that will allow her to get to the table, or that she can sit in while eating? Same with Saratoga Springs resort...is there such a thing as a courtesy wheelchair at the resorts? And at the airport, would courtesy wheelchair be available to get from rental car to terminal to gate and would it be prompt? Or do I just bring a wheelchair with us, store on plane, and have it available for her when/if needed?
thanks

 

[DisneyOma]

The resorts have emergency wheelchairs, for use at the time of the situation, but none to lend for a length of time - at least that was my understanding from various posts on this forum.

I don't think "prompt" would be a word I'd use for a courtesy wheelchair at the airport - it should be available though, if you let the airline know.

But to me, it sounds like it would be much easier to bring your own. That way, it would be her size, more comfortable, and less time consuming.

 

[SirDuff]

The resorts have emergency wheelchairs, for use at the time of the situation, but none to lend for a length of time - at least that was my understanding from various posts on this forum.

I don't think "prompt" would be a word I'd use for a courtesy wheelchair at the airport - it should be available though, if you let the airline know.

But to me, it sounds like it would be much easier to bring your own. That way, it would be her size, more comfortable, and less time consuming.

I thought that the resorts got rid of the courtesy wheelchairs?

I'm a bit confused - the OP mentions that this is the first trip with an ECV. So, is the wheelchair for times when the ECV isn't usable? Because you can use the ECV in the airport, around the resort, and in restaurants. There are some rides where your wife will have to transfer (and they do have wheelchairs there)

 

[wilkeliza]

If you are using an ECV then yes where there is not ECV access there will be a courtesy wheelchair. However this is not for any length of time. Basically it is for the length of an attraction queue or similar.

If you are not renting an ECV then yes you will need to bring your own wheelchair or ECV as they are not provided as a courtesy for any length of time.

 

[powellrj]

I just got back last week and yes I took mr own wheelchair with me. It made life so much easier. We had it to get from the car to check-in and then to use in the airport. We just gate checked it. Then we had it from the airport to the car rental. We checked into our room with our magic bands and then dh went to the front desk to get Ecv.

It was just so much easier to have our own wheelchair in the room too. It made a nice place to sit. I even slept in it several nights when lying down hurt to much.

 

[DisneyOma]

I thought that the resorts got rid of the courtesy wheelchairs?

I'm a bit confused - the OP mentions that this is the first trip with an ECV. So, is the wheelchair for times when the ECV isn't usable? Because you can use the ECV in the airport, around the resort, and in restaurants. There are some rides where your wife will have to transfer (and they do have wheelchairs there)

My take is that they are renting an ECV down there - hence the airport question. Thinking it sounds like they are planning on park rental, perhaps?

 

[lanejudy]

Resorts have limited wheelchairs available for "emergency" use -- my understanding is staff will push the wheelchair and will not leave it with the guest, so that could also mean waiting for staff to be available for such assistance. Are you staying at Saratoga Springs? Have you requested a room near transportation? I'd recommend an off-site ECV rental so she will have it to use around the resort and getting to/from transportation at the parks.

If you have it noted on your ADRs and also mention at check-in that she will need to use her ECV to get to the table, they will try to get you a near table. She can then use the ECV to get to the table, and you or another member of your party could drive it back out to park. I do not think restaurants will have a courtesy wheelchair to use.

At the few attractions which do not allow an ECV in the queue, there should be a wheelchair available to borrow.

You can arrange for a wheelchair at the airport by contacting your airline.

If you are also bringing a walker, it could be cumbersome to also bring a manual wheelchair since you plan to rent an ECV, though bringing the wheelchair is an option. However, I recommend an off-site ECV rental -- there are vendors noted in the disABILITIES FAQs thread pinned near the top of this forum.

Enjoy your vacation!

 

[macjodi]

Thank you all Those ideas and thoughts are very helpful

 

[mamabunny]

Fold up her walker, take along a bungee cord (or two) and bungee it to the back of the ECV. Then she can go (literally) almost anywhere she is able!

We were just there in September.

We ate at both Le Cellier and Sci Fi. At both, I was able to park close to the table and walk - but if there had not been space, the CMs told me they would have simply pushed my personal ECV back out to a safe spot, and then they would bring it to me when I was ready to leave. Our daughter also sometimes will park my ECV after I have gotten to the table, and then she goes and brings it back to me when we are done eating.

At Sci Fi, you park ECVs and other mobility devices at the "back" of the "parking lot". Just let the CM's know your wife can't walk far, and they will do everything they can to accomodate her.

At Le Cellier, she may be able to drive down somewhat close to the table, and then you (or a CM) can move it out and park it just outside the doors.

(Sorry, we didn't eat at California Grill - we love The Wave LOL)

Hope this helps!

 

[mamabunny]

Sorry, came back to add: Most airports have attended "courtesy" wheelchairs; I have not used them in a long time because I have my own ECV. You can certainly take along a wheelchair (and/or her walker) from home - medical equipment flies for free.

Do let your airline know in advance about any assistance she will need (aisle wheelchair is one example).

Last but not least - consider renting an ECV from an Orlando Vendor, rather than relying upon Disney Parks rentals - you will find that it will be so very handy to have not only at the Resort, but also at Disney Springs.

If she is concerned about getting the ECV on an off the bus, the drivers are very kind and helpful - and you can always drive it on and off for her as well.

 

[seashoreCM]

Occasionally wheelchairs get damaged in transit. You might want to bring only a bare bones (cheap) wheelchair with you and, if you want a power wheelchair, rent that at Disney.

 

[gap2368]

I thought that the resorts got rid of the courtesy wheelchairs?

I'm a bit confused - the OP mentions that this is the first trip with an ECV. So, is the wheelchair for times when the ECV isn't usable? Because you can use the ECV in the airport, around the resort, and in restaurants. There are some rides where your wife will have to transfer (and they do have wheelchairs there)

all resorts have at lest one wheel chair at them for emergence ( I hurt my foot while at disney and was able to use one ) the CM will walk you to your room or from where you get hurt to a waiting cab to go to the ER /urgent care. these wheel chair are not for ever day use. if the OP has an ECV then they should be able to pull the ECV up to the table and transfer into a set and the CM could them move the ECV out of the way if need be.

but yes all hotel do have at lest one wheel chair for use by guest in emergency and you may have to wait for the wheel chair and CM to be come available