Any risk of medical stroller theft in WDW?

[froggy flo]

Hi,

My DD has myositis, which means she looks valid but is not but for a very short walk. I'm considering buying my own medical stroller (which looks pretty much like a baby one but for elder kids).

I'm still hesitating for fear my stroller may be stolen. It does not look like a device for the disabled, which would maybe deter thieves, but instead, since it can accomodate taller kids, it is not the kind of stuff you can easily buy and this may appeal to some people. If stolen, my insurance wouldn't pay for another one for the next 5 years ($500).

Have you ever heard of theft of medical strollers or wheelchairs in WDW? Do you think there is such risk or not? Thank you.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

Hi and to disABILITIES!

We have not had any reports of strollers or wheelchairs being stolen. There are, however, a few things that you can consider.

When you go to the park go to Guest Services and ask for a tag which will allow you to use the stroller as if it were a wheelchair. That way you can take it on the lines if necessary.

Anoher thing is to get a bicycle lock or cable lock and lock one wheel to the frame. It will not prevent a CM from moving the stroller from one point to another when straightening up a stroller parking area, but it will keep someone from walking off with it. If you use a lock, do not lock the stoller to anything that is permanent such as a tree or sign.

 

[debm]

Hi. we have one much like what you are talking about. It is just a bit bigger and sits a bit higher than most but doesn't look "different" in any other way. We go to guest services immediately and get the "stroller as a wheelchair" tag to put on it. My son has Down syndrome and he will walk for a little bit but then he is done. Plus he gets lost easily so we encourage him to sit as much as we can. We don't leave it as often as our preschooler's stroller though. IF we are allowed to take it into a line, we do. For instance, when everyone else has to park their strollers for Fantasmic (we park our umbrella stroller) we wheel Aaron right on thru with his. Of course we are usually stopped and we just make sure they see the tag or show them our Pass. We do kindly fold it or put it away wherever the CMs want us to at the top so that we don't block others that need to sit in a wheelchair in the section. We move it out of the way, etc. Many times I will just explain to a CM that it needs to be somewhere safe but we've also left it many times too. We have gotten to calling it his "chair" because I feel like if I call it a stroller it sounds so juvenile for him. Plus I want others to realize that he does need it and we aren't trying to take advantage of something by wheeling what looks like a glorified stroller somewhere. Our insurance also bought it and we love it!!! Have fun!!

 

[Chuck S]

I've not heard of a "theft" of wheelchair or medical stroller at WDW...we did have our own wheelchair taken at DL in CA once. Fortunately, we saw it "disappearing" when we exited the train, and I was able to intercept.

 

[Mish]

I also have a stroller just like that for DS(8) and we get GAC to use the stroller as a wheelchair then it is left where ever they leave the wheelchairs. We have been to Disney 2 times and have had no problems.

 

[Luv Bunnies]

Something to consider - perhaps your medical insurance won't cover a new one for 5 years, but would the stroller be covered under your homeowner's insurance? You might want to check with your agent. Of course, you would rather it not get stolen, but perhaps knowing if it's covered under your homeowner's would give you peace of mind about leaving it parked somewhere.

You might also consider putting your own sign on it. Something like "This is a medical device and is necessary for the care of a disabled child." That might deter thieves who think it's just a big stroller that they want to snatch. Hope you have a great trip!

 

[minkydog]

We use a Convaid stroller for Christian when we go to WDW. We've been with him twice and never had a problem, though if it got taken I would be very upset. i wonder if we need a special insurance rider on this?