Anyone ever rent a wheelchair for child with injury?

[Meldev]

Did you get wheelchair from the resort or from park each day? My DD8 has a knee injury and we won't know until 3 days prior to our trip if her knee can mobilize during our visit. Thinking of wheelchair option...

 

[maxiesmom]

If they fit in a stroller, they are much easier to push around.

 

[jtowntoflorida]

Did you get wheelchair from the resort or from park each day? My DD8 has a knee injury and we won't know until 3 days prior to our trip if her knee can mobilize during our visit. Thinking of wheelchair option...

I'd rent a special needs stroller if she ends up needing mobility assistance. I think that will be more comfortable for both of you.

 

[Meldev]

I agree in fact we have a double stroller rented for my 2 year old and I figured my younger DDs would use other side on occasion - however her injury is such that her knee is not to bend. That's why I thought of wheelchair more so - I'll look into special needs stroller.

 

[Gracie09]

If you go the wheelchair route ask for a pediatric wheelchair. She will be much more comfortable

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

I agree in fact we have a double stroller rented for my 2 year old and I figured my younger DDs would use other side on occasion - however her injury is such that her knee is not to bend. That's why I thought of wheelchair more so - I'll look into special needs stroller.

Maybe you can reschedule the trip. If she can't bend her leg at the knee, there are many rides she won't be able to go on.

 

[chris31997]

Wheelchair will be fine. Most have the option to elevate or extend the foot rest. You probably could even add pillows to make it more comfortable.

Another thing to consider is your mode of transportation to Disney. If you are flying there, you might want to rent a wheelchair from home to aid getting thru the airport.

Make sure you take crutches with you so she can get out and walk some. She will get stiff sitting in the wheelchair.

IF she can't bend her knee, getting in alot of the rides well be hard. Some of them she might be able to sit at an angle or something depending on her size.

 

[Meldev]

We will find out literally 3 days before the trip if she will be allowed to bend her knee at all. If it has to remain completely immobilized then yes, I'm going to have to reschedule. But if she's allowed to bend on occasion but they prefer it straight if possible then I thought wheelchair would work nicely.
She can walk with brace now (it's somewhat of a swinging motion as left leg remains straight) so she doesn't have crutches - I just know there's no way she can do that all over wdw. And if she's cleared to mobilize her knee (maybe with a sleeve or band) that'd be the best case scenario) because stroller will work fine if she's comfortable-if straight keeps her more comfortable then wheelchair will be the way to go.
This is heartbreaking in so many ways - I've been planning this surprise trip for a year and a half - kids still don't know. I was going to reveal the big surprise this weekend - now I just don't know what to do? Gamble that the immobilization will be done and she'll be able to move enough (while still doing some PT while away) - or just give it up - all the FPs and ADRs and MNSSHP tix and reschedule for another time? DS turns 3 in December so it'd be nice to get the trip in before we're a Disney party of 6...

 

[SueM in MN]

I would advise a pediatric wheelchair or special needs stroller for an 8 yr old.
You can find more information about renting, including companies that rent smaller wheelchairs and special needs strollers in post 2 of the disABILITIES FAQs thread. There is a link to that thread in my signature.

Some resorts have wheelchairs to lend out, but people's experience varies regarding whether or not they are in decent condition or the size. The usual is a 20 inch wide seat, but they may only have extra wide.
They do not have elevating footrests and the height of the footrest is not adjustable. Even more of an issue' the footrests don't come all the way across, so the person needs to spread their legs apart to get to the footrests (although the footrests may be too low for the feet to reach anyway). We rented one recently for my mom (5 foot 4 inches and about 115 pounds). She found the leg position very uncomfortable.
There is no guarantee that any will be available and they can't be reserved ahead of time.

Park rental wheelchairs are the same - seats at least 20 inch wide, without elevating footrests or height adjustment.

The smaller wheelchairs rented by some offsite companies have 16 inches wide seats. They also am have wheelchairs with adjustable height or rlevating footrests.

If you can get one from your home area and are flying, you can bring it with and gate check it at no charge.

 

[Meldev]

Thank you SueM - I will look into what's available here!

 

[jtowntoflorida]

We will find out literally 3 days before the trip if she will be allowed to bend her knee at all. If it has to remain completely immobilized then yes, I'm going to have to reschedule. But if she's allowed to bend on occasion but they prefer it straight if possible then I thought wheelchair would work nicely.
She can walk with brace now (it's somewhat of a swinging motion as left leg remains straight) so she doesn't have crutches - I just know there's no way she can do that all over wdw. And if she's cleared to mobilize her knee (maybe with a sleeve or band) that'd be the best case scenario) because stroller will work fine if she's comfortable-if straight keeps her more comfortable then wheelchair will be the way to go.
This is heartbreaking in so many ways - I've been planning this surprise trip for a year and a half - kids still don't know. I was going to reveal the big surprise this weekend - now I just don't know what to do? Gamble that the immobilization will be done and she'll be able to move enough (while still doing some PT while away) - or just give it up - all the FPs and ADRs and MNSSHP tix and reschedule for another time? DS turns 3 in December so it'd be nice to get the trip in before we're a Disney party of 6...

Honestly, since the kids don't know, I would postpone until your daughter is better. Even if she will be allowed to bend it some...with an injury like that, I think it's going to be really, really hard to enjoy Disney, especially if she's otherwise able-bodied without this injury.