Are the Disney wheelchairs difficult to push?

[disney-super-mom]

I've heard that the Disney wheelchairs they rent at the parks are not easy to push, but we'll possibly need to rent two of them for our upcoming family trip this December.

(My 66 year old MIL has terrible arthritis in her knees and will either rent a wheelchair or ECV to tour the parks.)

(My 9 year old high-functioning ASD son has mild hypotonia and stamina issues, and he'll need a wheelchair to tour the parks.)

Are the wheelchairs difficult to push? (Particularly when pushing an adult who is a bit overweight?)

 

[cmwade77]

I would recommend ECVs or Electric Wheelchairs form an offsite company, they are generally cheaper and work better. I would not try to push a wheelchair all around WDW, unless you already do so for 8 hours a day every day. Just my opinion of course, but it is a lot harder than you might think.

 

[SueM in MN]

If you check into the disABILITIES FAQs thread near the top of the board, there are some outside rental companies listed where you could rent an ECV. That would be much easier than pushing a wheelchair, as long as your MIL feels comfortable driving it.

For the 9 yr old with ASD, you should be aware that the WDW wheelchairs are adult size and may not be comfortable for him if he is not adult-sized. The footrests are not adjustable and will likely be too low. The armrests are not adjustable and are positioned for an adult, so they will likely be too high. The seat is a sling style (like a directors' chair), so it is not firm. And the seat depth is probably going to be too deep; if he sits back all the way, his knees will stick out because the sedge of the seat comes after his knees. If he sits forward so he can bend his knees, he won't have any back support. For kids without special needs, those things can be annoying. For someone with ASD, they can be the difference between a good or bad day.

instead of a wheelchair, you could rent a double size WDW stroller (there is a picture of a single size one in the disABILITIES FAQs thread in post #2. A double one is twice as wide). Many kids with ASD like the WDW strollers because they are made of a firm plastic and have a canopy and side shields.
If you would rather have a stroller available all the time, there are some links to outside places that rent special needs strollers in the FAQs thread. I think either of those would be better options.

 

[KPeveler]

I would suggest renting from off-site, definitely for the scooter. you can also rent offsite for the wheelchair, and i think one of the companies listed in the FAQ rents pediatric size wheelchairs...

I have some minor sensory issues, and the park wheelchairs get to me because the armrests are WAY too high and the footrests are often uneven. Like I said my problems are minor, so i can imagine how someone with more severe sensory issues could be really bothered by the park wheelchairs. I am 5' tall and they are sized too big and cut into the back of my knees...

You can call the area companies and see if one of them have a pediatric chair that is easier to push. also, the park wheelchairs are not always in hte best shape and can often veer to one side and can be difficult to push. i would suggest renting off-site or seeing if your child's pediatrician or other dr will prescribe a chair for Disney... then you can get a child's one and your insurance may cover it... if you get one from your home area you can also use it in the airport, which will give your child "personal space" in the airport... plus you can try it out and if it doesnt work for your child (maybe it is too scratchy or something), you have time to think about Plan B.

 

[kimbac3]

The WDW wheelchairs are very uncomfortable!! I'm only 5 foot as well so maybe that's why. I was glad I only had to use it for the Pirates ride.

Kimba

 

[mechurchlady]

I am a 250+++ pound woman with celiac and various back and joint ouchies and/or damage. The WDW and DLR chairs are like what you get at the hospital, standard heavy chair. My last trip was Long Beach at the aquarium. Nice level floors mostly. OUCH OUCH OUCH. It takes a toll on the pusher who has to watch for ruts and holes in the floor, bridges, or ground. The pusher has to avoid the person who darts in front of you then stops. The pusher has to deal with kids whose parents do not mind the kids.

I recommend an ECV unless the person will not be able to deal with crowds and idiots. it is hard work pushing a wheelchair both physically and mentally. Adult chairs are made for short term use and are only for one size of person who is not too fat and who is an adult of average height. Disney rents them out but there are far better models that are lighter weight and ergonomically designed.

 

[disney-super-mom]

Okay, I talked to my MIL, and she for sure wants to rent an ECV....

.....but UGH, what to do for my 9 year old DS? Those double strollers at WDW are pricey! I'm going to have to think about this some more.

 

[KPeveler]

if you go to your local mall, they have wheelchairs you can borrow there... why dont you take your ds there and give him a ride in a wheelchair. these are about the same as park wheelchairs, and you can see if he can handle riding in them.

also, you can ask your child's dr for advice. if you dont like the advice (i.e. make him walk, when you know he cant handle it) you can just ignore that advice... goodness knows i dont always listen to my drs, because i have a much better idea of my abilties than they do

 

[SueM in MN]

I would recommend ECVs or Electric Wheelchairs form an offsite company, they are generally cheaper and work better. I would not try to push a wheelchair all around WDW, unless you already do so for 8 hours a day every day. Just my opinion of course, but it is a lot harder than you might think.

Many of the companies will only rent power wheelchairs to people who have considerable experience driving one. They are harder to learn to use because you have to use a joystick to control both direction and speed. ECVs are much easier and steer in a more intuitive way - they have a yoke, sort of like a set of bike handlebars. Whichever way you turn it is the way you go.
So, even if you are able to rent a power wheelchair, I would personally advise against it for someone who doesn't have experience.