Best place to rent a...

[Disneylover79]

We are taking DMIL with us on New Years Eve and she can't walk for a long period of time so we want to either get an electric wheelchair or even a regular one, but is it worth the time/effort to try and get it from a place other than the parks? Please advise. Thanks

 

[stargazertechie]

Is it just for one night?

My only concern would be that they may be sold out at the parks on new years eve.

Are you driving in? If you are, I'd suggest renting a manual wheelchair from a medical supply company near your home- NYE with insane crowds may not be the optimal time for MIL to learn to navigate the parks with a scooter.

 

[Bete]

I would go with a Disney rental. You can't get an electric wheelchair at Disney; you can get a scooter. For electric wheelchairs most rental companies want you to know you have experience on them; they may make you demonstrate you can handle one. Scooters are different; they are much easier to handle. Scooters will run out of supply at Disney; so, you need to get there early to secure one. It's first come first serve and NYE in my opinion is the worse crowded day there. For one night I don't think any outside rental companies will rent a scooter; there's usually a minimum like 3 days rental. If you want to pay for three days then they will let you have it for one day.

If the MIL is not use to scootering I would suggest getting a manual wheelchair rental and taking turns pushing her. It will be cheaper and safer for the one night. NYE is not the time to learn how to use a scooter. I push my mom in a wheelchair for at least 7 days in a row and you get use to it. Just don't make your MIL feel guilty about you pushing her; enjoy that she can be with you. You can take the wheelchair in most ride queues; some rides have special access (separate line). Some rides allow you to take the wheelchair on the actual ride like Universe of Energy in Epcot or Toy Story in HS or Buzz Lightyear in MK. Scooters are never allowed on the ride; you have to park them near by inside the ride area. My mom is pretty sick right now and I'm not sure when I can get back with her to Disney. Enjoy the time with your MIL and make it easier on her. A manual wheelchair will allow her to relax. She won't have to worry about the crowds stepping out in front of her or navigate a scooter everywhere. Depending on her age she may even take a cat nap in the wheelchair. NYE can be a very long day; give you MIL a break. It will be hard enough to probably get in and out of some rides when you have to step in and out of them. Let her rest in between each ride.

 

[Piper]

You will not be able to get an electric wheelchair unless your MIL has experience with it. They are not easy to drive and very sensitive to the slightest touch. They might not have a scooter available at the parks--they go fast and NYE will be very crowded. Since she isn't used to driving one, a manual WC would probably be best.

I second the idea of getting one at home. The ones at the park are not very comfortable!