Bring a walker or rent a wheelchair.

MaryKatesMom

DIS Veteran
Joined
Feb 20, 2003
Messages
5,339
I borrowed a very nice walker/with seat from a friend for the arthritis in my feet. Now I think it would be easier to rent a wheelchair from WDW to avoid the airline and travel hassle. I only need it while I am in the park. I can not stand for any length of time but can walk reasonably well.

Do wheelchairs go through most standby lines? If not which ones? Is the line for wheelchairs long in the AM? Any tips there?

I tried the last few trips to do without but I ended up leaving early from the parks just to sit.
 
A (standard) wheelchair will have no problems going through all of the queues at Disney World. Lots of folks use one like a walker/Rollator - they push it when walking, and then sit when they need a break.

Lines at the wheelchair/ECV rental can vary wildly, and if you are going during the holiday season, be sure to have a back up plan in case you have to be on the wait list for a wheelchair to be returned.

If you are flying, and can borrow a wheelchair locally, all airlines in the US will fly the wheelchair for free as medical equipment. Handy to have a larger airports with long concourses, and/or TSA lines.

If you are staying onsite, and can't stand for long amounts of time, be sure to plan for how you will handle waiting for transportation back to your Resort as well; with increased numbers of people at WDW for the holidays especially, you may have to wait for a bus (or two, or even three!) and there will be no place to sit.
 
One of the reasons we started renting off site was because the wait for a wheelchair at the parks. This is about 6 years ago, but there was only one line to rent wheelchair or scooters. Very busy in the morning. Also if you park hop, you need to perhaps wait again. We did find getting a wheelchair mid day, wasn't busy at all, but still it was another little pause we had to do.

And I second mammbunny about the buses. My DH was the same as you, walking wasn't bad, it was the standing in one place that did him in.

As far as airlines, my DH uses a rollator all the time now. With the plane , he would use it, walk down to the plane and give it to me, I would fold it up. I used some strips of velco to hold it close. After the flight, DH would slowly walk up the ramp, holding onto handrail and then sit at the gate. I would hang out at the bottom of the ramp while the gate agent unloaded the strollers, wheelchairs, etc.

For the past 5 years we had rented wheelchairs off site. I found it also comes in handy when getting a small walmart grocery order. A case of water fits on the seat perfect. Few things on top, eggs and bread hanging on handles. The wheelchair just became the perfect way to move a few groceries from the lobby to our room. No need to wait for help from bell services.

When we first starting using the wheellchairs, DH refused to use the disabled spots for boarding buses. We just went thru the standard line and when we got up front, just folded the wheelchair and rolled it on like a stroller. If the bus was very busy, we'd wait for another bus. DH needed a spot to sit. That was just our feelings. Not saying you have to do this, just letting you know of the option.

Just another thought, have you thought about getting a folding cane to carry with you. There are rides like HM, that you may need to walk a bit. Or even if you are feeling good, and you think "I'll just walk the line". Partway through, the ride pauses and you may be stuck. The cane may help.
 
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Thank you both for your well thought out replies. I’ve seen the lines for the ECV and wheelchairs,

I don’t have to fill out any DAS forms do I?
 

Thank you both for your well thought out replies. I’ve seen the lines for the ECV and wheelchairs,

I don’t have to fill out any DAS forms do I?
No
Guests don’t need to DAS to use a wheelchair in lines or attractions, so if his needs are mobility, he won’t need DAS.
In most cases, you will just be using the regular (standby) lines; the great majority of lines and attractions are wheelchair accessible thru the regular lines.
There are a few attractions that do not have an accessible line and/or boarding. For those, a CM will direct you with no need for DAS.
 
Thank you both for your well thought out replies. I’ve seen the lines for the ECV and wheelchairs,

I don’t have to fill out any DAS forms do I?
another think about what you will do as no seating waiting for tansportation be it bus, monorail, or your own car. with MK being the worse as you need transportation to parking lots and not just the restarted trams
 
Make your decision on walker, wheelchair, or scooter based on the average trek being 6 miles a day through the parks. This doesn't count resort walking or whatever else. We are at the point where the walking is just as bad as the standing. We can walk fine when it comes to a regular routine back home but 6 miles a day is just too much.

You can rent all these devices offsite and don't need to do it at the parks. Then, you don't have to deal with any devices at the airport or wait in lines to rent.

If you choose to rent a scooter at the parks (no walkers available) then park opening is best. You have to deal with availability issues. Wheelchairs are easier to get at the parks; so, availability shouldn't be a factor there. Personally, we like the lightweight wheelchairs which won't be available at the parks. They are easier to push.

To decide on a scooter you may want to take some long walks back home and see how you feel. Keep in mind you will be walking day after day at the parks.
 















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