Complimentary Wheelchair in WDW for child

[hbg4]

Just an update with some informaton that may come in handy.
My DD 11 just had unexpected bone surgery on her heel so is dependant on crutches for 6 weeks.
Our trip to WDW had already been booked from last year.

Delta plus other airlines provide a roundtrip escorted wheelchair service via the skycaps from checking in to the door way of the plane itself and from the plane all the way to the rental car. This made it so much easier for me just to pull our 2 carryon suitcases myself and not worry that I had no free hands to assist DD. Being a wheelchair assisted passenger we were among the first to board, but the last to exit the plane. It was worth the tipping for the ease and speed of access to the plane.

Upon checkin at WDW the concierge desk provided an appropriate size wheelchair for DD. Imagine my shock when I was told that we were allowed to keep the wheelchair from the moment of checkin until checkout, that we were permitted to take it to the parks, on the WDW transportation, and off the resort for FREE as long as it was returned upon checkout
Although the wheelchairs look similar to those in the parks the resort chairs have their names imprinted on the back and they also have no pockets.
These chairs are given out on a first come first served basis, so by checking in early were provided with a chair immediately.

Also we had the best view ever of Illminations at Epcot. Little did I know that the wheelchair viewing areas were only accessible to wheelchair users and their immediate party. So there was no one to come and stand infront of the wheelchairs or ECVs.

The nicest thing about this trip is that I didn't have to hear DD whinning about her hands or foot hurting at the end of the day.

 

[bzzymom]

It sounds like it was a big help for you. My mom used a wheelchair from pop on a trip 2 years ago. The problem with the resort wheelchairs is that they are first come, first serve.

 

[Mickiethepooh]

You know know the reasons that people, [not you] cheat the system. As for the resort WC's it is good that you got one and it was Ok but often they are not in good shape at all.
I was glad to hear you tipped the skycaps for the WC service, you would be amazed how many don't think of it.

 

[scojos]

this would be an excellent solution to my issues, is there anyway of reserving a chair?
thanks
tracy

 

[Tissa]

You can not reserve them, it's first come first served. I did this once for ds but the one we had seemed super big and he is small.

 

[scojos]

ok thanks we ll try when we get there
tracy

 

[hbg4]

You can not reserve them, it's first come first served. I did this once for ds but the one we had seemed super big and he is small.

They have smaller ones and large seated ones - similar in size to the park WC.
I guess I was just lucky in getting a small one for DD. One of the brakes didn't work, so I couldn't park her on a hill. But I was just gratefull for having a functioning wheelchair and a child not in pain for the duration of our stay.

 

[SueM in MN]

They can't be reserved ahead of time and there is no guarantee that they will have one or that it will be the correct size for your person. If you need a small or chaild sized chair, those are few and far between (standard size for a wheelchair these days is 18 inches wide - compare that to a plane or theater seat, which are often 15-16 inches wide).
The Disney website actually says that if you need a wheelchair, you should rent one from off-site.
So, if you absolutely need a wheelchair, I would not chance getting one at your resort. Or, at least take along the phone numbers for some of the off-site companies so that you can call and rent one if you need to.

 

[Roo'sMom]

Last July at Boardwalk we were told that they no longer give out resort wheelchairs, and they encourage guests to rent one from the place on the Boardwalk where they also have the bikes. (sorry- I can't recall the name right now) They even gave us a brochure for that company.

I'm not sure if that is just for Boardwalk because the rental location is close by.

 

[SueM in MN]

Last July at Boardwalk we were told that they no longer give out resort wheelchairs, and they encourage guests to rent one from the place on the Boardwalk where they also have the bikes. (sorry- I can't recall the name right now) They even gave us a brochure for that company.

I'm not sure if that is just for Boardwalk because the rental location is close by.

Not sure if it's just BW either, but what is now in the Guidebook for Guests with Disabilities is this (dated January 08):
Walt Disney World Resorts also offer wheelchair rentals to their Guests. Quantities may be limited. Please contact the Front Desk for assistance.

The WDW website says something different:
Wheelchairs are available in limited numbers for Walt Disney World® Resort Guests at each Resort. Contact Guest Services or the Front Desk for assistance. A $315 deposit will be held on the Guest room account charged only if the wheelchair is not returned. Guests wishing to guarantee the use of a wheelchair throughout their stay should contact local area rental companies to make arrangements.

 

[Twende]

We have had good luck getting resort wheel chairs at CR, AK and BC. They have always been in okay working order. We do have to sign for them and leave a credit card number to guarantee their return.

This time we will be at SSR and I hope we are able to get one again.

 

[SueM in MN]

We have had good luck getting resort wheel chairs at CR, AK and BC. They have always been in okay working order. We do have to sign for them and leave a credit card number to guarantee their return.

This time we will be at SSR and I hope we are able to get one again.

I would take along contact information for some of the off-site rental places just in case.
(Since they added the information in my last post to the Guidebooks for Guests with Disabilities recently).

 

[Twende]

I will be sure to do that.

My dad is elderly and really funny about renting a wheel chair for my mom. He has been use to getting one from the resorts and he just wants to continue to do that.

It is like trying to teach an old dog new tricks!