Considering the need for ECV

[tkbbmom]

We'll be going to WDW Nov 12-21. We have typically used two GAC's for our boys w/ severe ADHD, SPD and medical issues -- mainly to wait in the lines away from the majority of people. I don't think we'll need one this time for our middle ds, but our 10 yo clearly still has major issues. Disney has been great and in the past we used a stroller as a wc but he's too big this trip for that and they gave me a cute mickey head that he was willing to use that has his ID info in case he wandered off. He does now have an IPOD Touch w/ headphones which help a great deal.

This year I'm having to consider dd's needs though. She had surgery last fall to remove a bone in her ankle and re-attach tendons. She is still having trouble bec the tendon hasn't done well w/ healing. The walking in Disney will be a lot - she typically still wears a brace and a special support in her sneakers to absorb some of the impact, but she deals w/ a great deal of pain and swelling. She's back in rehab so maybe by Nov. will be much better.

We were thinking we could rent an ECV at the parks if needed, but then I saw on a post that you have to be 18 and she's 17. I looked at Randy's as was suggested on another post. I'm wondering though how much in advance we need to make this decision? Should we arrange this as a pre-caution before we get to Disney? Or give her a few days in Disney to see how she does?

If we rent an ECV from Randy's - how does this work w/ our resort rooms? We are in POR-Royal Guest rooms. Should I let them know we will have an ECV? I feel bad considering this, she can walk it's just that too much walking can really cause problems and we don't want to tear the new tendon or have it come unattached. She has also developed a blood disorder that causes her to tire very easily and bruise or bleed so while we all really want to go to WDW -- it's been 4 years -- I'm beginning to doubt the plan.

 

[Piper]

I would contact Randy's now and talk with them. It couldn't hurt.

If you are going to fly, you also might want to ask her therapists about either borrowing an ECV or renting one at home. There is a lot of walking in the airports and she can take it up to the gate and check it at the door of the plane for free.

There should be no difficulty storing the ECV in your room. If a walk in shower is needed, let them know. These have to be reserved through special services and the reservations people can do this.

 

[SteveMouse]

We'll be going to WDW Nov 12-21. We have typically used two GAC's for our boys w/ severe ADHD, SPD and medical issues -- mainly to wait in the lines away from the majority of people. I don't think we'll need one this time for our middle ds, but our 10 yo clearly still has major issues. Disney has been great and in the past we used a stroller as a wc but he's too big this trip for that and they gave me a cute mickey head that he was willing to use that has his ID info in case he wandered off. He does now have an IPOD Touch w/ headphones which help a great deal.

This year I'm having to consider dd's needs though. She had surgery last fall to remove a bone in her ankle and re-attach tendons. She is still having trouble bec the tendon hasn't done well w/ healing. The walking in Disney will be a lot - she typically still wears a brace and a special support in her sneakers to absorb some of the impact, but she deals w/ a great deal of pain and swelling. She's back in rehab so maybe by Nov. will be much better.

We were thinking we could rent an ECV at the parks if needed, but then I saw on a post that you have to be 18 and she's 17. I looked at Randy's as was suggested on another post. I'm wondering though how much in advance we need to make this decision? Should we arrange this as a pre-caution before we get to Disney? Or give her a few days in Disney to see how she does?

If we rent an ECV from Randy's - how does this work w/ our resort rooms? We are in POR-Royal Guest rooms. Should I let them know we will have an ECV? I feel bad considering this, she can walk it's just that too much walking can really cause problems and we don't want to tear the new tendon or have it come unattached. She has also developed a blood disorder that causes her to tire very easily and bruise or bleed so while we all really want to go to WDW -- it's been 4 years -- I'm beginning to doubt the plan.

You shouldn't have much of an issue for that week, but you may find it easier to make arrangements and then cancel.

One thing you may need to reconsider is your room choice. I thought the Royal Guest rooms had capacity of 4- if there are 5 of you, you're over Disney's limits.

As long as you're in a first floor room or there's an elevator, you shouldn't have a problem fitting the ECV in the room. You may want to confirm/request first floor. If there are other accessibility needs (roll-in shower, etc), do be sure to request them early, as those specific rooms are limited in number.

For "regular" rentals from preferred vendors, they'll drop the ECV with your resort's bell stand and you pick it up/return it from them. If your vendor wants to meet you to confirm your daughter's driving ability, you'll need to set a time that works for both you and the vendor (and, if not a preferred vendor, arrangements for collecting the ECV when you no longer need it).