Dme

[momhmmx2]

Hi everyone! This board is so awesome. Such an wealth of information about how to get around at Disney in the sitting position.

My family and I go to Disney often but this will be my first time to do so from a different vantage point. I had surgery on my ankle and will be just starting to be able to put some weight on it just as we leave for Disney. So I will be renting a scooter prior to our arrival to pick up at my resort

My question is this....We arrive at MCO and will be staying the night at the Hyatt as we arrive late then taking DME in the morning to OKW...Are there wheelchairs readily available at the airport for use? or will I have to use my crutches throughout ...I think that I should be able to get one at the gate when I arrive at MCO but can I use it to get all the way from baggage claim to the hotel?? Then in the am...What is the best way to get onto DME? Can you use the airports wheelchairs (assuming they have one) to get loaded on to the bus? The stairs are pretty steep I don't think I will be able to crutch up them Maybe hop Has anyone else had to do this? What did you do?

 

[kaytieeldr]

You should check with the hotel for its wheelchair availability/policy. To the best of my knowledge, the airport chairs are for use inside the terminal to get the passenger to and from the plane. They're airport property and managed by airport employees, so it wouldn't make sense they'd let you use one as a hotel guest.

Or, since you're renting the ECV from an offsite company anyway, have it dropped off at the Hyatt before you get there. Just let Magical Express know in advance that you'll need a bus with a lift.

 

[peemagg]

I agree with the katieeldr about having the scooter delivered to the Hyatt. This way you have it the whole time you are at the hotel and when it comes time to catch the DME all you do is drive it down to the bus and it gets put under the bus with you and goes to Disney. You just make sure that let the rental company know that they will pick it up at a different spot than where they dropped it off.

Another idea would be see if you can rent an ECV from a medical supply company at home and fly with it. It is not difficult to do at all. Just be sure to let the airline know that you will be traveling with one. They need to know about the batteries (most are now sealed gel ones). You might be able to even put it through your insurance, especially if you have a perscription for one from your dr.

 

[SueM in MN]

You should check with the hotel for its wheelchair availability/policy. To the best of my knowledge, the airport chairs are for use inside the terminal to get the passenger to and from the plane. They're airport property and managed by airport employees, so it wouldn't make sense they'd let you use one as a hotel guest.

Or, since you're renting the ECV from an offsite company anyway, have it dropped off at the Hyatt before you get there. Just let Magical Express know in advance that you'll need a bus with a lift.

I agree with kaytieeldr

The easiest way to deal with the situation would probably be for you to have the ECV delivered to the airport resort. That way, you could use it to get from your hotel to DME.
There are some pictures of the DME wheelchair bus on the disABILITIES FAQs thread. If you call ahead and let them know, you should have a shorter wait.

For getting back to the airport from the resort, you should request a wheelchair lift bus if you won't be able to go up the steps. You will be able to use a resort wheelchair to go up the lift into the bus (check with Bell Services). Once you get to the airport, you will be able to use one of the airport wheelchairs to get off the bus and to your gate (arrange that with DME and the airline).

 

[SueM in MN]

You might be able to even put it through your insurance, especially if you have a perscription for one from your dr.

Check with you insurance company. You would need a doctor's prescription in order to get it paid, but whether or not they would pay for it will depend on the terms of your policy.

 

[kaytieeldr]

Sort of OT, but... I had a stressful day at work - so it's appreciated to come here and see people agreeing with me . Thanks, peemagg and Sue!

 

[SueM in MN]

Sort of OT, but... I had a stressful day at work - so it's appreciated to come here and see people agreeing with me . Thanks, peemagg and Sue!

 

[momhmmx2]

Thank you everyone! It didn't even occur to me to ask for my ECV to be delivered to the Hyatt. That's why I love this board!