Ecv Help!!!!!

[Pats Dragon]

My sister is going to probably her last trip to DW. She has cancer and needs a wheelchair. We want everything to be ok for her. DW sent info on disabilities and it said buses could not carry some ECV's. What size can they for sure carry. She has very strong chemo the day before our trip and she will be in a lot of pain and weak. Please tell us what you know.

 

[Friendly Frog]

I am sorry to hear about your sisters condition.

I would suggest that you post this question in the disabilities section. I think you will get a faster response from more people "in the know".

You might also contact Disney and just ask them?

One tip I have heard is that more people like the ECV's with the basket on front better than the ones with the basket behind the seat, so you may want to ask about that when you rent your ECV.

Good luck, and God bless.

 

[meandtheguys2]

There is an abundance of info on ECV's and off-sie rentals at the disABILITIES Board. They are an awesome helpful bunch. I wish you and your sister a wonderful trip.

Michelle

 

[Pats Dragon]

Thank you both for your help.

 

[grimley1968]

Prayers and pixie dust for your sister. I hope she gets to make many future trips to Disney under better circumstances.

I know the buses can accommodate full-sized wheelchairs, of which some are larger than many ECV's I've seen. Unless you have some sort of extra large ECV, I bet the bus can accommodate it.

 

[cindermomma]

God bless your sister and your family. May this Disney trip be the best, most magical trip ever for you all.

 

[MAMA G]

I have Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue. I have travelled to WDW 3 times with an ECV. I have always rented a mini van. 1 husband and 3 strong sons, I wheel up, get in, they pick it up and it fits in the back, without disassembly. I wouldn't recommend the busses, the stress is too much.
God bless your sister and your family. Pixie dust and wonderful memories for all.

 

[kilee]

Be sure to check the Disabilites board here on the DIS. When we took my MIL in 2004 she had some health issues that needed to be taken into consideration. I got tons of great info from them. Including places to rent the ECV, types of things to pack, ect...

 

[pampam]

If she is familiar with ecv's she should have no problem. However, if she is just using one for this trip, she will probably have difficulty on the buses no matter what the size of the ecv. Perhaps you could consider a manual wheelchair, if you have someone to push it. A well balanced wc can be glided with just one finger, one you get the momentum. I wouldn't advise her to try using a manual wc on her own.

 

[SueM in MN]

The buses that are a problem are the older buses that have lifts. Some very large ECVs are too long to fit on the lift. The newer buses have ramps and are not a problem. The ECVs that are too long are ones similar to the ones you can rent in the parks. The ones you rent from the off-site rental places are much smaller. If you have any concerns, just make sure the company knows that you plan to travel on the bus with it.

That said, I think your sister would be better off having someone push her in a manual wheelchair.
She will give up some independence, but it will be less tiring. You have to be alert and always watching while driving an ECV. Plus, you have to keep your hands in a fairly consistent position to drive. If she is weak and in pain, staying in position and staying alert is going to be even more tiring. Plus, if she is on painkillers, that will make her more tired and less alert.
My DD drives a power wheelchair. She is an excellent driver, but after an hour or so of driving in really crowded conditions, she's tired and wants someone else to take over the controls for her for a while.

I'd also suggest you consider renting a car or van and drive to the parks (except for MK, where the bus lets you off right by the turnstiles). That way, if she is needing to leave, you can leave pretty quickly and not have to worry about when the next bus is coming.
If she's in the park and needs a short rest, she can go to First Aid and lie down. The medical CMs there are very nice.