EPCOT - NYE with a wheelchair

[TeresaWen]

Asking this now for next year. Figure info is still fresh

Background:
we are planning on NYE in EPCOT next year. My husband has mobility issues. Weakness in his legs that make walking an extra hard effort. He walks slowly and needs to stop often. Also has balance issues occasionally. We really want to enjoy Epcot. Plan is to have three ADRs spread from 1:00 - 11:30. Not planning on attractions and will be hanging in world show place. No transportation issue since we will be at the dolphin. I would rent from a third party. Not going to depend on renting in the park.

Is it unreasonable to think we can navigate world show place on NYE with a wheelchair or is it just too crowded?

thinking wheelchair over scooter - this way he can still walk from time to time. Pushing it will actually aid him in walking. And he will have a place to sit!

Also feel that Nye would not be a good time for a first time scooter user.

Any advice is very welcomed

Thank you!

 

[Disneylover99]

I saw plenty of people being pushed in wheelchairs NYE. CM's will direct traffic. It was all very orderly, but it is very crowded. I would recommend that you push him along the main paths of WS. Let him push the wheelchair and walk a bit in less travelled areas off the beaten track if he wants to stretch his legs. The American Pavilion area comes to mind. There was some open space there. Good luck!

 

[gap2368]

Yes it is doable yes it will be very very very crowded if you go in with this you will be ok and know if it dose get too much you can go back to your resort

People watching is great this day

Good idea in wheel chair and not an ECV ( I understand why)

 

[CJN]

Good idea in wheel chair and not an ECV ( I understand why)

I feel the exact opposite of this. When in an unusually large crowd I absolutely hate to be pushed by someone else (unless they're very experienced) because it means they are in control and not me. That "someone else" is often overwhelmed by all the distractions of both the parks and the crowds of people, and has a very different perspective than from where I sit, so I'm constantly on edge, worrying about all the ankles and shins of the crowds we're trying to get through. All those near-misses (and some that weren't missed) are downright nerve wracking. Plus, it can be exhausting for the pusher. For my own peace of mind, and the comfort of my companions, I much prefer ECV as an option.

 

[gap2368]

I feel the exact opposite of this. When in an unusually large crowd I absolutely hate to be pushed by someone else (unless they're very experienced) because it means they are in control and not me. That "someone else" is often overwhelmed by all the distractions of both the parks and the crowds of people, and has a very different perspective than from where I sit, so I'm constantly on edge, worrying about all the ankles and shins of the crowds we're trying to get through. All those near-misses (and some that weren't missed) are downright nerve wracking. Plus, it can be exhausting for the pusher. For my own peace of mind, and the comfort of my companions, I much prefer ECV as an option.

every one is different and I was letting the OP know that I understand why they wanted to go this way. I do not use an ECV ( I really can not) but I have a friend that dose she has been using them for a number of years in and out of Disney we go a lot to gather ( so I would say she has some good exsparince with an ECV ) and she did not want to drive her in the crowds at Disney some times and would park it and walk. the few time I have needed a shell chair I just sat and let my friend push me I had my eye closed most of the time ( I was never scared and she never run me into anyone or any thing I just have other disabityes and this was how I coped with them.

I stil think the OP has some valid points in wanting a wheel chair over an ECV and they have plenty of time to go over the +- of either way

 

[TeresaWen]

every one is different and I was letting the OP know that I understand why they wanted to go this way. I do not use an ECV ( I really can not) but I have a friend that dose she has been using them for a number of years in and out of Disney we go a lot to gather ( so I would say she has some good exsparince with an ECV ) and she did not want to drive her in the crowds at Disney some times and would park it and walk. the few time I have needed a shell chair I just sat and let my friend push me I had my eye closed most of the time ( I was never scared and she never run me into anyone or any thing I just have other disabityes and this was how I coped with them.

I stil think the OP has some valid points in wanting a wheel chair over an ECV and they have plenty of time to go over the +- of either way

Thank you both for your comments. I'm in new, uncharted territory. We used a wheelchair twice in Disney - both times for me. Once wrenched my knee and this past September my back. My husband is quite stubborn. Glad he agreed to something to help next year.

I know he will want to walk from time to time which is why I think a chair would be best. Trying to navigate the crowds first time on an ECV might be challenging.

Please keep comments & advice coming. Really appreciate it!

 

[gap2368]

there are really three things you can do

1 a roller these have sets on them they are good if you can not need to sit a lot ( they are hard if you need to sit while talking is what I am trying to say. they maybe easer to move in crowded areas ( just what I have been told) they really do not have a back rest no feet rest ) so when setted and moving the rider has to lift there feet and some have a bar for a back rest.

2 wheel chair the plus side is that some one else can push him ( and if you get one that fits him, I think SueM or someone can tell you how to find a wheel chair that will fit him better) he can push him self. ( no he will not be able to self push all day but I think with walking you pushing him push and people watching he can spread out what he dose and what you do) He can also chose to push it and use it for support when walking ( do not know why he need a wheel chair or mobility device I just know that some mobility problems are made warts by sitting or walking too long) Down side is he may need to relay on you ( I know for me this really is not a down side but for some it is.)

3 ECV he can drive it ( and mostly will be the only one too drive it, I have a friend that is good at walking next to her when she need to walk some, but she never dose this if it is crowded ) he can park the ECV and walk around but you need to be careful that you cn get back to the ECV quickly before he really needs it. ( my friend learn this the hard way when it got really crowded and it took her longer to get to her ECV, this is why she learn the walk beside move and will do this some times, agin in not too crowded areas )

I think talking to your DH and see what he wants and then go from there.

 

[GranJan]

I feel the exact opposite of this. When in an unusually large crowd I absolutely hate to be pushed by someone else (unless they're very experienced) because it means they are in control and not me. That "someone else" is often overwhelmed by all the distractions of both the parks and the crowds of people, and has a very different perspective than from where I sit, so I'm constantly on edge, worrying about all the ankles and shins of the crowds we're trying to get through. All those near-misses (and some that weren't missed) are downright nerve wracking. Plus, it can be exhausting for the pusher. For my own peace of mind, and the comfort of my companions, I much prefer ECV as an option.

I feel the same way about the lack of control. Maybe we've both had the same experiences with our pusher. Unless a person is not able to drive an ECV, either physically or mentally, I'd think they would be happier with the ECV. The only issue would be when they wanted to walk a little. If they need something to assist with walking they could keep a cane with them if that would be enough. Back when I was able to walk a little with a walker, I wished there was a way to carry one on the ECV but never figured out a way. I did try to use the wheelchair as a walker the one trip we did with me being pushed in one. An empty wheelchair will tip if you need to lean on it for support. They do make walker/transport chair combos but the one we had was very tippy when my husband pushed me in it. The slightest bump & I'd nearly get thrown out...might've been a problem with the pusher again. As far as driving an ECV in crowds, just go super slow & you'll be fine. If it's crowded, you will be going slow anyway.

 

[kaytieeldr]

so when setted and moving the rider has to lift there feet and some have a bar for a back rest.

Violators aren't designed to be moved while seated. Somebody did mention recently that there is a wheelchair/tools for combo available. I've seen it, but don't recall where.

 

[gap2368]

Violators aren't designed to be moved while seated. Somebody did mention recently that there is a wheelchair/tools for combo available. I've seen it, but don't recall where.

Yes I know it is not supply to be used this way I was giving the OP all option I could think of and the +- of each that I could think of

I have seen a number of people doing this both at Disney and in my home town

There is one that has the handles going both ways for some one to push but no where to put your feet I think it is really short distance type thing. But I do agree with the OP on her resion why she would want to use a wheel chair rather then an ECV.

 

[TeresaWen]

Thanks everyone for the responses. I am obsessively planning this trip!

 

[mamabunny]

Thanks everyone for the responses. I am obsessively planning this trip!

Hubby could "practice" his ECV skills by trying out the electric carts at Home Depot, Lowes, Wal-Mart, etc. If he can master those slow, wheezing beasties, a rental ECV will feel like a Formula 1 race car! LOL Additionally, taking even 5 to 10 minutes to practice with a rental at the Resort, prior to going to the parks will help him feel much more in control of the ECV. You could drive the ECV when he wants to take a break and walk - and a folding cane that tucks away in the basket of the ECV will give him some extra stability.

If you really think that an ECV isn't the best way to go, then you could consider either a wheelchair or a Rollator. Rollators are great, because you have the lightweight benefits of a walker, with the addition of a seat when you need it. If you want to use a combo Rollator/wheelchair, then please remember that due to the smaller wheels, they may be a bit more difficult to push, and not quite as comfortable for the rider as a wheelchair.

My biggest concern for the wheelchair is YOU - Do you have a lot of practice pushing him in a wheelchair? Even if you only push for 1/2 the total time you are in Epcot, World Showcase is quite a hike - and there are more hills/inclines than you realize until you are on wheels. (Especially over by the UK & International Gateway) The last thing I would want to see is you, on New Years Day unable to lift your arms because you are so exhausted from pushing the chair the day before! Pushing a wheelchair requires a certain amount of stamina and control - and so if that is the best way to go, you might want to start practicing pushing him at local stores & malls now, and all year, so that you can make it through the day (and the day after) in about 361 days!

By the way - to our little corner of the DIS - and don't hesitate to reach out if we can help answer any more questions!

 

[TeresaWen]

Hubby could "practice" his ECV skills by trying out the electric carts at Home Depot, Lowes, Wal-Mart, etc. If he can master those slow, wheezing beasties, a rental ECV will feel like a Formula 1 race car! LOL Additionally, taking even 5 to 10 minutes to practice with a rental at the Resort, prior to going to the parks will help him feel much more in control of the ECV. You could drive the ECV when he wants to take a break and walk - and a folding cane that tucks away in the basket of the ECV will give him some extra stability.

If you really think that an ECV isn't the best way to go, then you could consider either a wheelchair or a Rollator. Rollators are great, because you have the lightweight benefits of a walker, with the addition of a seat when you need it. If you want to use a combo Rollator/wheelchair, then please remember that due to the smaller wheels, they may be a bit more difficult to push, and not quite as comfortable for the rider as a wheelchair.

My biggest concern for the wheelchair is YOU - Do you have a lot of practice pushing him in a wheelchair? Even if you only push for 1/2 the total time you are in Epcot, World Showcase is quite a hike - and there are more hills/inclines than you realize until you are on wheels. (Especially over by the UK & International Gateway) The last thing I would want to see is you, on New Years Day unable to lift your arms because you are so exhausted from pushing the chair the day before! Pushing a wheelchair requires a certain amount of stamina and control - and so if that is the best way to go, you might want to start practicing pushing him at local stores & malls now, and all year, so that you can make it through the day (and the day after) in about 361 days!

By the way - to our little corner of the DIS - and don't hesitate to reach out if we can help answer any more questions!

Thank you! Great suggestions. Glad I am planning early. Lots to consider.

I know he is more worried about me too!