Experience with a Wheelchair and Should I rent?

[slyjester]

Hello:
I have a general question for ppl who have experience with using a wheelchair know someone who has went to Disney and used a wheelchair. A bit of background: I am considering renting a wheelchair for my upcoming trip (hopefully in Dec. I'm still in planning/saving stages). The 2 reasons I'm thinking about using one are: I suffer from migraines (about 3 a month sometimes more) and moreover I discovered I have herniated discs that have barely healed 8 months since the accident. I'm only 24 but my back looks like that of a 40 yr old due to advanced degeneration and the treatment I received only fixed one of discs. I can walk but slowly and tire about after an hour or so of walking; though my stamina might increase by December. I'm thinking of staying at the Poly b/c of all the transport ion plus I will likely be in the room a fair amount of the trip. MY DH would like me to rent one and I agree it would be a good idea. So I just wanted some feedback as to whether ppl would think it is a good idea. Also, to be quite honest I am a bit nervous (silly as it sounds) to use one since I will be both using the chair and walking while at Disney. Sorry this is so long I just wanted some advice since this is all new to me. I have not yet traveled since the accident and it has greatly affected how I do things on a daily basis. Oh and as a side note I was wondering if a GAC card would be a good idea as well? Well thanks a bunch for reading.

 

[Chuck S]

From what you describe as your injuries and needs, I doubt a GAC would do anything for you. If your main issues are standing a long time, and walking distances, a wheelchair or ECV would be the way to go. There is no problem leaving the w/c to transfer to rides and attractions, as you are able to do so. I would recommend staying in the wheelchair through some of the queues, as the lines (like at Soarin') are quite a long walk, and it is very convenient to transfer once you are in that theater area.

A wheelchair won't mean you don't have to wait in line, it simply means you won't need to stand/walk through the line, which from your description, meets your needs.

Some older rides, especially at MK, will have alternate entrances for wheelchairs and their parties, but it is not a "front of he line" type situation. In fact, some rides have a longer wait, as only a limited number of mobility impaired users can be boarded on some attractions at any one time, in case an evacuation is needed.

 

[PirateSusan]

My dad used a regular wheelchair one year and it was exhausting to push it all over. My mom just used an ECV when we went in November and it was great. If she didn't need it for that day, we would just leave it at the room. It was never a problem getting on/off rides. Eveyone was very accomodating. It is quite difficult if you have to get through thick crowds because people simply do not let you go.

I woud also suggest renting from an outside company, this way you don't have to worry about not getting what you want. My dad ended up with a reg wheelchair because a bunch of healthy "tourists" (they were not hidden disabilities) claimed all of the ECV's. The rental company dropped it off at our resort and picked it up when we were done. Good luck and have fun.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

My dad used a regular wheelchair one year and it was exhausting to push it all over. My mom just used an ECV when we went in November and it was great. If she didn't need it for that day, we would just leave it at the room. It was never a problem getting on/off rides. Eveyone was very accomodating. It is quite difficult if you have to get through thick crowds because people simply do not let you go.

I woud also suggest renting from an outside company, this way you don't have to worry about not getting what you want. My dad ended up with a reg wheelchair because a bunch of healthy "tourists" (they were not hidden disabilities) claimed all of the ECV's. The rental company dropped it off at our resort and picked it up when we were done. Good luck and have fun.

Hi and to disABILITIES!

Please ask the following questions. Here are the suggested answers to go with them.

1. Are you disabled (even temporarily)? Yes.

2. Do the people you are traveling with, such as your family, know you are disabled? Yes.

3. Do you expect to meet anyone you know during this trip who may not know you are disabled. Probably No!

4. Do you expect to meet a bunch of people who you will probably never meet again in your life? Probably yes!

5. Is there any reason at all that you should care what these people think about you? Absolutely No!!

6. Will using a wheelchair or ECV make for a better vacation for you and your family? Absolutely YES!

I would suggest also that you click on where it says "disABILTIES" at the top of this page it will take you to the Index. One of the top items is the "disABILTIES FAQ" which will gives lots of useful information. Post numbers 2 through 6 would probably be best for you. Reading through there will assist an answering many of your questions, as well as give you ideas for specific questions to ask.

Or, if you want an easier route, click on the link in my signature.

 

[slyjester]

Thanks to all your replies; it really has helped put my mind at ease! I might even consider an EVC now b/c I never thought through how tiring it woud be for DH. Also, I thought that GAC might be redudent. I have started to look through the FAQ and it is quite helpful. Oh and you're right I shouldn't care what others think and instead care how much fun it will be. Thanks again!

 

[Tony NY]

Hi slyjester

I can relate to the your herniated disk/degeneration disks problems & I also have them my self .with that said I’m 29 yr and walk with a cane . So 1st thing I would say what will make it easier on you so you and your family can enjoy WDW . I personally rent a ECV because Of all the walking in the parks and I just don’t fell like falling all out on the ground and have a bunch of stranger’s asking me are you ok ! LOL It’s a pride thing for me . The ECV fits on all Disney transportation and fits in every room with no problems.

I use walker mobility to rent ecv ..

http://www.walkermobility.com/new/

 

[Momelie]

If I might suggest (unfortunately, I've got LOTS of experience), think about using an ECV in Epcot, the Studios and AK, but maybe think about using a wheelchair only in the MK.

The reason I say this is because the MK has a much smaller footprint, and many more people per square foot than the others. Those ECVs don't stop on a dime, and most of the people at MK DO stop on their dimes, LOL! Plus, with the higher concentration of people, its harder to see you down there on the ECV. I've just found it easier to maneuver with a wheelchair in MK. DH is looking over my shoulder and he wants me to tell you that he agrees - much easier to push me than to worry about who's running out in front of me!

He says the only place its a challenge to push is up/down the "hill" at the entrance to Adventureland. We give him a Dole whip at the end, poor dear!

 

[KPeveler]

i would second the idea of a manual chair in magic kingdom... i use a manual chair in disney, and i find it much easier in the MK - its very tight sometimes, especially in the older lines, and the stores especially can be a little cozy

 

[zumbergc]

I've done both the ecv and wheelchair. On who your driver is, your dh. Is he a person who pays attention to lots of detail, or kind of the person who is always looking off to the side, and not necessarily watching out to things and people around you.

If he's the first, pays attention, then wheel chair might be ok. My spouse doesn't pay to much attention to things around him, whats on the ground (this becomes important at MK, RR tracks down main street). Yes, I have been almost tossed several times at MK because hubby not paying attention. He will park me facing a wall, etc.

Besides the getting tired part, you have so much more independance, and freedom in the ecv, cause you control when where how fast. In the wheel chair, I don't have the arms to push my self, much more than in the stores, or a short distance, so I hate having to rely on someone pushing me.
Of course if your driving the ecv, you have to remember to have eyes everywhere , people stop on a dime, pull out the map and stop, jut out in front of you.
You'll have a great trip in either the wheel chair or ecv.

 

[BroganMc]

I don't recommend a manual chair mostly because you will be fighting with your engine about an hour into the ride. People who push and people who sit often disagree on who gets to be the navigator. Also Pushers tend to forget their sitting companions have heads about 2 feet lower and 1-2 feet in front of them. When they stop and say "Hey look at that!" they don't realize you're looking at the nearest trash can not the lovely window display behind you.

Also in a wheelchair your feet are constantly exposed. They stick out and crosscutters rarely see them. Pushers also seem to forget they exist. So you end up doing a lot of ducking of the toes in the nick of time.

When driving an ECV just remember to give yourself at least one ECV's length distance between you and whatever is in front. It's just like driving a car. If you tailgate, you're bound to hit something. Especially in the stop-and-go traffic of a theme park. If you go past a standing obstacle (like a wall or group of people) that impedes your vision, slow down and anticipate a sudden stop for dodgers. That's usually when they dart out of nowhere and cross your path.

The only other concern I can see you having with a back injury is a bumpy ride. ECVs and wheelchairs don't have the same suspension of a nice car. So take it slow in some notable places like the trolley tracks at MK and pretty much anywhere at Animal Kingdom. The ground is bumpy and you do get shifted.

Also turn the speed dial down to turtle when you need to navigate tight corners or back up. That seems to throw most people at first. I can drive my powerchair at its fastest setting (4.5 mph) with the slightest touch of my finger but it took me a month to learn the feel of it.

 

[SueM in MN]

I think a lot of the decision of ECV vs wheelchair has to do with how you feel about being/not being in control. If you are OK with someone else having control of where you go,then you might be OK with a wheelchair. If that would really bother you, an ECV would be a better choice.

If you decide to use an ECV, I'd strongly suggest trying one at a place like Target, Walmart or a grocery store first. That will give you a bit of practice and confidence before you go. If you can drive one of those with a shopping cart on the front, an ECV at WDW won't give you much trouble.

Also, when you get there, practice so you feel comfortable going forward and in reverse and also turning going both forward and reverse. It's a good idea to also practice parallel parking to both 'sides of the street'. That will be handy for getting on the buses and also for some shows.
Keep in mind that most ECVs have a lever under the seat that releases the seat so it can turn. That can make it easier to get on and off. It can also help with positioning for shows - you may be able to pull straight in and then turn the seat to face the front of the theater instead of turning the ECV to face the front.

The last suggestion I have for an ECV is to wait to go to MK or AK until you are a bit experienced. As was already mentioned, MK is harder to get around than the other parks - more congested and more people. So, I'd suggest Epcot as a good first place to start.

 

[NADINENURSE]

Posters before me are so right !!! I have L4, L5, S1, herniated disks and have progressed over the years from being able to wheel my 2 kids in a double stroller to being wheeled by them to an ECV. Yes an ECV is way more expense, but so so much better.. The poster who spoke about the "engine" wanting to go a different direction is so true, funny and yet sad. I can't tell you how many times this has happend to me !

But , there are drawbacks with a ECV, spaaces can be very tight ! All of the worst places to go with a ECV are the stores on Main Street in MK, or actually the stores anywhere. I have used the ECV and gotten "stuck" many times in stores, needing family help to direct traffic so I can get out.

Either way, I have found that there are rude people everywhere, ie: those who see you comming in a w/c or ecv, but not only do not move aside a little, they seem to aim right for you . uggh So , my advice, what ever route you go, definately pratice......

 

[slyjester]

Wow! What great advice! There is alot to think about in choice of doing EVC or wheelchair. Though I will say I'm leaning more towards the wheelchair. I know it will be hard to push me but we will be doing short increments at the park; which is why we are going to do a long trip. Either way I feel more prepared now for my upcoming trip. It sounds like on the whole Disney is a great place with people with mobility issues. I feel much more relaxed now and with the way I love to plan this information really helps. Thanks!

 

[Coloradomom]

A little more perspective that may help. I had a bad ankle injury annd 18 months later,while it is completly healed, I do not and will not have the ankle strength and stamina I had pre-injury (this despite all my PT..my DR indicates this is to be expected. I can walk some, in fact Dh and I walk several blocks every night for exercise.
We purchased a transport wheelchair for our trips to WDW. It has smaller wheels (not large ones so I cannot move myself along in it). It only weighs about 19 lbs. so easy to take on the buses and easy for DH to push. We got it off amazon for about $150...upgraded to one with slightly bigger wheels to handle the various park surfaces.
After 2 trips I can say it works like a dream. We use it to get from our room at SSR to the bus stop, from the bus stop to the park entrance and then the long distances between sections of the park. I walk once we get to a particular area. Dh advises it is not hard at all to push, and he is 51 yrs old, and not a work out type.
Anyway just a thought that might help.

 

[Andrew Bichard]

Slyjester,
More contradictory advice!!!

If you are renting an ECV from an offsite supplier (by far the best way) you will have your ECV to use every day of your trip, even your MK days.

My wife has hip trouble. She has a replacement hip and it gives her trouble from time to time. She sometimes rents an ECV for our trip. When her hip is playing up, she can walk, but not for long. She will use her ECV to save walking between attractions, but will park up and get off to walk into stores or on to rides. I unserstand that Slyjester can walk for up to an hour, that is ample for visiting stores.

As to people stepping in front of your ECV, just keep an ample stopping distance in front of you at all times and don't 'tailgate'. If someone cuts in front without warning and gets their heels clipped, that is their problem, not yours. Remember too, that people cut in front of wheelchairs just as often.

Andrew

 

[kimbac3]

Throwing in my experience here. I use a manual chair and DH pushes. Now he is in good physical shape and doesn't mind pushing me at all. He also lets me do the navigating because I'm the "Disney Nut".

I chose the manual chair because I have 3 children. I just feel more like I'm "walking" with them when I'm in a manual chair. They can easily walk on either side of me and chat.

The only problem that DH and I ever have is communicating with each other. He doesn't hear well in crowds so I have to remember to turn a little and speak LOUDLY!! Sometimes I just need to get his attention and he'll pull us over to the side and we can chat.

Whatever you chose make sure you are comfortable with the decision. I was foolish the first year and insisted that I would be fine without my chair...STUPID, STUPID, STUPID! I really didn't enjoy that first trip. I REALLY hated Animal Kingdom! Now I love it!

Do what's right for you and have a great time!!!

Kimba


PS I bought my chair for around $150. It is alot more comfortable then the rental chairs in the park. They are awful!!

 

[Eeyores Butterfly]

I know ECVs are more expensive, but if it is just you and your husband, (which it sounds like it is) it may be worth it. I've had several experiences either using a WC myself or with family members that illustrate this point:

1.) I was injured at work by an ECV being driven over my achilles tendon and had was not allowed to stand on it or walk for more than ten minutes but was not given crutches? I wanted to go to DAK on my day off and rented a wheelchair. I was by Mmyself and the hills were killer! If you and DH have diverging interests and may consider splitting up for some things, the ECV will be helpful to you.

2.) My mother had a really bad arthritis flare up in her knees and we pushed her around the world. It was a little hard sometimes and she also wanted to do some stuff on her own. She could walk a little bit, but I think it would have been better had she rented an ECV.

3.) This past spring break I went with a friend who is a Leukemia survivor and has had both hips replaced thanks to the steroids she takes for graft vs. host. She is what can be described as "pooh sized" and I was the one who was primary pushing. She helped me as best she could, but it was very tiring for me, especially since so many of the parks have some fairly steep hills. She would walk some and push the wheelchair as well, which helped, but it would have helped to have an ECV.

That being said, I do the WCs because of the cost associated with it (as a CM I get the rental free), and the fact that having worked attractions I can see how ECVs are a huge hassle sometime, especially if the park is crowded. I have been run over (and even injured) by ECVs. In most cases it was not the guests fault. The man who injured me I'm sure couldn't see me. I was trying to do crowd control outside Philhar when the line went way out the door, and took a step back. I am 4'10", there is no way he could have seen me in the crush of people. He felt really bad (and I felt bad for him). Whatever you do, make sure you have a Guidebook for Guest with Disabilities. The ECVs cannot go in many of the lines because the ride platforms are not big enough to accommodate the turn. The Guidebook will tell you all of this, as well as where to enter the ride with a WC or ECV, what the boarding requirements are, and if what to expect from the ride.

 

[SueM in MN]

Whatever you do, make sure you have a Guidebook for Guest with Disabilities. The ECVs cannot go in many of the lines because the ride platforms are not big enough to accommodate the turn. The Guidebook will tell you all of this, as well as where to enter the ride with a WC or ECV, what the boarding requirements are, and if what to expect from the ride.

A very good point.
The Guidebook also tells you where to enter the attraction with a wheelchair or ECV - since many are Mainstream lines that are accessible, it often just says to "enter the Mainstream Queue."
There are links to the text of the Guidebook for each park in post #3 of the disABILITIES FAQs. I'd still suggest getting a copy at Guest Services in any park, but it may be helpful to see the text beforehand.