First Time In wheelchair or ECV at Disney

[AKMartin1106]

Hey all! I need some tips and suggestions on how to make this trip beter than ever!!

5 weeks ago, I broke my left foot in 3 places and pulled my ACL in my right knee.

I will be getting my fabulous cast off the week before my husband, wonderful son (3yrs) and parents go on a week long trip to Disney.

We are staying at the POFQ for the first time and are really excited about the whole trip.

What kind of tips can you give as I will be experiencing the Disney magic for the first time in a wheelchair or ECV.

This is also my son's first time to Disney and I want to help make it as magical as possible.

Thanks so much!!

 

[lilwhiterabbit]

Sorry to hear about your foot, but I'm glad you're not letting it limit your vacation.

I don't have a ton of tips, but a couple I wish someone had told me were:

If you're in a manual wheelchair instead of an ECV, make sure someone is willing to push you for most of the trip. One day at a theme park trying to wheel myself around left me incredibly sore the next day. It's a lot more upper-body work than I expected.

If you're in an ECV, try to remember that a lot of people don't look down. So if you're trying to move in a crowd or past someone, give 'em a head's up to let them know you're there. Otherwise they might not see you.

Speaking of ECVs, for some reason, people will try to dart in front of or around you while you're moving. Since ECV's are so heavy, it can be hard to come to an immediate stop. I clipped a lot of people who did this at Epcot and, while it technically is their fault for darting in front of you, it pays to be cautious to help avoid accidents.

Do something to decorate your wheelchair or ECV so you'll know which one it is when you get off rides that make you transfer. Tie a balloon to it, or hang a sign--something to distinguish it from any other rented wheelchairs or ECVs that may be on the platform/parking area.

When you're getting on a ride that requires you to transfer, ask your attendant where the wheelchair or ECV will be left for you to fetch after you've finished with the ride. Most cast members will automatically move the wheelchair or ECV to the departure platform, but it's always good to make sure, just in case.

The one that was a big disappointment for me is that the Haunted Mansion's wheelchair entrance means you miss the stretching room at the beginning of the ride. You go through a hallway that dumps you out where they load the doom buggies.

I think that's all I can come up with for now. Coincidentally, we'll be staying at POFQ for our own trip to WDW in three weeks!

 

[AlexDurrani]

Sorry to hear about your foot, but I'm glad you're not letting it limit your vacation.

I don't have a ton of tips, but a couple I wish someone had told me were:

If you're in a manual wheelchair instead of an ECV, make sure someone is willing to push you for most of the trip. One day at a theme park trying to wheel myself around left me incredibly sore the next day. It's a lot more upper-body work than I expected.

If you're in an ECV, try to remember that a lot of people don't look down. So if you're trying to move in a crowd or past someone, give 'em a head's up to let them know you're there. Otherwise they might not see you.

Speaking of ECVs, for some reason, people will try to dart in front of or around you while you're moving. Since ECV's are so heavy, it can be hard to come to an immediate stop. I clipped a lot of people who did this at Epcot and, while it technically is their fault for darting in front of you, it pays to be cautious to help avoid accidents.

Do something to decorate your wheelchair or ECV so you'll know which one it is when you get off rides that make you transfer. Tie a balloon to it, or hang a sign--something to distinguish it from any other rented wheelchairs or ECVs that may be on the platform/parking area.

When you're getting on a ride that requires you to transfer, ask your attendant where the wheelchair or ECV will be left for you to fetch after you've finished with the ride. Most cast members will automatically move the wheelchair or ECV to the departure platform, but it's always good to make sure, just in case.

The one that was a big disappointment for me is that the Haunted Mansion's wheelchair entrance means you miss the stretching room at the beginning of the ride. You go through a hallway that dumps you out where they load the doom buggies.

I think that's all I can come up with for now. Coincidentally, we'll be staying at POFQ for our own trip to WDW in three weeks!

Unless that has changed since last December the bypass corridor only bypasses the queue line and not the stretching rooms.

 

[Chip_Dale]

Unless that has changed since last December the bypass corridor only bypasses the queue line and not the stretching rooms.

The CM will ask if you can stand for 10 munutes. If you can you will not miss the stretching room. If you can not stand they will bring you directly to the buggy loading area.

 

[DisneyWisher]

If it's crowded have a member of your party walk in front of you to kind of clear the way. Just take it slow, as PP said people don't look down, even when they do see you they will stop right in front of you as though you aren't there but then again they do it to everyone else too. On our DHS day I was a little fed up with being invisible so I just went with my cane. I didn't last 2 hours, I was in such pain, we were in the TSM handicap line and the CM came over to me after 5 mins and gave me a wheelchair to sit in. I couldn't thank her enough. So what I learned, don't let ignorant people ruin your trip, you're paying for it, enjoy it!!

 

[lilwhiterabbit]

The CM will ask if you can stand for 10 munutes. If you can you will not miss the stretching room. If you can not stand they will bring you directly to the buggy loading area.

Yup, that was my experience too, as of June 2009.

 

[libcon]

If you haven't already try to make plans for a weekly ECV or Wheelchair renal off property, it is less expensive and at they will deliver it to the resort. Also, make sure to get a GAC when you get to the first park so you can use the handicapped entrance to rides that offer it. Good Luck!

 

[Holoshed]

Didnt read all of the OP but I have to add since I see the Haunted Mansion mentioned I will chime in.

There are two options, if you have to see the stretching rooms then yes, you will have to enter through the servants quarters and go pretty much directly onto a stretching room, the problem becomes when the door opens to the loading rooms you will see a short little queue directly at the buggy loading area that all guests load on. I tend to skip this part as I cannot stand for too long.

Tell them flat out "I prefer to enter at the exit", that line works for me 100% of the time because they know what you mean. You will be taken directly to the area where other guests get out of their buggies, a VERY short walk because you can take your wheel chair or cart right up to that "exit room".

If you need it, they can even slow down and/or stop the buggies completely so you can load.

It all boils down to, how much do you want to see the "pre show"?

 

[dreamscometrue47]

I used an ECV for the first time this past April because of my back. I was ok but somewhat cranky in the MK for a day and for a day in HS, but when we got to AK, I knew i wasn't going to be able to walk at all.

First piece of advice: when you can, stay to the right. That being said, watch out for the photopass people taking pictures! I think I'm in some pictures where people are saying "Who the heck is this??"

Second piece of advice: Watch out for everyone else. People will cut in front of you, run in front of you, stop in front of you, etc. and it will ALWAYS be your fault. I heard several adults comment on how I should be looking out for their kids running around everywhere. I learned to just smile, say "oops!" and move on.

Third piece of advice: RENT ONE! I can't believe how much more relaxed, relieved, happy I was and my whole family was once I had the ECV. They may be pricey but are worth every single penny. Because I had one, I had stamina to stand and walk when I needed to. Priceless....

 

[ILoveMyGirls]

i wasn't able to see the stretching room. when my DH went with my kiddos and i did not go they got to see it. i was on an ECV.

The CM will ask if you can stand for 10 munutes. If you can you will not miss the stretching room. If you can not stand they will bring you directly to the buggy loading area.

 

[honeydiane1953]

Hey all! I need some tips and suggestions on how to make this trip beter than ever!!

5 weeks ago, I broke my left foot in 3 places and pulled my ACL in my right knee.

I will be getting my fabulous cast off the week before my husband, wonderful son (3yrs) and parents go on a week long trip to Disney.

We are staying at the POFQ for the first time and are really excited about the whole trip.

What kind of tips can you give as I will be experiencing the Disney magic for the first time in a wheelchair or ECV.

This is also my son's first time to Disney and I want to help make it as magical as possible.

Thanks so much!!

Go with an ECV. A w/c will wear EVERYONE OUT.

 

[canopynut66]

Go with an ECV. A w/c will wear EVERYONE OUT.

This so true-----as I had went to WDW 5 years ago with a broken foot and a friend said no problem she would push me in a wheel chair--- well I warned her this would be hard on her and she was sure she could do it---long story short she was down over a week with her back after we returned home.. pushing a WC over those sidewalks and bricks and up and down hills is very hard on anyone...can rent a scooter from outside and they will deliver to resort for when you arrive and you will have 24/7 until you leave. it is a long walk from buses to entrances of these parks. as I tried that just with my walker and boot cast at first.

 

[MESMommy83]

um.... sorry Im a little slow... whats a GAC?!?? My MIL is going to need a ECV (she recently had foot surgery..and can walk a little.. but not full days worth in the parks) ...but I have no idea what a GAC is.. lol

 

[KPeveler]

um.... sorry Im a little slow... whats a GAC?!?? My MIL is going to need a ECV (she recently had foot surgery..and can walk a little.. but not full days worth in the parks) ...but I have no idea what a GAC is.. lol

Check out the FAQs at the top of the page, and there is a post all about the GAC. The GAC is a Guest Assistance Card which is used to alert CMs to invisible needs, including things like autism-related issues. It is not designed to shorten wait times. It is not needed if all needs are met by having a wheelchair or ECV. If issues are stamina or mobility related, then Disney's policy is to rent a wheelchair or ECV.

 

[SueM in MN]

The CM will ask if you can stand for 10 munutes. If you can you will not miss the stretching room. If you can not stand they will bring you directly to the buggy loading area.

That is correct.
If you can stand for 10 minutes, walk about 200 feet to get into the ride, board at the regular boarding area and walk to where your ECV will be waiting right outside the building exit, then you can go in the stretching room.

We are always asked for our daughter, even though she is in an obviously custom wheelchair with her feet strapped down to the footplates. So my guess is that they probably ask the majority if guests.

When you board at the exit, the CM can slow of stop the moving walkway and we even bring DD's wheelchair right onto the walkway nearly touching the doombuggy.
It has been that way since we first started bringing DD and her wheelchair to WDW many years ago.

If you haven't already try to make plans for a weekly ECV or Wheelchair renal off property, it is less expensive and at they will deliver it to the resort. Also, make sure to get a GAC when you get to the first park so you can use the handicapped entrance to rides that offer it. Good Luck!

In post 2 of the disABILITIES FAQs thread, you will find some resources including contact information for a number of off-site rental places recommended by DIS posters. You can find that thread near the top of this board or follow the link in my signature to get there.

The second page of that thread has some specific access information, including which ride cars ate wheelchair accessible in each park.

As you enter each park, you will see park maps. Look for the Guide for Guests with Disabilities map; it has a black bar across the top and will be in a bin marked with a blue wheelchair symbol. That map has the 'Mobility Access' entrance listed for each attraction. Most lines are Mainstreamed, which means the regular line is accessible. Those that are not do have specific instuctions on how to get into the attraction. Guests do not need a GAC to use the entrance listed as the Mobility Access on the park maps.

Check out the FAQs at the top of the page, and there is a post all about the GAC. The GAC is a Guest Assistance Card which is used to alert CMs to invisible needs, including things like autism-related issues. It is not designed to shorten wait times. It is not needed if all needs are met by having a wheelchair or ECV. If issues are stamina or mobility related, then Disney's policy is to rent a wheelchair or ECV.

Exactly.
The information is on post 6 of the FAQs thread.

 

[MickeysPal49]

I'm no expert in this area, but I did experience visiting parks in a wheelchair first hand this year after my husband tore his achille's tendon.
From behind the wheelchair, I realized that there are few flat surfaces in any of the parks. MK was built before the disabilities act was around so there are more special accesses for wheelchairs, but I wouldn't call them a plus. Most of the time, you are skipping the cue and coming out in a obscure area in the attraction. Our most disappointing experience was at MK. I was really annoyed at the CM who pointed to the wheelchair access opening to Mickey's Philharmagic rather than actually taking two steps and opening the gate for me as I was trying to push my DH through the gate. We also had a lengthy wait at HM to get into the attraction, and once in line, they did not stop the conveyor belt to let my husband get on. He was still using crutches when not in the wheelchair, and I fully expected a bit more help in getting him in the doombuggy.
I did appreciate the special cue line when going into the Great Movie ride. Instead of weaving through the regular cue, you take an immediate left into the cue, and go down to the front. When a vehicle is available, you are put onto the ride.

I highly recommend getting the brochures for each park that mark which attractions have wheelchair access and if you will need to disembark to get onto the ride.

We live locally and had purchased a handicapped tag to use for parking. MK is still difficult to enter even with being able to park closer because you still need to manuver the Monorail or the boat. The monorail ramp will build muscles you didn't know you had. All of the parking areas have wheelchairs that you can use to get to the front of the park to actually rent a wheechair for the day.

Your view from the wheelchair will become a real disadvantage. Some guests move out of the way, and some jump in front of you. It will teach you to become more aware of your own behavior once you've had to use a wheelchair.