First time using a Rollator at WDW. Have some questions.

[Disneydawg74]

Hello. I searched using the word Rollator, but didn’t find an answer to my questions. I have chemo related neuropathy and I now need to use a Rollator for walking longer distances. I previously was able to use a cane and I haven’t brought the rollator to Walt Disney World yet. I’m wondering about the ins and outs of using a rollator instead of my cane. For example, what happens to it when I’m on a ride? Do I need to put a name tag or tracker on it? I assume it can fit through most queues? Any tips would be appreciated.

 

[bobbiwoz]

I definitely would put a name tag on it. I have used a rollator at WDW, but now I need an ECV. It’s been long ago enough for me not to remember what happened to it when I went on a ride.

 

[Disneydawg74]

I definitely would put a name tag on it. I have used a rollator at WDW, but now I need an ECV. It’s been long ago enough for me not to remember what happened to it when I went on a ride.

Thanks.

 

[Disneydawg74]

Do you use a luggage type tag on your ECV?

 

[Simba's Mom]

Unfortunately, I can't help you with tips. However, I can say that on my most recent trip, I was amazed that there seems to be so many more walkers than there used to be. So I imagine that this issue is one that's been well addressed by now. I think that you would leave it at the ride platform and get it when you return (or the CMs would make sure that it gets to your exit location, if different). My only tip would be the same as for ECV users-put a ribbon, scarf, or bandana on it so you (or the CM who kindly offers to bring it) can easily pick out which rollator is yours.

 

[Disneydawg74]

Unfortunately, I can't help you with tips. However, I can say that on my most recent trip, I was amazed that there seems to be so many more walkers than there used to be. So I imagine that this issue is one that's been well addressed by now. I think that you would leave it at the ride platform and get it when you return (or the CMs would make sure that it gets to your exit location, if different). My only tip would be the same as for ECV users-put a ribbon, scarf, or bandana on it so you (or the CM who kindly offers to bring it) can easily pick out which rollator is yours.

Thank you. Much appreciated.

 

[SueM in MN]

Hello. I searched using the word Rollator, but didn’t find an answer to my questions. I have chemo related neuropathy and I now need to use a Rollator for walking longer distances. I previously was able to use a cane and I haven’t brought the rollator to Walt Disney World yet. I’m wondering about the ins and outs of using a rollator instead of my cane. For example, what happens to it when I’m on a ride? Do I need to put a name tag or tracker on it? I assume it can fit through most queues? Any tips would be appreciated.

Rollators are handled the same as wheelchairs as far as queues/attractions are concerned.
They can be taken all the way to the boarding area. Most lines are wheelchair accessible, but you will often be directed to a different place for boarding where there is room for mobility devices.
If boarding and the exit are at the same place, the rollator will probably be pretty much exactly where you left it. If boarding and exit are in different places, CMs will move it for you.

 

[Disneydawg74]

Rollators are handled the same as wheelchairs as far as queues/attractions are concerned.
They can be taken all the way to the boarding area. Most lines are wheelchair accessible, but you will often be directed to a different place for boarding where there is room for mobility devices.
If boarding and the exit are at the same place, the rollator will probably be pretty much exactly where you left it. If boarding and exit are in different places, CMs will move it for you.

Thank you.

 

[Bete]

When it comes to a point of using a rollator at WDW I'd rather use an ECV. It has to do with endurance. It's more time consuming, too using a rollator. Park tickets cost money, as well. So, I get more out of a trip using an ECV at the parks. I last longer at the parks. There's a cost factor, but I prefer an ECV.

You can practice with a scooter at many stores for free. Go to a local zoo and use one for a day.

 

[Disneydawg74]

When it comes to a point of using a rollator at WDW I'd rather use an ECV. It has to do with endurance. It's more time consuming, too using a rollator. Park tickets cost money, as well. So, I get more out of a trip using an ECV at the parks. I last longer at the parks. There's a cost factor, but I prefer an ECV.

You can practice with a scooter at many stores for free. Go to a local zoo and use one for a day.

Thanks.

 

[Debbie Jean]

When it comes to a point of using a rollator at WDW I'd rather use an ECV. It has to do with endurance. It's more time consuming, too using a rollator. Park tickets cost money, as well. So, I get more out of a trip using an ECV at the parks. I last longer at the parks. There's a cost factor, but I prefer an ECV.

You can practice with a scooter at many stores for free. Go to a local zoo and use one for a day.

This is true for me.

I have a wonderful rollator that works very well on cruises. Perfect for narrower hallways and never had an issue bringing it on an excursion.

WDW is a whole different experience. Miles and miles to traverse in any given day. I always use an ECV… could never enjoy the parks as I do with my rollator.

 

[Disneydawg74]

This is true for me.

I have a wonderful rollator that works very well on cruises. Perfect for narrower hallways and never had an issue bringing it on an excursion.

WDW is a whole different experience. Miles and miles to traverse in any given day. I always use an ECV… could never enjoy the parks as I do with my rollator.

Appreciate the input, thanks.

 

[LoveToDisney]

Enjoy your trip. I went for years with a rollator while I could still walk pretty well but needed more than just a cane. (I now have to use an ECV.) The rollator was great because you could go places that you can’t with an ECV. All the queues that take wheelchairs let rollators in. They take your rollator as you get on the ride and give it back to you when the ride is done.
If you use Disney buses, you can choose to fold the rollator and enter thru the front of the bus or wait at the handicap area to “roll” onto the bus via the ramp. Once on, take a seat and hold the folded rollator in front of you.
Also, people are much nicer to you while using a rollator because they can “see” you. Once you start using an ECV, you are lower profile and you constantly have to be on alert because people will easily step in front of you. ECVs are great but it does require one to stay alert so you don’t accidentally bump into someone.
Plus, if you start your trip using a rollator and find that you are tiring, you can rent a scooter at the park and Disney will hold your rollator for you while you use the rented scooter.

 

[Disneydawg74]

Enjoy your trip. I went for years with a rollator while I could still walk pretty well but needed more than just a cane. (I now have to use an ECV.) The rollator was great because you could go places that you can’t with an ECV. All the queues that take wheelchairs let rollators in. They take your rollator as you get on the ride and give it back to you when the ride is done.
If you use Disney buses, you can choose to fold the rollator and enter thru the front of the bus or wait at the handicap area to “roll” onto the bus via the ramp. Once on, take a seat and hold the folded rollator in front of you.
Also, people are much nicer to you while using a rollator because they can “see” you. Once you start using an ECV, you are lower profile and you constantly have to be on alert because people will easily step in front of you. ECVs are great but it does require one to stay alert so you don’t accidentally bump into someone.
Plus, if you start your trip using a rollator and find that you are tiring, you can rent a scooter at the park and Disney will hold your rollator for you while you use the rented scooter.

Thank you for your experience with rollator!

 

[appleorchard]

This was very helpful! I'm renting a rollator at Disney from Cloud of Goods, because I don't want to have to get mine through the airport by myself along with my bags. I dread the "bus situation"; I've been with my spouse when he needed an ECV and needed one myself for a torn tendon in my foot that happened two days before we left. I always feel bad getting on before everyone, but there's no way my sister or I will be able to carry the folded up rollator onto the bus. (We're 75 and 72, and rollators are heavy and bulky!)
I've never done a rollator before, and may not even need it some days, but better to have it then not. I'm recovering from back surgery and I think the seat will be a Godsend!

 

[bobbiwoz]

Do you use a luggage type tag on your ECV?

Yes, a luggage bag type.

 

[Disneydawg74]

Thank you to everyone who responded to me. Just returned home from our trip. Having my rollator was great. No problems at all at any of the rides I went on. I found that I was generally more visible to people (except for the young man pushing his brother in a stroller who hit my Rollator straight on the side). My rollator might have tapped a few folks who came too close to me.

 

[appleorchard]

Mine worked really well too! The first one I rented had a wonky wheel, but they delivered a second one the next morning and it was fine. Great to have a seat while waiting for the firework! My sister carried the rollator onto the bus the first day and I told her she couldn't do it again, she weighs around 100 pounds! We held it in front of us, so we didn't take up any extra seats. The rest of the time we boarded on the ramp. It was nice having the space under the seat to carry stuff, so I didn't need to take a backpack either! I think I'll be doing this every time we go now.