First trip in a WC

[IMALOVNDISNEY]

We are Disney Vets and know our way around.....But, that's with everyone walking. We usually stay from park opening to closing. This will be my first time going anywhere with a wheelchair. We haven't been back to WDW since my back surgeries.
I'm not planning on using the wc constantly, but, know that I will need to use it throughout each day. It will be way to much walking for me. I will need to bring it into the parks with me as a just in case. Is there someplace I can store it in each park until I actually need to use it?
Any help would be appreciated.

 

[gap2368]

You can push it to each land or ride and if you do not need it leav it in the wheel char stroller area and go on your ride you can also ask the CM at the ride

You can store any medical thing at first aid but that can be a very long walk better to keep it closer to you

 

[minnie mum]

Thankfully, since my last surgery, I no longer need to be in a chair for most of the day, either. I will park it in a central area in one of the lands in one of the stroller/ecv parking spots when my leg is feeling strong. And then walk to the attractions close by. Or I might lean on it as I push it from place to place, parking it in the designated spot outside the rides. And then, when I do need it, I can sit and have DH push me around.

 

[specialkk77]

I always do a wheelchair because I have severely bad asthma and would put myself in the hospital walking in the parks all day. There are plenty of places to park, if you do park it in the wrong spot, a CM will move it for you. CM's are very accommodating, even without the disability card. I was asked I wanted the belt slowed down to board a ride (can't remember which now) and I politely said no thanks, since I didn't need them to, but I thought it was great that they will do that so their limited mobility guests can have a magical time as well, without taxing their ability too much. So don't be afraid to go one rides with the moving belts!

One thing I've noticed, a lot of park guest will act like you do not exist. They will walk right in front of you, with no thought on how much harder it is for you to stop than it is for them to. Yes, wheelchairs have brakes, but they won't always stop in time. Was a really big peeve of mine. But other than that, my experience has always been really good. Hit a couple ankles, but it was their fault, lol.

 

[IMALOVNDISNEY]

Thank you everyone for your insight.
I know I can walk some of the day, but, not the entire thing. I'm bringing my own chair with me. I was hoping to bring the chair into the Parks in the AM and be able to store it somewhere until I need it. I know every day will be different as to how I will be feeling, I just want to be prepared for everything.

 

[disneyktee]

We just got back on Saturday from our first trip ever with a wheelchair. I had hip surgery and am still on no weight bearing. I brought the crutches with me each day knowing that I would want to be able to get up at least a little and it was so worth the slight annoyance to have the freedom to get up, I would definitely definitely suggest taking the wheelchair to give yourself options! I would also say that there were a lot of times I felt like I could/wanted to get up and crutch but I was too nervous of people not paying attention and knocking them over to just be careful of how crowded it is when you are out of the chair.

A few things we picked up:
It's much easier to ride in the streets than the sidewalk but watch out for pesky trolley lanes! If you take them at right angles you can get over just fine.
Keep in mind showtimes when traveling more than once we got caught on the wrong side of main street trying to leave the park and couldn't get across! Once a parade starts a chair really can't get through the sidewalk crowd. Also people see you even less at night!
It's harder for everyone to hear you in the wheelchair which means if someone is blocking a path or about to run into you, you have to raise your voice just to be heard. Don't feel badly if you feel like you're yelling, even my family who was talking with me didn't always realize I was trying to get their attention.

If you have any questions let me know, there's few things I enjoy more than talking about trips to Disney (except going there of course!)

 

[disneyseniors]

Hi, OP. I did a wheelchair for the first time for part of my trip in November. It was an eye opener and an experience!!! I needed it to go anywhere in the park due to plantar fasciitis. I did park it and walk onto rides. A PP was right, people tend to not see you or to ignore you. I felt like a non-person at times. Also, look out for those doublewide strollers. One actually ran over my footrest and broke the wheel while we were at the side of the road on Main Street at MK. Honestly, he just pushed right over me. I was luck enough to lift my foot so it didn't get broken. However, the WC did, and we had to get a new one.
The WC really helped me get around but I will be more aware of WC's and scooters from now on. Have Fun