Folding stool for arthritis?

[stackyallred]

Hello, everyone! I figure this is the best place to post this question. My mom is going with us again on our yearly WDW trip and though she is very fit and healthy, she has terrible arthritis in her knees. Walking is NO issue for her as she walks miles daily as part of her workout. It is the standing for lengthy periods of time that is painful for her. I think I have seen people being those very small portable stools into the parks but I wanted to see if this is truly allowed and if we need some sort of official permission. Her only true problem times are waiting for the parades and fireworks. If its less than a 20 minute wait or it's moving frequently (like ride lines) she is ok. Any one have any info on if this is allowed or know what the actual name of these stools are (can't seem to find one online with the names I using)? We would just keep it under our stroller when not in use. Thanks for your help!

 

[Gracie09]

https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/faq/parks/restricted-personal-items/


Q.

What types of personal items are not permitted inside the theme parks?
A.

You may not bring the following types of items into the theme parks:

You may not bring the following types of items into the theme parks:
Wagons
Skateboards
Scooters
Inline skates
Shoes with built-in wheels
Strollers larger than 36" x 52" (92 x 132 cm)
Suitcases, coolers or backpacks with or without wheels larger than 24" (61 cm) long x 15" (38 cm) wide x 18" (46 cm) high. Coolers required for medication may be stored in a locker or at Guest Relations.
Any trailer-like object that is pushed or towed by an ECV, wheelchair or stroller
Wheeled mobility devices with less than 3 wheels and devices that cannot maintain stability and balance when stopped, unpowered or unoccupied. Training wheels or similar modifications are not permitted.
Alcoholic beverages
Weapons of any kind
Folding chairs
Glass containers (excluding baby food jars and perfume bottles)
Pets (unless they are service animals)
Balloons, straws and drink lids are not permitted in Disney's Animal Kingdom Park for the safety of our animals
Tripod stands or monopod stands that cannot fit inside a standard backpack


You are not permitted to bring in folding chairs (or stools). They are a tripping hazard. Yes some people may have them. Yes a CM can (and probably will) tell them to put them away. However, most lines move pretty well unless there is an issue with the ride. A good touring plan will minimize any wait you may have. Disney's answer for mobility or seating issues is to rent a wheelchair or ecv. You can also look at a rollator - kind of a walker with a seat.

 

[stackyallred]

Thanks for the response. As I said, lines are not the issue. It is unfortunate that this is not allowed as it takes up much less room than an ECV. Or even a stroller. She does not need help walking so any kind of walker, wheel chair or ECV is not necessary.

 

[KPeveler]

If she has problems standing for long periods of time, then I think a wheelchair could totally be required. Wheelchairs are not just for getting from place to place. In fact, it is standing for long periods that first had me using a wheelchair.

There is no reason if you have a wheelchair that she must sit in it at all times. In fact, it is not uncommon for people to push an empty wheelchair (usually with all the bags in them), and only sit when needed, like in lines.

Also, people walk an average of 8-12 miles a day in Disney - if she has bad arthritis, she may be wanting a wheelchair by the end of the trip. Even if she does fine in daily life, and even if she does fine the first day, doing that kind of walking with arthritis for several days in a row may be too much for her.

It is better to have the wheelchair, have her use it when she needs to (waiting in lines, waiting in one spot for hours for Fantasmic, etc), and save her walking for when that is necessary.

The problem with most line, and why stools are not allowed, is that they move very slowly. There is usually not room, or time, to set up the stool. I am sure there are also liability issues.

Something to think about, that I tell people - all a wheelchair is, is a portable stool with a backrest. There is no stigma or shame. It it just a chair. (which happens to have wheels).

You can park the wheelchair in stroller parking whenever she is not using it.

 

[Bete]

If you're willing to wait way ahead of time you can get some seating in the parks for the parades and fireworks. Of course, you have a lot of competition for those few seats. Personally, I have sat on the curb on the cement. I did appreciate the help getting up. For the MK parade you could get a meal reservation at Tony's for the proper time; there is outside seating where you can get a view of the parade. The view from the Crystal Palace is ok if you get a front window for the fireworks; it would let you see some of the fireworks there. In Epcot, the same would work for the fireworks with having a meal at the Rose and Crown or eating in Mexico.

A walker could be your answer. There is a walker with a built in seat; it's called a rollator. Do a search and you will see how it works. It can be cumbersome dragging it everywhere, but it's a viable option.

A wheelchair would work, too. As others have said some push the wheelchair when they choose to walk.

Maybe, her doctor can give her stronger medicine or do the shots in the knees to help for the trip.

Finally, she may want to consider marching in place; this could work. Or maybe surround her and let her do some pacing to keep moving.

 

[Mrsjvb]

Also, people walk an average of 8-12 miles a day in Disney - if she has bad arthritis, she may be wanting a wheelchair by the end of the trip.

heh. try LUNCHTIME.

on day one.

I missed out on 2/3 of AK one year because I stupidly thought I could hack it since at the time I was walking 2 miles to work each way.

yeah.. not so much. Dh basically told me in no uncertain terms he was renting me one for the rest of the week. if he hadn't, I'd still be recovering from a trip over 5 years ago.

Canes with attacked stools and rollators are permitted if the chair is undesirable.

 

[Jonell]

How about something called a Sport Seat. It is somewhat like a cane with a curved handle but it folds out into a small seat. I've seen them in the golf section of Academy Sports.

 

[jeepster93]

http://stick-chair.com/scwp/?page_id=285

The stick chair may also be useful. It collapses and has a rubber boot for hard surfaces.

 

[stackyallred]

Thank you for all the suggestion and responses! A lot of good possibilities here. This is a yearly trip for my mom so she knows exactly what to expect and the only trouble she had last year on our 6 day trip was standing for the 30 minutes we waited for Wishes. We are going to the Halloween party this time and I was only trying to eliminate her need to stand to wait for both the parade and fireworks. I spoke with my mom last night, explaining that a stool is prohibited and we have decided to just plan to wait early in an area with seats or take a blanket to sit on the ground. Thanks again!