Frustrated about wheelchair

[Dawn68PA]

I hate the fact that I will need to take a wheelchair to WDW. I don't need one in my daily life. My arches fell a year ago and caused muscle damage in my feet. Now I can't walk long distances without immense pain. Amusement parks and shopping malls are no longer what they used to be.

Has anyone else gone through this? Have trouble adapting to a change like this? It feels very odd because I don't think of myself as disabled. My family is ok with it even though I feel bad that someone will have to push me all day.

 

[mrmagicmph]

No, you're not alone in having the feeling that you hate to "give in" to the fact that you can't do what you used to do. BUT, remember, you're going to WDW, one of the most magical places on Earth, one that DOES make you feel welcome *&* able, so, try to focus on the pleasure you'll get from not only doing Disney, but being ABLE to do Disney.

Something to consider, if you're 18+, might be to consider renting an ECV instead of a wheelchair. That way, you won't feel bad about someone having to push you all day, you'll be more free and mobile on your own. Check out the FAQs here for information about the various off-site companies that rent ECVs. Having been in your position (not being able to do WDW on foot as I've done in the past), I can tell you that an ECV can make ALL the difference in the World.

Anyway, Enjoy the Magic, & if you've got ANY questions, ask them. We've got a ton of people with a ton of experience here, & we DO want to help!

 

[Marie14625]

I was in your position. It took me a while to accept that due to my bad hip, walking the parks was NOT going to be an option. I rented an ECV from off site, and it was the best decision I made.
Think of this..will you have a happier trip with it or without it? My trip went so much better with it. Go for it.

 

[wdwmickey]

I am in your position. Due to arthritis in my ankle (and gout flair-ups) I am in need of a wheelchair for our upcoming trip. After asking questions here and getting lots of helpful info I have come to the realization that I will be miserable (as will my family) if I try to walk WDW--it's a ton of walking (I lost weight when I went in April). So the idea of a wheelchair makes me feel awful until I think about how much happier we'll all be if I'm mobile and with my family NOT immobile and in the room alone. I'm sure we'll both have a magical time in WDW even if it is in a new way.

 

[lobogildisneys]

positively agree on the value of ecv for those able to use one (age,etc) because it does get tough pushing . i am pushing my motherinlaw around this trip because wife is in an ankle cast and on her own ecv. motherinlaw is afraid of ecv (sigh) so won't do anything other than regular wheelchair. fatherinlaw has been in his own ecv for 2 years so he's safe and sound. except getting him in and out of his motorhome which he still needs help from me for as well as mil into it. pushing a manual wheelchair is very rough in animal kingdom , it is built with rough walks and paths to help the overall affect of the animal kingdom look and feel but makes it rough to push on. also the inclines at many rides and lands (all of which mil insists she can and does do so ) it's making my back ache by the end of night pushing her and my calves are tight - i'll either be in great shape or in the hospital by the time they leave in January. so please think about getting ecv instead of the strain on someone pushing you all the time plus it just is easier to get around in all ways.

jason and elaine and family

 

[BillSears]

Dawn I'd recommend an ECV. For full time wheelchair users like me WDW is actually an easy place to visit, except for a few places. But for those who don't use a wheelchair full time I'd advise using an ECV. Leave the wheelchairs for the pros, the EVCs are for thew people who need them occasionally.

 

[Dawn68PA]

Wow! Boy do I appreciate you guys and all this input. It's so nice to have a common ground and feelings.

I will definately look into the ECV thing. We own a wheelchair but I don't want anyone else hurting during our trip. Does anyone recommend one of those services in the ECV thread over another? The fact that a couple places will deliver right to the resort and pick up without you being present is a very nice touch.

The only question I have at the moment is: Does Disney usually try and get you a room on the ground floor so you don't have to maneuver in and out of the elevators?

 

[Cheshire Figment]

Hi and to disABILITIES!

A few answers for you latest questions.

The companies we mention in the FAQ are those who are known to provide very good service at reasonable prices to people who have used them and told us about them. This does not say that ones not on the list are not good, or that the rental will be problem free (however, if one has a problem these companies are known to be able to correct the problems promptly).

If you ask for a ground floor room for medical reasons when you make (or modify) your reservation they will take care of you. Usually getting in or out of elevators is not a problem. Note that Caribbean Beach Resort and Old Key West do not have elevators in their buildings (actually OKW does have a few).

And remember the question: Will using an ECV or wheelchair make for a better vacation for you and your family?

 

[OneLittleSpark]

I can understand your resistance to using an assistive device, it means that your body isn't working quite as well as you want it to. On the other hand, if your body is going to rebel (boy do I know about that!) you should fight back against it, with whatever weapons (or assistance) you need, to live your life as you want, to the best of your abilities.

I've had to go through this same thought process with using a wheelchair (I'm now using it pretty much everywhere outside the house), and am happy with the place of reached. Yeah, being in pain sucks, but if it's a choice between not doing what you want to (in my case, leaving the house) or using an assistive device, I'll choose the latter. One analogy I've heard is, if you were having problems with your eyes you'd have no problems about using glasses, so if you're having problems with your feet, there is no shame in using a wheelchair or walking stick.

OK, I'm rambling now, put it down to tiredness and brain fog.

Anyway, in answer to your question: they won't automatically put you on the ground floor, but you can request it. If you put in a request for "ground floor for medical reasons" they will do their best to accommodate you. If you don't put the "for medical reasons" bit in, you're less likely to get it, as they allocate medical requests first.

 

[Dawn68PA]

Thank you again for the info. I was talking to my DH about the suggestions here and I think he's on board for an ECV as long as the rates are reasonable. I told him not to put a price on his back and let me do this for us. I think he understands now Good man he is.

I haven't booked our trip yet, but we're planning to go next November from the 8th to the 15th. I'll make sure to mention to the CM that I would like a ground floor for medical reasons.

 

[Marie14625]

Dawn
Good move. I paid $180 to Randy's mobility for the same number of days. I found the price well worth the ease of getting around for me.

 

[GroovyWheeler]

It took a while for not only me, but my family to adapt to the fact that I had to use a wheelchair for long distances-first a manual wheelchair, then a power chair when my mom realized that I couldn't go anywhere on my own (and was basically stuck at home, with nowhere to go, unless she had to help me get there).

When we took my manual wheelchair for the first time, my mom, my mom's friend that always travels with us, DH Dan, and my godfather, were happy that I didn't have to wear myself out with the amount of walking that's involved in each one of the parks. Bringing my own wheelchair meant that we could also visit the different Disney hotels, without me struggling with my reverse walker to keep up.

Samantha

 

[clhcpaca]

I am in the same situation as the OP. I have put off posting on the Disabilities Board about having to use a wheelchair for the first time. Whenever I see a post about someone needing a wheelchair; everyone jumps in about the ECVs and how horrible it is for family members to have to push the wheelchair. I feel bad enough about even having to use a wheelchair and now from everyone's posts I get to feel guilty about it (and making WDW less enjoyable to my family).

I do not want to use an ECV the whole idea of an ECV freaks me out. I just want to some info about the use of wheelchairs.
--Is it best to get a collapsible one?
--Are the ones you rent collapsible?
--If so, can you just fold it up and carry it on the bus like a stroller?

Thanks for any assistance, Cindy

 

[OneLittleSpark]

Cindy, don't fret! Having a wheelchair will make it easier on you and your family, and let you all have more fun. You won't be a burden on your family, they love you and want to see you having fun along with them. I've never done an ECV before, but instead have used a wheelchair the last... oh... about 6 trips I've been to Disney. I now have my own chair, and my mother had no problems helping me push around the parks when we went in September (and this was with a slightly funny knee, as well). Really, don't stress it, when you get there you'll realise how easy Disney makes it all.

OK, now for the practical stuff. I think most of the rentals tend to be folding wheelchairs. The advantage of these is that the can (rather obviously) be folded, so can be stored more easily. This is particularly useful for space-saving in the hotel room. Folding chairs tend to weigh a bit more than rigid framed, but as this is just for a holiday and nothing long term, I don't think you need to fret about that too much.

You can carry a wheelchair on if you want (some bus drivers will still want to strap them down, some won't), but be aware that they are quite heavy and the step onto the bus can be a bit high. I've tried both hobbling on and using the ramp / lift, and I have found that the latter is so much easier. I personally would suggest using the help there is available to reduce pain, fatigue and hassle, but it may turn out to be more bother than it's worth for you guys. See what works best.

One last piece of advice (for this post, at least), if any of you haven't seen it already, check out this thread on tips for wheeling Disney.

Good luck to all you first time wheelers out there, I hope you all have magical holidays !

 

[Figaro]

Hi, Cindy!

Please don't pay the least bit of attention to any posts that make you feel like you are somehow a burden to your loved ones if you prefer a manual wheelchair to an ECV. My spouse has been my "pusher" for years and he has said many times (including just a few minutes ago), that he is grateful that I prefer to be pushed because we can do so much more, so much more quickly because of how relatively easy a manual wheelchair is to maneuver compared to my trying to drive an ECV.

There are many of us who for a variety of reasons, some medical, some emotional and some medication related, prefer and choose to be pushed rather than drive ourselves. It is really all personal preference, and no one else can really say that one way is better or worse than the other.

I hope you have a wonderful trip! We leave for WDW on Thursday and I am off to get a pedicure for the trip. After all, one advantage of not being able to walk is that I can wear whatever fancy shoes I want and show off my pretty toenails too.

 

[mechurchlady]

The first handicapped thing for me was my parking placard and finally after a year used it when I could unless I could get a close spot.

For me the first time to use an ECV was in WDW and it was freedom for me. For the first time I was not in pain, could move quickly, and was happy because I did not have to worry about how much time I was wasting waiting for shows or rides because I knew I had only so much time before I was exhausted, crying and dead brain.

It takes some people longer but once you get that taste of freedom then you will never want to go back to the pain again. I wished that I could have had an ECV at the last two trips but had to care for Mom. I was exhausted by a simple day at the aquarium or at a garden.

 

[Dawn68PA]

Hi, Cindy!

We leave for WDW on Thursday and I am off to get a pedicure for the trip. After all, one advantage of not being able to walk is that I can wear whatever fancy shoes I want and show off my pretty toenails too.

Nice touch! I always have to wear shoes with supports in them so I never get to show off my pedicures. I can at WDW!

 

[fla4fun]

We usually use a combination of manual wheelchair and ECV when I take my Mom to Disney. We prefer the manual chair at DTD, or MK, or the Studios, but Epcot is so big, and AK has such difficult paths, that we usually rent an ECV at the parks for those two. It has made a world of difference in Mom's stamina and enjoyment of the parks. She is mobile enough that she can do some walking around the resort, so we haven't had to rent from an offsite company yet, but when that day comes, that's what we'll do.

 

[clhcpaca]

Thanks OneLittleSpark and Figaro. I just needed to whine abit. I go once a year by myself and when I hit the "brick wall" I go back to my room and rest. But in 18 days I am going with DD, DSIL and 2 DGD and I want to be in the parks with them, not resting in the room several hours a day.

Thanks for the words of encouragement. Cindy

 

[OneLittleSpark]

Cindy, not a problem at all, I completely understand the need to whine! In the end, you have to do what is best for you and your group, and what you will be most comfortable with. If you wouldn't feel happy driving an ECV (an I'm not sure if I would be, myself), then don't use one. The only reason we suggest ECVs here, is that some people either don't consider them, or think they would be harder to use than they actually are. Some people need a little encouragement to use an ECV, as it would actually be better for them; others, like yourself, are perfectly happy in a manual and that's what will suit them better.

If you're happy, that's what matters! Have a great trip!