Haven't done this for a while: Best hints for wheelchair/ecv users

[SueM in MN]

We had a long thread going a few years ago with hints for users of ecvs and wheelchairs.
We've got some new readers who didn't see that thread and I bet that the rest of us have gotten smarter over the years and have even better hints. How about another run at hints?

Here's my first hint:
Put sunscreen on the upper thighs. While sitting in a wheelchair or ecv, they are pointed right at the sun all day and can burn quite badly very quickly.

 

[JudithM]

Good thread, Sue!

I try to remember to bring a white or light colored towel with me. I sit on it & also use it to cover the dark colored seat & seat back when I am not sitting in the ecv.

 

[Talking Hands]

Be sure to inform Disney when making any reservations that you are in an ECV or wheelchair. And occasionally they still blow it. Had reservations for Hoop and was supposed to be seated in the balcony. Oops. Plus I had terps arranged and woud not have been able to see them if I was in the balcony.

 

[faithinkarma]

so I don't have any hints to offer, but I sure liked the ones already posted. I would not have thought of any of them on my own. So good that we can learn from others' experiences.

 

[BCV23]

Well this is lame compared to the others but if you have a powerchair never forget to have the cord with you. We somehow left it in the room one evening and my daughters chair ran out of juice in Epcot!

I'm going to have to ask her if she has any suggestions to add to this thread.

Oh, thought of another one ....if you're at Epcot and returning to the TTC use the elevator to get to the platform.

 

[Safari Steve]

If you decide to use the reserved seating areas for MK parades, remember that the hub fills up fastest, followed by Town Square and Liberty Square. You don't have to sit in these areas, but they are available.

The Guidebook for Guests with Disabilities is available at Guest Relations and at the stroller/wheelchair rental area. The condensed version (one-sheet with basic info) is available at the turnstiles at each park.

The MK Ferry Boats now have new docks that make the Ferry accessible regardless of water levels. The only downside is that you must travel uphill both ways. If you've got power, or someone sturdy pushing you, the ferry is often faster than the monorail very early and very late in the day when everyone is in line for the monorail.

If you have a charger that plugs into an A/C outlet, WDW can provide an outlet for charging (you have to provide the charger, though).

 

[BillSears]

I'm not sure whether this is still done but it used to be true. If you are a WDW Resort guest and you have a mechanical problem with your chair they will send one of the people who repair the in house chairs to you to do mnor repairs on your wheelchair. I know they used to do things like fix flat tires.

Wheelchair/ECV seating is limited so I tend to show up early for shows to ensure I will get a good spot. There seems to be alot more people using wheels now adays so don't count on being able to show up just before the show starts and still get a seat.

When in doubt ask a CM. I figure if I'm not sure where I should enter a ride it's always best to ask a CM. At least that way you can always blame mistakes on the CM you asked.

 

[Nanajo1]

The sunscreen for the knees was a good one. Also, the hands are over exposed when driving an ECV so don't forget to use the sun screen on them. If I need to use a rain poncho I don't sit on it but drape it over the back of the ECV seat so the rain doesn't run down and wet the seat. Others have suggested bringing your own bicycle bell to attach to the ECV for a louder warning , and someone suggested bringing a "snake light" to light the way. I'm still looking for the original list.

 

[SueM in MN]

Originally posted by Safari Steve

The MK Ferry Boats now have new docks that make the Ferry accessible regardless of water levels. The only downside is that you must travel uphill both ways. If you've got power, or someone sturdy pushing you, the ferry is often faster than the monorail very early and very late in the day when everyone is in line for the monorail

That's good news. Do you know if they changed the docks at WL too?
When we were there a year ago in March, they still had signs that said they were not always accessible "due to changing water levels."

 

[Safari Steve]

The docks at the resorts remain unchanged as far as I know. The Ferryboat docks were a major project that took a couple of years and several departments working together.

 

[pampam]

My daughter uses a manual w.c. We bring a small umbrella with us for her to hold. A large umbrella is too big to manuver the w.c. around. She shades herself with it while waiting for parades etc. and holds it over her knees once the parade starts so she isn't blocking anyones view. Also, we travel with a knapsack we bought at a sporting goods store that has a camping seat attatched. We hang it on the back of the wheelchair, and when we are waiting, or watching a parade, I have a seat to sit on.

 

[Talking Hands]

I have found the Guidebooks for Guests with Disabilities pretty useless. They are so general that they don't address my situation at all. I find the information on this board clearer and more to the point.

 

[cupcake]

here are a few of mine:

for crowds, keep moving slowly or you will get trapped. also to counter sccoter invisibility if people are too close, I say "excuse me, this doesn't stop on a dime" to warn them that if they walk into me, it's their problem.

for better steering control in tight spots, use turtle speed. it's better than going very slow in rabbit.

rent offsite!!! (for both wcs and EVCs).

beware of hidden lines & standing! if you think, that line looks short and I can stand for short periods of time so I'll stretch and try it out, note that the perceived line length is often very deceiving.

for new ECV users, schedule a day in Epcot or MGM first to get used to your scooter. these parks give you plenty of room to maneuver (esp Epcot). AK is also roomy bc it's new but I find people tend to wander randomly a lot, so it isn't quite as easy as Epcot/MGM.

for AK, do shows in the morning and try to see the animals later in the day when the crowds disperse -- you'll be able to see better from a seated position.

no guts, no glory! don't worry about what you think people are thinking. most people are respectful and for those few who are not, foregoing assistance you need is not going to suddenly cause them to "get it." all it will do is ruin your vacation.

I agree with Lisa, the Guidebook is not very helpful but since it is free, you may as well get it for what it's worth.

Cupcake

 

[nancycels]

TEST THE HORN!!!!! be sure you get an ecv with a good loud horn... have been known to take a bike horn w/me just in case! usually the crowds are so dense and loud they don't hear a faint one!

don't be afraid to ask for help! the staff are usually very helpful! if you are in a restaurant and can't carry your tray, ask them if someone can help you! usually a kind guest will offer, but just in case!

be assertive. speak clearly and distinctly and if necessary, loudly when you are trying to get thru a crowd!

use some sort of light stick at night if you can! and/or get some glow tape!

WEAR A HAT! (for both ecv/wheelchr user and other guests as well!) you are out in the unforgiving sun a lot!

get a spray bottle w/ a fan, its great for the long lines!

find out in advance where you need to be for parades etc. if you can reserve a spot for a show, do it!

Smile and be nice! you will be happier in the long run! IT can be frustrating at times, and people are rude, on occasion, but don't let them ruin your vacation!

HAVE FUN!

 

[Figaro]

If a person hasn't been a wheelchair "pusher" before, the weight lifters gloves with the open fingers, padded palms can help ease the pressure quite a bit. Hugging the curb when moving along in crowds seems to cut down on some of the invisibility problems with a wheelchair. Maybe because the people on the sidewalks are usually aware of curbs and the possibility of accidentally stepping off of the curb. I just know that if we hug the curb when exiting from Illuminations, there are many fewer problems for everyone.

Which leads to my favorite tip...wait for most of the crowd to clear before leaving. I have found that the type "A" people are the ones who jump up and are in a big rush to get out. Those of us who hang around until the crowds clear are such a mellow, relaxed group(smile), and it is a great deal of fun hanging out with all of those relaxed, happy people. Our stress level goes down the less we have to deal with people in "park commando" mode, and we have made wonderful memories chatting with the other people who also prefer to take their time.

 

[SueM in MN]

Which leads to my favorite tip...wait for most of the crowd to clear before leaving. I have found that the type "A" people are the ones who jump up and are in a big rush to get out. Those of us who hang around until the crowds clear are such a mellow, relaxed group(smile), and it is a great deal of fun hanging out with all of those relaxed, happy people. Our stress level goes down the less we have to deal with people in "park commando" mode, and we have made wonderful memories chatting with the other people who also prefer to take their time.

We always do that too. A very good hint.
The parking lot or buses are also less crowded.

I agree that the Guidebooks for Guests with Disabilities are not very helpful. They are way too general. Two useful things they do have though, are a list of the Companion Restroom locations and they list the approximate length of each ride/attraction. That information is helpful for planning. After transferring in and out of some short rides in a row, it's nice to find a longer one to get a breather.

 

[videogal1]

Originally posted by cupcake
here are a few of mine:



I agree with Lisa, the Guidebook is not very helpful but since it is free, you may as well get it for what it's worth.

Cupcake

One new addition to the latest Access for guests w. disabilities pamphlet that makes them more useful than the last version is the information about what attractions Service Dogs are not allowed on and the attractions where Service Dog access is left up to the reigning CM at an attraction. When I was planning my January trip I was especially concerned about Cash. I am traveling solo so parking him with a friend outside a SD prohibited ride is not possible and, for me, handing him off to a well-meaning stranger would feel like giving sports car keys to a young parking valet. NO WAY !
Now, armed with the new info I don't have to waste my time waiting in a line for a ride I can't take Cash on.