Help for 1st time disability trip

[CaryHaven]

My family has been to WD half a dozen times or so, and my MIL has been there many times as well, although it's been some years since then. Now we're planning a short (6 day) trip down there with her where we'll hit all four parks. She has had multiple foot and knee surgeries over the past five years, and I'm trying to figure out what we need to do.

We finally convinced her she needs an ECV and can't do WD with a walker! She doesn't want to reserve one in advance though. She wants to rent them daily as she needs them. Is there a big problem with them running out usually? We're going the second week of May.

Also, can someone explain the disability card to me? I tried looking some facts up, but they're either giving me the very basics or way too much info. I just need to know if we need one, and what proof if any, she needs to give to get one. I know it puts her in a somewhat "shorter" line. Is this for all rides? Do we have to wait separately from her ? (we're 2 adults, 1 child, 1 infant) She can stand and walk for short periods. Will this short line allow her to remain in the ECV for longer?

If there's a thread that answers these, please feel free to direct me. Thanks!

 

[SirDuff]

If she has the ECV, she doesn't need the disability card (actually, won't be given one). Most lines are what is called "main streamed" - this means that she can ride the ECV all the way to the loading area (some have a split near the end due to stairs etc.).

In terms of running out of ECVs - what time do you plan on arriving at the parks? They do run out. Also, don't forget that there can be a lot of walking between the buses and the rental area (not to mention the walking around your resort). Additionally, the offsite rental places are less expensive.

There is a good FAQ thread "pinned" here, which might be helpful to read over.

Enjoy your trip!

 

[CaryHaven]

I had no idea about the ECV nixing the card. I was just on the phone with her reading your post and she's still convinced she can do the smaller parks without an ECV. Is there a thread that shows where wheelchairs/ecvs can be rented once you're inside? or are they only at the beginning? I keep warning her it's a lot, and if she gets too tired halfway in, I don't know where there might be a place to get one deep in the parks.

I am reading a very thorough FAQ post, and trying to sort through the info now. It might have that info somewhere too.

 

[lanejudy]

You might want to check out the WDW - Disability Access Service Card thread pinned near the top of this forum (or click for the link). The first post is all you need to read as it has the details of the new DAS card program. The rest of that thread was discussion as the program rolled out, or even prior to roll-out.

If her needs are strictly mobility/stamina related, the vast majority of queues at WDW are mainstreamed meaning she can take the ECV into the lines. For the few that aren't, your party will be directed appropriately, which may include getting a "wheelchair return time" which is like a FP. If she has other needs that preclude her from being in a standard queue environment, that's what the DAS is for.

ECVs frequently run out at the parks by mid-morning. Wheelchairs are generally available, but provide much less independence and she may not like that idea. Both rented at the same location, near the front of each park. The disABILITIES FAQ thread does include locations. If she gets tired after you are in the park, someone from your party can return to the front to get a rental for her, but again that's based on availability. I also suggest an off-site rental for the reasons SirDuff mentions.

Enjoy your vacation!

 

[GranJan]

It would be less expensive to rent from an offsite rental for the entire stay than to rent daily as needed at the parks. You'd definitely risk there not being any available mid day. I have my own ECV so I've never used a park rental but to me they seem huge & difficult to maneuver compared to some of the smaller ones you can rent offsite. It seems that trying to use one of the park rentals that you've had no experience with would be difficult. If she's worried about using the buses with the ECV...I have never had any problem with that. If she can walk some, that makes things even easier...she can park it & not have to maneuver it in crowded restaurants, shops & restrooms. She can walk when she's able & it'll be there when she needs it. Having it at the resort will give her a chance to get comfortable with it before using it at the park. If you'll be driving to the parks, there are ECVs that can be disassembled to fit in a car...mine fits in a Prius.

 

[CaryHaven]

Thanks for all the tips! Still reading FAQs but sounds like offsite is definitely the way to go. I have written a couple poster's favorites down. We are staying offsite for the first time and have our own transportation (truck). Anyone care to post their preference for agencies?

 

[kaytieeldr]

Walker or Randy's for overall service, Scootaround because they will remove the arms for me before delivery. I don't need the support, my arms are too short to rest and drive at the same time, and there's ne risk of damaging the arms by cutting a corner or being too close to a door frame.