I need some help with a plan, please

[Graciegirl5]

My daughter is having some tendon issues in her feet. The dr. has said it's ok to go to Disney, but walking may be an issue. I know Disney has wheelchairs we can rent, but I wondered if that was the best option or if an outside rental would be better. If so, are there any recommendations. She's 14, if that makes any difference regarding suggestions. I'm also not sure if she'll need one. If we don't arrange a rental before hand, what is the best course of action if we find out she'll need one. Thank you!

 

[anonymousegirl]

Depending on your daughter's size, she may be more comfortable in a pediatric chair (adult sized chairs can be uncomfortable for kids and smaller adults. And I would think that because of the average amount of walking at WDW (typically 5-8 miles daily), your daughter will need one.
If you want to wait and see, just look on the sticky at the top of this board for a list of vendors, print it out and take it with you. They can deliver quite quickly if need be.

 

[Accident]

The problem with the disney wheelchairs is the ones you rent can only be used in that park. The free ones to help you get from the bus to the park entrance might require someone to go exploring to find it and come back. In the resort, there is also free to use ones but there is only a couple and really meant to help someone get between buses and room.

I'd rent something outside and have it waiting at the hotel so she can have it with her at all times including getting on and off the buses and boats (if you use them). You'll walk a couple miles per day just in the resort and many more in the park.

 

[SueM in MN]

The resorts recently discontinued loaning out wheelchairs.
That leaves renting at the parks, which means you would only have it for use in the park or renting from off-site.

If the doctor says that walking may be an issue, I would expect it will be. As was already posted, expecting to walk between 5 and 8 miles per day is pretty realistic. If you rent her a wheelchair, she doesn't need to use it all the time. She can choose to park it and walk.

The park rental ones are about 20 inches wide. You can get narrower ones from dome of the off-site place (16-18 inches). They are more comfortable for smaller people.
The disABILITIES FAQs thread has information about wheelchairs in post 2. The thread is near the top of the board or you can follow the link in my signature.

 

[Graciegirl5]

Thank you all so much. This was an unexpected issue and we leave in less than a week; so, I was a little worried. I knew I could find some good answers here.

 

[ttintagel]

I would personally lean toward renting one from an outside company, as there's a lot of walking outside the parks - especially at the end of the day when everybody's at their most tired. If you;re driving, it can fold up on the parking tram (somebody please correct me if I'm wring on that), and can easily fold up on the buses if you're staying on property.

 

[Betty Remain Anonymous]

My daughter is having some tendon issues in her feet. The dr. has said it's ok to go to Disney, but walking may be an issue. I know Disney has wheelchairs we can rent, but I wondered if that was the best option or if an outside rental would be better. If so, are there any recommendations. She's 14, if that makes any difference regarding suggestions. I'm also not sure if she'll need one. If we don't arrange a rental before hand, what is the best course of action if we find out she'll need one. Thank you!

If you mentioned this, I am sorry, I am new and missed it in your post. Are you going to WDW or Disneyland? If Disneyland, Dexter Wheelchair Co. 714-542-5607 has a large supply (he said no problem with last minute requests if I need one) and they deliver to your room or the park. I had the research for my back up worst case scenario plan... as we do not normally use one for our disability. It was nice to know if we need it short notice he felt confident he could accommodate us. Maybe this info as your back up plan will provide peace of mind. My recommendation is to do the park the way it is designed. Rest stops seem to be built in if you go around the circles. Ride, store (sit), water, potty, bench (sit), repeat...

 

[Graciegirl5]

If you mentioned this, I am sorry, I am new and missed it in your post. Are you going to WDW or Disneyland? If Disneyland, Dexter Wheelchair Co. 714-542-5607 has a large supply (he said no problem with last minute requests if I need one) and they deliver to your room or the park. I had the research for my back up worst case scenario plan... as we do not normally use one for our disability. It was nice to know if we need it short notice he felt confident he could accommodate us. Maybe this info as your back up plan will provide peace of mind. My recommendation is to do the park the way it is designed. Rest stops seem to be built in if you go around the circles. Ride, store (sit), water, potty, bench (sit), repeat...

Thank you so much for your recommendation, but we are going to WDW. We will definitely be setting our pace and decisions on her abilities. I'll probably have to make her rest. She's not used to having problems and would rather ignore the pain until she can't stand it .