I will be needing a wheelchair at WDW for the first time this May..some questions, please...

[SylviaM]

..I am a little nervous about all of this.
I am planning a trip to WDW in May.
I have breast cancer and am currently undergoing chemotherapy. By the time of my trip, my chemo will be over, but I will be needing mobile assistance in the parks, due to lack of stamina, and my lymphedema in arms and legs...also slight shortness of breath due to lung mets.

My question is this...

Please bear with me...I am so new to this..plus it's a little scary...

a) what is the difference between a ECV and a scooter?? or are they the same?

b) I am staying at the Swan....if I have a scooter for my entire stay, can it be manoeuvered around the hotel easily??

c) When at the park, and I want to go to an attraction or into a store, can the scooter be parked somewhere safely?? or can you bring a scooter into the store>??
(I can stand on my own two feet, and am able to walk around a bit..ie like in a gft store for a few minutes)

d) A friend of mine here in my town works at a home health care place and will be able to hook me up with a scooter for at home use...does anyone know if I am able to bring that scooter onto a plane or will I have to rent one while I am down there???

e) What if at a park, a battery needs re-charging??

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Sorry about all the questions...this is all very new to me, and I am a little scared and anxious.

thanks in advance for anyone that can help me even with a few questions!

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<font color=steelblue>SylviaM...formerly known as 'NicksMom'
Moderator ~ Canadian Board</font color>

 

[teri]

Hi, Sylvia! Nice to see you over here on our board.

And ECV and scooter are the same, yes. Some of us prefer to call them EMV - Electric Mobility Vehicle, becaseu Convenience has nothing to do with it. It is a necessity for many people not just a convenience. Scooter is fine.

You will be able to maneuver just fine. There will be times when you will need to use alternate entrances, and ramps instaed of stairs, but that should not be a big problem. You can also find places to park your scooter, although many people do take them into the stores and restaurants. There may be a problem on boats...???

You can take ECVs on the plane... I haven't done the FAQ for ECVs yet, but I will look for a good thread to link to about that.

If you have a good battery pack, it should be able to stay charged all day. You just plug them in overnight.

Now, for the real issue here. Don't be scared!!! Don't be anxious!!! You are going on a vacation that you, my dear, need very much, to the best place on the planet for people who need special accomodations. It isn't perfect, but it is wonderful, and you will have a great time. Relax!! It is vacation, a break, and time to refresh and enjoy being with your family and friends.

Be sure to check out the FAQ, just click on the link in my signature. Still not finished, but you will find some good info there.

DIS disABILITIES Discussion Board FAQ under construction!
"My brain takes a vacation just to give my heart more room..."
teri@iluvdisney.com

 

[lisapooh]

ECV or scooter, they are the same. Better called an electric mobility vehicle. You can use them anywhere. Take them into the store with you or park and remove the key.
Airlines are required to transport them. You must have gel cell batteries. Otherwise the batteries must be removed and packaged separately as a hazardous substance. Sometimes is may be easier to just rent from a medical supply place offsite and have it delivered to your hotel. This is especially true if you are staying onsite and will be using Disney transportation.
Disney rents scooters themselves but they are hard to use and not always available since any adult can rent one no questions asked
You will have a great vaccation. You deserve it.

Pooh Bear

 

[SueOKW]

Hi Sylvia - glad to hear that you are almost done with chemo. My sister is in Key West right now with her 1 inch of hair!! She took a lot of hats - but I bet by day three, she was hatless and proud!

You will be so glad you have a scooter to use - and WDW is the best place for people with mobility problems. RE: boats - that may be a little hairy.... (excuse bad pun - not intended). Ask all the questions you like. We love to show off how smart we are..... (not) but experienced? yes.

Have a great time!
Sue

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[sncbird]

Hi Sylvia - I to am planning my first trip to WDW in a Wheelchair/EVC. I'm experiencing the same feelings you are. What I can share with you is everyone on the Disabilites has put my anxieties at ease and they are more than happy to answer any questions. If you like, click on my profile and view my previous posts. There may be a question I've asked in the past that might apply to you as well.

I have read several of you posts on the CB (my second favorite place on the DIS -this forum is my fav.). You are one strong woman!!! You have come so far in your fight against cancer. I would have to imagine a trip to WDW (even with an EVC) has got to be a cake walk compared to what you have gone through!!! If you think of any other questions, please ask!!!

<font color=#cc3399>HAPPY EASTER

 

[SylviaM]

WOW, you guys..!!!



Thanks so much for answering these questions and providing me with the links for these other threads, etc. I see I have alot of reading to do!!

Yeah, I am a little nervous/anxious, but also very excited!!

Anyways, I am sure I will be checking back daily, reading all the threads and gathering info.

Thanks again..you guys are great!!

(and Teri..the FAQs you put together...whatta great job!!! KUDOS!!)

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<font color=steelblue>SylviaM...formerly known as 'NicksMom'
Moderator ~ Canadian Board</font color>

 

[SueM in MN]

I seem to be a little late arriving at the party, but it sounds like you have been properly welcomed and put at ease. It's nice to see you here and I don't have to tell you that we will do whatever we can to help you.
For the time you are in the airport, you can request a wheelchair to take you right up to the gate and another at Orlando to meet you at the gate. I would expect that you will be tired after your long trip. The trek from the gate to the actual terminal is fairly long and you don't want to use too much energy just getting from the plane to luggage.
Some of the shops are rather tight with all the people in them. You can always try the scooter and leave it outside if it's too hard to manouver.
If you become tired, you can always go to lie down in First Aid for a while. It's quiet and cool in there.
That's all I cna think of right now, but I know you will have a good time.

SueM in MN
Co-Moderator of disABILITIES

 

[SueOKW]

Good point re: airport! Sometimes the walks can be VERY long.

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[JudithM]

I've been reading this board since last fall. About that time I gave serious thought to renting an ECV due to a recently diagnosed knee condition. I was hesistant, but after reading many notes on this board, I became more confident about using an ECV. Please use the ECV! My husband & I found it to be so worth the money - it saved us both a lot - he didn't have to push, I didn't have to bend my knees (like in a wheelchair), I was upbeat because my knees weren't hurting, plus my husband brought his camera equipment & we stored it on the "floor" of the ECV. I did not find the Disney ECVs hard to drive. Just be careful because not every guest realizes when they are in your way . Have a wonderful trip!