In Need Of Guidance (Wheelchair)

[Amirah95]

I need serious, honest opinions on this question I'm about to ask:

How inconvenient is it to ride around in a powered wheelchair in the WDW parks and even at DTD?

Here is some background info. My DH has Diabetes and it really affects his feel. He had a surgery on his right foot last September and now, he has to go back for another surgery next week which means we had to cancel our May vacation to the World because there is no way he's going to recover that fast (it took him four months from his first surgery to get better).

I don't want him on his feet at all anymore at WDW because just a small ulcer from walking all day can cause big problems and on WDW vacations we tend to walk a lot more than on other vacations. Our next trip is scheduled at the end of October and I'm thinking I can rent a powered wheelchair for him, but he says it will be too inconvenient, the crowds will be too much and that he will slow us down so walking will be much better for him so he's against riding in a wheelchair.

How can I get him to change his mind? Is it really that inconvenient? I've never actually stopped to look at people who push around strollers or at people or use wheelchairs while I'm out there.

I think I need a little guidance. Thanks.

 

[Chuck S]

My Mom uses a standard manual wheelchair in the parks, not a problem at all. Just be very mindful of those around you, as they will come to a full and complete stop in front of you without warning, or will not see you and step into the side of you. Try to avoid the rush of folks that leave the parks right at closing, hang back, enjoy the atmosphere until the crowds thin out a little. The busses are no problem, they are wheelchair friendly, too. I hope your husband reconsiders. It really is no problem at all, especially since your husband is obviously ambulatory enough to load/unload from rides. For theater shows, just stay in the chair, it is much easier.

Take a poncho or disposable plastic drop cloth to cover the scooter or wheelchair if you have to leave it outside to board a ride, that way the seat will stay dry, given the frequent showers to which Florida is prone.

 

[OneLittleSpark]

It sounds like you guys will be slowed down much more, and have many more problems, if he does try walking it. Disney is huge and even those with no additional challenges find it difficult. If he's not happy with the idea of a wheelchair, might you be able to convince him to use an ECV (an electric scooter)? I don't know, but he might feel happier with the idea. If he needs more convincing, tell him that he'll be much better company if he isn't in constant pain (I know that before I was on wheels day to day, when things were bad I was a grouch).

Disney is so easy on wheels, much easier than anywhere else I can think of. There are some hills, but if he's powered that won't be a problem. Every curb has regular drops, every shop has a ramp, every ride has an accessible entrance. You'll be able to get plenty of help and advice on the technical issues and how tos from here, if you decide to go ahead with the wheels .

I say go for it, have a wonderful holiday and get whatever help you need to all have fun together !

 

[arminnie]

How inconvenient is it to ride around in a powered wheelchair in the WDW parks and even at DTD?

My understanding (not first hand knowledge) is that it is more difficult to rent a powered wheelchair than an ECV. From what I have read power wheelchairs are much more difficult to navigate, and companies prefer to rent only to experienced users. Someone can correct me if I am wrong on this.

But I do have first hand experience with being a novice ECV user. I rented from Randy's last September for the first time. The man who delivered it gave me great lessons.

I was not at a particularly busy time of the year - but I had absolutely no problems navigating with it at all. I found it very easy to drive and even load on the buses. The hardest part was remembering to mainly use the slow speed! You will have trouble keeping up with him.

 

[Accentuate+]

I had to rent one for a couple of days on our last trip. I was more likely to hear "hey, wait some of us are still on foot" than "hurry up". Especially the later in the day it got. Before the scooter they were always waiting on me...with the scooter I could volunteer to go across the park and get the fastpasses or across World Showcase to get the churros.

There's some challenges to using the scooter (mostly other people ) but if you need one, the benefits far outweigh them. If you go that route I'd recommend renting offsite so you KNOW you have one. My use of one was unplanned so I just rented a park one but the ones in the parks are sometimes all rented out.

 

[SueM in MN]

Quote:
Originally Posted by Amirah95
How inconvenient is it to ride around in a powered wheelchair in the WDW parks and even at DTD?

My understanding (not first hand knowledge) is that it is more difficult to rent a powered wheelchair than an ECV. From what I have read power wheelchairs are much more difficult to navigate, and companies prefer to rent only to experienced users. Someone can correct me if I am wrong on this.

You are correct (and I think the OP is probably meaning ECVs rather than power wheelchairs).

ECVs can be rented at either the parks or one of the off-site rental places (there is a list with phone numbers and website links in the disABILITIES FAQs thread).
Power wheelchairs can only be rented from the off-site equipment companies and they will only rent them to people who are already experienced users. They look pretty easy to drive, but do take more practice than using an ECV does. My youngest DD uses a power wheelchair; older DD and I have already sat in it and tried to drive it. Let's just say that younger DD laughs at us because we are pretty funny trying to make it go. It is nowhere as easy as it looks.

I agree with the others that an ECV will probably make everyone's trip better.
October is usually not that busy, so he should not be really bothered that much by crowds. If he does some practicing around the resort first, the parks should be not a problem.

 

[BillM]

Good advice from Sue. I have used my own ECV for nine years at DW. We are DVC members and almost everything is accessible. It's a no-brainer. Your DH should use a rented ECV for his and everyone elses enjoyment. I also have a Power Chair but it really takes getting use to the controls.

 

[Dis1978]

ECV is fantastic. Well worth getting.
I have pushed my DS in manual wheelchair in disney and it is such hard work, even harder with a toddler in stroller too.
My father always uses an ECV and he has a great time, much easier than walking miles or using a manual.
Have fun!

 

[Amirah95]

Thanks everyone! I'll try to convince him by reading this thread out to him. I hope he reconsiders, he's so stubborn. Thanks again!

 

[robertcclark]

I need serious, honest opinions on this question I'm about to ask:

How inconvenient is it to ride around in a powered wheelchair in the WDW parks and even at DTD?

Here is some background info. My DH has Diabetes and it really affects his feel. He had a surgery on his right foot last September and now, he has to go back for another surgery next week which means we had to cancel our May vacation to the World because there is no way he's going to recover that fast (it took him four months from his first surgery to get better).

I don't want him on his feet at all anymore at WDW because just a small ulcer from walking all day can cause big problems and on WDW vacations we tend to walk a lot more than on other vacations. Our next trip is scheduled at the end of October and I'm thinking I can rent a powered wheelchair for him, but he says it will be too inconvenient, the crowds will be too much and that he will slow us down so walking will be much better for him so he's against riding in a wheelchair.

How can I get him to change his mind? Is it really that inconvenient? I've never actually stopped to look at people who push around strollers or at people or use wheelchairs while I'm out there.

I think I need a little guidance. Thanks.

Hi,

I have spina bifida so I'm in a manual wheelchair. My DW and I have been to the world twice(honeymoon 2004 and anniversary 2005). As far as slowing you down he won't. Most ecv's I saw could outrun some cars. It's not too terribly inconvenient on the shuttles. To be honest and with all due respect, the issue is his comfort with his health and willingness to do what he can with whatever tools are necessary. I know how he feels. I face the same things everyday.

 

[allie_to_you]

Everyone here is right. If riding in an ECV or Power scooter all day would help alleviate some pain or even some trouble later on, then by all means do it. I have found Disney to be very wheelchair friendly, especially if your DH can transfer to ride vehicles, which is sounds like he can do.

I know last year, after walking for days in the parks, I was soooo tempted to rent an ECV. I have heel & knee problems, as well as toes that give me problems, so walking all day can be a real struggle and it really puts a damper on a fun vacation if you have to hurt all day long.

 

[GroovyWheeler]

It would be easy to do so, and it would save the family members from having to push a wheelchair around all day. I've never done it before myself, although when my mom goes to Disney World next January, and she takes me and DH along, I'm considering taking my walker, and renting an ECV there. That way, it would be easy on my mom and DH, and they wouldn't have to worry about pushing me around in a wheelchair all day.

Samantha

 

[LindsayDunn228]

It would be easy to do so, and it would save the family members from having to push a wheelchair around all day.

I may have missed it, but I didn't see anywhere that her husband has issues with his hand/arms and is unable to push himself.

 

[OneLittleSpark]

No, but I think Disney would be a bit of a baptism of fire for someone who wasn't used to pushing a wheelchair for themself, and therefore doesn't have the arm strength. I know when I first started wheeling myself, it took a long time to build up my arm muscles, and I still wouldn't be capable of wheeling 5 to 8 miles a day. I think in this case an ECV is going to be your best bet.

Good luck convincing him, and have a great holiday!

 

[allie_to_you]

No, but I think Disney would be a bit of a baptism of fire for someone who wasn't used to pushing a wheelchair for themself, and therefore doesn't have the arm strength. I know when I first started wheeling myself, it took a long time to build up my arm muscles, and I still wouldn't be capable of wheeling 5 to 8 miles a day. I think in this case an ECV is going to be your best bet.

Good luck convincing him, and have a great holiday!

It is hard to push yourself around Disney even for someone with a lot of arm strength. My DH is always in a wheelchair and while he can push himself around Disney by himself for the most part, there are hills and rough pavement areas that can be tricky and hard in a manual wheelchair.

 

[SueM in MN]

I would agree that someone who is not used to propelling a manual wheelchair by themself would have a hard time doing it all day at WDW. Even if the person is relatively fit, they would be using different muscles in a different way.

 

[LindsayDunn228]

I never said they would have to push themselves all day. I just get irked when I get the "we'll be pushing them around all day and that could get tiring for us" vibe. Not flaming, just an observation.

Oh, and allie_to_you, I am a para, as I think your husband is, IIRC. I don't push myself every single minute I am in Disney, but I do the majority of the time. Not everyone who is in a wheelchair needs to be pushed 24/7. Again, not a flame, just an observation.

 

[allie_to_you]

I never said they would have to push themselves all day. I just get irked when I get the "we'll be pushing them around all day and that could get tiring for us" vibe. Not flaming, just an observation.

Oh, and allie_to_you, I am a para, as I think your husband is, IIRC. I don't push myself every single minute I am in Disney, but I do the majority of the time. Not everyone who is in a wheelchair needs to be pushed 24/7. Again, not a flame, just an observation.

Okay, first off, what are you talking about! No one suggested that people in wheelchairs have to be "pushed around all day or that it's a major pain for those who are with them." The only comment to that extent was that for someone not used to being in a wheelchair, pushing yourself around Disney might be a bit of a struggle. They are absolutely right.

It's hard if you don't have the arm strength built up to push a chair for long periods. That's not to say you can't do it, but it might be more difficult. Also, no one suggested that you yourself don't push yourself around disney. My husband also pushes himself the majority of the time and then I help when he needs it. No, I don't feel inconvenienced or get tired of it. I don't think that anyone who is planning a vacation with someone in a wheelchair is going to feel put out of inconvenienced if they have someone in a chair. If they did, the probably wouldn't go with that person.

This whole conversation started because someone wanted advice as to whether their husband should get a wheelchair ECV. I have no idea how you derived at the point that people were "attacking" those
who talk about pushing their family members around or how you got this bad "vibe" from people. I think people for the most part were talking about how for those with medical problems it's so much easier on them if they rent a wheelchair or ECV.

Okay, now I'm rambling, but your post irked me a little. Sorry, not flaming, just commenting.

 

[SueM in MN]

OK.
Cool it everyone.
I think we can agree that someone who is not used to using a wheelchair will get tired if they propel the wheelchair themself all day at WDW.

I think we can agree that most people would be able to propel themself sometimes at WDW.

I think we can agree that most people will be dependent on someone to push them some of the time (maybe a little, maybe a lot) at WDW and most times the other members of their party are willing and able to do it.

I think we can agree that for some people, an ECV is a good option because they want more independence that the ECV can offer.

I think we can agree that for some people, an ECV is not a good option.

I think we don't need to argue about this.

 

[Amirah95]

No, we don't want a manual wheelchair. I can't push if I wanted to because I'll be pushing twin babies around instead and I know my 12 year old can't push her dad around and I don't think I want him pushing himself. It would be too much.

My DH has that "I don't need any 3rd party help" attitude as well and he needs to get over it. If I have to push him in a regular wheelchair I will. To date, since we found out we're pregnant he definitely doesn't want a wheelchair or an ECV or a power chair because he wants to help push the babies around. Gah! Hopefully I can get some help from his mom on this one. I am so for the ECV with a passion. It will help and prevent injury and fatigue on his part.

Thanks everyone for your responses! Appreciate it.