Info re: what's available for someone who has trouble walking

[N&B'smom]

We are going to WDW with my grandmother who is 82 years old and has a slight hip problem. What is available to help her along her way? Wheelchairs? Do they have motorized things for her to ride in? What's do they have??? She can walk okay but not for a long time...any info would be great!

Shelby

 

[jennymouse]

I recommend renting a scooter for the length of your stay from one of the Orlando sites. They will deliver/pickup the scooter at your resort/hotel. Here's a link to a thread on the DISabilities board here on the DIS that tells about the compainies:

http://disboards.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=595713

Walt Disney World rents wheelchairs and scooters at the parks, but it is still too much walking just to get to the parks from parking lots and bus stops. Plus, they do run out of them pretty quickly. I took my 80yo father last February and rented him a scooter/ECV and he said that he never would've made it without having it. He had a great time on the trip though, and we're even just now starting to talk about going back again this February.

 

[alloyd1170]

My mom rented one back in '00 when she was battling cancer. We were there twice (once for the Disneyana convention and once for pleasure) It was the best thing. She did have problems with one not working right and the company swapped it out (may of been more than once too), so if you do have problems, call the rental company and get them to swap. She left it outside the door at GF since the rooms were too cramped to keep it inside. Each night she would charge it up (and any time she was in the room). Some of the buses are equiped to handle them, but you might have to wait longer for one with a lift. She also took it on the monorail (used the elevators to get to the loading area which I was grateful for after a lot of walking and a huge ramp in front of me)! The biggest complaint she had was ignorant people who would walk right in front of her while driving. Most knew she was there too and still jumped in front. They do have "horns" on them, but again ignorant people dont care. They would get angry at her if they got hit (they dont go that fast, but in crowds people dont look around). One guy got into an arguement with her about it and she told him off! Way to go mom! That was unfortunately her last trip to WDW as she passed away a year later.

alison

 

[ladydancer]

The scooter would be the best solution but.....I have found dealing with elderly people that if they don't have one at home they don't want to learn to operate one @ WDW. You had better ask your grandma if she wants to use one before you reserve it. We had to get a wheelchair for my mil.

 

[Tigger&Belle]

Originally posted by ladydancer
The scooter would be the best solution but.....I have found dealing with elderly people that if they don't have one at home they don't want to learn to operate one @ WDW. You had better ask your grandma if she wants to use one before you reserve it. We had to get a wheelchair for my mil.

Very true! I tried to get my mom to try one out at her local Wal-mart just to see how the EVC's worked so she would be more comfortable getting one at WDW, but she wouldn't do it. Guess she didn't want anyone whe knew to see her in it.

I think that we'll try renting from the parks since she could decide that she doesn't need one. She's able to do walking from the car to the park, around the timeshare, etc. She might be ok in some of the smaller parks, but will really need one in Epcot.

T&B

 

[Chuck S]

My Mom is 80, and is pretty much in the same situation, she's had 3 hip surgeries on the same hip.

She is an average (140lb) woman, and the manual wheelchairs (we have our own) work fine for us, if you don't mind pushing. It really depends on what she is most comfortable with.

As far as rides and attractions, as long as she is able to take a few steps and step down into a ride (like Pirates boats, Jungle Cruise, etc) she should be fine. Have a great trip.

You might also want to check out 1) the disABILITIES board here on the DIS and the area for Guests with Disabilities on Disney.com.

 

[N&B'smom]

Thanks so much for the info. I agree that learning to operate the scooter would be quite intimidating for her. I think we're just going to see how it goes and if necessary get a wheelchair to push around. There are 5 adults going so there will always be someone available to push her. Thanks so much!!!

Shelby

 

[newtowdw1]

I suggest you check out the Disabilities forum. Wonderfully helpful people, whole threads (permanently pinned to the top) on how to use Disney transportation. I've already booked a ECV for me for 10 days, and may rent another for DH's 84 yold Grandma. Otherwise, we'll be sharing (not at the same time!).