Is stroller or wheelchair overkill?

[PinkPixel]

Yes, this is what I have been worried about. I know that I should think more like RoseGold and only think about my families accessibility needs, but I have always, probably unnecessarily, worried about other people's judgement even when it shouldn't matter. I freely admit to being "that person," as a young 20 something with no kids (and CLEARLY no clue about how hard it is to haul children through WDW) and mumbling under my breath at my husband about kids who were "clearly too old for a stroller." Also I know that if we have a chair or stroller my son won't be using it ALL the time, which will mean trying to keep the other two out of it.

Again, Thanks everyone for the responses. Lots of good things to think about and good suggestions for devices that might work best for him. I really appreciate it!

I personally wouldn't give the other kids a hard time to placate jerks who don't mind their own business. They can ignore them, no one is owed a response in public for making a rude/unsolicted comment. Or they can say, my brother likes when I use his chair when he takes a break, it makes him smile and that's what I care about. The details of his disability status is his to decide how he shares it and the associated needs does not need to be explained to anyone other than DAS Guest services. Have a great trip!

 

[KPeterso]

I personally wouldn't give the other kids a hard time to placate jerks who don't mind their own business. They can ignore them, no one is owed a response in public for making a rude/unsolicted comment. Or they can say, my brother likes when I use his chair when he takes a break, it makes him smile and that's what I care about. The details of his disability status is his to decide how he shares it and the associated needs does not need to be explained to anyone other than DAS Guest services. Have a great trip!

I agree. I have been to Disneyland with my niece a lot of times. She uses a wheelchair as she has neurological condition and cannot walk well as a result. She will walk at times and we have her use the wheelchair to give her extra stability. We did get a comment one time from someone about switching around who was sitting in the wheelchair. My niece wanted to walk and let her friend sit down. All you have to do is watch my niece walk to know something is not right. She referred to herself as a weeble wobble when she was little. We could never do Disney with her without a wheelchair (or now that she is an adult - her scooter). We just gave the person a look and moved on with our day. Never saw the person again.

 

[PatMcDuck]

I still use a chair at the parks for my adult son who is 32. He has Downs and Autism, so he will wander off, without a chair I would literally have to hold onto him. Poor depth perception and balance too. (We also use it at zoos, museums, day trips).

We used a McClaren unti he outgrew their biggest one. Switched to a companion chair (no big wheels on sides) but that was uncomfortable for him as he leans forward (scolosis) and he would miss seeing everything. We now have a Convaid chair, it's big but fits him well, he is 165 pounds. It sits him at an angle like a stroller so it is easier for him to enjoy looking around.

Remember, your group is only as stong as your weakest link, that was our view. Making Sean walk would slow us all down, wear him out, and we didn't want that.

PS now that I am in my mid 60s, I will soon look into a power chair option that I can steer and control from behind. The hills at the parks and local zoos are starting to kill me, lol.

 

[RedWhiteandBlugold]

Remember, your group is only as stong as your weakest link, that was our view. Making Sean walk would slow us all down, wear him out, and we didn't want that.

Great advice! Thanks!

 

[Anna131517]

Sadly, if multiple children are using the wheelchair as a place to rest, etc, you may get comments about "cheating the system" and so on. It's not nice of people to do this, but there have even been posts here on the DIS about it.

Cheating what system? That doesn’t even make sense. The whole purpose of a wheelchair is for people who haven trouble standing or walking.

 

[DisneyOma]

Cheating what system? That doesn’t even make sense. The whole purpose of a wheelchair is for people who haven trouble standing or walking.

People will incorrectly assume that if someone in a wheelchair isn't in it all the time, then the person doesn't really need it, and that somehow being in the wheelchair gets the group better access (cut the lines) when that doesn't really happen either. If someone sees a few kids taking turns riding in the wheelchair, then a person with this "cheating the system" mentality is going to assume the wheelchair is being used to get some kind of advantage. It's not the truth of the situation, and we experienced this on our last trip with a friend using a knee scooter.

 

[HopperFan]

Our trip is in June with our 3 kids who are 13, 7, and 11. Our 11y has Down Syndrome and I'm thinking that stamina might be an issue for him. The last time we went to WDW he was 4 and his sister was 18months so a stroller was a no brainer. We had originally rented a stroller for this trip when it was SUPPOSED to happen in June of 2020, but now that it has been postponed 2 years and everyone is older I had just assumed we wouldn't do that. As it gets closer I am reconsidering whether or not we should rent a stroller meant for bigger children with disabilities, or maybe a wheelchair, but it kind of feels like overkill? I keep going back and forth. I don't want dirty looks at having a stroller for older kids, or a wheelchair for a kid who can walk, and I'm also not looking forward to hauling a stroller or wheelchair around on DW transportation, but I also think it would give him a much needed break since he can be slower and have less energy (especially in the heat) than the rest of us. Any advice?

When my son was 11, his brother was 6 and his sister 2. So we had a stroller for the 2 year old. It was sturdy enough if he needed a break he got to ride and she got the chance to burn some energy. But at 11 he mostly just walked. His brother was a good role model. Sometimes we sat for a snack to recharge but we continued to make him walk as much as possible. It was good exercise for him. My son is 38 now and is still walking the parks, his love of Disney World is the motivation he needs to walk all day (with many sitting and rest stops, longer meals and keeping him eating healthy and drinking lots of water). We head down in June, with brother in tow, and he'll likely be sleeping good each night.

I've often seen young kids with Down Syndrome in a wheelchair that look much healthier than my son - but then I know that they might have heart issues or skeletal issues I can't see. They may be dealing with a serious or chronic illness I can't see. Maybe they are runner. Their parents decided they need to ride, just like I have decided my son needs to exercise. I think only you know your child's health both muscularly, cardio and energy capacity. Everyone I know with Down Syndrome are as different as they are alike, have a wide range of medical issues and how easily they fatigue. You make the decision that is best for you, your child and your family. No one else's opinion matters. Your goal is a magical visit for all of you.

 

[MinnieMSue]

Honestly I would probably get a wheelchair. Most people are not going to be paying attention to your specific family and I would not worry about people watching you. I would let whoever needs to sit most with in the chair and switch as needed. I would ignore everyone else and do what you want and need to do. Rent from an off site place and prob get a smaller one - 20in was plenty big for my average size parents and fits on busses easily. If you do busses you can push it up empty on the ramp or have someone in it. Whatever works. It is much easier to push empty. We pushed my dad up the ramp in it and my mom walked up the ramp and we pushed her empty chair up it and folded it in front of us on the bus. That way we only needed 1 w/c spot. My dad rode most rides in the chair. My mom didn’t. She just needed the chair for stamina.

 

[Disneyfan754321]

I dont think you would get any looks.. and who cares if you do.
Tip.. most rides have wheel chairs you can borrow for long waits. I found out it's easier to borrow one as needed instead of using it across the parks.. we do it every time now.

 

[ttintagel]

I say, better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it. And it’s tough to know for sure if you’ll need it until you’re there.

 

[Sakurachaek]

I use a wheelchair, I’m 18 but I look substantially younger (12-14). I can walk short distances and sometimes I get out and walk a little. I have never had anyone say anything in Disney and the most I’ve got when I use wheelchair outside of Disney is a couple of weird looks. If you are/you’ve got a kid in a wheelchair, people are nice to you.

 

[c3ltspirit]

Our trip is in June with our 3 kids who are 13, 7, and 11. Our 11y has Down Syndrome and I'm thinking that stamina might be an issue for him. The last time we went to WDW he was 4 and his sister was 18months so a stroller was a no brainer. We had originally rented a stroller for this trip when it was SUPPOSED to happen in June of 2020, but now that it has been postponed 2 years and everyone is older I had just assumed we wouldn't do that. As it gets closer I am reconsidering whether or not we should rent a stroller meant for bigger children with disabilities, or maybe a wheelchair, but it kind of feels like overkill? I keep going back and forth. I don't want dirty looks at having a stroller for older kids, or a wheelchair for a kid who can walk, and I'm also not looking forward to hauling a stroller or wheelchair around on DW transportation, but I also think it would give him a much needed break since he can be slower and have less energy (especially in the heat) than the rest of us. Any advice?

I have twins who are big for their age (they are 6). They could easily pass for 8 height wise. They have to wear ankle braces, have sensory issues, and stamina issues. We are going to rent 2 adaptive strollers. If they get tired walking, they have a place that is just theirs to sit. Also, I like the stroller cover in case they have a sensory meltdown. We might not use them but I want one less thing to worry about!

 

[HappyDisneyWife]

It’s definitely not overkill!! Park days are huge. Having Down’s Syndrome is huge as well. My sweet nephew has DS & his family always rents a wheelchair for their trips to Disney. He does have stamina issues, but the mental overload is sometimes the bigger driver for the chair. He just needs a place to sit sometimes. And other times, he’s just unwilling to go anymore. He’s done. In the wheelchair, they’re able to keep moving as a family- even when he refuses to walk. He’s 16 and a big, strong, young man. They can’t just pick him up & carry him anymore… but they can convince him to sit in the wheelchair.

As to having it with you on transportation- you don’t have to. The push chairs are very inexpensive to rent at WDW ($12/day), and so you could just opt to rent one inside the park each morning (as long as you keep your receipt, you can get a WC at a different park for “free” on the same day). If you think you’d need the WC to get to/fro the buses/resorts (which can include many long walks in & of themselves!), then you can get an even cheaper deal from an off-site rental agency… but then you’re dealing with folding the chair up each time. It’s up to you! My nephew's family has done it both ways. I think right now they prefer getting one inside the parks, but when he was your son’s age, they rented one that could be taken all the way to their rooms.

You know your family best. Do what makes this trip happy (& successful) for you & your crew

Best of luck. Enjoy your trip to the parks!!!

 

[RedWhiteandBlugold]

It’s definitely not overkill!! Park days are huge. Having Down’s Syndrome is huge as well. My sweet nephew has DS & his family always rents a wheelchair for their trips to Disney. He does have stamina issues, but the mental overload is sometimes the bigger driver for the chair. He just needs a place to sit sometimes. And other times, he’s just unwilling to go anymore. He’s done. In the wheelchair, they’re able to keep moving as a family- even when he refuses to walk. He’s 16 and a big, strong, young man. They can’t just pick him up & carry him anymore… but they can convince him to sit in the wheelchair.

As to having it with you on transportation- you don’t have to. The push chairs are very inexpensive to rent at WDW ($12/day), and so you could just opt to rent one inside the park each morning (as long as you keep your receipt, you can get a WC at a different park for “free” on the same day). If you think you’d need the WC to get to/fro the buses/resorts (which can include many long walks in & of themselves!), then you can get an even cheaper deal from an off-site rental agency… but then you’re dealing with folding the chair up each time. It’s up to you! My nephew's family has done it both ways. I think right now they prefer getting one inside the parks, but when he was your son’s age, they rented one that could be taken all the way to their rooms.

You know your family best. Do what makes this trip happy (& successful) for you & your crew

Best of luck. Enjoy your trip to the parks!!!

This was very helpful, thanks! We opted for a stroller type push chair to rent this time. When he was younger he liked having the canopy to hide under if he needed to. I’m not sure he will still need it, but glad to have the option just in case (plus, storage space!!). As he gets older, if we go again, we’ll probably need to move on to a wheelchair.

 

[cedricandsophie]

I have a 36 year old with Down syndrome. I argued for years that we should get her a wheelchair after she outgrew a stroller because she hates to walk, complains constantly, stops whenever she has had enough. Her dad kept arguing that she should be able to walk. Of course she should be able to…doesn’t mean she can, will or should. We dragged her around, yelled at her, cursed at ourselves for doing it and then he finally succumbed. It’s a joy to have her in a chair. She’s happy and so are we. I’d never go to Dw or any other park without it. Do it.

 

[HappyDisneyWife]

This was very helpful, thanks! We opted for a stroller type push chair to rent this time. When he was younger he liked having the canopy to hide under if he needed to. I’m not sure he will still need it, but glad to have the option just in case (plus, storage space!!). As he gets older, if we go again, we’ll probably need to move on to a wheelchair.

You’re so welcome!

I’m sure you’ll be happy that you’ve got it! Best wishes for a wonderful trip!!!

 

[HeiHei2018]

I dont think you would get any looks.. and who cares if you do.
Tip.. most rides have wheel chairs you can borrow for long waits. I found out it's easier to borrow one as needed instead of using it across the parks.. we do it every time now.

This is exactly what I need. How do you access these wheelchairs for waiting in lines?

 

[mamabunny]

This is exactly what I need. How do you access these wheelchairs for waiting in lines?

You ask a CM at the ride entrance; they will guide you.

However... not near every ride has wheelchairs available; please don't go on your trip thinking you will be able to stroll up to (for example) HM and grab a chair to wait in the queue.

The rides that tend to have chairs available are (in my experience) those that do not/can not allow ECVs through the queue, or have other "issues" for mobility device users. Those are mostly in MK: So, Pirates, Buzz, Small World has 1 or 2 wheelchairs for ride boats, etc.

If you (or a member of your travel party) needs a place to sit while in line, I would suggest either renting a wheelchair or an ECV (either from Disney or a local Orlando rental vendor) or bringing along their personal mobility device (those fly for free in the US with all domestic airlines in a special hold under the plane). If you just need an "on demand" seat, but don't really want or need a wheelchair, then often, a Rollator is your best bet; that's like a walker with 4 wheels that has a seat (and usually a handy basket under the seat - great to have at Disney!). Those can also be rented, although frankly, it's usually cheaper to buy one on Amazon and have it drop shipped to the hotel; they average around $100 at the low end.

If the person who needs mobility assistance is a child, you can ask Guest Services (at the front of any of the theme parks) for a "stroller as a wheelchair" tag.

I truly just don't want you to be disappointed, or to have your trip ruined because you needed a bit more assistance, and you were not fully informed or prepared.

 

[ttintagel]

Even rides that normally have wheelchairs available run out sometimes. Definitely not something you can count on.

 

[RedWhiteandBlugold]

Thanks for all the advice on this one everybody! We are here now and, thanks to you, we did rent a Lassen pushchair/stroller. It has been a lifesaver! Our son with DS is the slowest walker and quickest to get tired, so his ability to ride has been awesome. Even our 13 year old who came up with severe shin splints from soccer and dance in the last month before our trip has had to use it often. No weird looks like I was worried about. The only comment we have had from anyone was a Grandma who was upset that we have a “use a stroller as a wheelchair” tag, and that you can’t get that tag to use for a sleeping baby in a stroller.