Just back with using a wheelchair for the first time..

[dburg30]

My mom is getting up there and just cant walk long distances anymore. She can transfer fine, can get around ok, but no way she could've walked as much as we do. So we rented a folding wheel chair. WOW.. what a great idea. She was able to go all day with us and never had any issues. I also got to see WDW from another point of view, and overall, I'm pretty amazed at just how they do certain things. ie: the chair vehicles at TSM are amazing little pieces that someone thought how to make. We would make sure mom would get a seat on the bus, only one night after a LONG MK day did I wheel her to the back and board first. She boarded, got a seat, and I folded the chair and stood for the trip. The drivers were all pretty happy when they found out she could transfer and we would happily fold and hold the chair while standing. That basically meant 3 more people had seats. When my sister would take her out and about mom would still transfer, but sis would have to have them put the ramp down to get the chair on board. Once on she still folded it so one of the seats wouldnt have to be folded up.

I am glad they have made WDW so friendly for devices. It really was a magical trip when you knew you would be able to enjoy all of the attractions

 

[disney david]

I glad to all had a great trip and you all was able to have a great time together. And yes the bus drivers are great for the most part and happy to help in any way they can. See Disney makes it so easy for every one to enjoy them selves and not to exclude anyone from doing something just because they are using a wheel chair. Thanks for sharing your story with us and once again glad to hear your mother had a great time.

 

[Honeymooners1021]

Did you rent the wheelchair or bring it with you? If you rented what company did you use. We are planning a family trip and taking my 80 yr old grandmother and are looking to do the same thing. She is stubborn about it but I know she will have such a better time using a wheel chair in the parks. I would like one that is light weight and easy to fold and store. Was it easy for your mom to get in and out of the wheelchair? Thanks for any tips or advice.

 

[dburg30]

Did you rent the wheelchair or bring it with you? If you rented what company did you use. We are planning a family trip and taking my 80 yr old grandmother and are looking to do the same thing. She is stubborn about it but I know she will have such a better time using a wheel chair in the parks. I would like one that is light weight and easy to fold and store. Was it easy for your mom to get in and out of the wheelchair? Thanks for any tips or advice.

We rented it. I'll have to check and see where we got it at. It was foldable, as I think I said. She had no problems getting in and out, you just have to remember to make sure she is completely in or out before you move lol. One time early mom got up, and we started to move the chair out of the way but her feet were still 'inside' the foot rest . As far as lightweight goes, that would be up for debate. It wasnt 'heavy' but it wasnt light either. Worst case, if you cant lift it, just wheel to the back door and they will open it for you / put the ramp down.

 

[Mouse's Shadow]

I'm glad you had a great experience. I think Disney does a great job. There might be a glitch here and there, but that's life.

 

[SueM in MN]

Post #2 of the disABILITIES FAQs thread has information and links to the companies many DIS posters have recommended renting ECVs and wheelchairs over the years. You can find that thread near the top of this board or follow the link in my signature to get there.

As was already post, light is relative. The park rental ones may be as much as 50 pounds empty while a lighter weight one may be more like 30.

 

[Honeymooners1021]

Thanks everyone! I was asking about weight in case we have a rental car and I will be the one loading it in and out of the car so something a little easier to manage would be useful! Thanks for all the great advice I know that the trip will be more enjoyable for all if my grandmother doesn't have to worry about all the walking and slowing the group down.


I used the FAQ post to check the prices of the wheel chair and I think for this trip our best bet will be Walker since we are not there for a whole week!

 

[JohnnySharp2]

Thanks for sharing.

We bring our own wheelchair from the UK when we visit Florida.
Our son can walk, but not long distances.

Never have a problem using it.