moderate disability - options?

[jazzielady]

I suffer from moderate mobility isssues. Due to lumbar and cervical multilevel fusions, I am unable to walk more than 100 feet without pain or stand in one place for long.

For our last 2 trips, I have taken a 3 legged golf chair that opens into a little seat - especially helpful for waiting in lines. It worked really well and I didn't run into any hassles with it. As a matter of fact, every time I used it, I got constant questions about it and where I got it!

I don't feel comfortable renting an ECV, taking it away from someone who needs it worse than me. Would I be eligible for a GAC? Would it benefit someone in my situation?

 

[KPeveler]

There is really not much a GAC can do for stamina or mobility issues. If you have these problems, Disney's suggestion/policy is to rent a wheelchair or scooter.

Let me say this - rent an ECV. You are NOT taking it from someone who needs it more! There is no such thing as "needs it more." If you need it, you need it. There is nothing wrong with using it. Walk when you want to, if that is your preference, but especially on this board, we do NOT play the "who is worse?" game. (Besides, who would want to win that???)

I think having an ECV will greatly improve your visits to the park. There are MANY of them in the WDW area, so you are not going to take one from someone.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

The normal and official response from Guest Relations related to stamina and/or mobility is the suggestion that you rent a wheelchair or ECV.

And, especilly in this forum, nobody is "more (or less) disabled" than anyone else. If you need an ECV you need it and nobody has a greater (or lesser) need thanyou.

 

[SueM in MN]

I agree with the other posters - you really need an ECV for the things you are posting.
The distances between things are greater than you can walk comfortably, and a GAC won't help at all except in attractions. And a GAC won't shorten the distance walked or provide a place to sit. Many attractions have a significant distance to walk between the entry into the line and the boarding area - for example Soarin' is about 1/4 mile to get to the boarding area and an equal distance out. Plus, guests walk for a few minutes, then stop and stand for a few minutes because the attraction loads in batches. That would be no different with or without a GAC.
There are some attractions where the line is wheelchair accessible, but not ECV accessible. Guests using ECVs can ask to use an attraction wheelchair for those rides.

Anyway, I agree with the others - use the ECV because you will be mch more comfortable.

 

[bouncycat]

I have a Moderate disability too, what I do, I have my own manual wheelchair, and I'm usually good for the first part of the day, and I walk the first half, go back to the room for a swim break since swimming is good for me, and then the second half I use my chair. If I wake up and feel bad, I'll use the chair full day. I always keep the chair in the car just in case. If you need the chair, use it. please!!! I was skeptical about using mine at first, since my disability is invisible, but it does help me, and that's all that really matters. Sometimes during the day if I have my chair, I get up and push it, cause if I sit for too long, I get stiff, and hurt. It's a no win situation!!! LOL So, do what's best for YOU. That's the best advice. If you have a wheelchair or ECV, you don't need a GAC. if you have the seat thing, get one. It might help you in the long run. Most of all, enjoy your trip the best way for you!!!!

 

[brat]

Rent a wheelchair/scooter/ecv, they are there to be rented. You are not taking a wheelchair away from someone else you are renting.Think about it like going to a counter service food stop when you are hungry, do you stop yourself from getting something to eat just because someone else might come in after you who did not eat breakfast?

 

[bidnow5]

Rent a scooter the single best thing I did to make my families vacations better was to rent a scooter I no longer was holding everyone up they no longer had to miss out on rides waiting for me to rest

 

[peemagg]

I have similar restricitions as you and I can tell you that without my ECV, would not even make it an hour in the parks, even with sitting and resting.

A vacation is for enjoying! Not for suffering through! Do yourself a favor and get a wheelchair or ECV.

 

[mickey50]

I agree you should rent the scooter. You want to have a good time, they have plenty. Also the GAC may help as far as your waiting in long lines. If you don't feel good then the parks won't be much fun. Try both and see if it makes it better for you. Kind regeads