Need advice. May need to rent a wheelchair this trip

[disneysnowflake]

Hi. I'm having a small tumor removed and surgery was rescheduled to about 3 weeks before we leave for WDW. The doctor said it was okay for me to travel, but having a tumor removed and a total hysterectomy, he said I may need a wheelchair.

I've never used a wheelchair before. I don't want an electric one.

I have some questions. Should I call Disney and request an accessible room? I'm thinking that my husband will be able to just fold up the manual wheelchair and carry it to our room and up onto the bus. I have no idea how much those things weigh. Is it possible to travel "normally" as long as we fold up the wheelchair?

Do people usually tie something on their wheelchairs to find them better after they exit a ride? I've never even had a stroller at Disney, so I'm not sure. Is there a special place I'd have to park my wheelchair in order to enter a ride?

Will I be allowed to just sit on the curb up on the sidewalk to view the parades? I'm only planning to view MSEP and the Halloween party parade.


I'm nervous about having to use a wheelchair. I just found out late this afternoon about the whole tumor/hysterectomy thing. Normally I can walk fine, but I'm not so sure about this upcoming trip.

Thanks for reading.

Oh.... I should especially ask this... Would it just be better to rent a standard wheelchair at the park each day instead of having to lug a company rented wheelchair around with me? Do the parks run out of standard wheelchairs? I'm not sure whether to rent from Disney or rent from an outside company.

 

[jandersonlj]

We did a standard wheelchair for my Mom on Spring Break. We payed for the whole week and it was a little cheaper (ask at check-in). We got a wheelchair in each park. Since we were prepaid, it was quicker for us to get one. Very convenient and we didn't have to fool with one on the bus!! It is really not a lot of trouble. In fact, we used the stroller handle to hold bags and didn't have to carry anything.

 

[Smile&Nod]

If you need one in the parks be sure to consider how far the walk is to get from your room to the buses and then to the wheelchair rental, not to mention waiting in line for transportation. I took my parents this past January and convinced my dad we should rent him one...after his first walk to the buses from the room he was glad he had it. We rented from apple and the chair was delivered to our resort. It was our first time using a wheelchair. Also I didn't have to worry about the parks Running out.

 

[disneysnowflake]

If you need one in the parks be sure to consider how far the walk is to get from your room to the buses and then to the wheelchair rental, not to mention waiting in line for transportation. I took my parents this past January and convinced my dad we should rent him one...after his first walk to the buses from the room he was glad he had it. We rented from apple and the chair was delivered to our resort. It was our first time using a wheelchair. Also I didn't have to worry about the parks Running out.

Hi. Did you fold it up when getting on the bus, or did you just have your dad and his chair loaded onto the bus with the lift ramp.

I was asking because I didn't know how heavy or how much space a folded wheelchair took up in your room and on the bus.

I'm leaning more towards renting from a company so that I can use my chair in DTD.

Did you dad exit his chair to get on the rides? Do they have a special location to park wheelchairs for when you want to go on a ride?

You'd think I'd kind of know this, but I never really paid attention in my previous trips.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

First of all, all Disney Resort room doors are at least 36 inches wide, so that all are wide enough for a wheelchair or ECV.

An accessible room normally will have either of two special configuration. All will have a raised (17 inch) high toilet with grab bars as opposed to the standard height of 13 inches. The bathroom will have either a tub with grab bars or a roll-in shower. If you do not have the specific need then you do not need an accessible room.

If you are not bringing a wheelchair from home, I would suggest renting one from an off-site vendor (See Post #2 of the disABILITIES FAQs using the link in my signature) as you will have it all of the time and it will be better than Disney's rentals.

How much experience does you husband have in pushing a wheelchair (and how much do you weigh)? It is a lot of work and there are hills.

The lines for almost all attractions at WDW are "mainstreamed". This means that the queue is set up to allow wheelchairs and/or ECVs to go through the line just as a person without a mobility problem. As it was built prior to the ADA, the Magic Kingdom is most likely to have non-mainstreamed lines. Some attractions, such as Splash Mountain and Haunted Mansion you will go part way through the regular queue and then be diverted. Other attractions, such as Big Thunder Mountain or SpaceShip Earth you will initially be directed to an accessible entrance.

All the theaters are set up with seats (usually in the back row) removed so a wheelchair or ECV can pull into a space and there will be regular seating on either side of the space for the others in the party.

So normally there will be no need to park a wheelchair outside of an attraction.

And, for buses, either you can go up/down the ramp or lift, or the wheelchair can be folded and carried onto the bus (but you will have to be able to climb the buses steps).

 

[disneysnowflake]

First of all, all Disney Resort room doors are at least 36 inches wide, so that all are wide enough for a wheelchair or ECV.

An accessible room normally will have either of two special configuration. All will have a raised (17 inch) high toilet with grab bars as opposed to the standard height of 13 inches. The bathroom will have either a tub with grab bars or a roll-in shower. If you do not have the specific need then you do not need an accessible room.

If you are not bringing a wheelchair from home, I would suggest renting one from an off-site vendor (See Post #2 of the disABILITIES FAQs using the link in my signature) as you will have it all of the time and it will be better than Disney's rentals.

How much experience does you husband have in pushing a wheelchair (and how much do you weigh)? It is a lot of work and there are hills.

The lines for almost all attractions at WDW are "mainstreamed". This means that the queue is set up to allow wheelchairs and/or ECVs to go through the line just as a person without a mobility problem. As it was built prior to the ADA, the Magic Kingdom is most likely to have non-mainstreamed lines. Some attractions, such as Splash Mountain and Haunted Mansion you will go part way through the regular queue and then be diverted. Other attractions, such as Big Thunder Mountain or SpaceShip Earth you will initially be directed to an accessible entrance.

All the theaters are set up with seats (usually in the back row) removed so a wheelchair or ECV can pull into a space and there will be regular seating on either side of the space for the others in the party.

So normally there will be no need to park a wheelchair outside of an attraction.

And, for buses, either you can go up/down the ramp or lift, or the wheelchair can be folded and carried onto the bus (but you will have to be able to climb the buses steps).

I weigh about 160, and DH hasn't had any experience pushing a wheelchair. I assumed pushing one wouldn't be a problem, but I don't know.
I'm hoping I will be able to climb the bus stairs. If not, I guess I'll have to be loaded with my chair via ramp.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

The Disney wheelchairs weigh about 35 pounds. Most people at WDW tend to walk 8-12 miles per day. I would really strongly suggest consideration of renting an ECV from an off-site vendor. Your husband would get totally wiped out pushing you all day. And most people walking don't really notice, but there are hills.

You might want to go to a large grocery store or megastore and try out their ECVs. Note that most of the ones in a store are difficult to use; both from steering and lack of speed, especially when compared to the off-site rentals.

 

[i*heart*minniemouse]

If you do get a wheelchair your husband has to push, I would suggest a pair of weight lifting gloves for him. I did this when I had to push my Mom's chair a few years ago and it was much more comfortable with the gloves.
Hope all goes well for you.
Barb

 

[disneysnowflake]

Now I'm torn. I don't want my vacation to turn into a work session for my husband.

I'd like to use a wheelchair, but the thought of DH pushing my sorry behind all over makes me feel bad. Also, having DH lug a folded up wheelchair up on the bus, up to our room, back on the bus... He'll say he can do it, but that's because he loves me. I feel so bad now.

I am equipment challenged. I'm honestly totally scared to try a scooter.

I also don't want to be the person who holds up the bus every single time to load me with my scooter. That's the only way I'd be able to get around since we won't be renting a car.

Canceling the trip at this point is not an option, so maybe I'll just have to plan to spend a lot of time by myself slowly going places alone while my family enjoys their WDW vacation.

I'll talk to my husband about it when he gets home from work. I honestly didn't know pushing a wheelchair could be that hard, and I cannot do that to my husband because I'm having surgery.

 

[Debbie Jean]

Now I'm torn. I don't want my vacation to turn into a work session for my husband.

I'd like to use a wheelchair, but the thought of DH pushing my sorry behind all over makes me feel bad. Also, having DH lug a folded up wheelchair up on the bus, up to our room, back on the bus... He'll say he can do it, but that's because he loves me. I feel so bad now.

I am equipment challenged. I'm honestly totally scared to try a scooter.

I also don't want to be the person who holds up the bus every single time to load me with my scooter. That's the only way I'd be able to get around since we won't be renting a car.

Canceling the trip at this point is not an option, so maybe I'll just have to plan to spend a lot of time by myself slowly going places alone while my family enjoys their WDW vacation.

I'll talk to my husband about it when he gets home from work. I honestly didn't know pushing a wheelchair could be that hard, and I cannot do that to my husband because I'm having surgery.

Oh, dear, please don't do this! It makes me sad just to hear you say it... I'm sure it will make your family feel even worse

I know you are scared of using a scooter but really once you try it I think you will definitely see that it is the best alternative. It's not just that no one has to push you it's that you don't have to wait for someone to push you... you can really be far more independent and mobile with a scooter than a wheelchair.

The first time you use a scooter can take a bit of getting used to... but I have always found all the CM's and bus drivers very, very kind and helpful. I think once you get the knack of it you will be glad you decided to rent one. If you really find loading onto transportation too intimidating, let DH do it for you... men always think they are such good drivers

Have a wonderful trip and best wishes for a speedy recovery from your surgery

 

[retired and happy]

We have been taking 2-4 wheel chairs to WDW for 12 years (depending on how many foster or adopted children we had at the time.) We have always used Disney busses from Ft Wilderness to the parks. Yes, it does require others to wait while you load, but that is the system Disney has put in place for you to be able to better enjoy the facilities. If it is only you and your husband (no one to share the pushing) I would also encourage renting an off-site scooter. That way you would have it for whatever you want to explore.

Enjoy, and remember you may be the first on for the busses, but you will be the last off, so you break even.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

Please ask yourself the following questions. Here are the suggested answers to go with them.

1. Are you disabled (even temporarily)? Yes.

2. Do the people you are traveling with, such as your family, know you are disabled? Yes.

3. Do you expect to meet anyone you know during this trip who may not know you are disabled. Probably No!

4. Do you expect to meet a bunch of people who you will probably never meet again in your life? Probably yes!

5. Is there any reason at all that you should care what these people think about you? Absolutely No!!

6. Will using a wheelchair or ECV make for a better vacation for you and your family? Absolutely YES!

 

[jdb in AZ]

Oh, dear, please don't do this! It makes me sad just to hear you say it... I'm sure it will make your family feel even worse

I know you are scared of using a scooter but really once you try it I think you will definitely see that it is the best alternative. It's not just that no one has to push you it's that you don't have to wait for someone to push you... you can really be far more independent and mobile with a scooter than a wheelchair.

The first time you use a scooter can take a bit of getting used to... but I have always found all the CM's and bus drivers very, very kind and helpful. I think once you get the knack of it you will be glad you decided to rent one. If you really find loading onto transportation too intimidating, let DH do it for you... men always think they are such good drivers Have a wonderful trip and best wishes for a speedy recovery from your surgery

Too funny. The above comment. The surgery isn't a laughing matter.Think of an ECV as your royal carriage ride, or another ride in the park. They really are quite fun to drive. And I think your DH would have more fun steering it onto the bus than he would pushing a wheelchair. My DH pushed his mom's wheel chair at Disneyland and damaged some ligaments/tendons in one of his legs. He vowed that if/when he needed assistance he would get a scooter because he didn't want anyone to have to push him.

Back to the question of a handicapped room. During your surgery the doc will cut through your abdominal muscles. I call it an abominable abdominal hystericalectomy. As you recover, those muscles will protest mightily when you rise from a sitting to a standing position, and a raised potty seat will make the job much easier. Hopefully by the time you go to WDW your muscles will have regained enough tone you'll do fine, but it may be a consideration.

 

[mb187143]

First, best of luck with your surgery, and a speedy recovery. Second, the reason Disney offers ECV and wheelchair rentals and made their parks ADA accessable as much as possible is because they want ALL of their guests to be able to enjoy everything the parks have to offer. You should not feel guilty or that you have to hang back while your family enjoys themselves without you. Take the parks at your pace, and enjoy it. Don't worry about holding the buses up, everyone is on vacation, there is no need to rush. We took my grandmother who is otherwise healthy and got her a wheelchair due to all of the extra walking - what a difference it made! We noticed little things we never saw before, we took our time getting places and really relaxed. It was our first time coming home from Disney not feeling like we needed a vacation. Focus on getting well, rent an ECV or a wheelchair to take some of the stress off of you and your husband, and enjoy YOUR vacation, you've certainly earned that.

 

[Dan1]

I echo those who said not to worry about what others think re the bus taking all of 2 minutes longer to load because you are using a manual or electric wheel chair, etc.

Our DD who is now in her mid 20's has always used a manual wheel chair in the parks. Last year it was just her and I for a week with me pushing. The only issue I had was in AK with its constant hills (and, yes, the cobblestone walkways).

It was a bit of work on my part in AK but I didn't find it any work in the other 3 parks. Then again, for context, even though I am just past mid-century age wise and not in my former football physique (not even close ) my DD is very small (~ 100 lbs) and I am used to it (pushing the chair).

If you can afford it I would recommend going before your surgery to a wheel chair store in your area and trying an EV out to both see how you like it and to ask the specialists in the store their opinions, models which are easier to use, etc. Then arrange to rent one from a local Orlando company, have one waiting for you in your room at the hotel where you are staying, put on your best Danica Patrick mask (just trying to add some levity ... I do empathise with you) and off you go.

The other suggestion is to plan to not go to a park on your first full day. I would suggest simply relax at your resort using the electric chair full time. Go to a resturant at the resort mid morning for practice navigating.

Get on (assume you are staying on site?) a Disney bus in your chair to DTD and spend some time cruising in the shops, etc. in a very relaxed pace.

And so on.

Then, with the practice you are ready to go in to the parks..........at your pace (very important) and have the best time you and your family have ever had.

Dan

 

[Mrsjvb]

Now I'm torn. I don't want my vacation to turn into a work session for my husband. I had the same concerns. but he basically told me he was happier pushing me around instead of watching me struggle and be in tears the entire time. he is VERY good about saying he needs a break. if yours is stubborn, MAKE him rest. you are the boss

I'd like to use a wheelchair, but the thought of DH pushing my sorry behind all over makes me feel bad. just disabuse yourself of that notion RIGHT NOW. DO NOT FEEL BAD. I repeat DO NOT FEEL BAD. do not ruin your trip being stubborn trying to spare him a little discomfort. Also, having DH lug a folded up wheelchair up on the bus, up to our room, back on the bus... He'll say he can do it, but that's because he loves me. I feel so bad now.

I am equipment challenged. I'm honestly totally scared to try a scooter. Me too and I am physically incapable of pushing myself in a manual. I got over the embarrassment of having the spousal unit wait on me hand and foot. in return I schedule him a back massage and allow him as many trips on roller coasters as he can handle.

I also don't want to be the person who holds up the bus every single time to load me with my scooter. That's the only way I'd be able to get around since we won't be renting a car. Pish tosh. you won't be the first person and you won't be the last.

Canceling the trip at this point is not an option, so maybe I'll just have to plan to spend a lot of time by myself slowly going places alone while my family enjoys their WDW vacation. again I say Pish Tosh. with proper planning you can keep up just fine. except on the downhill.. then THEY will have to keep up with you ( just kidding)

I'll talk to my husband about it when he gets home from work. I honestly didn't know pushing a wheelchair could be that hard, and I cannot do that to my husband because I'm having surgery.

there are versions called Push chairs: 4 small wheels as opposed to having the big fat back ones. I used one of those in San Diego/DL last June. DH found it VERY lightweight( at least until I got in there and honey I weigh MORE than 160.) if you have ever been to the San Diego Zoo or Safari Park.. well lets just say its all up and down hill . he survived 4 days in SD and 2 in DL without an issue at all. we came DAMN close to actually buying it from the rental place.

WRT to the busses.. if you cannot climb stairs, no worries, simply load on the ramp and if you can transfer, do so. the Bus driver will thank you as he won't have to spend extra time situating you and the other patrons will appreciate only losing one seat instead of several.


WRT a handicapped room: if you are mobile inside the room then you should be okay with a regular one( unless stepping over the tub will be painful) fold the sucker up and stash it in a corner.

 

[disneysnowflake]

This is what I've decided to do. I talked to DH and also my teenager.

I'm renting a manual wheelchair from Apple. DH and DS both said they'd be willing to push me. They also said they'd help to fold up the chair before getting on the bus. DH's coworker's mom has the same chair that Apple rents. The coworker says it's a breeze to fold up, and it weighs like 40 pounds. DH and DS said they'd take turns carrying it on and off the bus.


I'm pretty sure I should be okay to walk up the bus steps by that time. I'm leaving 5 weeks from the date of surgery. My hysterectomy will be laproscopic and not done through the stomach (didn't want to tmi any more than I had to). As long as I don't have any complications I think things will be fine.

I'm really looking forward to this trip. I'm not looking forward to the surgery though.

I have an over the door shoe holder on my bedroom door and my handy dandy packing checklist. I'm going to pack just about everything except clothing before my surgery. Then all I have to do is let DH know what else needs packed.

Thanks for the great advice. After I get back I'll post here and let you know how we made out for a one week stay with a rented manual wheelchair.

 

[Mrsjvb]

you have a teenager?! good for you for letting them split the work load!

see told you it would be fine!

go, have fun, forget about icky medical procedures. have many Dole Whips....

 

[annualpass]

Now I'm torn. I don't want my vacation to turn into a work session for my husband.

I'd like to use a wheelchair, but the thought of DH pushing my sorry behind all over makes me feel bad. Also, having DH lug a folded up wheelchair up on the bus, up to our room, back on the bus... He'll say he can do it, but that's because he loves me. I feel so bad now.

I am equipment challenged. I'm honestly totally scared to try a scooter.

I also don't want to be the person who holds up the bus every single time to load me with my scooter. That's the only way I'd be able to get around since we won't be renting a car.

Canceling the trip at this point is not an option, so maybe I'll just have to plan to spend a lot of time by myself slowly going places alone while my family enjoys their WDW vacation.

I'll talk to my husband about it when he gets home from work. I honestly didn't know pushing a wheelchair could be that hard, and I cannot do that to my husband because I'm having surgery.

Snowflake, I know how you feel. I became disabled and felt the same way. What got me over it was I had taken my mother years earlier in a wheelchair and she felt the same way. She felt bad that someone had to push her and she was holding up everyone else, but of course I didn't feel like that. I would have done anything to have her go with us, even push a wheelchair. I didn't even think about the trouble. I think the person in the wheelchair is the one that thinks about it more than anyone.
What also helped me was I rented an electric scooter, that way no one had to push me and if I wanted to do something on my own I could or if they wanted to do something they could leave me on my own. They are so simple to operate. On most scooters they have an adjustment for the speed so you can go has slow as you want. I own my scooter now but if you need one my father and mother in law came down and got two from a company that was just starting up. They were brand new travel scooters that broke down in seconds and they came with two batteries each, 30 mile range. They were great. They even had outlets to charge your cell phone. If you get a scooter from Disney they are over 50 a day and they might not have one. Sometimes they run out. I had that happen a couple of times. Here's the company bumblebee scooters.com. Good luck and don't worry about being in a wheelchair.After all you are going to be at the happiest place on earth. Almost forgot go by guest services and get a Guest Assistance Card this will help you at the attraction.

 

[SueM in MN]

This is what I've decided to do. I talked to DH and also my teenager.

I'm renting a manual wheelchair from Apple. DH and DS both said they'd be willing to push me. They also said they'd help to fold up the chair before getting on the bus. DH's coworker's mom has the same chair that Apple rents. The coworker says it's a breeze to fold up, and it weighs like 40 pounds. DH and DS said they'd take turns carrying it on and off the bus.


I'm pretty sure I should be okay to walk up the bus steps by that time. I'm leaving 5 weeks from the date of surgery. My hysterectomy will be laproscopic and not done through the stomach (didn't want to tmi any more than I had to). As long as I don't have any complications I think things will be fine.

I'm really looking forward to this trip. I'm not looking forward to the surgery though.

I have an over the door shoe holder on my bedroom door and my handy dandy packing checklist. I'm going to pack just about everything except clothing before my surgery. Then all I have to do is let DH know what else needs packed.

Thanks for the great advice. After I get back I'll post here and let you know how we made out for a one week stay with a rented manual wheelchair.

Most people recover well from the laporoscopic hysterectomy. They are much less recovery time than the older abdomonial hysterectomies.
If you were hoping to do any of the attractions with warnings, that would be something to ask your doctor about before you go.
There is a list of attractions with warnings in the disABILITIES FAQs thread, near the top of this board. You can also follow the link in my signature to get there.

Even if you will be folding the wheelchair on the bus, the driver will still lower the ramp or lift at the rear door. Much easier than trying to come through the more tight front door of the bus with a wheelchair.
You can use the lift or ramp to get onto the bus through the back door also.
The older buses with lifts have a couple of steps to get onto the bus. The majority of buses are newer and actually lean to the side to make the step in smaller.

Snowflake, I know how you feel. I became disabled and felt the same way. What got me over it was I had taken my mother years earlier in a wheelchair and she felt the same way. She felt bad that someone had to push her and she was holding up everyone else, but of course I didn't feel like that. I would have done anything to have her go with us, even push a wheelchair. I didn't even think about the trouble. I think the person in the wheelchair is the one that thinks about it more than anyone.
What also helped me was I rented an electric scooter, that way no one had to push me and if I wanted to do something on my own I could or if they wanted to do something they could leave me on my own. They are so simple to operate. On most scooters they have an adjustment for the speed so you can go has slow as you want. I own my scooter now but if you need one my father and mother in law came down and got two from a company that was just starting up. They were brand new travel scooters that broke down in seconds and they came with two batteries each, 30 mile range. They were great. They even had outlets to charge your cell phone. If you get a scooter from Disney they are over 50 a day and they might not have one. Sometimes they run out. I had that happen a couple of times. Here's the company bumblebee scooters.com. Good luck and don't worry about being in a wheelchair.After all you are going to be at the happiest place on earth. Almost forgot go by guest services and get a Guest Assistance Card this will help you at the attraction.

This is the first time I have seen that company's name and no one has mentioned it before.
I would highly recommend sticking with one of the companies listed in post 2 of the disABILITIES FAQs thread. None of the companies have paid us or provided anything to be there.
They are listed because multiple DIS posters over a long time period have reported good experiences and recommend them. I would stick with one of those companies.

Just for clarification - you don't need a Guest Assistance Card to bring a wheelchair or ECV into lines/attractions or into the boarding area. The CMs can see the wheelchair and will know you need an accessible boarding area if that is different from the regular one. There are a few attractions with moving walkways and CMs generally slow those for guests using wheelchairs or ECVs. If you need it slower or even stopped, the CMs will do that on request (except for Peter Pan and Tomorrowland Transit Authority, which can't be slowed or stopped.)
If this fits your needs, you will not need a Guest Assistance Card.

There is more information about Guest Assistance Cards in post 6 of the disABILITIES FAQs.
On page 2 of that thread, there is some information about boarding rides at each park, including which have a long step down.

I would also suggest getting a park map for guests with disabilities. You may be able to pick them up at your resort. I have seen them with the other park maps at the entrance to all the parks except MK. You can also pick them up at the wheelchair/ECV rental area and at Guest Relations.