New Wheelchair/ECV user with Questions...

[Nemo32]

Hi, all! I just posted over on the Theme Parks board and was directed over here. Anyway, I got a bad sprain on Friday and am leaving for WDW on Monday. Since it is the weekend, I haven't visited a doctor, but the ankle is pretty painful and I want to minimize walking on it, as I've injured it before and don't want to inflict too much pressure/energy on it.

Therefore, I was contemplating renting a wheelchair/ECV just for getting around the parks. So, here are a few questions:

1. I'd rather rent an ECV - if I do it from WDW, how much is it and what are the chances they will be out by mid-morning? If I do it from outside company, who have you had a good experience with?

2. If I rent ECV from outside company, is getting on and off the bus a huge ordeal? Or is it not so bad? Will it be at the resort when I arrive?

3. If I rent either, I plan on using it to get to the rides, but not using it all the way through the ride, as to avoid those complications. I think I would be okay standing in line and putting weight on my other foot. So, am I able to leave the wheelchair/ECV in an area and pick it up after the ride, like a stroller? Is theft common?

Thanks for your help!

 

[jdb in AZ]

Hi, all! I just posted over on the Theme Parks board and was directed over here. Anyway, I got a bad sprain on Friday and am leaving for WDW on Monday. Since it is the weekend, I haven't visited a doctor, but the ankle is pretty painful and I want to minimize walking on it, as I've injured it before and don't want to inflict too much pressure/energy on it.

Therefore, I was contemplating renting a wheelchair/ECV just for getting around the parks. So, here are a few questions:

1. I'd rather rent an ECV -definitely go with an ECV so you will be independent and not wear out your family who would have to push a wheelchair! if I do it from WDW, how much is it and what are the chances they will be out by mid-morning? If you go with an outside company you can use it all around the resorts and not wear yourself out getting to/from the buses. If I do it from outside company, who have you had a good experience with? Several people on the DIS boards have had good luck with Apple

2. If I rent ECV from outside company, is getting on and off the bus a huge ordeal? Or is it not so bad? Yes, it's a hassle, but do-able. Will it be at the resort when I arrive? If you reserve it now it should be fine.

3. If I rent either, I plan on using it to get to the rides, but not using it all the way through the ride, as to avoid those complications. Most lines the ECV goes right through the line with everybuddy else. I think I would be okay standing in line and putting weight on my other foot. So, am I able to leave the wheelchair/ECV in an area and pick it up after the ride, like a stroller? Is theft common? No, because you keep the key.

Thanks for your help!

.

 

[Piper]

Look in the FAQ thread at the top of this board. It has a lot of information you can use.

The ECVs at the park are big and bulky. They are not as easy to drive as one from an outside rental. There are several good rental companies listed in the FAQs.

Most lines are mainstreamed and you can take the ECV through the line. As I said the ones from the outside companies are easier to maneuver. Some of the lines are deceptively long (as much as 1/4 mile in and the same distance out)

Getting on and off the bus is not too difficult. Having a good ECV makes up for any inconvenience of not renting at the parks.

I would suggest getting an elastic band for the key so you can wear it on your wrist when you leave the ECV.

I got mine at Walmart.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

Hi and to disABILITIES!

The majority of attraction lines in WDW are "mainstreamed". This means that a wheelchair or ECV will use the regular entrance and line all the way to either a show seating or ride load area. If a line is not mainstreamed there will be signs and/or Cast Members to direct you where to go.

If a show, normally there will be spaces to park a chair or ECV and there will be seats next to the space for other members of the group.

If a ride, usually you will have to transfer to a ride vehicle, although some rides will allow a person in a wheelchair to remain in their chair. If you have to transfer to a ride, and unload is not at the same location as load, your chair or ECV will magically appear at the unload area.

If you click on where it says "disABILTIES" at the top of this page it will take you to the Index. One of the top items is the "disABILTIES FAQ" which will gives lots of useful information. Note that Post #2 discusses mobility and equipment. Post #3 had a wide variety of information and links; it might be a good idea to look at the various park "Guidebook For Persons With Disabilities" for more detailed information.

Or, if you want an easier route to the FAQs, click on the link in my signature.

 

[Nemo32]

Thanks for the help! I rented from Randy's Mobility yesterday